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Paris, France

Today felt like a real luxury as we could have a sleep in and a leisurely breakfast having no tours to catch. We checked out at 11pm and as the next train to Paris was at 2:20pm we left our bags at the hotel and went to town to get a French SIM card. Even though we only have a week in Paris, we think it will be worth the google map to help us find our way around the big city. The cost is relatively cheap too compared to say a taxi ride if you are lost – under 20 euros for 1GB of data.

We spent the remainder of our time wandering the quiet streets and having a relaxing lunch (like we needed it). Along the way we stumbled across a water wheel that we had seen on postcards which was a bonus as we had been looking for it but unable to find it. We had seen another water wheel but no cathedral in the background so we were convinced the postcards were overlayed shots. Bayeux is such a pretty town and a nice size, kind of like a small town atmosphere the same as home.

For lunch I had a burger with roqfort sauce and Vernon had a pizza with 4 cheeses and of course our last mug of cider. I normally would have had something more French but as we sat down I saw these amazing looking burger and chunky fries coming out I thought it would be good to boost my iron level. I am pleased I did as it was the juciest and tastiest burger I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Of course Vern and I swapped half way as we do with most meals, and he found it finger licking good too. On reflection I think they must have minced a really good steak as it was not only juicy but very tender, far more so than regular mince which can be bouncy even cooked medium – well.

So we left Bayeux with high recommendations for Normandy as a beautiful, interesting and welcoming tourist destination. Whilst not cheap, comparatively speakiing it is cheaper than other bigger cities in France and better value for money. I also think the dining is better quality and you get lovely fresh authentic regional foods without too much searching.

The train trip went well and when we arrived at St Lazzare station we seached the boards and found our connection across town was very easy – only a walk through a few tunnells and we were on the right line. Our station was about 8 stops and we popped up in the middle of a residential section of Paris next to a park and a main shopping street. Google map said it was a 5 minute walk to the hotel which was nice and handy.

The service is great at the hotel and the rooms whilst small are big for Paris. They are nicely refurbished and I think we will be quite comfortable here for 7 nights. After settling in we walked back up town to the supermarket which is open till about 9 or 10 to get a picnic dinner to eat in the park. We got a selection of pre-pack salads, desserts, and some creamed rice pottles, muesli bars and fruit for breakfast tomorrow.

We were half way through our dinner when a park attendant came past and said something to us which we didn’t quite understand. We saw everyone else vacating and then saw him more animatedly motioning to us to move. OK, we get it – they lock it at 8:30pm – not sure why but perhaps to ensure no one sleeps there? Not to worry we finished dinner in our room a couple of minutes walk away.

My anxiety about Paris is abating and we are looking forward to exploring and enjoying the summer weather which is forecast for high 20’s to 30 for the rest of the week.

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