Today in Paris is all about walking the streets. It still has a post Olympics vibe to it. There are plenty of reminders of the Olympics everywhere you go.

Even though the weather isn’t great it’s not going to dull our enthusiasm. How could it we are in one of the great cities of the world.

We catch the metro for were we are going to start today – the official gateway to Paris. Place de l’Etoile was designated as the place that the Arc de Triomphe now stands. Firstly there is an underpass to get to it. Use the underpass. Don’t risk it by playing chicken with the cars. I swear they hit the gas when they see a pedestrian. I saw a statistic somewhere that said 3,000 cars per hour race around the eight lanes of traffic.

You can also go up the top for an incredible view of Paris. We didn’t this time, it is 284 steps so be prepared.

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees run 1.91 kms from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It is a lovely to walk along particularly when the weather is fine. There are so many places to stop including shops, cafes and parks.

Every year on Bastille Day (14 July) there is a large military parade down the avenue.

If you ever get the chance to be here on the French National Day you should, it’s amazing. We were lucky enough a few years ago and while the crowds were nuts, it was very cool to be here amongst it.

Along the way we’ve deviated from the Champs Elysee. Instead of heading to the Louvre, we are going to the Eiffel Tower. And here she is just around the corner. This is another spot for a mandatory selfie.

While Steve and I wandered from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower, Dave and Pip went to Sacre-Coeur.

Sacre-Coeur is a beautiful basilica that is at the highest point of the city, the Montmartre Hill. You can see the ceiling in the photo below. It is the largest mosaic in France, measuring over 5,000 square feet.

Apart from being a magnificent building, the Sacre-Coeur is famous. It has been the site of uninterrupted prayer dedicated to Jesus Christ for 130 years.

There is so much to see here. We’ve really had a low key visit this time. It has been perfect for us.

Paris is an extraordinary city, so steeped in history. You can completely understand why it’s filled with so many people from around the world. It is one of those places. If you are travelling to Europe, you should have it on your list. Spend some time there if you can.

This afternoon Pip and Dave are heading home to Australia. Steve and I have one more night in this beautiful city and tomorrow we head to the UK.