Our goal of going to France was to check out a barge trip from Champaign to Paris. This week-long trip was slow travel. There were only six other couples onboard plus a French chef who prepared fantastic meals all day with matching wine and cheese. The food was amazing and the trip very relaxing as we stopped in little villages along the way to explore.
Swans along the river are beautiful and quite aggressive. We found this family by the barge and the large male followed me down into my room and demanded bread slices.
Of course there were many castles along the way. Here are a few shots including Marie Antoinette’s place. Let them eat cake!
One of the castles had a wonderful carriage museum.
Pagalle is the Red Light District of Paris. It’s like 42nd St. in NYC before Disney took over. It is funky, nasty, sketchy, but a ton of fun. We never felt unsafe at any time. Enjoy the craziness.
We happened upon a 10K race for Great Cancer in the National Square. This young band was there supporting the runners.
After a week on the river we began to enter Paris. Paris is known as the City of Bridges. There are 37 ridges that span and Seine River along with more than 300 other pedestrian, train, etc. bridges. I sat on the bow of the barge and videoed them as we entered the city and ended our voyage below the Eiffel Tower.