August 20 Pont a Bar - Paris - Perth

We left Pont a bar and took the TGV to Paris for two days before catching the plane home.

We had a good 2 star hotel right opposite the Voltaire Metro station and spent our time strolling around Paris. This year the Paris Town council have installed all around the city, bicycles which have three gears, a basket and lights. They can be used by anyone using either a credit card or a metro pass similar to our smartcard where the money is taken off and the bike unlocked when it is swiped. A 150 euro bond is taken out and under 30 minutes is free, 30 minutes costs 1 euro, up to 2 hrs costs 7 euro, the idea is to encourage short trips and then put back. They can be taken from one location and left at another. We saw at least 15 locations in one morning. It is easy to cycle around as there are cycle paths everywhere.



Each year for one month mid July to mid August, the quays along the Seine for about 2 kilometres are turned in Paris Plage (beach).


The roads along the river are closed and tonnes of beach sand, lawn, palm trees, trampolines, boules courts and a 50 metre swimming pool are installed. We had a pleasant stroll along the "beach" it was a great atmosphere with beach lounges and deck chairs spread out along the way. Unfortunately this summer has been very cool and many rainy days but I can imagine how busy this area gets when the sun is shining. The day we were there hardy people were laying on lounges under the umbrellas with rugs over their legs.








During our stroll we walked into this church with beautiful chandeliers and paintings. We enjoyed an organ recital and a great atmosphere.



On our last day we went to Montmartre and spent a few hours walking around and dining, soaking up the atmosphere of the artists area.

Soon it was time to collect our baggage and take the train to Charles de Gaulle for the long flight home. We worked it out that from the time we woke up this morning it would be 40 hours before we got home.

Back in Perth

Well here we are back home after another time in France. The suitcases have been packed away but already a few things have been put in ready for next year.