First trip to Europe. Followed much of Rick’s advice via books, audio/radio, video, articles and Tom Griffin’s Thursday night Normandy talk at Rick’s Edmonds, WA travel center. Appreciated the 20% discount on the travel suitcase and backpack we bought there. As Rick says, we tried to be part of the party and not a walking dollar sign.
Paris: Stayed in a 1-room B&B in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb just west of the Paris city traffic ring. Quiet, relaxing and two Metro stops from the ring.
Bought a Metro cartel. Our first visit was 3rd Metro stop at Arc de Triomphe for photos. Then, walked down Champs-Elysees all the way past de Gaulle’s statue to The Louvre. Had a great lunch at Pret a Manger along the way (French twist on a British chain restaurant). Sandwiches, soup, salad, croissant, smoothie and excellent coffee. The Louvre had six people in line ahead of us! Definitely have to go back again to view more. Dinner at Le Sequoia restaurant back in Neuilly-sur-Seine with the neighborhood locals. Learning point: our B&B owner said she hadn’t prepared breakfast cuz we didn’t ask for it ahead of arrival. No problem.
Breakfast at Le Winston restaurant near our Les Sablon Metro C Line stop. For some picnic meals, we shopped at the local Monoprix for great cheeses, bread, desserts and drinks. Next, at the 2nd Metro stop, just inside the traffic ring, transferred to RER C Train Line for 30 min ride south to Versailles Chateau. Entry definitely fastest there if you just go straightaway to self-serve ticket machines using a chip-type credit card. The machines are sort of hidden in a back room to your left as you stand in line to buy tickets from a human. Viewed Eiffel Tower from Trocadero at Rick’s suggestion. The Tower turns a beautiful gold color at late sunset from the spotlights below.
Normandy: Enroute drove thru Honfluer. Stayed at Le Fermes aux Chats B&B in their Maine Coon room on 2nd floor, located just west of Bayeux in Formigny and only 3 km from Omaha Beach. Fantastic! Owners Loic and Joelle are great hosts and at breakfast fed us more than we could eat of homemade breads and jams, eggs cooked to order, cheeses, meats, yogurts, cereals, juices, excellent coffee and teas. We were sad to leave! Dozed off in the evenings warm and toasty by the fireplace in the rocking chair, sofa or chairs. Quiet, secure home with electric gate for free parking. Will definitely go back.