Today was our first real day in Paris, having arrived yesterday late afternoon.  The hotel room in Le Marais is acceptable, except the bathroom smell is offensive. 

We woke up early and headed for a bakery around the corner from our hotel. We ordered and shared three pastries and since we were so hungry, nearly finished them all-a sugar brioche, a chocolate almond pastry, and a pan au raisan.  They were all good, but we liked the raisan one best.  The little cups of espresso tasted good with our treats and we were ready for our day.

The weather was cold today and waking up to 48 degrees and overcast in mid-May is definitely different from what we're used to.  We bundled in jackets and scarves with hopes that it would warm as the day progressed.  

Navigating the Metro can be an adventure, but Dan was able to guide us to a stop that led us to one of the biggest tourist attractions in Paris.  The Eiffel Tower wasn't high on my list, but decided I couldn't go to Paris without seeing it.  By the time we got to the park where the Eiffel Tower is located, the sun had come out and it had warmed some, but was still brisk.   We opted out of taking the elevators to the top, but enjoyed viewing it from afar as well as underneath. 

 By mid-morning, we had walked for quite a while so we stopped at a cafe for coffee and a snack.  Then we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe. 

My feet were starting to hurt.  The girl at Onlineshoes.com said these shoes were supposed to be comfortable.  HA!  Keen wedge boots-my feet were really hurting.  

By the time we had made it to the Arc de Triomphe, I had to stop.  Blisters were beginning to appear on the balls of my feet.   As we were resting on a park bench in front of the Arc de Triomphe, I spotted a tour bus and hoped Dan would agree that our walking tour would end for today.   While we were waiting for the bus, we spotted a Pharmacie and decided to go in and see if they had any shoe inserts.  And sure enough we found some Dr. Scholls gel inserts that seemed to help.

The tour bus passed by some beautiful areas that I hope we'll explore tomorrow. 

When the bus got to the Cathedral de Notre Dame, we got and and went inside.  The stained glass was incredible, but since they didn't allow flash photography we didn't get many pictures. 

By the time we got out, the wind was blowing and we were freezing and jet lag was finally setting in, so we came back to the hotel for a nap before dinner at Frenchies Bar A Vin.  I found this place reviewed in both NY Times and "Paris By Mouth".  They don't take reservations and they open at 7 PM.   We got there shortly after 7 and there were no tables available.     We stood at the bar-and I mean stood-no chairs or stools-until a table became available.    The place seats maybe 40 people when it is completely full -wall-to-wall.    
This is a "New French" kind of place and very popular.  Luckily, a table did become available within the first 15 minutes and we were seated next to a young couple from Philadelphia.   I wish I had taken photos of our food.  We had barbeque pulled pork-surprisingly good-even Dan liked it.  And a cheese plate with wine pairings.  Wow!  The wines were really good.  Then had dessert-a strawberry tart with .glace au fromage blanc.  Oooo-so good.

The couple from Philadelphia said we have to go to this one patisserie that has a famous pastry that is called Paris Brest.   The place is called The Patisserie des Reves-The Bakery of Dreams.   So that is on the list for tomorrow along with looking for some comfortable shoes.