Le Havre turned out to be a surprisingly interesting place to visit. Le Havre is marketed as the "gateway to Paris" for cruise ships but we decided to forego the 7 hours on a train and discover the local area instead. With a population of around 190,000 this city celebrated its 500th anniversary as a seaport in 2017. The town centre was rebuilt by architect Auguste Perret and is Europe's first mid-20th-century urban settlement to be included in the World Herita...

Wonderful drive along the Cote d'Azur to Nice- playground of the rich and famous. Popped in to see the Grimaldi family and paid our respects at Princess Grace's tomb. Viewed with envy all the yachts in the harbour...had a bit of trouble finding mine!! Up in the hills we visited St Paul de Vence. What a wonderful place- medieval village bought to life with all forms of art, cobbled alley ways and a sense of peace and serenity. A visit to the Fragonard Perfumery...

Sad to leave Paris so soon but enjoying the beautiful French countryside- drove through the forest of Fontainebleau, Burgundy and then followed the River Sloane. Along the Rhone valley to Avignon. Saw the Palace of the Popes and the old bridge that they never quite finished!!!

Ghastly 4.30 start. Great group of people. White cliffs of Dover not so white at the moment due to volcanic ash. Journey through French countryside in great anticipation of arriving in Paris. Totally speechless.....its all so surreal after waiting so long to get here. Actually cried when the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, starting with the glittering fairy lights. Saw all the wonderful sights that Paris is renown for but the Eiffel Tower still holds a specia...