Paris Promenades 2

After the Segway tour of Paris described in yesterday's post, Son B and the Double Cs decided to check out other means of getting about and sightseeing.  First, they decided to explore via the Paris Métro and followed the crowds underground

in order to wait for a train to their destination.

While the underground route may have been the most efficient, it was not always the most scenic.  So, as another option, they chose one of the double-decker sightseeing bus lines that continuously tour the highlights of the city, such as the one pictured to the right in this photo of the Champs-Élysées heading towards the Arc de Triomphe de 'Etoile. 

They purchased two-day passes that allowed them to get off and on the buses at the destination(s) of their choice.  At the same time, they received headphones in order to listen to the description of the sights in English as Princess C demonstrates here, while listening to a description of the history and uses of today's Paris Opéra House.

Of course, they had to stop at the Arc de Triomphe for a photo-op.

The former Place de l'Etoile was renamed the Place Charles de Gaulle following the death of the WWII General and President Charles de Gaulle, whose statue can also be seen in this photo.

The little trio also visited Notre Dame de Paris, one of the best-known and finest examples of French-Gothic architecture in Western Europe.  The Double Cs took time to pose in front of some of the cathedral's impressively carved portals.

Nearly everywhere they travelled in the city they saw used automobiles being given new life, holding earth and water for trees, such as here.

Is this perhaps one harbinger of a green and useful future for the automobile in general?  Only time will tell.