Wednesday, 16 October to Saturday, 19 October 2024
We used trains for all our travel this trip and it worked well. We chose hotels close to the station where possible and our duffle bags with big wheels handled the cobblestones or rough pavements. We left the hotel and found the nearby Metz train station. It is a beautiful station built by the Germans when this was part of Germany from 1870 to 1918.
It was an hour and a half by train to Paris Gare de l’Est and then a short walk to the Hotel Helussi in the 9th Arrondissement. This was a small hotel with a nearby Metro so was perfect for the next 2 nights. Once we had unpacked, we caught the Metro to Notre Dame cathedral. There was still a lot of work going on and scaffolding everywhere. It certainly didn’t look like it would be open for Christmas!
We then visited the Archaeological Crypt of the Ile de la Cite. The site was discovered in 1965 during the construction of an underground carpark. It dates back to Roman times and is exceptionally preserved given it is in the heart of Paris.
On Thursday we awoke to a forecast of rain all day. Warren was keen to visit the Hotel des Invalides again. We had visited in 2017 but there was still much to see. This time we concentrated on World War I although we also went to see the section about the resistance which I had found so interesting last visit. We then visited Napoleons tomb and admired the Church of the Dome.
After our visit, Warren went back to the hotel while I visited the shops to get souvenirs for our granddaughter and soon to be born grandson. By now the rain was bucketing down and I was glad to arrive back at our hotel.
On Friday morning we walked to Gard du Nord for the Metro trip to Charles de Gaulle Airport. We had had a great and varied trip but we were looking forward to going home after nearly seven weeks away.
I always enjoy reading your travel, blogs, Debbie. It looks like you had another great vacation.
Thanks Del. I’m sure you and Cate would enjoy both bike rides.