Day 27 Bergerac-Perigueux

Up fairly early around 6.30am, shower and back on the road towards Koln which is 2 hours away. The roads in Belgium and Germany do not have tolls so this was easier on our pockets. Arrived in Kerpen to a warm greeting from Erik and Stefanie.Erik had loaned us the doonas and pillows so we returned these items. Danke Schon Erik.  

The famous duo...

Erik takes us to his home town close to Aachen

Erik's home church

Then out for lunch then time to catch the train to Paris.

Erik and Stefanie walk us to the station to bid farewell, till we meet again. One of the reasons we picked up the motorhome in Koln and not Paris is that it was 900 Euros cheaper for the same vehicle and the same company, but in the Koln office. Also I have always wanted to travel on the TGV. In this part of Europe they are operated through Thalys. Wow was I looking forward to this trip, over 400 klm from Koln stopping at Aachen, Brussels then Paris.

Beautiful Aachen

The Time Machine

Thanks once again Erik and Stefanie truly remarkable what you have done for us. 

These trains are quiet, smooth and fast. You realise how fast, when the times you are running alongside the Autobahn's, and from my previous notes whilst in Germany some of those were travelling at 200 klm, well we sailed past them all with ease, at about 325 klm. Free WiFi for 30 minutes, send all messages and photos talking on line with the family in Oz.Stop at Brussels add some more carriages and passengers and onto Paris. What a great way to travel. Come along way since Stephenson's Rocket.

Arrive in Paris Gare de Nord right on time at 4.00pm, counted the carriages 30 in total, it was 400 mtrs long! Peng and Celine meet us at the station and take as into Paris and show us around. 

This is the most beautiful city I have visited, the consistency and uniformity of buildings, layout of streets and boulevards, spectacular. While in Paris shop at La Fayette, everyone else does, a classy upmarket large shopping precinct.

Inside the famous La Fayette....

We visited the Louvre Palace where the Kings of France lived until LoiusXIV moved to the Palace of Versailles. It is now the National Museum. Peng and Celine took us to out to a Korean restaurant.. Magnifique!

The size of this palace is incredible phew!

Back to retire for the night and another big day tomorrow the final ride on the Champs-Elysees

NB TGV Koln-Paris 101Euro, shower 2Euro, Diesel 1.45 euro Lt (approx $2.20lt), Tolls Zero, Shopping La Fayette, secret men's business. (Zero) Oh! sorry Sarah I spent heaps on you.