Monday
Back home today
but at least well get to see the kids again! 
We had a leisurely breakfast and went back to our room to pack up before checking out. Our flight wasnt until 19:55 and we didnt want to have to lump the case around with us. Fortunately, the hotel allowed us to leave our bags there so we could go exploring. Id worked out that we needed to be back at the hotel between 3pm 4pm giving us 2 hours to get back to CDG for check-in at 6pm.
Today we wanted to have a ride on the river and visit Notre Dame. We knew there was a river cruise leaving at 10am and wed have to get our skates on. We caught the metro and then swapped onto a double-decker train (never been on double decked train before!) on the RER system up to the Eiffel Tower. Wed missed the Seine with commentary cruise so decided to get tickets for the Batobus. These are smaller, non-commentary boats that act like buses up and down the Seine. You can hop on/off all day (at designated stops!) for 10 euros. We took the boat all the way to Notre Dame but were saddened to see the tents and temporary shelters used by vagrants on the side of the river. I know every city has homeless people and they have to stay somewhere but I cant imagine the concrete banks of a river being that warm or inviting.
The Batobus
On our arrival at Notre Dame there were people everywhere, if anything, it was even busier than the Eiffel Tower had been yesterday. We entered the church to the sounds of a choir who were practising. It gave our walk around an eerie feeling. Its so dark in the church; even the subdued lighting and that from the large stained glass windows made it difficult to see. We saw the statue to Joan Of Arc but wondered how pleased she would be as people had lit candles near her feet. I dont think shed be that fond of fire! The walk around Notre Dame, reading some of the plaques, seeing the carvings, and just getting the atmosphere of the church was a great experience. Although I am not the slightest bit religious (I dont believe in any deity or God), I love churches because of the love, care and attention that went into creating them.
The Front of Notre Dame
As is usual, our thoughts turned to food and we found a chocolate shop on the isle de cite. We bought a tray of fruit and a cup of melted chocolate to dip the fruit into. Gorgeous! We then made our way back to the river to catch the Batobus back to the Champs Elysees. On alighting here we had a crepe from the stall wed used on Sunday before perusing the shops. We headed off into the side streets which were full of boutiques and restaurants. This turned out to be the really exclusive side as Ruth saw a purse that were the equivalent of £200! Making our way back to the Champs Elysees, we stopped off at the George V street café where we ordered 2 humongous salads (mine was paysanne with sausage and cheese). Deciding that time was getting tight, we took one last walk up to the Arc De Triomphe and had a photo taken before heading back to the hotel.
A rare photo of DW & I without kids!
Final thoughts ...
The weekend was great, almost perfect. The hotel was comfortable and I'd certainly stay there again. Everyone we spoke to was helpful and friendly and even though neither of us speak French we got by with their assistance. I just don't understand where the "myth" of rude / arrogant French people comes from as we didn't see it at all. We can't wait to go back but next time we'll have the kids with us as they'll also love it!
Back home today
but at least well get to see the kids again! We had a leisurely breakfast and went back to our room to pack up before checking out. Our flight wasnt until 19:55 and we didnt want to have to lump the case around with us. Fortunately, the hotel allowed us to leave our bags there so we could go exploring. Id worked out that we needed to be back at the hotel between 3pm 4pm giving us 2 hours to get back to CDG for check-in at 6pm.
Today we wanted to have a ride on the river and visit Notre Dame. We knew there was a river cruise leaving at 10am and wed have to get our skates on. We caught the metro and then swapped onto a double-decker train (never been on double decked train before!) on the RER system up to the Eiffel Tower. Wed missed the Seine with commentary cruise so decided to get tickets for the Batobus. These are smaller, non-commentary boats that act like buses up and down the Seine. You can hop on/off all day (at designated stops!) for 10 euros. We took the boat all the way to Notre Dame but were saddened to see the tents and temporary shelters used by vagrants on the side of the river. I know every city has homeless people and they have to stay somewhere but I cant imagine the concrete banks of a river being that warm or inviting.
The Batobus
On our arrival at Notre Dame there were people everywhere, if anything, it was even busier than the Eiffel Tower had been yesterday. We entered the church to the sounds of a choir who were practising. It gave our walk around an eerie feeling. Its so dark in the church; even the subdued lighting and that from the large stained glass windows made it difficult to see. We saw the statue to Joan Of Arc but wondered how pleased she would be as people had lit candles near her feet. I dont think shed be that fond of fire! The walk around Notre Dame, reading some of the plaques, seeing the carvings, and just getting the atmosphere of the church was a great experience. Although I am not the slightest bit religious (I dont believe in any deity or God), I love churches because of the love, care and attention that went into creating them.
The Front of Notre Dame
As is usual, our thoughts turned to food and we found a chocolate shop on the isle de cite. We bought a tray of fruit and a cup of melted chocolate to dip the fruit into. Gorgeous! We then made our way back to the river to catch the Batobus back to the Champs Elysees. On alighting here we had a crepe from the stall wed used on Sunday before perusing the shops. We headed off into the side streets which were full of boutiques and restaurants. This turned out to be the really exclusive side as Ruth saw a purse that were the equivalent of £200! Making our way back to the Champs Elysees, we stopped off at the George V street café where we ordered 2 humongous salads (mine was paysanne with sausage and cheese). Deciding that time was getting tight, we took one last walk up to the Arc De Triomphe and had a photo taken before heading back to the hotel.
A rare photo of DW & I without kids!
Final thoughts ...
The weekend was great, almost perfect. The hotel was comfortable and I'd certainly stay there again. Everyone we spoke to was helpful and friendly and even though neither of us speak French we got by with their assistance. I just don't understand where the "myth" of rude / arrogant French people comes from as we didn't see it at all. We can't wait to go back but next time we'll have the kids with us as they'll also love it!
