This morning we boarded our bus at 9:45 for a two hour, whirlwind tour of central Paris. We were only allowed off the bus one time to take pictures of the Eiffel Tower so it was shoot from the bus or forget it. I can’t say many of my pictures turned out well as the bus was traveling pretty fast. Fortunately I had taken a walk down to the Opera right after breakfast so I had a few pictures that didn’t involve the discolorization of the tinted bus window.
I was fascinated by the architecture which mostly dates to the 
modernization of the city in the late 1800s. Some buildings are more ornate than others and some have the flatiron style of angled intersections. But for the most part they have a similar look. It must have been an interesting time of building and redevelopment. It was explained to us that before elevators the choices apartments were on the ground and 1st floors. Widows lived on the 3rd and 4th floors and the cheap seats were near the top of the stairs. After elevators came along the higher floors became the realm of the rich.
Besides the Eiffel Tower we buzzed by the Louve, the Arc de Triumph, the Place de la Concorde, Notre Dame, the Musee Orsy and a few other landmark buildings and institutions located along the banks of the Seine.
Then we stopped for lunch back in the Opera district. Our guide described it
as a light meal but it seemed like a full dinner to me. We had the most delicious fish I have ever eaten, spinach and a lovely sauce, no doubt loaded with butter. For dessert they brought out cream puffs loaded with ice cream and swimming in chocolate sauce. I don’t know how I am going to be able to start turning these deserts away.
Bottom line, I saw enough of Paris to be intrigued and want to come back. Someone suggested visiting in the winter to find the museums less overcrowded. Might have to give that a try.
After lunch we left Paris behind and made our way to Bayeaux. The highlight of the afternoon was a visit to a French Super Market. Not too different from home but the meat department was much more interesting. We had another outstanding dinner. Chicken in a mushroom sauce with fried potatoes. For dessert an apple tart with ice cream. These people do know how to eat. I just don’t get how they stay so thin.