Four days and four nights in Paris. What can you achieve in four days and four nights in Paris? That was the question and so we took up the challenge…

First, rebuild the bicycles at Orly airport. Then ride said bicycles from Orly airport, through the industrial filth of outer Paris to the Seine, which you follow from the urine-soaked footpaths of outer suburban chaos…then with the bridges and buildings become more elegant, the urine soaked footpaths become less frequent (if not less urine-soaked), until you hit the arrondissements, where Paris becomes the Paris you think you know, the Paris of the picture-books and postcards. JM navigated fearlessly and accurately, finding a patisserie along the way (ok, so maybe not so tough) and landing the team on time and on the spot in the 10th arrondissement. Home.

A big wooden door opened into one of the city’s many thousand beautiful courtyards, which became very familiar to us during our stay. Our apartment looked out onto the courtyard, and the other apartments, as did ours to them – something we had to keep in mind when darting about partially clothed (as was our occasional wont). The apartment was cosy and homely. By homely, I guess I’m referring to the fact that there was a half-eaten and semi-decayed melon in the fridge, and our host’s clothes, toiletries and knick-knacks were all on view…but we are in Paris. Paris. It’s what you want.

A quick zip around the neighbourhood to get familiar. Coffee, pastries, booze, groceries…check. I think we’re going to be ok. Bed time. It’s been a big day.

The next morning, we’re back on the bikes.