Paris - Journey's End

Thursday 29 August - Sunday 1 September

Thursday
We woke early to grey skies but didn't really have time to contemplate the weather as we were on the train by 8 am and heading for Gardemoen Airport.  A hassle free trip and by 1 pm we were on the ground at Charles de Gaulle.  Despite being warned about dodgy drivers at the airport, we took our chances, sharing with a young couple (Eastern European?), and were whisked into the city centre in a very flash and comfortable maxi van/people mover and deposited at the Novotel Les Halles by a very obliging driver.  It is much better travelling into Paris outside of peak hour.   I was glad to have splurged on a car as the whole of the Forum at Les Halles is undergoing massive renovations which are going to continue for another couple of years.  Some of the entrances to the RER and Metro are closed and it is quite a mission to get to the stations, especially with luggage to haul.  The wheels on Jessica's bag are nearing collapse so I think we will need to go suitcase shopping tomorrow.  The good old bag has travelled around the world a few times so  retirement looms.
Annoyingly we had to wait to get access to our room even though it was after 2 pm but the staff were very nice and provided orange juice.
After a week of socialising in Norway Jess was pretty whacked so declined all offers of outings for tonight.  We walked over to the Rue Montorgeuil and were fortunate to find an outside table in one of the many restaurants that line this great little street.  Sadly the food was not fantastic - but we enjoyed the ambience.  The evening was still light so we strolled down to the river and to the Pont Neuf to see the lights of the left bank and the Eiffel Tower.  Lots of people out and about as it was warm and balmy after a sunny day.  Back to the hotel and happy to have an earlyish night.

Paris lights from the Pont Neuf

Friday
Jess has many plans for her last days in Paris, but first on the agenda was breakfast at the Café Paris Beauborg by the Pompidou Centre and then a trip to BHV department store to purchase a new suitcase.  Without too much trouble and a hefty tax refund we were soon back at the hotel with new luggage.  When I inquired about the disposal of the old bag the housemaid asked if she could have it!  I explained about the wheels but "pas de problem"  - she seemed happy with her acquisition.

Paris breakfast 

Lunch time and on the Rue Coquillere we found a restaurant specialising in dishes from the Auvergne region.  The salads were ok, nothing special, but the accompanying  big chunk of Cantal cheese was quite delicious.  Another warm sunny day in Paris and Jess was off to spend the afternoon in the Jardin du Luxembourg with her friend Jonas.  I headed for the Rue de Rivoli and had a few happy hours browsing in the stores and actually buying a couple of tops at Mango (much cheaper here than in Australia).
Caught up with Jess again at the hotel - she was changing for a big night out with her ex Bond Uni Paris mates, Baptiste and Stan, and some of their friends.  She will be staying the night at Stan's home in beautiful Passy on the other side of Paris.  I think Stan's maman is accustomed to having overnighters - apparently they have a very large apartment.  I walked to the Metro with Jess, had a bite in the hotel restaurant and then was happy to relax with a book- the Novotel is surprisingly quiet despite being in such a busy location.

Saturday
Hard to believe that I am flying home tomorrow after two wonderful months in France and a great little side trip to Norway.  Jess arrived back from Stan's and we packed up our bags for the 12 noon checkout.  (A wonderful night out says she).  We left our bags at reception and headed out for a bite of lunch in the Chatelet district which was crowded with Saturday shoppers (it seems that the last Saturday of the month is always particularly busy as it follows payday!).  A final lunch of ham and cheese crepe with salad for me and croquet monsieur for Jess and then we did a little last minute shopping.   I said goodbye to Jess back at the hotel as she was going to stay with Jonas until leaving for London tomorrow afternoon.  I decided to take one last stroll around Paris before getting a cab to the Novotel at Charles de Gaulle where I would be staying the night.  It was very pleasant to amble through the streets between Place de la Concorde and Les Halles, including the Rue St Honore with its designer stores, chauffeur driven limos and paparazzi ( no celebs apparent this afternoon).  I spent a little time in the peaceful Jardin du Palais Royal where the summer flowers are still in full bloom and arrived back at the hotel in time for my pre-ordered cab.

Jardin du Palais Royal

The driver was a very chatty Cambodian fellow who has lived in Paris for thirty something years.  Another chance to practice my language skills and to have a couple of grammar lessons along the way!.   The Novotel is near Terminal 3 but the CDGVAL train stops right outside so it is easy to access all parts of the airport.  It is just as good as the Sheraton and half the price (including breakfast) so no complaints.  I went over to Terminal 2 to collect our stored bag from the Consignment Depot - what a good service - and then it was back to the hotel for an omelette and a sleep.  Glad to hear that Jess is all good and enjoying the hospitality of the lovely Jonas. Hope she has a successful week in London.

Jardin du Palais Royal

Sunday
A leisurely breakfast and then an easy transfer by CDGVAL to Terminal 1 to check in for my 12 noon flight.  Check-in was very quick so I had plenty of time to relax in the lounge before boarding - upstairs in the A380 with really comfortable flatbeds.   As I was originally travelling with Jess I had an empty seat alongside - so nice.  Always enjoy flying with Malaysian and fortunately only a short layover at KLIA. 
Looking forward to arriving home but equally thinking about returning to France next year - I guess I am addicted!  We have been blessed with superb weather and a fantastic trip through many wonderful regions of France - now where have I not been in this beautiful country?  Hmmmm - 2014 road trip anyone?