After the adventurous travel highlighted in last weeks blog, the past week has been as smooth as it possibly could be, finishing off my Uniworld river cruise back in Paris and then jumping on a Eurostar train to head to London. Below are the highlights...
1. Normandy and the D-Day Beaches
We had a choice of which D-Day Beaches to visit and I plumped for the British and Commonwealth tour. Gold Beach was highlighted along with the War Cemetery at Bayeux. This is about as meaningful a day trip as you can experience. Aided by a superlative Museum at Arromanches and an almost empty beach the history became palpable.
D-Day by the numbers:
4,450 Bombers3,950 Fighters
1,370 Transport Planes
670 Gliders
6,939 Ships
12,500 Vehicles
1,200 Armoured Vehicles
23,000 Airborne Troops
132,000 Landed Troops
2. Notre Dame
Back in Paris we were lucky enough to secure skip-the-line tickets for the recently reopened Notre Dame Cathedral. Although entry is free, it is well worth getting online when the time slots open up 48 hours ahead of your planned visit.
This comes with the caveat that it will be very crowded indeed as you loop through the Cathedral, but the refurbishment since the fire is absolutely stunning and well worth your time.
3. Eurostar (under the Channel)
There is no question in my mind that the train is the way to travel between Paris and London, unless you have a heck of a lot of luggage. At 2 1/4 hours total journey time from/to the center of both cities, it is way quicker than traversing 2 airports that are well outside the cities and the experience is considerably more comfortable to boot.
4. Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge
With the plan that 2 team members, Kendall and Sara would meet me in London, our first accommodation was the recently renamed Four Seasons at Tower Bridge. We had enjoyed a site inspection only the year before and were so impressed we decided to test it out for real. it was not a shock that the hotel did not disappoint.
The hotel's location near Tower Bridge provides convenient access to the eastern side of London's attractions, and the building itself oozes grandeur and a calm, elegant atmosphere.
5. London's Markets
London is home to a vibrant market culture, offering a mix of food, fashion, antiques, and unique finds. Borough Market is a must-visit for food lovers, with its array of gourmet produce, street food, and artisanal delights. Camden Market, famous for its alternative style and eclectic mix of clothing, crafts, and global street food, draws crowds from all over. Portobello Road Market, located in Notting Hill, is renowned for its antiques and vintage treasures, while Spitalfields Market blends fashion, art, and food in a trendy, modern setting.
For a more unique experience, Brick Lane Market offers a fusion of cultural foods and quirky second-hand items. Whether you're hunting for fresh ingredients or searching for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, London’s markets offer something for everyone.
Over the last few years we have visited all of these markets (except Camden which is upcoming), so let us know if you need any extra insight.
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Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
