Sacré-Coeur from Pompidou

Our gracious host brings a wonderful continental breakfast, left on trays outside our bedroom - coffee, tisane, croissants, bread, unsalted butter, jams, orange juice.

A quick walk through Montsouris park to the RER B and we’re at Gâre du Nord. Dropping off our bags at the luggage store is less straightforward than it should be. Coins only, but the change machine is broken. So, I head back upstairs to buy an espresso that I don’t want.

Great salads at Café Romy - a Compagnard (goats cheese) and a tuna. Half a litre of very presentable Bourgogne. And we’re ready for a fifteen minute stroll to walk it off - and some culture - at the Pompidou Centre.

Lots of great art in the permanent exhibition, as well as some things that feel less exciting. Also, excellent views of Paris at dusk from the fifth floor balcony.

A terrible beer at the Hideout beer and then it’s the Eurostar. I load up on duty free Ricard, and spend my change on overpriced Heineken and crisps.

In London we head for Drummond Street and a decidedly mediocre curry - although the brinjal bhaji deserves a notable mention. And then it’s the sleeper for another mixed night of sleep.