Marais Walk

We have a guide book of Paris and in it there is a walk through our neighbourhood of Marais. We thought it would be a good way to further explore the area and learn a little history as well. We started at the Place de Bastille. This monument marks the spot where the Bastille was stormed in 1789, triggering the French Revolution. There is nothing of the Bastille left today.

It seemed appropriate to stumble across a protest in this area. A group of cyclists made their way around the traffic circle a few times before heading off. I'm not sure what exactly they were protesting but it had something to do with cyclists rights I think.

Our tour took use into the Place de Vosges, past the Carnavalet Museum and through the Jewish Quarter. We constantly said to one another that this would be beautiful in the summer. Winter in Paris is very grey. The sky is grey, the buildings are grey and the roads are grey. We're ready for some sunshine and some colour.

The tour ended at the Pompidou Centre, which houses a library and the modern art museum. The building was built with an exoskeleton, meaning the structure, ventilation and electrical systems are on the outside of the building. Personally I think it looks ridiculous, but what do I know.

We're supposed to see the sun today so we're heading across town to the Eiffel Tower. We've never been up the tower but today we'll brave the long lines in order to ride the elevator to the top. I'll have photos tomorrow.

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