After our late night going to the Eiffel Tower, we chose to NOT set an alarm but obviously being Healds, we were still up and about and in the Jardin du Tuileries for 10.30am to see the military flyover for Bastille Day. I know it’s not usually our scene to partake in huge national celebrations (remember we ran away to Mull for Jubilee weekend!) but since France is a republic we didn’t think we were being too hypocritical..! Anyway, very very cool to see and the boys enjoyed all the different aircraft which flew along the line of La Defense-Arc De Triomphe-Place de La Concorde-Arc De Carousell-La Pyramide. From our spot we also had a good view of the top of the Eiffel Tower and so we decided to come back later to stake a claim on a space for the Bastille Day fireworks later that evening.
Before then however, we had a whole day to explore Paris. We ambled past La Pyramide and then out towards Les Halles, where we found a great boulangerie/patisserie (Boulangerie Julien) where we bought brunch AND lunch!
We found a shady playground with water fountains where the boys enjoyed some downtime crashing around, and then we headed over to explore the church of Saint-Eustache, which was very beautiful and had no queues to get in! We spent half an hour or so in there, wandering around and looking at the stained glass in some welcome shade.
After that, rumours had been heard of a Lego shop in the nearby Les Halles shopping centre; we decided it would be rude not to go. Gideon bought a Lego magnet of Paris and decided to collect them in all the cities we visit, so there’s something to look forward to! Angus had Euros from White Grandma which he just HAD to spend, and so obviously he bought a very French Mandalorian keyring.
Next, Josh had booked tickets to go to the Pompidou Centre; we enjoyed exploring various exhibitions there. Gideon was very enthusiastic but Angus not so much at points…although he enjoyed “The Garden in Winter” which was a big white cave that you could climb inside!
(The reading on the roof went down well too – Josh)
Following this, we bought some picnicables ready for the fireworks and went to sit in the Tuileries to enjoy the festival atmosphere prior to the Bastille a day fireworks from the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadero. Worth the wait; they were amazing! A late night and then an early start on the next leg of our journey but totally worth it!
RATE MY PASTRY 🥐 🥮
Boulangerie Julien – Rue St Honore
- Angus – pain au chocolat: 100/10
- Gideon – pastry knot with hazelnut choc: 7/10
- Josh – pistachio and choc roule: 10/10
- Jennie – croissant aux pommes: 9/10
Leave a Reply