The TGV was our next mode of transport – we left Milan at 8.45 and arrived in Paris at 3pm in the afternoon. The train from Milan arrived at the Gare de Lyon and we had booked a cheap hotel close to the Gare du Nord – our departure point on the 06.30 EuroStar train to London the next day. The hotel was just a couple of stops away on the Metro and once again we deposited our cases in the left luggage office. We anticipated that the hotel wouldn’t have a lift – and didn’t fancy carrying them up five flights of stairs, which is the norm in Paris’ inexpensive hotels. Good move!
Our only task for that evening was to find a good French restaurant within walking distance and enjoy French food again. This was more difficult than we thought – the hotel seemed to be surrounded by eateries from all over the world – Thai, Indian, Moroccan, and Mexican. Eventually, alongside the Quai de Valmy canal sitting sublimely in the sun was just what we were looking for – La Marine. With a bottle of wine and an excellent meal we concluded our trip across Asia and Europe.
Just the English Channel to conquer!