After breakfast we said our goodbyes to the remainder of the southern contingent (two had already left the day before). They went off to do some shopping whilst we made our way to the Place de La Concorde to see the obelisk and the fountains which turned out to be especially spectacular due to the sun illuminating the droplets of water as they fell.
On the way we called in briefly on the Tuilleries Gardens which are still pretty even at this time of year. We then had one last drink sitting outside at a cafe bar enjoying the sunshine before making our way back to the hotel to await the taxi that was returning us to the airport in time for lunch. The taxi arrived on time but checking in at the airport was a bit haphazard and there was a problem with the plane at Birmingham which meant it arrived about an hour late.
Retrieving the cars from the meet and greet parking ran smoothly and we arrived home safe and sound eventually. Now I am busy planning my next trip 
Tags: FlyBe, France, Journey, Paris, Plane
The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children.
Mahatma Ghandi (1869 – 1948)
Tags: Architecture, Cherie's Place Thought, Eiffel Tower, France, Paris, Weekend away
The original plan for the day was to arrive at Trocadero and take in that view of the Eiffel Tower and then walk through the gardens before ascending the tower. The hotel receptionist advised that there were two hour queues at the weekend so the plan was flexed and we went straight to the tower. We did not have to queue but there was a lot more security and multiple checking of bags than I have previously encountered.
The tower was shrouded in mist as we arrived and I suspect that this was part of the reason there was no queue. The misty view led to interesting views and a great atmosphere as the clouds dissipated. As I looked at the view of the Champ de Mars through the mist I noticed two rows of what looked like statues of people. When I went to investigate later, I found that they weren’t people at all and that it was a very interesting artwork project. I will explain more about that in another post.
We then had lunch by the river, it was crepes all round. They were delicious! Then we crossed the bridge and walked through the Trocadero gardens then hopped on the metro and made our way to the Arc de Triumph.
The Paris virgin quite understandably wanted to go up to see the view from the top of the Arc de Triumph and one of the Paris veterans accompanied him. I took everyone else to the Champs Elysees to have coffee and cake watching the world go by whilst we waited for the Arc de Triumph adventurers to join us. One of the party didn’t want to stop at any of the cafes… Then that person ‘claimed’ a loo break emergency which involved going into M&S and a stressful walk rather than a leisurely stroll for both groups 
I have to admit I was beginning to lose my cool (especially as there was no emergency really!!)…
Eventually both groups reconnected and we went into the nearest cafe which was more expensive than I would have chosen and they did not serve cake, but they did have a rather nice Belgian Beer which helped to refocus my mood 
And on the way back to the hotel I purchased a naughty cake to enjoy at my leisure
Our evening meal was good, you saw the desserts in my previous post. After the meal almost everyone wanted to go back to the hotel and it wasn’t even 10pm… Mr C found a very nice cafe bar and the two of us sat outside enjoying the 22c temperature, it was heaven
Tags: Arc de Triumph, Champ de Mars, Champs Elysees, Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, Weekend away
This weeks photo prompt was:
It’s where we gather,
Where we nourish,
Where we chat,
Where we create.
What will you find
On the Table?
This was what was on the dessert table on my last evening in Paris. All the ladies had the apple sorbet with Calvados and all the men had the sampler dessert. The sorbet was quite delicious and just what was needed to finish off my meal.
The ‘On the Table’ gallery is here.
Tags: 52 Photos Project, France, Paris, Sorbet, Weekend away
The day started off with a typically French breakfast which was a refreshing change to the chain hotels that try and cater for all tastes. After breakfast we set off exploring in light drissle which continued for most of the day, but at least it wasn’t cold and we were mostly indoors. Our first port of call after breakfast was the Sacre Coeur, the hotel receptionist advised us to be careful because Romanian pickpockets were operating in that area. The Sacre Coeur was more impressive than I remembered it, but sadly no photographs were allowed inside the building.
We then made our way to Place de Tetre where I had a Cappuccino which consisted mostly of cream…
Then we walked to the tube station to get to our next port of call, it involved a lot of stairs. My poor knees got a little wobbly, so it was a good job it was time for lunch, which of course meant I was able to have a welcome rest before visiting Notre Dame. I did smile as I rounded the corner and got my first view of Notre Dame. I have been visiting Paris on and off over many years and I have never seen it free of scaffolding. On this occasion the building itself was free of scaffolding, but there was a large scaffolding structure in the process of erection in front of the cathedral!! I learned later that this is part of a temporary structure for the 900th anniversary celebrations next year. It will allow people to see the cathedral details from a closer perspective. I think that is a good enough excuse for me to go back next year After Notre Dame we visited the Musee de Cluny which was close by, for several reasons the visit wasn’t quite as planned which was unfortunate.
More coffee and a long soak in the bath were needed after all that walking… Following my relaxation it was again time for our evening meal. We ended up in an Italian restaurant where the Italian waiter spoke to us in French until it was pointed out to him that we were English by his boss It is always a compliment when you get mistaken for a native of the country you are visiting Whilst ordering my desert I got the opportunity to teach him the English word Cherry and how to pronounce it. The desert was on the menu but he had not encountered the word before
Tags: Cherry, Musee de Cluny, Notre Dame, Paris, Place de Tertre, Sacre Coeur, Weekend away
The day had finally arrived for my extended family get together in Paris. The midlands contingent were just leaving for the airport as the southern contingent arrived in Paris via Euro-star. The journey to the airport, the meet and greet parking service, the flight and the private taxi from airport direct to hotel all ran like clockwork.
We shared our flight with the England Women’s football team who were sat in the rows of seats just in front of ours. We didn’t land at the main terminal at Charles de Gaulle airport which meant a bit of a trek to get to where our baggage was unloaded. This gave us the opportunity to chat to the ladies from the England team on the train journey to the main terminus. We were informed that they were training that evening and that the following day they were having a ‘friendly’ match against France and that the match would be broadcast live on BBC3.
On arrival at the hotel I unpacked my bags and freshened up after the long journey before meeting up with everyone in the hotel reception. We then set out to find a suitable restaurant for our evening meal.
Tags: Airport, France, Garden, Hotel, Hotel Jardin de Villiers, Journey, Paris, Weekend away
I have spent today recovering from a hectic weekend in Paris. For some reason all prior commitments for today changed and I had the day to myself which was quite welcome…
But on the flip-side there was an unexpected continual interruption to my day, but I laid the law down in response to that
I enjoyed sorting out my photos from the weekend (not quite finished with the sorting), and I will be posting some more photos soon…
Thank You to the ‘Jardin de Villiers‘ for a perfect relaxing stay.
Tags: France, Hotel Jardin de Villiers, Life, Paris, Weekend away
