Paris via Eurostar

The journey to Paris from Eurostar is one of the most enjoyable experiences you can possibly have in Europe. I have always been a fan of travelling by train however I've never invested much time in it. I was in car 18 at the very front of the train and once in my seat and my iPod earphones plugged in I was able to enjoy and incredibly smooth ride across England and France.

The weather on arrival was quite miserable, steady rain and cool air. Taking a taxi from Paris Gare du Nord station, I landed at the Hotel de Nesle a weird but not so wonderful small hotel in the Latin Quarter very close to the Pont Neuf. I'm not sure how else to describe this hotel and the owner however let me paint you a picture and allow you to decide.

My room is on the fifth floor of this tres petit hotel which has no elevators, so climbing five flights via the spiral staircase is somewhat of a dizzying experience. My room, which has a distinct slope (so much so that I watched a mint roll off the table last night) has a view onto the street, it has no bathroom (though it does have a basin) and its furniture could best be described as shabby chic. (I guess if you are going to have shabby chic anywhere it might as well be Paris).

I will save my description of the hotel owner until later and I promise to get a photo of the two of us (assuming she doesnt smash my camera when I try).

I had dinner last night at a lovely little family run restaurant called Cocotte Jolie where I dined on escargot, fillet steak and finished with clafoutis. I may not have tried the snails if not for the enthusiasm of the waitress. She said that most tourists when shown the snails on the menu tend to ask about the other items on the menu! Cooked with a simple butter, garlic and parsley sauce they were very tasty.

The clafoutis was delicious - made with custard, figs and pistachio nuts, it was a very pleasing way to end what was quite a long day that started out in Maidstone.

It’s now 7.30am on Thursday morning and I am about to plan the day's activities. The weather is dull and it’s still dark. I will search for a petit crème and a bite to eat. There are some wonderful churches on the left bank and within walking distance of my hotel so I will visit them today, but for now its back into bed!

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