Day 29. Trilport to Paris

Day 29. Trilport to Paris. 60km, 4h18.

After our French breakfast of breads and jams (no distance sustaining eggs) with our friendly hostess we set off on the busy road into Meaux. There we stopped at the cathedral and the adjacent Bousset Garden, a walled garden with mixed borders and clipped hedges in the shape of a bishop's mitre, dating back to 1642.

Finding an easy route into Paris was quite a concern. There was a bit of information on the web about a cycle path along the Canal de L'Ourq, an old canal coming from an area north of Chateau Thierry. We were not sure where to find it, but the TI in Meaux gave us directions, and we got onto the pathway near the Railway station. The canal follows a tortuous route to Claye Souilly. This section is mostly a muddy jeep track, but in reasonable condition, and fortunately it wasn't raining. Thereafter it straightens out and is paved, so we had an easy traffic free run to Place de Stalingrad in Paris. We could not believe our luck. 

From there Garmin kicked in and we found our accommodation near the Gare de l'Est without a problem. The only reasonable accommodation we could find for 1 night was a studio apartment, Staycity. What a pleasant surprise: friendly, clean and well-equipped, ability to self-cater (roast chicken and roast potatoes from the supermarket across the Boulevard Magenta, with a good value Burgundy Chardonnay) and importantly a secure garage for the bikes.

But first we went down to the corner pavement cafe for a celebratory Grimbergen beer. That's P2P done - 1780 kms. A great trip and we loved every moment. Four countries (if you count Luxembourg); interesting histories - much of it very sad, but important to see; lots of pork and potato, but a few excellent and memorable meals; great scenery - the weather could have cooperated a bit more although the cycling conditions were mostly fine; lovely wines - the German whites were a revelation; good company - so good to have Pat and Andrew with us for ten days; only two punctures and a few minor gear issues, but importantly no accidents or illness; good cycle paths or quiet roads, with a few challenges thrown in.

All that remains is an obligatory cycle down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées - with the Paris traffic to make it a bit more interesting. 

Bousset Garden. Beheading was once common in France. Wonder why this lady was sent to the guillotine.

The "weeping rock" in Bousset Garden.

Along the Canal de L'Ourq.

Further along. Very muddy in parts, but no cars.

A welcome signpost - on the right track.

Boulle on the banks.

Quayside as we arrive in Paris.

Cheers!!