Just a little update on our time in Paris. It has been great. The buildings are fantastic. So much character, so well preserved. We have enjoyed scooting around on the subway – really easy once you worked out the system. There are rail lines going in all directions, crossing under each other at the main stations. You can jump off, take the stairs and get on another line to take you in a totally different direction. All very normal for big cities but new to us country bumpkins. The usual tourist things have been worth a visit – Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, Arch de Triomphe, Notre Dame de Paris, The Louvre. Even saw the Mona Lisa! Had a boat ride on the Seine – wonderful views of buildings, bridges, and people walking along the edge of the river. Also caught the train to Versailles. So much opulence! Hard not to remember how many people were starving in Paris while gold leaf was being painted on the ceilings of this huge chateau. Spoiled the experience a bit for me!
Our favourite thing is to just wander the streets. We have walked for miles every day -backpack on, metro tickets and map in hand. Visited quite a few different arrondissements or areas. Loved the Montmatre – with its Bohemian Quarter and views over Paris from the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. Also loved the Latin Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and cafes. Had a great lunch there. It’s probably a blessing that we’ve walked so much – considering how much we’ve eaten!! The food in Paris is wonderful and the wine magnificent – even the “cheapies” from the supermarket and little local wine shop. We went out for one special evening meal at a local restaurant. Great service, lovely food, very nice wine. Views of the Eiffel Tower lights as we walked home – no doubting where we were!
Our studio apartment has been interesting – plumbing very visible, walls in need of a little paint, but the bed was comfy and the water hot. Our street is abuzz with activity – boulangeries/bakeries, patisseries, wine and chocolate shops everywhere. Although an impossible task we’ve our best to sample them all! This is very much a residential area – it’s not a high end area full of tourists. People arrive home after a busy day at work, grab a fresh baguette at the boulangerie, and spend the evening with their families. We have been living among the locals.
Off to the south-west of France tomorrow. Meeting friends David and Nicoly at Charles de Gaulle Airport, grabbing a hire car, and heading off. Have bought our own satellite-navigation thingy – a Tom-Tom – to help us navigate our way out of Paris and on to our next destination – Rocamadour. A little cliff top village full of history. Looking forward to it.
Cheers and Love
Di and Reg