Friday, May 2, 2014

Calais...

DH and I caught the Eurostar train from London to Calais. We were able to wheel our suitcases the short distance from our Kings Cross Hotel to St Pancras International Station. 

The journey took a mere 1 hour and 1 minute to reach Calais in France. The train uses the English Channel Tunnel...I knitted while the train sped along much faster than any Australian train I've been on. 



We were staying overnight in Calais as our connecting train to Amiens wouldn't be until the next morning. A taxi took us to our hotel...
This is the hallway from reception to our room.

Part of our lovely room...


After settling in,we went exploring the town... I noticed these cute little local buses that came along at regular intervals..


As we neared the waterfront we saw this large square...the town had erected a large sculpture in honour of Charles de Gaulle and his wife we presumed. (DH's schoolboy French wasn't able to completely decipher the inscription) 


This square was big!


We moved on towards the waterfront...


A zoom in on that big ferry...

A busy dock area...
We then turned around and walked the other way...
The large canal...

 We turned to our left and noticed some sort of tower in the distance...

We walked towards it...a bit closer now...


Then we were finally able to see the building...it was the Town Hall...


It was surrounded by beautiful gardens...they were magnificent!


 
There was also this rather imposing sculpture which we thought at first was the Burghers of Calais but the inscription didn't say that...we couldn't read it! Lol


Some more lovely buildings on the way back to the hotel...

Calais was delightful and 'getting into the spirit' DH and I sat at a cafe table on the pavement with a drink and a bowl of French Fries (pomme Frites) and watched the world go by! We went back to the same cafe later in the evening for dinner as well. 
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5 comments:

  1. JaniceMay 2, 2014 at 7:08 AM

    I have fond memories of Calais Maria. About 40 years ago I went there with my mother ( who died over 30 years ago) on a day trip ! We started in London at 8am and got back there at midnight. We had a great time.... eating and drinking and sitting on the beach in the sun. I'm glad you enjoyed your stop there. I'm sure it has changed a lot in 40 years ! Jx

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  2. ValerieMay 2, 2014 at 12:25 PM

    It will be very difficult to slot back into your normal life, what a wonderful trip you have had. I have enjoyed all the photos and your comments as well.
    Valerie

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  3. Sue (this n that)May 2, 2014 at 4:11 PM

    The interior of the train looks very nice... how great if we could have such 'fast trains' over here.
    A very comfortable hotel too.
    I thought the Town Hall was very ornate and those gardens are beautiful. You made such a pretty picture amongst those flowers Maria :D)
    Keep enjoying your wonderful getaway xx

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  4. VireyaMay 3, 2014 at 7:57 PM

    That is a zippy train!

    Love the flowers in the gardens. Could quite see what they all are, but I love the colour scheme, and those tulips.

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  5. AntheaMay 3, 2014 at 10:51 PM

    You are such a old hand with the travel now Maria - knitting on the train between countries! I'm really enjoying to see all your travel pics x

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