Paris Day 2.

We checked out of our hotel and decided to drive closer in to Paris and leave the car while we did some more looking around. We headed to Gare du Nor, the train station from which the Eurostar leaves, figuring there would be sufficient parking. We put 'Parking' in the GPS and after circling the block a few time, entering taxi only areas and probably running a few red lights we found somewhere to park. In general this visit, I have found Paris to be a lot cleaner than the last time I was here- with one exception. The area around Gare du nord is absolutely revolting with beggar women, piss, dog shit and spit everywhere. No wonder last time we thought it was so bad as we arrived and departed and also went to a cafe there.


As this was my third time in Paris I didn't want to do the bus tour of Paris, so I helped Rob and Ret find the bus, then made my way round the city using the trains. I headed for the Arc de Truimphe, and climbed the 200+ stairs to the top. It had lovely views and you can see why it hold such significance in this city. It is actually very big when you are standing underneath it and has so many carvings and dedications, I wished I could read.

(These were some men walking down the Champs Elysees, creating a stir with their bare bum. They had a sign but I didn't know what it said, I presume it was a dare or bucks party)
I messaged Lauretta to see how they were going and they were only a few blocks down the Champs Ulyssees so I met with them to have a drink and some lunch. We headed for a cafe and as expected the prices were absolutely phenomenal but we got some food and drink anyway. Rob was surprised by his espresso coming in a tiny cup. I was surprised when my iced coffee was coffee with ice in it- no milk or whipped cream. Just delicious.... not. We got some sandwiches which were pretty tasty until we saw a mouse on the floor of the restaurant. He is obviously a regular there as he didn't mind people putting their foot merely centimetres from him and he kept munching on crumbs on the floor. The waiters saw it and just kept walking. If a mouse was seen anywhere else in the world I am sure people would freak out, but not here. Nevertheless we paid for our meal and left knowing that no matter what people would still eat at their restaurant.

Rob and Ret hopped back on the bus, then I went shopping! I bought a few souvenirs, a bottle of French champagne, some shirts, 3 pairs of shoes and some French snacks. We aimed to meet back at the car at 5, but their bus took a lot longer and so we got there after 6. The aim was then to drive from Paris in an easterly direction and hopefully find a B and B for the night. We got to a town called Fountainbleu but that weekend there was an international gathering on in the town and all accommodation was booked out. A kind lady at the Mercure offered to ring some nearby hotels for us and arranged us some rooms at a hotel about 25 minutes away (back in the direction of Paris).By this time it was dark and we were relying heavily on Kate to get us there. She got us to the town, but unfortunately not the right hotel. We eventually found our hotel and it was nice and clean. We had a few drinks in the bar and they were really helpful and friendly though very busy as they were also hosting a wedding.