Paris - day 2

Today I made the most wonderful discovery!

I found the Champ de Mars! I never even knew its name, I only ever saw it on the TV where know one discussed it's name. But first let me take you back to the start ....

Today I planned on travelling around on my bike once more, visiting Pere Lachaise Cemtery - where Oscar Wilde is buried and the Le Invalides and the Musee Rodin. All the while in search of the green grass area in front of the Eiffel Tower, name still unknown to me. However, the day did not quite go according to plan.

After having breakfast I headed to the main street in Belleville where I found a heaving market running up the street. There was everything from fruit & veg, meats, olives, nuts, to clothes, nic nacs and so on. I picked a few pieces of fruit before getting on my bike and peddling towards the Eiffel tower in search of the green grassed area.

Having decided I could navigate there using an old school map I got so lost! I rode on the wrong side of the road, went left when I should've gone right, rode up hills and then back down, circled around a bit and then pulled up stumps wondering why I was on my bike haha.

I eventually I gave in, I put my bike on the nearest rack and went in search of the metro. I had a lovely wander through an organic grocery store, before taking the metro out to the Tower and jumping off at the station I thought would lead me to Le Invalides.

I didn't find Le Invalides, but what I did find turned my entire day around.. I found the grassed area! Otherwise known as Champs de Mars! It was amazing! I gave it a quick whirl before walking back to the main street to find a grocery store and buy a picnic for lunch.

Then I walked down hoping to discover the perfect spot for lunch. What I discovered was even more amazing. A Roland Garros pop up right in front of the Eiffel tower!!! The main attraction was the big screen set up playing today's matches with the Eiffel tower in the background. It felt like the greatest discovery haha.

I sat down and ate my picnic lunch of bread, pesto, mozzarella and tomatoes, and then had a little nap haha. The warm sun, full belly and soft grass was just too much.

When I woke, I moved closer to the screen, right in the middle of the space. Aside from the screen there was a big tennis court set up that you could play on, sponsor stands and a merchandise shop. I caved and paid €3.50 for one scoop of ice cream (!) and enjoyed the view. It was spectacular.

After the final match I headed back to my hostel, feeling like I had, had a truely accomplished day. For dinner I ventured to a restaurant near my hostel called Les Quilles. It was recommended in the hostel guidebook. Although certainly more expensive then the previous guest had indicated, it was well worth it.

I was enjoying truely great French food and it was nice to splurge a little. I had a beautiful piece of pork cooked to perfection served with asparagus and gravy, red wine from the French Riviera and a chocolate cake with a gooey middle. Yummy!

Bonne nuit, or goodnight.Leggi altro