Paris 2026 - Day 4

Steps today: 18 979 / 12.52 km

Not sure why any more we didn't hit 20k today. We started the day with our usual breakfast in Place de la République around the corner from the hotel, then jumped on the metro to start the explorations from clear across the city.

I wanted to show Vesna this funny facade of Bacchus vomiting down the side of the building.

And then towards the Statue of Liberty

We walked along the Swan Island to the Bir Hakim Bridge

Next was the vel' d'hiv memorial 

And finally of course, the Eiffel Tower again

We stopped for a drink around noon; I really regret in hindsight being so lazy with resto pictures. I kept saying to myself "Bah, I've been here so many times, I have pictures" but I feel now that it's about documenting the current trip, not just having a picture of the place. I hope I keep this bit of insight in mind for the next trip!

After this break, we headed over to the Lavirotte Building

Crossed the Alma Bridge to the Flame of Liberty / Diana Memorial

Then settled in for a cheesy lunch

After lunch, we took the metro to the Opera House because we wanted to be close by for our visit at 3PM. We killed time gawking at the Dome in the Galleries Lafayette.

We were a little early for our Opera House visit, but they let us in anyway so no waiting.

How can you narrow it down to just a few pictures? The place is breathtaking. If I had a nickel for every time I heard Vesna say WOA! I'd be rich!  Here's just a small sample

The lights were off for a while in the auditorium so I got these moody pictures of the chandelier

And when they were turned on: WOA!

Next we went to the Café de la Paix next door for a drink. I almost always sit outside when I come here, but today we sat in the beautiful salon and I didn't take any pictures!!  In my defense, after the Palais Garnier everything pales in comparison but I regret being so lazy. I think we spent almost 2 hours here, that would explain our low-step day.

There used to be a beautiful spot in the Printemps department store, a restaurant under the dome with mirrored tables so you could sit with a drink and admire the dome without craning your neck. Now, sadly, the resto is long gone and the department store swimsuit section took over the space. How sad.

The dome is still beautiful and still accessible, but no more lingering to admire it.

Time for supper now, and we wanted to have Aligot. Cheesy potatoes or potato-y cheese, can't say - but it's delicious and the presentation when it's being served is always entertaining.

We were done by about 8PM, so we walked over to Place de La Bastille for a nightcap.

I don't remember anymore if we walked back to the hotel (about 20-30 mins) or took the metro (less than 10 minutes). The weather was getting cold by then, our 4 sunny days were a real treat!