Paris

A morning run with views of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Avenue des Champs-Élysées and we were not the only runners out there quite a few in fact along with cyclists, street cleaners - the streets were wet !! We ran past a bar which appeared to be still open from the night before there were cafe tables out on the pavement with people drinking and chatting - drinking beers not coffees.

A day spent out on the rues de Paris, visits to two museums to see the amazing water lilies and many other fantastic paintings along with the crowds - museums are popular in Paris !! No reason to ask why !

On a break between museums we took a leisurely stroll along the Seine to Notre Dame rebuilding works are on going but it seems according to the Friends of Notre Dame de Paris website that significant progress has been made in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Almost 1,000 workers are involved in the efforts, both on-site and in workshops across France. Scaffolding is being removed in phases, and the Grand Organ, stained-glass windows, and wrought iron railings have undergone restoration. Key structural elements like vaults and buttress walls have been repaired or replaced. The timber framework for the nave and choir is being prepared in workshops for future installation. The reconstruction of the iconic spire has also commenced. Overall, the progress report indicates steady advancement towards the cathedral’s complete restoration.

Our total day was 34 717 steps - that explains why we are exhausted !