Our last trip to Paris was several decades ago in Winter and it was unseasonably freezing. We were ill-prepared for the low temperatures, bitter cold and cutting winds. It made our stay very uncomfortable and difficult. This time we have been spoiled by sunny days, sensible temperatures and gentle breezes. And, it has to be said, there were not too many idiotic tourists (stopping at the top of stairs or in the middle of the pavements) nor chain-smoking or vaping Parisians (though there were still a ridiculous number).  We walked a lot – over 10km each day – rubbernecking at the architecture, promenading down the tree-lined boulevards and cobbled streets, visiting some must-see sites and finding cafes and little squares to sit and people-watch from.

It is amazing (and a relief) when public transport and plans made ages ago mesh and work. Our trip to Reims was effortless and remarkably fast. A very early ride to Prague airport, an 06:40 flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle and a pleasant breakfast at the airport station felt easy. We caught the TGV (very fast train), changed onto the local train and had dropped our bags at the hotel in under an hour after leaving Paris.