Getting up the Tower...

...took virtually all morning, but we knew it would. Lots of queueing at every stage. Outside with the obligatory millions of Japanese and inside, with everyone. We didn't hang around much at the first level but when straight up to the summit and were, of course, rewarded with wonderful views on a clear and bright day.

After spotting the remaining destinations we had planned for the day and one or two more, we queued again for the descent. After that, we walked along the Seine a little way to catch the RER train to the Musee d'Orsay.

Unfortunately, after only one stop (to Invalides) it became clear that the RER line C was closed after that point for the next two months so we had to get off and get onto le bus replacement service, which was packed. Also, the stops weren't announced, so we missed the Musee d'Orsay and ended up getting off near the Sorbonne.

Only lunchtime, but things were getting difficult, so we thought that we'd eat before embarking on the rest of our day...