Our route today took us through woods and prosperous estates to begin with. Mostly we were on road but there was some hard packed earth.
The roads were surprisingly quiet even as close as 25 km from the centre. We had a ridge to get over and then our first sight of Paris in the distance.
Our route into Paris took us through some of the poorer parts of Paris, a part of the city rarely visited by tourists. These were some of the renowned banlieus. It was all peaceful but then we came across a squad of armed soldiers on patrol who were distinctly apprehensive. We kept moving.
Eventually we came to a large canal which we followed all the way to the centre.
I had booked a hotel on the left bank which I’d visited in my business days and much liked. I said it was all nice and quiet. That was true until the Sapeur Pompier (Fire Brigade) ball started up next door which is due to go on till 4 in the morning. Not so peaceful.We had a good walk through the Tuileries to Place de la Concord. It so happens that tomorrow is Bastille Day. There was large staging for tomorrow’s parade.
After 370 km or 230 miles we’ve arrived at our first goal of Paris.
Julian and Beryl's camino 