Biarritz

To France

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June 7th 2012
Thursday 7th Fond farewells this morning as Will packs me off on the TGV to Paris and then Biarritz. The trains are gobsmackingly fast! I haven't done the whole train thing here for over 30 years, so things have changed somewhat! Got a cute Parisien cabbie to take me from Gare du Nord to Gare Montparnasse. He was like a tour guide - very friendly and talkative and pointing out landmarks. ... read more

Europe » France » Aquitaine

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Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader am... ... read more