How do you decide what to see in a city as big as Paris? You make a list, made much more difficult if it is raining and forecast to get wetter.

However, we started with the open top bus tour and stayed dry most of the day . Before boarding the bus, climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, up 248 stairs. There are several large rooms near the top, built originally to house exhibitions, and now having Info displays and a souvenir shop. Fantastic view, of course, of the 12 avenues coming into the roundabout at the base of the Arc, hence its extra name, "Etoile"or "star".

Climbed down again and boarded the bus. Got off at the Eiffel Tower, and climbed again, 680 steps to the platform of the second level. Fantastic views and much better way than to take the lift. Didn't we do well? You cannot climb to the top level, so we missed that bit. Next time.

Quick lunch then climbed down and boarded the bus, that then took us around most of the sights of the well known areas of Notre Dame, Latin Quarter, and the Seine. Hopped off at the Musée D'Orsay. Built in an old railway station, the fantastic building is as good as the art. Lots of sculpture, and then the huge collection of Impressionist paintings on the top level, (Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Pissaro) with views out the windows as well. We ran out of time, unfortunately, as they were pushing us out and closing the doors.

Stopped for a drink and brilliant smoked salmon crepes before getting back on the bus to go part way up the Champs-Elysée. We walked on and then caught the train home, exhausted!