My first train on Sunday wasn’t until 12:30 so I had time to look at the Arc de Triomphe. This is just as interesting as the theatre, mainly because of the vivid bas-relief sculptures. They tell of the Roman victories over the Gauls. It was built during the reign of Vespasian, arund 70 AD, The colisseum and several other grand bildings were started in this period also.
Didn’t get to Paris as planned, no room on the train for my bike, Sundays the trains are busy in France, young people returning from the countryside to work and study in cities. Arriving at Lyon I fought my way through crowds to the correct platform, but the train was completely full, all the bike spaces taken also. I retreated. Lyon station was choc-a-block, people rushing everywhere, no chance of a ticket-office, they had bouncers on the doors. I retreated to a waiting space and booked a train to Clermont-Ferand over the internet.
So I got to Clermont Ferrand instead, (even this train was crowded, no bikes though). I can get from here to Dieppe tomorrow I think, if there is a bike space on the intercity train.
Nice old-fashioned French hotel, bathroom made of plywood, no hot water, charming decorations though, frontage completely tiled. I like these places, they are being replaced steadily with the “Boutique” style, with wasteful power-showers, perhaps reducing wealth will give these old places an extended life.
Arrived at dusk, walked up through the old town in search of a restaurant, nothing but kebabs appeared, all the eateries on google-maps were closed Sundays.
Finally got to the Cathedral square where there were numerous pavement bars and Bistros open. I had a “bavette” steak with salad. Basic fare in your average bistro, and delicious. Big beer helped, I needed it after a trying day on the railways.
Next day I got to the station at 9 am to buy a ticket on an inter-city train, with a booked bike space, hoping that one would be available.
Phew, do some people come to the station ticket office because they are lonely and want to have a chat to the cashier? Two people in front of me stood there gossiping for ages. finally got to the counter and booked the place easily – now I could get to Paris in time to catch connecting trains to Dieppe, stay there overnight, get the early-morning ferry – and be home by tomorrow afternoon!
I had to rush away or could have spent a couple of hours there.
Train journey went smoothly, much less crowded than yesterday – avoid French regional trains on a Sunday! Couple of changes and I was in Dieppe by 7, cheap hotel. Nice piece of fish. Ferry at 5:30 – left the hotel at 4 am and was on the Ferry and in bed again by 5. Got up for breakfast next Morning at 8. I was in London by mid-day. Cycled from East Croydon up to Streatham Hill through the plane trees going yellow – autumn is nearly here.