Yesterday, we faced our longest and most complicated drive in France. In the end, it amounted to nothing more than a trip up Interstate 91 or a trek into Boston, albeit with French-language roadsigns.

We checked out of Chateau Guerinet after our final breakfast there (which each day had consisted of croissants, baguettes, fruit and cheese). Our first destination was Fontainebleau, an extraordinary chateau that served as a hunting palace for kings and a primary residence for Napolean I and his wives. The extravagance at Fontainbleau exceeded all the other chateaux that we had earlier toured. From our present-day perspective, Napoleon's own symbols of power appeared self-indulgent in the extreme. You can peruse the pictures for some of the examples.

After Fontainebleau came the rest of our drive to Paris. Parisian rush-hour was no worse than Boston or Washington, DC. Once we checked into the Hotel Elysee Montparnasse, we began our exploration of the city in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Some of the fountains and sculptures are included in the photographs. We ended up at the river, where we bade hello to Notre Dame Cathedral.

More to come later. Enjoy the photos.