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Posted: Friday 09 May 2008
Springtime in Paris
Forty-five London Plant Region Associates left the pick up point in Thurrock on Friday, April 18th for a four-day “Springtime in Paris” trip.
With no delays at the Euro Terminal following a coffee we travelled to our first stop in France for lunch.
Suitably refreshed we then boarded the coach for the final leg of our journey to our hotel in the La Défense area of Paris.
Arriving mid afternoon the skyline of the area resembled New York, or at the least the new Docklands area in London.
Saturday: Today started with a driving tour of the city, taking in all of the famous sights and landmarks.
The Eiffel Tower in spring
The Louvre
Our driver, Geoff, was well versed in the area having done this trip several times in the past, and gave us an excellent commentary.
We were entertained by music students while waiting for the coach
Mid-day and we were dropped off in a central location by the opera house for lunch.
Shopping Splendour - Galeries Lafayette
Following lunch many browsed the various shops and department stores in the area. Back on the coach late afternoon for the trip back to the hotel before deciding where to go for an evening meal.
Versailles Palace Gardens Water Fountains
Sunday: A trip to Versailles was planned for today.
Having been dropped off some went to tour the lovely palace and gardens while others wandered the large market and cobbled streets.
Seeing 'Paris by Night' on a River Seine cruise
We all had to be back at the hotel by late afternoon to be ready for a trip to the Latin Quarter for an evening meal, followed by a romantic trip on the River Seine.
Whilst we were on the glass covered boat the rain decided to join us for the trip. This did not deter anyone from listening to the running commentary and taking in the wonderful sights of Paris by night. After a long but enjoyable day we arrived back at the hotel around 23:00 hours, ready for bed!!
Monday: Time to gather our belongings back onto the coach and head off down the A1 past Charles de Gaulle airport to St Omar, where lunch had been arranged at an old mill which had been converted into a restaurant, Le Moulin Snick.
We were greeted on our arrival by Jean Pierre and a 2-course meal including copious amounts of wine was laid out before us.
Overlooking the mill race and waterwheel at Le Moulin Snick
Following the meal we all walked around the back of the restaurant to see the old mill wheel. This is scheduled to be fully restored in July at a cost of £15k.
| Princess Diana Memorial |
The Mill Wheel
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The Latin Quarter
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Notre Dame
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En route we stopped at a wine warehouse in Calais where many purchased their favourite tipple.
On arrival back at Grays, all bid each other “au revoir”, got into their cars and headed home from what was agreed by all to have been an excellent four days.
George Mann.
Header picture: The London Plant Associates group at Le Moulin Snick
pictures: tony hill, tony kennard & george mann
(ph 08/05/08)
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