Golden sunlight filled the room when I woke on my first morning in Paris but as soon as I opened my eyes, I began to sneeze. It had been an unseasonably warm and everything was in bloom, someone told me later. I didn’t let that stop me.
I had planned on being in Paris for only two days then head to Barcelona for a day before returning to London. But when I mentioned my plan to Karen, she said I was crazy, that I needed more time just to see Paris.
My goal for the day was the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. So I left the hotel shortly after breakfast, map ready.
Come with me as I walk from the metro towards the Avenue de General-Eisenhower.
![Pont Alexandre](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Pont-Alexandre.jpg)
![Back of Pont Alexandre](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Back-of-Pont-Alexandre.jpg)
![Lights at the Pont Alexandre](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Lights-at-the-Pont-Alexandre.jpg)
![Detail of Building Champs Elysees](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Detail-of-Building-Champs-Elysees.jpg)
![Building near Champs Elysees](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Building-near-Champs-Elysees.jpg)
![Paris Street](http://insidejourneys.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Paris-Street.jpg)
I spent most of the morning strolling the expansive boulevards around the Champs Elysees, admiring the beautiful buildings that line the street.