France Aug 2004

France 2004
Family reunion in Paris -- Jane Monika and Dad	After the briefest of visits to Luxemburg we rode south to Paris, France. We had transited France many times but this was our first opportunity to enjoy the famous cuisine and historic sites that Paris has to offer. It was also to be a small family reunion as my sister Jane and Dad, Norman, were flying in from England.

Sacré Coeur, Paris, just as my dad said it would be, is a beautiful little suburb situated only five minutes north from the centre of the capital. Sacré Coeur is a major tourist attraction in itself. Famous for its cathedral and panoramic views of Paris, Les Buttes de Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge revue theatre, this is an area where visitors can experience the famous parisian hospitality. For two days we explored Paris and enjoyed some of the best times of our BMW World Record Tour.
	Jane me and Dad
Hotel Migny	We stayed at a pleasant little hotel called the Hotel Migny, located in the Pigalle area of Paris. If it is your desire to immerse your self in the fascinating french culture from the outset, then this Hotel comes highly recommended. Situated amongst the narrow pathways and bustling streets of Pigalle and just a short step away from Sacré Coeur and Les Buttes de Montmartre, the area oozes charm and interest.

Our firsts attraction was Sacré Coeur Cathedral situated on the summit of Montmartre -- the perfect location to view the whole of Paris. The Cathedral is breathtaking in its splendour and design.

	Only five minutes walk away down the twisting and cobbled lanes is the famous 'artists square' famous for its portrait artists and "watch the world go by" cafes. Only 100 metres square, over 100 artists line the periphery and sketch the faces of tourists. If the French way of life hasn't grown on you by now it certainly will do by the time you depart this world-famous location. It charms you to your soul and hooks you like a fish.
Artists Square
The world famous Moulin Rouge revue theatre, again walking distance from the Artists Square and the cathedral. Recently made famous by the musical film of the same name staring Ewan McGregor. To experience an evening at the theatre would cost you a basic 90 Euros stood at the bar and 180 Euros for a stage side table complete with three course meal. I have no doubt it would be a fantastic night of entertainment, but today just out of our price range.
	Moulin Rouge
	Cemetery Montmartre is where many famous French poets and artist are buried. The famous include Edgar Degas and Jacques Offenbach. The grave stones and tombs are both grand in size and eloquent in design. Over a hundred of France's social and artistic élite are buried here and its certainly worth a visit.
Artists' Cemetery
The world famous and magnificent Notre Dame cathedral, regal in design and awe-inspiring to visit. For many tourists, after the Eiffel tower and Arc de triumph this is France's most popular tourist attraction. We joined the long queues outside the cathedral but after only ten minutes we had gained entry and were enjoying the many interesting features inside.
	Notre Dame
	The world-famous gargoyles protrude from every ledge and balcony of the Notre Dam Cathedral.
Gargoyles
Musée d' Orsay is the most famous art gallery of France, situated in the heart of Paris, and hosting some of the world's most famous impressionist and post-impressionist artists including Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Lautrec and Renoir, to name but a few. For a respectable admission price of only 6 euros it is well worth a visit. Two hours flew by and we only just scratched the surface. Allow four hours minimum to take in this world famous arts exhibition.
	Art Galleries
	Here tourist take in the wonderful Van Gogh canvasses.
Van Gogh Exhibition - Musée du Quai d'Orsée
In the afternoon we visited the Tuileries, a famous Paris tourist location consisting of walkways, beautiful gardens and fountains. Here dogs are walked, children play and lovers embrace. Commencing near the base of the Arc de Triumph you can amble the hours away by walking the full length of the Tuileries Gardens and marvel at the incredible 17th and 18th Century landscape design.	Tuileries Gardens

	Unfortunately, and all to quickly, our time in Paris came to a end. Its a city that we have often passed through but this was the first time we had a chance, to feel the pulse, of this famous city's heart beat. Paris, as everybody knows enjoys a tremendous reputation for its culture, history and cuisine and after just a few days based in the Pigalle, Sacre Coeur and Monmartre district we both fell in love with this charming and hospitable city. The kindness of the people of Paris and France is unique and they certainly know how to create the perfect dish. Our purpose here was for a family reunion, but if we had to do it all again, say in two years time, and had the choice of any location in the world then you wouldn't be surprised to hear that Pigalle, Montmartre & Sacre Coeur, Paris would be our destination.

Our next destination was Spain and then Portugal but we couldn't just leave Paris without placing our BMW GS motorbikes by the most famous icons of all, the ARC De Triumph and the Eiffel Tower.

French Bikers	Prior to entry into Spain we discovered there was a Harley Davidson anniversary event near Biarritz southern France and so we made a small detour to spend one night there.
Only minutes after arriving at the motorcycle show we received the kind of hospitality that we enjoyed so much in North America. Virtually within minutes after parking our bikes we were invited to another part of the campsite and enjoyed some fabulous company and delicious food and even given a bed for the night. Thank you Anna and Robert	Friends on the road France