Paris, Trains, La Rochelle and Sailing Catamarans.

France June 11^th – July 6^th 2025

I loved France. Paris is a wonderous place with a deep ancient history. The French people, the Parisians were helpful, friendly and always appreciated it, when you tried to speak the language. And they will helpfully correct you.

Capt. Babe, insisted I see all Paris had to offer and we did. We went on tours of the River Seine. Saw and visited the Eiffel Tower. Toured Notre-Dame de Paris, one Morning. We passed the Versailles courtyard. On a walking tour to the Louvre, that has about 35,000 displays of art. At any given time, and holds a collection of around 500,000 objects.

We visited Basilica of Sacré Cœur de Montmartre on the hill over looking Paris. The oldest burlesque Cabernet. Au Lapin Agile in Montmartre. I got to write in my journal at the famous Shakespeare and Company. an English-language bookshop in the heart of Paris. Where I read a quote about co founder Saylvia Beach by French writer André Chamson, who stated, "She did more to link England, the United States, Ireland, and France than four great ambassadors combined" If love to either read, write or both and have the chance. Visits it. Its hollowed ground for writers, thinkers and those who love the written word. Just go.

We've heard things about French people. The stereotypes, perpetuated from people who should know better or are too callous to care. On my third day in Paris. I wrote in my personal journal. "Racism and prejudiced is learned." I enjoyed the French people. I sincerely liked most of the people I met. Every community has the jerks. However, in my humble experience. Most folks are kind by nature. No one is born hating or disliking anyone. That you have to learn, more than likely from someone else or validated by someone.

Paris is a Big city. With a rich and history. As we traveled from Paris to La Rochelle by train. I loved it even more. The French countryside rivals that of my home. Though, I noticed a surprising lack of cows. Which made me wonder. Where does all the delicious and excellent butter come from? Being raised in the True Dairy state. I had questions and a little smugness. Their cheese is good. That is not a question. Still, I think I could pick Wisconsin Cheese in a blind test. One day we'll have to find out. 

The wine flows in France and the French are about it. I've been sober since the summer of 2014. I'll never drink again. A bit east of Bordeaux, we toured with Fountaine Pajot, the Château Destieux. Those who wanted to, could indulge in some fine wine tasting at their little gem of a store and cellar, within in town. I came for the architecture, fields and Charcuterie Board. The French never disappointment. Nor did our hosts

I did enjoy watching Capt. Babe learn how to pair wine with food. To see her eyes widen in surprise as the wine changes the flavor and accents of the food. Made my experience in that a wonderful dark wine cave even more memorable. Though, I only suggest those who can drink responsibly. Visit the wine tastings. The sheer volume of being around that much alcohol, doesn’t affect me as much as being around smokers. That I didn't like. However, if your good being around either. France may be a place for you to visit. 

On to history. Nothing fascinates a D&D buff and history nerd more, than like standing in a two thousand year old Amphitheatre that has roots to ancient Rome. Or learning the struggle of a thousand year old, near city state, besieged by a power Cardinal and it's sad surrender, while watching the sun rise over its last battlements  Still, life moves forward doesn't it. People and times change. Hopefully for the better. 

I can get lost in temples and churches, libraries, and cathedrals of great learning. That’s kind of my jam. In coming to France, learning Paris, which is as old as Rome, is phenomenally breath taking. I mean I knew it before, still to see it. To run your hands over stone set in place hundreds of years ago. Too touch history. It awe-inspiring to me.

Though our Irish tour guide was trying to convince me to try the wine. I don’t hold it against him. I have different lifestyle from others. That is a story for another time though.

Besides, to me the French and sailing go hand-in-hand, though there are a lot of sailors throughout the world if you grew up learning western cultures France, Spain, England and the rest of Europe. All of them were instrumental in guiding the worlds path for good or ill. We're here now. Not to take away from China, Japan (Asia) and Africa. Not to mention the Polynesians. Forgive me, I digress… back to France.

La Rochelle has a beautiful and tragic history. From the seeds of the it being its own pseudo city-state under itself. I’m not really the Pope backing the Cardinal. Who had a big time problem with the independent protestant city. Cardinal Richelieu, the chief minister to King Louis XIII, laid siege to the town of 28,000. Deploying 30,000 soldiers to wall La Rochelle in. The City finally surrendered a year later. There were only about 5000 citizen left. You can read the full story here or all about la Rochelle here on Wikipedia

In closing:  Thank you, Dear Reader, if you made it this far, following our little adventure. Safe travels and fair winds. May you be successful in all your endeavors.

~ Tony