Monday, June 18, 2012

London - Lille - Paris - Lyon, May 2012



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Nice densely-packed trip to the EU including a day at the French Open and the best 12 day stretch of sunny and warm weather I have had in Europe. Nice London room at the Grazing Goat gastropub near Marble Arch and a very good lunch at St John Bread and Wine. Quick visits to the Tate Modern as well. Took the Eurostar to Lille, which was jammed with parents and kids as the next stop was Eurodisney. A short trip so not too bad.

Lille is a good stop for a day or two to wander around and have some good and very reasonably priced beer and wine. Particularly at La Part des Anges for wine and La Capsule for beer. Would also recommend the mussels with beurre d'escargot from Aux Moules and La Bottega Pizza.
 
The French Open was nice, but it was very difficult to get in to any of the side courts so would highly recommend stadium tickets. Good breakfast and sandwiches near our hotel (The Keppler) at Josephine. Not many memorable restaurants, although Le Comptoir was good, but the best food was from the Marche Woodrow Wilson on Saturday and Wednesday. Walking up the steps at the Eiffel Tower was a good use of 5€ for a quad workout :)

Lyon was a very welcome change from Paris. Much better food with a real diversity of menus, helpful people, and a great setting with two rivers. Heavy regional food in a happy, communal setting at Chez Paul was a nice start. Large rooms at the Grand Hotel Terreaux.

Decent but not fantastic Fx rates of $1.56 for 1£ and $1.25 for 1€. United Airlines SFO-LHR RT with a paid upgrade on a new 777 on the way over. Pretty good flights.