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Published: August 6th 2017
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What a night of thunderstorms, and it is still raining this morning. We open the window for some fresh air only to have a smoky smell waft in. Who would have a fire going on a warm, wet, sticky day like today? We’ll just shut the window and suffocate. Better to suffocate with fresh air than smoky air. The Seine looks decidedly dirty and flowing higher than the previous day. There must have been some rain overnight.
The programme today might just work out. Breakfast, laundromat, sightseeing. That will fit the weather forecast of rain, drizzle, sun. Here’s hoping.
With bags of dirty laundry we head off in light rain in search of a laundromat. We think we know where there is a car park close by. Sure enough we start to follow a sign, only to discover a bollard rising up in front of us. A few metres more and we would have been in trouble. The entrance we want is about 10 metres further along the road. Once we enter the underground car park we are in an amazing space. This car park spirals deep into the earth for seven storeys. Yes, it spirals. Cars park facing
into the centre of the spiral or facing the outer wall. You just keep on driving deeper and deeper until you get to an available park. What an amazing design. We’ll worry about the exit later.
The laundromat is easy to find and we get down to business. We are the only ones there at the start so we can take time to sort out the workings. What an efficient process. When time comes to set up the dryer we are competing with a very energetic young man pushing his large duvet into a large washer. Seems like he is in such a hurry he presses buttons before our dryer has time to get the message. Our coins are helping to pay for his wash. He realizes what has happened and hands over a euro. These large dryers do a superb job in such a quick time. The rain has stopped and we can take clean dry washing back to the apartment.
After lunch the sun comes out. Perfect for sightseeing. We return to our favourite carpark and drive deep into the earth. This time we start our walk around part of the Seine that looks as though
a lot of work has gone into making it like a Venice canal. We have read about cities in Europe being likened to Venice. There is only one Venice and Troyes is not to be compared. Along this waterway there are restful gardens, sculptures, fountains, and pedestrian boulevards. Nearby are some very proud restored official buildings.
A walk towards the centre of the city takes us along narrow pedestrian streets with timbered houses leaning in every direction. A look inside the shops and cafes that occupy the ground floor confirms that much has been done to retain the exterior of these old famous houses. After leaving these narrow streets we discover a more modern area that is definitely the shopping street of Troyes.
As we return to our apartment we reflect on the day’s activities. The part of Troyes we have visited should be a must see for those traveling in the area. It is a delightful city and everything is within walking distance. We eat out tonight and without incident.
Tonight is our last in provincial France. Tomorrow will be a mix of emotions. We have the excitement of driving to Paris for a four night
stay before flying home and the sadness of farewell to our traveling companions, Jane and the wonderful Peugeot 308 GT. Perhaps Jane will give us one last farewell tour to remember her by.
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Peter
non-member comment
Good to have you safely home and thanks for all your photos and comments !