France – Paris

On our last day in Paris we went to the recently opened Picasso Museum. How is this for a quintessential Parisian scene.

The building the museum was housed in was magnificent.

France – Chartres

On Oct 17 we went to Chartres to see the Norte Dame de Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site. During the second World War all of the stained glass windows from this cathedral were removed within 15 days and stored until the end of the war for preservation. Renovations are on going. Dramatic Cathedral.

Very picturesque town.

France – Paris

It was fun to watch a production being filmed in the common area as we left the apartment today.

This evening we enjoyed a wonderful French dinner out for Christelle’s birthday.

France – Paris

Today we woke up to the sound and sights of children playing in the school yard down below the apartment. Such a delight for John and I.

This day took us to the Javel district where the Eiffel tower loomed large as you cross into the main centre. Christelle cooked an amazing soufflé for dinner and the two beat us handily at bridge.

France – Paris

Oct 14 we left the boat and met Sebastien (Terry and Michele Markley’s son) and Christelle at the metro near their home. Genny and Steve from Whitehorse were just completing their visit with Saba and Christelle so we had a nice visit with them before they left.

That evening we went down to the Seine at the Gare d’Austerlitz railway station to listen to Cuban music and watch salsa dancers.

We came home to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up viewed through our bedroom window.

France – Paris

From where our boat docked, we took the tramway and Metro to Belleville where Edith Piaf was born at #72 Rue de Belleville.

In Belleville Park we climbed the highest point in Paris and later sat at a corner café in the district watching the incredibly diverse population stream by us, a wonderful feast for our eyes.

France – Bike and Barge – Paris

On Friday Oct 12 we rode 38K from Melun to Paris, which was our last day to ride. These last few days John enjoyed driving the boat, protecting his hip, as we biked along the Seine from village to village. Coffee was in Seine-Port, home of Brie cheese.

Lunch in Corbeille.

That evening we had a party on deck with champagne and appies as we sailed through the heart of Paris. Chango entertained us after dinner with a great selection of music, while some guests danced we played bridge. A great evening ending a highly recommended journey.

France – Bike and Barge – to Melun

On Oct 11 we rode from Moret-sur-Loing to Melun. This was a 38k trip passing through Chateau Fontainebleau a UNESCO world heritage site. This palace houses over 1500 rooms at the heart of 130 acreas of parkland and gardens.

Through the forests of Fontainebleau we road to the artist village of Barbizon where many pre-impressionist painters came to paint the beautiful natural landscapes. The homes of Henri Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet are here as well as the Auberge Ganne one of the original Inns that was the home of many of the painters.

Leaving Barbizon we rode through the forest where we were stopped by hunters looking for wild boar. It took a lot of convincing by our guide, Nina, to allow them to let us pass. They agreed only if we went fast. As we were pedalling hard we heard two shots that made us pedal even faster. This sign was at the end of the forest path.

France – Bike and Barge – Moret sur Loing

We stayed 2 nights in Moret sur Loing, a stunningly beautiful medieval fortified town.

We rode from Moret sur Loing 10 Km to a local pottery studio stopping for lunch in a nearby park.

Our bike group: Susan, Rhonda, Vicky, Karen, Dean, Nina, Jane, Lan, Brad, Liz, Mark, Caroline, Frances and Mary

France – Bike and Barge -Pont sur Yonne – Montereau

On Oct 9 we rode from Sens to Pont sur Yonne stopping for a break. This day took us 45 k through many small villages and farm areas.

Riding on to Montereau, we visited the town that lies at the confluence of the Yonne and Seine Rivers. Here on the Elodie we rode through the locks while dining and then sailed on to Moret sur Loing.