This is my first trip report so bear with me...
Transportation:
As usual, I took the the day flight to London, one night at the Sofitel T5, then on to the Tube to St Pancras Station and the Eurostar to Paris. At the end, it was reversed with the Eurostar back to London and another night at the Sofitel before my flight home. Easy, peasy. I’m not in a hurry.
Sofitel comment: They always make a point of telling me they upgraded my room. I asked in what manner? “To a king size bed”, which is from a queen sized bed. I’m a solo traveler. An ultra unnecessarily large mattress is not an upgrade. I want free room service! Although they did give me a free mini bar…but I had no need to sit in my room and drink. LOL
G7: I only used it once from the hotel back to Gare du Nord for Eurostar back to London. Loved it. Easy, clear identity, and I received a wonderful French lesson until my brain became too tired…I have my time limit when trying to speak French.
Pickpockets/scams:
I saw no pickpockets. Nor did I see any other scams.
I did have to push my way out of a subway car while a class of uniformed kids pushed on without waiting. It’s a universal experience. They certainly were not there to pickpocket me. They were kids having a good time and I do know how to get off a subway unimpeded or impeded. LOL
French response to me:
I’ve always found the French to be lovely, friendly and helpful. I thought this time they were over the top friendly and helpful. I love being among the French. I could feel more ‘heaviness’ amidst people once I returned to London, but fine treatment still.
Weather:
OMG, lovely! Cool enough for a blazer while not getting sweaty walking around.
The weather was so lovely that the day before the tour, and after the morning activities of the tours in Paris, I did not go into any of the museums I had in mind. I love to walk Paris and I enjoyed the parks and people watching, and the gardens, and patisseries, and… I’ve decided I need to return in the winter so I will go inside. LOL Je flanes.
I wasn’t particularly excited about seeing Monet’s home/garden, but I was glad I did. Giverny’s garden was blooming beautifully. I can’t imagine it being more beautiful at any other time. I also really liked that yellow dining room.
PHOF
Loved it. It was better than I expected and my bar was pretty high. Our guide, Julie, was great. The tour members were a friendly, interested and interesting group.
In Bourges, I was able to see where my G…grandmother was forced to marry her first husband in the 12th century; a piece of the romanesque church is incorporated into the present cathedral. I take my genealogy where ever I can get it. It’s an addiction. LOL
We were lucky enough to have Dale Booth as our Normandy guide. Need I say more? Yes, I bought his books and can’t wait to read them.
Average steps during tour: 15K to 21K (5-8 miles) so the description is accurate. This includes times when I took it easy. The walking pace is average, but it is a busy tour.
The food had some excellent gourmet level food in my non-foodie opinion. I was really surprised at the quality compared with my Greece Tour, but then I was in Paris.
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