We got up soon after 8am. At breakfast the service was rather slow today. I had muesli, orange juice, scrambled eggs and pale toast. Why are hotel toasters so slow? We discussed plans for today and asked the concierge for advice about boat trips with dinner. He offered to book us on the Bateau Mouche.
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| The high altar with sculptures of Mary and angels |
It was quite sunny when we set off to walk to the
Madeleine, calling at the post office. I was amazed to get served straight away when I bought stamps for my postcards. Then we arrived at the church of Mary Magdalene and read the information about how and when it was built. It was designed in 1754 in the style of a Greek temple with Corinthian columns. We admired all the side altars and sculptures, the carved pulpit and the high altar. The mosaics and frescoes in the apse and the bronze doors depicting the Ten Commandments were also very good. I took photos inside and out.
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| The Opera stage being set up |
Then we walked a few streets to the
Opera Garnier which we saw illuminated last night. We paid to go inside and saw the Grand Staircase, the museum and library and the auditorium with the Chagall ceiling. The stage crew were setting up a scene on the stage and we could also see the stalls and boxes. There was a decorative long gallery with lavish chandeliers and paintings.
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| The Opera ceiling was beautifully decorated |
Then we decided against the nearby Cafe de la Pays in favour of a cheaper bar for lunch. We both had cheeseburgers and large beers. Then we came back to the hotel to rest. The concierge had booked us onto the Bateau Mouche dinner boat this evening.
After reading, dozing and watching Pointless, we got ready for dinner and set out by metro for the
Pont de l'Alma.
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| The Eiffel Tower was floodlit |
We found our
Bateau Mouche and were offered a welcome glass of champagne. Then we were shown to our table for two near the front on the port side. We had a good view of all the famous bridges on the two hour cruise up and down
the Seine, past the Ile de la Cite and all the main central landmarks.
There was a three course dinner of our choice, plus cheese and a bottle of St. Emilion included. And a spectacular sunset!
