Ah, Paris in the springtime

There is never a dull moment in Paris, especally if you take a taxi! Getting around at speed is the french way and as there iss so much to see and do, it is understandable. Bloody frightening, but understandable.

The city has many renown iconic tourist attractions and above them all, figuratively and literally stands the Eiffel Tower. Elegant, tall, proud and just a little rough when examined close-to... and that was just the Gendarme who stood at the bottom fixing every tourist with an unnerving, steely gaze. Presumeably the French believe that terrorists cannot look them in the eye or something. There again he may just have been having a shabby day. We on the other hand were having a great day. We had eaten well, shopped till fit to drop and spent hours in cafes watching people for no reason other than because we could. Then as darkness fell, we were drawn to the great iron tower. The Eiffel Tower at night changes its personality and becomes a romantic hangout for young lovers. Just because it is a cliche doesn't devalue the atmosphere. You truly can be swept away, in your lovers arms up on the viewing platform. The views are amazing. You can take in all Paris from Monmartre, to the Left Bank, from Sacre Coeur to Notre Dame. And surrounding the tourist hotspots, the hustle, bustle and enless chattering of a vibrant city, alive and thriving rises to sing in your ears.

The next day after breakfast of crossiants and strong coffee we headed to the Louvre museum and Notre Dame Cathedral; my second and third Parisian picks. The glass pyramid in the middle of a great late rennaisance palace is glorious, while the gothic splendour of the cathedral is a treasured memory. I urge you to climb the tower and stand at the top of the cathedral where Quasimodo rand his bells. Paris in the springtime is where I want to be.