Paris to Montpellier
Awake at 4am again. Attempted to aid a longer slumber via
heavy rosé consumption but unfortunately failed. So we once again waited for
the breakfast service to commence at 7.15am. Breakfast is 8 euros per person
and consists of a glass of OJ, a croissant, a hunk of baguette, a large mug of
very strong coffee (chocolate chaud pour les enfants), butter and preserves.
Perfect. Not sliming but perfect none the less.
After breakfast, we went for a stroll to the very close Place de Vosges then visited a boulangerie and a small supermarket to get supplies for our train trip to Montpellier later that morning. We purchased 2 baguettes, some brie and some ham – as you do. We then checked out of the wonderful Jeanne d’Arc hotel, loaded up all our bags and hit the streets of Paris for our journey via the Metro to the Gare de Lyon – the train station.
After breakfast, we went for a stroll to the very close Place de Vosges then visited a boulangerie and a small supermarket to get supplies for our train trip to Montpellier later that morning. We purchased 2 baguettes, some brie and some ham – as you do. We then checked out of the wonderful Jeanne d’Arc hotel, loaded up all our bags and hit the streets of Paris for our journey via the Metro to the Gare de Lyon – the train station.
I am writing this now from my seat on the TGV as we hurtle
our way South towards Montpellier. Current speed is a swift 340kmph – fast.
Total time to Montpellier – 3 hours. I’d hate to think how long it would take
to drive this. What a wonderful thing the SNCF (French train network) is.
In Montpellier, we are staying with some of Christine’s family – Frederic and Susan. Frederic is Chris's 1st cousin and the last time they met, she was 6 years old. That’s about 120 years ago. We are staying in their “2nd” house (Don’t you have 2 houses?) for 2 nights. The kids are amped with excitement because they have a swimming pool and by all accounts, a dip in a pool might be called for based on current temperatures. Staying with family that we do not know should be fun.
In Montpellier, we are staying with some of Christine’s family – Frederic and Susan. Frederic is Chris's 1st cousin and the last time they met, she was 6 years old. That’s about 120 years ago. We are staying in their “2nd” house (Don’t you have 2 houses?) for 2 nights. The kids are amped with excitement because they have a swimming pool and by all accounts, a dip in a pool might be called for based on current temperatures. Staying with family that we do not know should be fun.
We have only just left Paris, yet we already can’t wait to
come back one day.
The Paris we encountered this time will be remembered for:
- · The first taste of the French baguette. It’s like a long lost old special friend. Crispy yet chewy – nothing like the ones we get at home
- · Hot sore feet. We tubed to the Eiffel Tower then walked back. Did I mention that it was hot?
- · Jeanne d’Arc hotel and the Marais. Cool hotel in
a cool part of town
- · Elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was scared. Chris is scared of heights so she was terrified.
- · Getting used to being with your kids 24/7.
1 ½ hours in, 1 ½ hours to go. Montpellier and the rest of
our adventure hurtles towards us at break neck speed. Bring on the next bit.
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