Back on the Rails...

Lille, France

December 16, 2007
N50°38.217
E003°03.794

Our road trip came to an end today when we returned the rental car to Avis. The rental car was unscathed and so were we, except for the $100+ to fill up the tank prior to return; diesel runs $7.20 a gallon. It was nice to take a break from the rails and see the countryside of France; it allowed us to see things we probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise, like Dinan.

After dumping the car, we loaded our packs on our backs headed off on foot to find a place to stay in Lille for the night.

The town of Lille, France was happening on a Sunday night, people flooded the streets; even though very few of the restaurants were open. We weren’t sure if it was standard Sunday night activity, or if more people were out in preparation for Christmas. The town was decked out with Christmas decorations, lights and a giant Ferris wheel. We bundled up, cruised the streets with the locals, grabbed a gallette, our final one in France, and headed back to our room to thaw out and watch a couple episodes of The Simpson’s… in French, of course.

We’re back on the rails tomorrow, and our first ride back on the train will be to Brugge, Belgium. The town was recommended to us by Pat and Randy after their visit in September (before meeting us in Italy). We know one thing for sure… it’s guaranteed to be freakin’ cold!