France

 

“Paris is always a good idea.” — Audrey Hepburn

Bruce asked me to write the trip report--that's why it's two weeks late.

So, two weeks ago we flew home from Paris.  

 

When I stop to reflect,  I remember that we were pickpocketed in the Paris metro, we had to sit on our luggage on the train from Dijon, we were harassed by traffic and misty rain on our bike rides, there were protesters and police outside of our Bastille hotel, the winery we wanted in Beaune was closed.  Therefore, I don't exactly know why, but we had one of our best times ever!!

Our bike and barge was set in Burgundy.  19 bikers, all Canadiens, except us, on the Yonne river/canal.  After the first day, we switched to ebikes because we all rode together and we just couldn't keep up on the regular bikes.  It was pretty great fun.  As you know, Canadiens are all required to be nice people, so our time together was quite pleasant.  And the food--si bon!

We got off the boat in Auxerre and took the train to Dijon.  Burgundians are very proud of their history, as well they should be, so we visited museums, castles, galleries and markets.  The mustard, of course.  We ended up staying 10 days at 2 hotels.  We wanted to extend at the Hotel des Ducs, but they were full, so we moved a block away to the brand new Aloft, Dijon.  If you're ever in Dijon....The staff were so kind and helpful.  They gifted us a nice bottle champagne for our 55th anniversary.  I ate escargots for the first time, and I'd do it again.

Back to Paris.  Time with friends, a very good cocktail at L'Abricot. It is Jen Crain's, women-owned, contemporary bar.  Look for it when you're in Paris. 

Home again.