A French-Spanish Rhapsody

Jithu, Archana, Sharan and I set out from Mumbai on March 30th, 2025, early morning at 2.00. We reached Paris CDG, at 7.30 am, local time. We had breakfast and waited there for the connecting train

to Marseille. The train was impressive, reaching speeds of up to 300km/h at times. The passing countryside was beautiful with meadows, and cows grazing peacefully. Marseille is a quaint old port city with a slow rhythm. No one seemed to be in a hurry. All of us were so happy to see Abhi who has been studying there for four months now. Cafes are strung all around the portside making it a lively place. We had dinner at one such place.

 Early the next day, we hired a car, and with Jithu driving, we started the memorable trip to Barcelona, Spain, just across the border It was a beautiful drive, and we got to see part of the snow-covered Pyrenees mountains at close quarters on the way. The buildings and even the flora in Spain seemed more colourful and feisty compared to the greys and beiges of France. We checked in to our hotel (which had glorious views) and left to see the Montjuic castle atop a hill, accessible by cable car. The castle looked majestic.

We learnt that during the Spanish civil war it was used as a place of imprisonment and execution for military and political prisoners.

We returned to the hotel by the Funicular railway (a railway running up or down a steep hill). The next day we visited the Sagrada Familia Basilica, the largest unfinished church in the world. Its designer Antoni Gaudi drew his inspiration from nature and created a unique structure.

The stained-glass work here is stunning; one could look on and on and never tire. Even after the architect's death and to this day, work is continuing on this marvel.

We shopped for souvenirs, enjoyed the Spanish cuisine and drove back to Marseille. On day three, we explored the Port City. We visited the Notre-dame church on top of a hill, travelling by the local bus. Soap manufacturing is an active industry in Marseille, and we took samples for people back home. Abhi took us to one of the best French pastry outlets in town.

We spent time at his cute house in a very nice area of the city. All of us being ready to try out anything new, the French food and wines were greatly appreciated. We said goodbye to Marseille and reached Paris by train. We spent a quiet evening strolling in the neighbourhood where we were staying.

We were all set bright and early, caught the metro, and finally reached the one and only...Louvre. Spent hours there gazing on in awe at the amazing collection of art which included the alluring Monalisa. Felt truly humbled in the presence of the master artists, their amazing work.

Finally, and reluctantly, we left the museum and went to have our view of the Eiffel. One feels that one is on top of the world while standing atop the tower. Later, took a Cruise on the Seine which gave us a wonderful view of the lighted Eiffel.

The temperature in Paris was around 8 to 9 degrees during these days which we really enjoyed. The Notre-dame Cathedral was on our itinerary the next day. The cathedral's roof had suffered severe damage in a devastating fire in 2019, but it was reopened to the public in December 2024. The cathedral is a masterpiece of architectural splendor. The Crown of Thorns, a revered relic, is on display here. We took our time studying the intricate artwork all over the cathedral. We did more of souvenir shopping.

A tour of Paris would never be complete without a visit to the Champs-Elysees. With the Arc de Triomphe at one end, the Avenue stretches with high end boutiques and cafes on both sides.

We walked along the Champs-Elysees in a leisurely manner taking in and enjoying the sights. It was then that we were truly aware that we were in the fashion capital of the world. Finally, it was time for goodbye, and the next day we were on our return journey to Mumbai

-PR

12/04/2025