Lucy was feeling much better today, so the 3 of us headed out to the Marais for some lunch. Croque Monsieurs and Madames all around!


Not as hot today, but hot enough for the birds to go take a dip!


Afterwards, we took a walk through the front of Hotel de Ville, where a beach volleyball court and football pitch have been set up, and then down onto the road along the side of the Seine, which is now shut for the whole summer to become a beach.


We wandered along the beach for a while, checking out all the different activities they have set up there. Rockclimbing, kids play areas, massage, sun loungers etc.



Eventually we got to the reason for our midday stroll, La Tour de France! We arrived about 2 hours before the Tour reached central Paris, found ourselves a decent spot and dug in for the duration.
Before the cyclists came past, we were subject to some kind of caravan/parade, which was more of a weak excuse for the advertisers to plug their wares. I don't know what it is with them, but there was definitely a theme going on here!!



Finally, the cyclists arrived!


Amd it was all over pretty quickly. We watched a few laps go by, but decided that was enough. I think it would have been a bit too much to have waited around for the presentation ceremony as well!

Here's a bit of video, filmed as the bikes first came into view. As you can see, they're pretty well swamped by their support vehicles!


Afterwards, we treated ourselves to an ice cream at a nearby cafe. All the standing around in the sunshine for over 2 hours was tiring work!