The girls depart

Elizabeth and June were now back on board after their Italian Adventure. They had spent time in Venice and Padua where they informed us that they had had the greatest time. We were now heading back to Paris. This part of the trip is still on the Marne river but we will be getting into big ship country. That can be exiting at times.

After some lovely rural scenery, we were soon in the outskirts of Paris and the riverside properties in the classic French design were quite plentiful.

We spent one evening  moored to the bank at Nogent sur Marne after missing our usual spot at the local port du plaisance due to a water festival.

The girls took the opportunity to tend Matilda’s garden.

We were pleasantly surprised that evening when a gentleman came to the boat saying how lovely it was to have such an elegant vessel moored in his “front garden”. He presented us with a bottle of champagne. We were very surprised and flattered by his gesture. We toasted Stephane a few evenings later as the girls prepared for departure. A very good Billecart Salmon, tasting all the better for the circumstances.

Next morning we continued into Paris and took the girls on a river cruise through that great city.

The weather was a bit miserable and we were pleased to find a small section of deserted wharf. We decided to leave Matilda and see the sights. We were moored almost under the Eiffel Tower.

Roland Garros was hosting the French Open tennis and the Champs de Mars was full of their promotions.

We passed the Australian Embassy on our way back to the boat.

On our return June went for a stroll along the jetty and chatted with the owner of the hotel barge behind us. He pointed out to her that the cost of our mooring would be 491 euros a night and we were moored right outside the offices of Le Ports du Paris. Fortunately it was Sunday and no one was there but we decided it would be prudent to leave early in the morning!

That evening we had a lovely meal with the Billecart Salmon as an aperitif and enjoyed the ambience of the location.

At 07.30 next morning, with the sun shining we departed, planning to do a small circuit around the Notre Dame Cathedral then down the Seine to a point on the outskirts of town where the girls could get a taxi to the airport. All was fine as we seemed to be the only boat moving on the river. Then –

We had broken the law!

Fortunately the misdemeanour was discussed and we were let off with a strong talking-to – all in French!

We continued down the Seine and after a pleasant day cruising we stopped at a commercial mooring in Ile St Denis and the girls caught a taxi to the airport.

We have had a wonderful time with them on board and hope they enjoyed their European holiday.

We were off to continue our wanderings, so keep in touch as there will be more to tell.