We got off the beaten path today, literally, when we went underground to tour the Paris sewer system.  Paul was excited to see this, and I enjoyed it more than I expected.  Paris boasts the vastest and most hygienic sewer system in the world.  As we were walking the dank sewer tunnels, I thought about the scene from Les Miserables where Jean Valjean carries Marius through the Paris sewer system.  Then we got to a display that credited  Victor Hugo with making the Paris sewer system famous and mentioned his relationship with Eugene Belgrand, the engineer who designed the system in 1850 that is still used today.

It was a little dark and a little smelly but really an interesting experience.  There was a small gift shop at the end of the exhibit that sold little stuffed animals (including little rats) and water carafes.   Nobody seemed to be buying anything.

It was wonderful to return to the sunshine and smell the clean air.  We went to a wonderful traditional French restaurant that had been recommended by a friend who has traveled to Paris many times.  Our three-course lunch ended with an amazing pastry. 

We finished our day with a wonderful dinner at an Indian restaurant.