Tourists at large

Ok, I've given up on trying to load photos in this blog until I can work out why it doesn't like iPads.
Anyway, today, Friday, started out looking pretty bad as there were early thunderstorms and  occasional rain. It was a bit of a relief after the heat of the previous days and we started out on the Metro once it eased around 9 am. Got off at Opéra as we and seen it the day before and knew it was near les Galleries Lafayette. 
For those who don't know, think of a Myers store, times ten - with prices to match. Lots of clothes for Steph and Brodie to look and drool over. The central part of the store opens into a glass domed gallery all done in coloured patterns. Difficult to describe - needs a photo!
We found another store nearby and Brodie was able to add to her wardrobe with some bargains. As the rain started again, we took shelter in a cosmetic store (yawn) then headed out to the local stop for Les Cars Rouge (the tour bus we had also used yesterday). 
This took us back to les Champs Èlysèes and we got off up the top near l'Arc de Triomphe. I don't know how the cyclists in the Tour de France can ride on these cobblestoned streets; I know I felt every one as the bus drove over them. 
We gave the calf muscles a workout climbing the helical stairs in l'Arc but the view from the top was really worth it. The detail in the stonework is incredible too. We then ate our packed lunch before heading back down les Champs eyeing off the shops and the people. I did find the Paris Saint-Germain (football club) store and bought another t-shirt. 
Then on to the Louvre. Just another big Wow! Yes to the Mona Lisa, yes to the Venus de Milo, but so much more. After many hours we were really flagging and decided to head back  to the apartment via the Metro to Pont d'Alma - our nearest stop.
In the evening we has a drink at our local, Les Vielle Vignes (the old vines), then treated ourselves to a meal in a nearby bistro.

Then crashed!