Left Brugge and headed South towards the WW1 region of the Somme and Villers Bretineaux at a relatively early time by Sephs standards. Hit a beautiful freeway and thought how easy is this. It was then that I realised I was on a toll road. 100 ks later when we came out at Villers I was hit with the hefty toll of 10 Euros. Sacre Bleur!..and we complain about City Link!
The war region was incredible, we saw the Australian war memorial which is exceptionally well maintained. Its on the highest point in the region and the view from the top of the tower over the thousands of graves of young soldiers was very moving. More so than I imagined.
The town itself has references to Australia all over it, from signs saying never forge the Australians to Kangaroo signposts and cafes. And I thought the Fench didnt care!
The museum itself was closed (as everything else is in France from 12.30 to 2.30.)
Headed off on an exhausting (and technically challenging ) drive into our Paris park. This is an amazing spot. Only 5 ks from the centre of Paris, on he Banks of the Seine River. Drove down narrow little lanes, only two cars honked, and parked for at least the next 5 days. It is a great spot. 3 train stations from Le Grand Arch/Defence station. (right at the Arc de Triumph)
Its like camping on the Yarra river in Hawthorn!
French facilities leave a little to be desired however. (ie no toilet seats or paper in the loos) Lucky we have our own.
Hit Paris big time the next day. Started with the Arc de Triumph. How the French navigate this in cars is amazing. At least six unmarked lanes all merging and crossing Chaos!! I could just imagine the bikes of Le Tour screaming down The Champs Elysee and finishing under this amazing monument!!
Eiffel Tower next. We walked to the third level. (like climbing a 21 storey building) and then caught the elevator to the summit. Amazing views and we saved lining up for three hours by walking up half way. Very romantic at the top but at 12 euros a glass of champagne, we stuck to or bottled water.
From here we wandered along the banks of the Seine, up the Champs Elysee, past the Palais Royale, and had an expresso sitting in the deck chairs in The Tuilleries Park. From here to the Louvre where we wandered through some of the classical works of modern civilisation including the Venus de Gummi Bear. (Milo) and yes the Mona Lisa. Caught the train home exhausted.
Friday it was kids day, Disneyland!
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