Paris

No problem getting up this morning, as so excited about going to Paris. Left at 10, and at train station at 10.30. The main car park was full, but we found another one down the road with spaces, and still free. The nice lady in the ticket office printed our tickets, and also 2 for Wednesday. Within 10 mins the double decker train pulled up, and we found some seats on the top deck.

The train journey was smooth and quiet. Very nice and relaxing. At Gare du Nord we went down into the Metro and bought a 'Carnet' of 10 tickets. Quickly found our tube, and within four stops we were walking out into the beautiful sunny day to see Notre Dame.

Across the river we amazingly found a book shop I was looking for "Shakespeare & co", an English book shop set up by an American woman in 1917. It was a lovely shop to wander round, and we picked up a few bits. Found a loo outside the cathedral, and also lots of armoured soldiers.

We walked around the back of Notre Dame, where I did my first cache in Paris, then off the island onto the North Bank. It was very noisy and loads of traffic, so scuttled back to the island.

Followed it to its most westerly point and then returned to the mainland. Found a little cafe, and had a wonderful lunch.

Walked past the Louvre and went to look at the pyramid. Not bad, apart from the gift shop and entrance they have attached to it, which does rather spoil the whole effect. Walking through the gardens there were an awful lot of traders, but they gradually disappeared, and it was a pleasant walk to the Place de la Concorde.

From here onwards there was a huge Christmas market, which we walked up along the Champs Elysee. There were some nice things, and we picked up a few presents.

After about an hour, headed towards the river and walked along it until we reached the Eiffel Tower. It looked stunning as it lit up and the sun went down.

Back to the metro, 1 change, and we were back at Gare du Nord, in time for the 6.30 train.
It was a restful trip back to the car, and then popped into a supermarket to pick up a few bits. It was late, and we were tired, but we still enjoyed having a look around. Back at the van for 9, and then ate and watched a film, before falling into bed at midnight.