Bonjour ma famille et mes amis
The French and I headed to the Normandy Coast today after another peaceful night and leisurely breakfast at Villa la Riante and a farewell to Kristie and Jim - a bientot, not au revoir, as we hope to return one day.
And I can confirm that the train ride into Paris is indeed 20 minutes to Charles de Gaulle Etoile station (near the Arc de Triomphe) and just another five minutes to Chatelet (near the Louvre). Trains run every 10 minutes. We recommend this peaceful and charming town on the outskirts as an alternative to the centre of Paris.
So after our quick train ride into Paris, we spent yesterday afternoon walking around the 1st and 4th arrondissements, enjoyed a late lunch at a sidewalk cafe in Saint Germaine, then a leisurely stroll over The Seine to make our way to Rue de St Honore for an aperitif with my dear friends from Brisbane - Marianne and David. It was a brief catch up as we had a dinner engagement and they have a full conference schedule. But such fun and new memories to share.
Before we knew it, time for The French and I to head back over Pont Neuf to Saint Germaine for dinner with Libby, a lovely friend from Sydney - and very dear friend of my dear friends Jill and Martin and Helen - and Libby's friend Margaret. Libby and Margaret are in Paris en route to a week of art and French language immersion near Angers. Libby is a student of the French language and a regular visitor to France. She knows Saint Germaine well and had chosen a great restaurant, Fish a la Boissonaire. The food, wine and conversation made a very special evening. Thank you Libby and Margaret. Domi and I had a wonderful time with you. Then back to Le Vesinet on the train and tucked in by 11.30.
And now we are in Etretat, in Normandy - a charming town, with a rich history, set in a stunning coastline. We are looking forward to a long walk exploring tomorrow. Etretat is only a two hour drive from Le Vesinet, so we took our time, stopping for a few hours - and lunch - in Fecamp. I've included a photo from our lunch stop. We shared a delicious salad with lightly grilled Camembert and a local specialty - Croustillant d'Andouillette - a French sausage particular to Normandy. Yum. You can see from the photo we look very happy - at least more so than the man sitting behind me! Will have to crop him out later.
Before sign off tonight, Domi and I would like to say a special bonjour to Helen C - sending lots of love and big hugs to you. And to all our doggie crew friends (or 'dogly crew' as The French says) who have been helping care for Zoe and Zac. Extra special thanks to Marian, Ray and Cathryn. Un grand merci a vous. And thank you for your emails Helen (Mum), Martin, Mandi, Amanda, Helen O, Sue, Jan and Edwina. Great to hear from you and thank for your news from home and good wishes.
It's nearly 8 now - sun still shining. Can it really be time to eat again? Oh well, when in France ...
Bye for now. A bientot
Jenny and The French xx
