Well, this is it! Last few hours of driving this morning with our little Peugeot!
We were up early, continental brekkie in our hotel and we were on the road not long after 8.30am. Already several detours due to the crazy roadworks everywhere in Pau but soon managed to head out of town and onto the motorway. With just a quick coffee stop enroute we arrived back at our drop off point near Mérignac airport Bordeaux around 11am. The 200kms encompasses lush rolling hills for most of the trip, with farmlands, pine forests and an abundance of vineyards as we approached Bordeaux.
Total kms covered over our 31 days was 5655! Not a bad effort!
Effortless and quick car hand over then we were driven across to the airport and jumped on shuttle bus that was about to depart for Gare St Jean. After the 30 minute direct trip, needless to say, typical of us we were very early, but certainly not stressed ! Plenty of time to chill, have a baguette, chat with Roey on the phone and stand with the crowd staring at the departures screen waiting for the platform to be allocated.
As soon as Platform 2 was displayed we were on our way - there really is only about 20-30 minutes from then till departure so can be a tad hectic. This time our seats were on the top level of the carriage. Another pleasant 2 x hour trip through incredibly flat farming countryside - reaching speeds of up to 315km per hour! Mind blowing!
We decided to be adventurous on our arrival at Montparnasse station and attempt to reach our hotel in the 9th Arrondissement by Metro. We had tickets left over from our Paris stay four weeks ago, so with various escalators, stairs, walkways and two line changes - we made it to Grand Boulevards. And thanks to google maps was only a short walk to our cute little Parisienne Hotel D’Espagne. In true Paris style - small room but comfy and adequate... and the girl on reception has already proved a wealth of knowledge!
We freshened up then headed out to wander this lovely restaurant and bar filled area, and without even trying came across Folies Bergere! Love it here already! Had a couple of drinks at a nearby bar but Raymo had already decided on dinner based on google recommendations - and it was literally across the lane from our hotel! So close we could still access the wifi! It’s called “Friends & Family” , the 11th oldest restaurant in Paris, and true to its reviews was amazing! Mackerel and octopus entree and bream and veal for mains! Going to be hard to top on this trip! Beautiful!
Strolled a few more streets in this vibrant opera/theatre district with a glass of red in one bar. The staff are all so friendly and atmosphere is infectious.
Time to retire for the night - it’s been another great one!