Champagne, Paris and the Riviera!

Paris

I was fortunate enough to experience a Paris ,Champagne Region and Monaco educational with Kirker Holidays and what an amazing short break it was!

On a chilly March morning we met at St Pancras Station in London for our departure on the Eurostar to Paris Gare Du Nord. With fellow colleagues we relaxed on the smooth and very efficient service which arrived promptly into Paris.

The 5 * Deluxe Hotel Lancaster, just off the Champs Elysees, was our first stop and is of the highest standard and a beautifully furnished small hotel. After a mouth-watering lunch we had a private sight seeing tour of the city with a lovely guide called Isabel. She was very informative and showed us the sights of Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Coeur and the Opera. There really is so much to see in Paris and with Kirker Holidays, a Paris Museum Pass is included in all packages making it easier to plan a fantastic city break.

Our first evening was spent at the 5*deluxe Hotel Le Meurice,overlooking the Tuilerie Gardens and just steps away from many exclusive shops. My bedroom was beautifully decorated with a huge bathroom and extremely comfortable bed. Our evening meal in the gastronomic restaurant was amazing.

Nex morning we headed to Reims where we were met by a pleasant guide called Andre who took us on a walking tour, taking in the Cathedral, palace and many other historic sights. This was followed by a champagne cellar tour of the Mumm Champagne House - a really interesting afternoon followed by a taster of the champagne! What a great tour!

The following morning we left for Paris Orly Airport for our Air France flight to Nice where on arrival we were whisked away by helicopter to Monaco. Fantastic views of the French Riviera make your arrival into Monaco spectacular. The principality of Monaco has a harbour with luxury yachts, beautiful casinos and the most fantastic hotels - no wonder it's home to so many millionaires!

Lunch in the Café de Paris is a must and a great spot in the main Casino Square to enjoy a glass of wine whilst soaking up the March sunshine. The luxury boutiques and world class jewellers were very tempting but I decided just to window shop at Cartier although the diamonds did look stunning!

My Monaco hotel was the Fairmont Monte Carlo; a large hotel just a short walk from the Casino Square , with spectacular sea views and the famous Nobu restaurant - most definitely a world class hotel. My deluxe sea view room had a sunbed and chairs on the balcony where I enjoyed the early morning sunshine and, with rooms overlooking the grand prix track, this hotel is a must for any petrol heads.

There are many wonderful hotels in Monaco and whilst there we were lucky enough to see the Hotel de Paris(5* luxury in the heart of Monaco, Hotel Hermitage (my favourite!), the Metropole (next to a wonderful shopping centre!) and the Port Palace -overlooking the harbour and boasting a Russian Fish Restaurant!

A morning visit to the Exotic Gardens and Caves was very enjoyable. The Oceanographic Museum was our next point of call and, with over 90 tanks of brightly coloured fish and other sea life, was an exceptional experience.

No trip to Monte Carlo is complete without a visit to the famous Casino, built in 1878 by Charles Garnier. Many people tried their luck in the extravagant gaming rooms but I preferred to take a back seat and watch. Should you decide to go don’t forget your passport and no jeans or trainers!

There really is so much to see and do in Paris, Monaco and the surrounding areas and in four nights I enjoyed a fantastic short break. I hope my enthusiasm shines through but should you have any questions just pop into Miles Morgan in Wells and I will be happy to share my knowledge.