The Paris Anniversary Marathon Day 1: We set off from our Airbnb with the bright red door a bit later than we hoped, but still early enough that we avoided the worst of the heat.
Hopping on the Metro at Filles du Calvaire, we came out at Place de la Concorde, the start of the actual Paris Marathon.
Walking through the Jardin des Tuileries instead of alongside it, added a few steps to our route right up front. It also became apparent that following the turn-for-turn directions of the Paris marathon website was not as easy as it sounded. Taking what we learned in London, we improvised the route, while still hitting the highlights.
Place Vendome. The column commemorates Napoleon I’s victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. Now home to upscale designer stores like Dior.
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Palais Garnier, Paris’s National Opera House. |
Next stop, Musee du Louvre where Mark almost fell for a charity scam, but was saved by a heroic young Frenchman.
From the Louvre, a brief stroll along the Seine.
Then past the Tour Saint-Jacques, the remains of a 16th C church destroyed during the French Revolution.
The Hotel de Ville (City Hall), site of Robert Doisneau’s famous kiss.
A brief detour from the route takes us past Centre Pompidou and its collection of modern European art.
The Pompidou Center was designed by Richard Rogers, the same architect who designed the Lloyd’s of London building from Day 1 of the London Anniversary Marathon, and one of Mark’s favorite architects.
Another detour to rest for a moment at Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest planned square, in the Marais. Victor Hugo lived on this square at one time.
Finally, Place de la Bastille, monument to the French Revolution, and the end of the planned route for today.
We added a walk along the Canal St. Martin, taking the route from 5 to 6 miles.
The Bastille as seen from Canal St. Martin.
Finally, we stopped for a well-earned respite at a bistro near the Canal St. Martin.
And today’s map…
Eat a croissant in my honor!
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