Restaurant Review: La Marine, Arromanches, Normandy

La Marine is a hotel located on the waterfront at Arromanches, home to the remaining bits of the mulberry harbour used by the Allies during the D-Day landings.

The wind had become cold and blustery as the Chic Family hurried to the welcoming hotel restaurant - the fire was roaring and the windows big. We had a superb view of the remnants of the floating harbour that sheltered hundreds of warships at a time. It's quite a sight. The kids were entertained with stories from D-Day (there's a big museum nearby) and tucked into fish and chips, French-style.

I had lamb with Normandy potatoes and then creme brulee. I ate loads of country bread! We all positively rolled back into our cars for the journey home. This was the best restaurant meal of the trip.

And what a view ...

Cafe Review: Paul boulangerie in Paris

My sis-in-law Jen and I stumbled off the train at Gare St Lazare and into the waiting arms of thhe Paul boulangerie across the road from Printemps department store. Even though we'd had breakfast before we left home in Pont L'Eveque that was two hours ago and we were both in need of un cafe et une viennoiserie.

We both had the 'Continental' breakfast - an escargot raisin, an orange juice and a coffee. They were in turn rich, sweet and creamy. Perfect for a day of shopping in the city of light.

We saved the wrapped sugar cubes for my father.