The Hotel Bastille Marais was just perfect. Oh so quiet, with a large comfy bed and copious hot water (once I managed to figure out the taps). The staff on the desk were totally lovely and couldn’t do enough to make my stay an enjoyable one. I do get stressed in France. Not totally sure why, but the language freaks me out. Silly really, as I am ok at reading some French and can generally figure out what most people are saying. I find the Parisian Bistrot terrifying though as I am convinced I will end up feasting on horse. I do feel much safer with the fromage, but then not that different to home really, as not that keen on meat at the best of time.
The location of the Hotel Bastille Marais couldn’t have been better. It was about half way between Republic and Bastille so walkable really to everywhere. Super easy to get to Gare Du Nord, and a lovely stroll to Gare de Lyon for this morning’s train. Strolling was far preferable to the bikes amongst the traffic – had to close my eyes a few times as young girls without helmets swerved between totally mental drivers.
I have just arrived at Valence Rhone Alpes Sud so I guess it won’t be long until I drop in to Spain. The scenery outside has been beautiful so far. The small villages picture perfect as we have sped across France at 300km an hour.
I can now see the Alps out the window and sitting upstairs on this super comfortable train is just so much more pleasurable than flying. The sun is bright and the train is surrounded by hills. Terracotta roofs, church steeples and the occasional hilltop tower are nestled beneath the peaks that just have a smattering of snow. I have a bossy older French woman sitting in my assigned seat so am playing musical chairs as new people get on. It is OK though, as I get to see a different view out different sides of the train. It is a gorgeous day outside and I just feel so damn lucky to be here.
Sleeping under the stars 