Our second day in Paris happened to be the first Sunday of the month, which means free admission to most museums! This was great but we were worried about the huge lines...
Our first stop was Musee d'Orsay. We were able to skip the huge line outside in the rain thanks to quick spotting on Phil's part. He saw security open a second door and made a beeline for it. Then, seeing our strollers, they ushered us to the front of the line!
We went right to the third floor to see some of the most famous works by Impressionist artists like Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Renoir, Degas, and Cezanne. Charlie was so enthralled by the artwork! It was amazing!
Phil and the girls found a comfy spot to wait for us. They didn't need as much time as Charlie and me to explore.
Looking out the clock face window at the Louvre, on the other side of the Seine.
Leaving Musee d"Orsay.
The other side of the clock that we had just been looking out of!
Charlie got a picture of the two of us.
We strolled along the river on our way to Musee de Louvre. Along the way, Phil got swindled by a gypsy. I can't believe he fell for the fake gold ring scam she pulled on him!
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel leading to the Jardin des Tuileries
Musee de Louvre
We bypassed another huge lineup at the Louvre, thanks to the strollers. Here, Charlie is waiting to enter through the glass pyramid.
Inside the pyramid, waiting for the slowest elevator ever to take us down...
Inside the Louvre, on our search to find the Mona Lisa.
I guess we weren't the only ones looking for her...
Lucy, spotted her immediately and knew exactly who she was!
The sculpture, Winged Victory of Samothrace
The Egyptian Collection
Lucy enjoyed the giant feet!
Phil and the Sphinx
In the lowest level of the Louvre are remnants of the original fortress that used to be the Louvre Palace
The kids in front of the model of the original fortress.
Back at the pyramid...
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Napoleon's original monument of victory (half the size of the other Arc du Triomphe)
After two enormous art museums, we were ready to take the double decker Hop On Hop Off bus and see some more sights.
Place de la Concorde
Le Palais Garnier, the Paris Opera House
The other side with busts of famous composers.
L'Arc du Triomphe de l'Etoile
I recognize this traffic circle from National Lampoon's European Vacation! When our taxi driver took us in it on our way back to the airport, I questioned him as to the traffic rules. Apparently, there aren't any...
Charles de Bischoff at Place Charles de Gaulle.
Holding on tight to the girls before they try to run into traffic...
We hopped off our double decker bus at the Eiffel Tower and went back to the hotel for a rest before our evening boat tour on the Seine.
After our boat ride, we found another creperie.
This time, Lucy and I went for the chocolate banana crepes while Charlie and Chloe stuck with just chocolate.
So good!
A carrousel ride at the base of the Eiffel Tower!
All lit up!
Lucy, tired out after a long day, waiting for Phil to get his baguette sandwich.
The fruit market across the street - looks just like you'd expect!
