The time has come for the good-byes. Who knows when we'll see John again? We really are very grateful for his hospitality, we wouldn't have been able to do so much with out him.

So back to Paris we go, this time taking the fastest route with tolls. We haven't booked anywhere but did check out the Premier Classe book and selected one just on the outskirts of Paris yet close'ish to the airport. No problems checking in.

After a short rest we headed for the Arc, utilising public transport. Time Tom got accustomed to the hoardes on the underground, in preparation for London.

We couldn't have picked a better day to go up the Arc. With barely a cloud in the sky the views over Paris and the suburbs seemed endless. Not sure what's more breathtaking, the views or the 284 steps you have to climb to witness them. It really was worth the effort though. They were undertaking some ceremony underneath when we arrived, not that we have any idea why, very considerate of them.

We dined at a fine internationally reknowned resturant on Champs Elysees, quite a bit cheaper than Switzerland, before tackling the journey back.