Berlin 2026 – part eight (Paris)

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Paul Garbett — Leave a comment

It thought it worth just one last post as we speed through northern France on our Eurostar back to the UK.

We had been a little nervous of the long journey direct form Berlin Hbf to Paris. Largely due to the scheduled duration of 7 hours and 45 minutes but coupled also with the very real (and regular) delays that DB trains encounter (especially long distance and cross border). I am not sure of the distance involved but almost certainly well over 600 miles.

Our train left Berlin on time and was another nicely appointed ICE train – not dissimilar to the Eurostar trains actually! The ‘at seat’ food service was prompt and the “French Breakfast” was something of a bargain. There were, inevitably, some delays and we were running 40 minutes behind schedule as we reached Strasbourg BUT the driver has a Plan B which was basically ‘maximum warp’ all the way. We arrived at Gare de l’Est just 20 minutes later than the scheduled time.

When we pass through Paris on our jaunts we like to stay at Le Robinet d’Or which we discovered last year after the chain hotels in the area almost doubled their prices. The location is ideal – barely 5 minutes walk from Est and only 10 minutes from Nord. The location is close to the Canal St Martin and, considering the proximity to the crowds, a quiet area. One of the beauties of this place is the friendly atmosphere. It is nice to get a genuine “welcome back” greeting at reception and pick up a conversation we had last year! The menu is varied and, in parts, very French. One of the specials last night was Tête (et Langue) de Veau – not to our taste at all but it was extremely popular (other great food is available). Which leads to another thing we like about the Brasserie. It is a local’s place and they are so friendly! Several conversations in broken French & English were had!

Sunrise over platform 10 at Gare du Nord

Unsurprisingly we had a relatively early night and, after the short walk to Nord first thing, endured the Eurostar check-in & security. It has changed since our last pass in September last year and, of course, for the worse. One thing – it can now only get better!!

Finally (probably accurately this time) as I write we expect to arrive in London on (or near) time and will likely make the earlier of our two homeward LNER choices. Fingers crossed the UK end goes well!