This was part of our European trip, one-day stay in France.From Belgium, morning around 930 hrs my Friends and I traveled an hour by bus to reach Calasis. It is a small, less populated, pleasant city and sea port that is directly connected to the European Motor way Network. We came across only one four roads cross-Junction with traffic signal in this place. This is the narrowest point in the English Channel, 34 Km wide and it is Closest French Town to England
Here mostly people including higher officials speak only French and absolutely reluctant to use English. The terrace of Port office at Hovercraft Jetty was best place one can see ferries arriving from and leaving for England. Luckily few ferries were sailing. Seashore was with full of nice dune. The front view of the beautiful blue sea without mask was far long and wide. Customs officers are always vigilant and often coming around for checking. They were very decent and showed their ID before asking passport, etc.
Currency Exchange is not at all difficult as we could exchange even for$10. This port is equipped with VTMS and RADAR to keep track of Ferries.We had self-service lunch in the harbor itself in avoid going out
Reached Euro Channel Terminal at Coquelle around 1415hrs by 15 minutes late of our schedule. They are time conscious people who did not allow our bus to go to parking area. No option but to park in the front of their office. Further delayed in searching of our guide allotted.This terminal is an Information center where one can seek details about travels for Euro star, hotel accommodation, appointment, looking for guide. Very crowded.
Many computer Screens at the reception, Manu driven touch screen access…for information. Besides, large no of Pictures and a Model of cross sectional view of Tunnel were kept at the center of the hall.While moving around by bus we could see trucks driven into the train for transportation, train moving to service shed, train turning back on circular tracks with one go Terminal Management used to show regular Film show in different language at different timings. We saw it in auditorium. This was colorful video visual, extremely interesting one.
IBIS Hotel is located in Paris, about 270 km from Coquelle., check in was done around 1900hrs after reaching.Excellecnt location connecting B line of RER train network, A6 Motorway(8 km)for Airport. Visiting Eiffel Tower was not the scheduled one from our group.Liege Railway station is just opposite to the hotel. As we had one local friend with us No need for additional guide. Other wise it was very difficult to chase the train line, platform /side etc.
We crossed the road and were spontaneously attracted by a colorful crowd, flashed back to Grand road, Mumbai. Neon lamps light was beaming in and around the surface and inside the station.After two stations we got down at Invali des station to catch another train in another line leading for Champ De Mars, station for Eiffel Tower. The frequency of the train is about every 3 minutes. During rush hours they can run 1 per minutes. So, there is no need for hurry and burry. There is always a Metro.
We walked down from there as Tower was near by. It was very silent, no lights on the street. We could see the image of 320-meter height of Eiffel Tower on the glass windows of buildings, by its own electric light. Very incredibly wonderful, within no time we reached the area of the tower. Light illuminated on the tower from bottom to top. One must walk around and enjoy in seeing the happiness and moments of the visitors coming there.
on the bank of River Siene, hundreds of couples could be seen moving around; few of them were in wet dress as they came out from river. Many were exciting on boat ride. We left this place by 2300hrs and arrived hotel after taking Berger with French finger fry as a dinner in McDonald
The next day, before taking Euro Star to reach London through tunnel from Calleque we also visited Louvre Museam that is a must see for all artists as it features the famous Mona Lisa and Grande Arch of La Defense
It was evening when we travelled by Euro Star in pleasant feelings .The train was apparently flying(300 km/hr) across green field before entering into tunnel where the speed of the train was reduced to minimum as required as 80 miles per hr. The train offers the comfort and amenities comparable to few trains in the world. Just sit back and enjoy!