Paris on the Eurostar.

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Jazmine, Sep 1, 2009.

  1. Jazmine

    Jazmine happy laydee

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    Just wondering if anyone here has been on the Eurostar? My OH has - he was in a coach and he said it was fine.
    I would love to visit Paris and have got the passport ready to send off [it says there is every chance I will have to go to Peterborough for an interview...eh???] I look 10years older on the dreaded passport photo :skp:

    The thing is I am claustrophobic and don't want to panic but I am determined to do it. After two days of London and the tube trains in the heat I think Eurostar would be easier :)
     
  2. Sussexgardener

    Sussexgardener Gardener

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    I used to work for a company that had it's HQ in Paris. I frequently booked the UK directors onto Eurostar and they loved it. As we were based near Gatwick, they either drove to Ashford (now I imagine it would be Ebbsfleet) or they got the train up to London and got the Eurostar from there. It took less time than flying, the train goes straight into central Paris (as opposed to Charles de Gaulle airport miles from anywhere) and the train is only underground for about 20 minutes. The last point I can verify myself - we went on the Eurotunnel a couple of years ago, sat in the car and hardly noticed we were underground, apart from a slight popping of the ears as it entered the tunnel).

    The Eurostar trains are air conditioned, comfortable and fast. You'll also be able to go from St Pancras, an incredible station and I doubt you'll even notice you're underground. The difference between it and the tube is as different as chalk and cheese.

    Go for it, you'll have a blast :)
     
  3. Jazmine

    Jazmine happy laydee

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    Hi Sussex, thanks for the help :)

    We would have to get the train to Norwich then go from St. Pancreas which I have heard is well worth a visit.

    I enjoy the trains it's just the thought of being trapped underground and going into a panic attack.
    Having said that I did walk under the Thames through the tunnel from Greenwich and then had to walk back :dh:
     
  4. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    Kath - great experience and a complete doddle. If you can, bump yourself up from coach class, it's a whole new ball game:) It's all very airy so you shouldn't suffer too much from claustrophobia
     
  5. NatalieB

    NatalieB Gardener

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    hey Jazmine - go for it - as said above, you're only underground for about 20 minutes and the ride will be so relaxing......you'd enjoy it :)
    If you do happen to take your car and go from Ebbsfleet......you know that's only five minutes away from me :)
     
  6. strongylodon

    strongylodon Old Member

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    We wen t to Brugges via Brusels on Eurostar last year and it was brilliant. Quiet, light and airy carriages and so fast!
    If your worried about the train take an mp3 or something, shut yout eyes in the tunnel, sit back, listen to some music and relax.
    We are going on Eurostar again next summer (Amsterdam).:)
     
  7. strawman

    strawman Gardener

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    Travelling on Eurostar is a lot more comfortable than going through many of the tunnels throughout mainland Britain. In fact, some of these tunnels take longer to get through than the one under the channel. Go for it, Jazmine...
     
  8. Jazmine

    Jazmine happy laydee

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    Natalie, one day :)

    Loofah I think I may close my eyes when we get near lol! I will take my MP3 player so I can immerse myself in music or a story.

    Strongy, I thought about other destinations but settled on Paris in case I never go again :hehe:

    Strawman yes I will definitely go. If I make my mind up about something I do it- no point just thinking about it :hehe:

    I am just waiting for my friend to sign for me as it has to be a "professional" I HATE my passpot pic - my son said "why are you pulling a face mum?" I look awful on it :D:D:D The OH looked worse though!
    In fact I look just like my mother.......
     
  9. Sussexgardener

    Sussexgardener Gardener

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    That's what happens when you get older...:wink:
     
  10. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    Hi Kath

    You will have a great time if you go :gnthb:. It is very easy and the time flies. The train is scheduled to take 20 minutes through the tunnel and is very smooth. Although they do have lights in the tunnel they don't have them on as it is too expensive. Of course the train is fully lit all the time :thumb: and looking out of the window you can see the lights of the cross passages to the other tunnel (trains going the other way are in a separate tunnel so there is no danger of meeting another train) and these passages occur every 10 seconds or so.

    We shall be going again in a few weeks time but this time from Ebbsfleet. The train takes you to the Gare du Nord (North Station) fairly close to the centre of Paris. Most of central Paris is fairly easy walking so you won't need a car.

    I understand that with the £/Euro rate things are quite expensive :( but I'll soon find out :)

    Give it a go :luv:
     
  11. Jazmine

    Jazmine happy laydee

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    :doh: at Sussex. Don't "they" say to a man when you choose a girl, look at her mother because that is what you will end up with. :rotfl:

    Hi Shiney, I need a hotel close to the station, any recommendations would help.

    I am getting excited about going now. I think sometimes we need a kick up the backside (and I have had one recently healthwise) to make sure we get the most out of life. It was a choice, air, sea or tunnel and I think tunnel seems the easiest for us.:cnfs:
     
  12. Redwing

    Redwing Wild Gardener

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    Another one who says go for it! I've been on the Eurostar twice to Paris and back; really very easy. First time I was apprehensive about being under the Channel:skp: :( but when you actually do it it's no big deal. Earlier this year stayed in Hotel Acte V, rue de Monge in the Latin quarter and a short walk from the botanical garden, not near the Gare d' Nord though, but very nice to be close to that wonderful garden.
     
  13. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    I don't know any hotels near the Gare du Nord but it isn't far from the Sacre Cour and Montmartre to give you an idea of where to look. The Metro is also very good for getting around if you are able to stand it for a short while. :thumb:
     
  14. NatalieB

    NatalieB Gardener

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    Hey Jazmine - just thought - your 'look' has changed so much recently......are they going to recognise you on your passport pic? That IS a compliment by the way - you've worked hard :)
     
  15. Jazmine

    Jazmine happy laydee

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    Redwing, I love gardens so the botanical garden sounds inviting :)

    Thanks Shiney for the advice-I think I can stand the metro if I could stand the tubes in London in a heatwave :roll:

    Natalie, thanks for the compliment? :rotfl:

    Now I need to brush up on my French - I have plenty of time. I was tempted to do an evening class but I think two is enough for the moment. I will have to get by on the little I can remember from school!
     
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