Musée-d'Orsay Railway Station

Arriving into Paris Gare Du Noord on the EURail was a quick and quiet experience. We easily bought transport tickets and worked out our subway and within minutes we were standing at the entrance to our hotel. The entire process was considerably sped up by the 5 people at the platform of EURail pointing us in the right direction. 4 people at the ticket purchase, 2 on the train, and dozens more at Gare du Lyon. Not to mention the dozens of armed gendarmes keeping a watch.

Although the Olympics wrapped over 2 weeks ago, all of this was now for the para Olympics, especially the opening ceremony taking place on the evening we arrived.

We made the most of our first day. Walking and subway first to the Arch de triumph and then to the park near the opening ceremony.

We waited a long time (45 minutes) for the end of the opening so that we could watch the illumination of the floating balloon.

Again, soooo many police, and armed army people, and the roads were closed to all but pedestrians and bikes, which gave the area an eerie emptiness, but we felt incredibly safe.

Day two will be more exploration.Read more