Paris Coach Trip 2004

Coach Trip to Paris

29th December 2004

When Maria asked me to join her and Alejandro on the Paris City Sights & River Cruise, I wasn't sure at first, but I'm so glad I went now. We had a great day. We were well looked after our two drivers for the day, serving tea/coffee, soft drinks etc on the way for 50p a time.

We left at 6.30 am from Cheriton. Not as early as those who had come from Ramsgate or Tunbridge Wells!! We joined the queue for the train almost straight away - only stopping to let off three people who did not have their passports and a quick scan of the coach with a funny wand that looked like it had pasta shapes on it!

The crossing was slightly bumpy even though we were on the train, and not the sea, as the suspension of a coach rocks more than a car. I'd say we arrived in Calais at around 9 am (French time) but I lost sense of time as we didn't have to worry about such things apart from what time to get back to the coach later in the day.

We stopped at services half way for a break and change of drivers. Chance to stretch our legs and use the facilities if we wanted to.

On arrival in Paris - over three hours from Calais - we drove around the Arc De Triomphe - apparently if you have an accident in the area around the Arc your insurance company will not pay out as there has been too many small claims - and down the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde where there is the French version of the London Eye. Then crossing over the Seine, the coach parked right by the River Tours underneath the Eiffel Tower. One of the drivers went to get our tickets for the boat trip and then we ventured out alone.

It was cloudy at first and slightly cold but we still decided it would be best to sit outside on the boat.

Many beautiful buildings and fine architecture.

Alejandro and I worked out the languages on the phone commentaries but he wouldn't thank me if I put the picture here that I took of him listening to it!!

(Not sure of the name of this bridge)

Looking forward to seeing Maria's pictures....

Pont Alexander III

Pont Alexander III

National Assembly

Orsay Museum

The Louvre

Pont Des Arts

This footbridge was initially built between 1801 and 1804, then reworked in 1852. The name comes from the nearby Louvre which was then known as the Palace of Arts. After collapsing in 1979, the footbridge was rebuilt in the same spirit by Louis Arretche in 1984.

Pont-Neuf

This bridge, with its 12 arches, is the oldest bridge in Paris. It was built between 1578 and 1607 to the order of Henri III and inaugurated by Henri IV. 385 sculpted heads (mascarons) decorate the roadway across the bridge and are said to represent Henri IV's courtiers.

Maria and Alejandro

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Turning the boat

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Tournelle Bridge

We crossed the bridge and walked up to the Trocadero

View from the steps of the Trocadero

Writing in Gold says:

IL DÉPEND DE CELUI QUI PASSE

QUE JE SOIS TOMBE OU TRÉSOR

QUE JE PARLE OU ME TAISE

CECI NE TIENT QU'A TOI

AMI N'ENTRE PAS SANS DÉSIR

Arc De Triomphe

(not the leaning Tower of Pisa)

Champs-Elysees

We come all the way to Paris, and someone wants to eat at MacDonalds which we had seen here earlier

These were taken from the traffic island while we waited to cross the road!

Pretty white trees in the gardens alongside the road

Going back to the coach as the sun was setting

We were told to get back to the coach for 6pm (French time). Unfortunately a couple of people had a problem on the Metro and we were about 20 minutes late leaving. We missed our scheduled crossing and then had to travel on the near to midnight one. It was nearly midnight (English time) when we got home. A long day, but it was well worth it.

I’d like to go again one day. Would like to go up the Eiffel Tower and up the Arc De Triomphe some time!!