Road to Paris

Sunday 24 July
After a farewell from the swans we left the ship at 8 am to travel by coach to Paris via Antwerp.

Started in the rain but the weather gradually cleared and by the time we reached Paris it was almost warm and there was some sunshine. By the time we reached Antwerp the rain had almost stopped so we were able to go for a walk around part of the city with our guide for the Paris trip, Paul.

Preparations were being made for the Antwerp Ironman to be held later in the day - the race is an Ironman 70.3 distance triathlon (2k swimming, 90k cycling, 20k running).

We stayed at The Louvre Hotel opposite (not surprisingly) the Musee du Louvre right in the centre of Paris and a very short walk from the river. Looking out the window of the hotel you realise that Paris is a special place and we immediately wanted to go outside and explore the city.

We went for a walk through the Louvre and Palace grounds then crossed the bridge to explore part of The Left Bank.

Discovered where the Musee D'Orsay is located then crossed back across the river to walk in the Tuileries Gardens and located the Musee de l'Orangerie.

We continued exploring the area near the hotel including purchasing a Tour de France tee shirt for Robin to celebrate Cadel Evans winning the event a few hours earlier.