Day 31: 13/07/17 Eiffel Tower and Jardin du Luxembourg

Last night I tried to get us pre-booked tickets for the Eiffel Tower as the kids really wanted to go to the top, unfortunately there were none available for any time over our stay so we elected to get up early and try to beat the queues to pay on the gate. Esmé really hates early starts but by 8:20 we were leaving the boat complete with half a packed lunch (we've got in the habit of packing cheese, chorizo, cucumber and snacks, and then buying a baguette while we are out to reduce the bulk being carried), and a bottle of water!.

We opted to take the bus so we could see more but had to go to a Metro station to buy carnets of tickets. The journey took about half an hour and the kids enjoyed spotting things en route.

The queue at the tower was not very long at all and soon we were standing at the top of the tower. Esmé was very concerned that her legs wouldn't carry her all the way up so was very relieved that we were taking the lift, however I think both kids were a little nervous on the way up.

Once at the top we explained to the kids to be careful not to drop anything as it could be really dangerous, and I spent a good while identifying places I thought we might be able to see the Bastille Day fireworks from tomorrow evening. I would have loved to bring the kids to the Eiffel Tower to see the fireworks but getting back would be a logistical nightmare, however it looks like we might get some kind of view from the Louvre so maybe this could be an option. We'll check this out tomorrow after we go to watch the parade on the Champs Elysees. We'll also take a look at how long the queue is for the Louvre as it is free tomorrow for Bastille Day. At the top we also used the height measure as an opportunity to do a little maths and work out the scale of the chart.

By about 11:30 the kids were complaining of hunger so we handed out some snacks and made our way down the tower. Back on another bus to the Jardin du Luxembourg via a boulangerie and grocery to pick up a baguette and a cold drink.

After lunch the kids had an amazing time sailing model yachts.

 

We then walked over to the kids play area which you needed to pay to get in. 2.5 Euro per child and 1.2 Euro per adult. We elected to send the kids in while we sat outside to watch. The kids had a great time for about an hour and a half before we headed towards the bus stop to get back to Laurin.

On the way out of the park the kids were enthralled to watch the French gentlemen playing chess in the park. Both kids are really enjoying chess at the moment although one has a healthier respect for the rules than the other!

Called in at the supermarket on the way back to grab bread for tomorrow and ice creams for today, then a quick play at the marine playground before back to Laurin for tea and an early night!