To the top

After several visits to, and around the base of the Eiffel Tower we finally joined the queue. We arrived early - about 8:30, for the 9:00am opening. There were only a few hundred people ahead of us. 

De Anne, ever vigilant with the purse strings, said we only needed the cheap tickets to the second floor. Spendthrift Merrick decided that we were here and going to the top for the extra €14.00.

From the elevator.

Champs De Mars.

You can order champagne if the occasion requires it.

Back down to the second floor.

Overlooking the Tracaderro. The fountains are shut down and fireworks are being set up for Bastille Day this Sunday.

We were loitering on the bridge, nearest the tower, when we noticed the police and a few special forces types clearing the docks below us. Within a minute all that was left within 100 feet was a backpack on a bench. The bomb squad arrived, hooked a rope to the bag and jerked it off the bench. Without a climatic ending we left for lunch.