After our weekend taking in numerous sights in perfect sunshine and warm weather we got a dose of the wet stuff.
Tuesday was a full day bike tour of the Gardens of Versailles. This was an amazing tour and a must on travel plans for any future visitors. Claire and Olivia starred on the bikes - which admittedly I had been concerned on how they would cope with a full day.
An earlish start and then a train ride out to Versailles. Collect the bikes and off we ride. We were in a tour of 20 and it worked fine, Aussies and yanks only - a great bunch of people.
The grounds (as those who may have been before would know) are huge, and getting around by bike is really the only way to do it.
The Palace equally was bigger than anything we'd seen.
On the tour we stop at local markets and buy our lunch and wine, and then later sit in the gardens and picnic. Unfortunately the weather turned just before lunch and it wasn't the fairy tale lunch setting, but we managed, and still had one of the most amazing days of the trip.
Wednesday was our last full day in Paris but we still had a few things to tick off the must do list.
First was the éclair and macaroons from a patisserie. Washed down with a shitty latè, the espresso is the safest way to go.
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| Rain in Paris only makes a good excuse to step inside. |
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| And the big decision is which one?!!!!! |
We then continued to the Musee D'Orsay, an amazing gallery that took all our breaths away - especially the Van Gough special exhibit.
Again the weather was average but we pushed on, and as the rain stopped we took our chances and headed to Roland Garros, where the qualifying rounds were finishing up before the French Grand Slam begins Sunday.
We got lucky and saw James Duckworth win after loosing the first set, and then Olivia Rogowska take charge before rain again suspended play (eventually winning through). Amazing how many people attended and how many Aussies there are supporting our up and comings, and it gave us a great chance to feel a small part of one of the four world Tennis slams. Also interesting to confirm just how far from home we were!
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| Is it really that far! |
We enjoyed a lovely last night dinner before again braving the rain to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower light up at 10pm. Another amazing sight and worth a late wet night.
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| The girls ordered this meringue for you DeDee! |
Late because one thing I have learnt is how much light there is here in this part of northern Europe at this time of the year. Sun rise approx 4.45am and sets well after 9.30pm.
Our last morning, Thursday 22nd, our final trip to the corner Brasserie and a cooked breakfast before collecting the car and heading to Giverny to visit Monet's Garden. This started as planned until the sat nav in our brand new leased Renault shut off as we were 1/2hr out of Paris. No detailed maps and only a international number to call wasn't the preferred situation, and after a frustrating quick call we drove on and luckily found a major Renault dealership and without a word of English and a few very bad french ones, they fixed the issue. Again a show of the amazingly courteous and friendly French we have found.
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| Packed and ready to drive the French country side in the Renault Beast!. |
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| The girls tried the cars while we waited - €6,000.00 |
Monet's gardens was another amazing tick off the list and again we all felt very lucky to visit such a beautiful place. The weather cleared perfectly for us and the serenity just sitting there was special.
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| Monet's bedroom view each morning. |
So we arrived for one night at a basic little motel in the middle of no where, but again with great hospitality we sat in the lounge and did our diaries and my blog, drank more wine (with cheese and salami) and played some cards - Thanks Glen for the Uno!
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| Sun setting at 9.40pm! |
So our trip now turns to regional France. The pace will slow and although only beginning to feel relaxed I think it will begin feeling more that way in the coming week.
I must say further to my previous post I stand by my initial comments, but Paris is truly a beautiful city. I look forward to the chance at hopefully returning at some stage in the future to continue exploring the beauty it has.
I will finish with passing details of a web link (you may need to cut and paste) that friends Ben and Melanie (also my previous PA) have set up in trying to raise some money for a very personal cause. I know a few dollars would gratefully appreciated if you have the chance; https://city2surf2014.everydayhero.com/au/ben-10
Love and Friendship to all,
The Happy Traveller.
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| Gardens of Versailles |
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| The famous Room of Mirrors. |
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| Front gates to the Palace of Versailles. |
Go the UNO.... Looks awesome, very jealous.
ReplyDeleteGlenno