We set out via Car, tunnel and Ferry early Thursday morning.. all arriving eventually in the afternoon at our Hotel in Cergy Pontoise just north of Paris. jean Claude Vannier and his wife Christine were there to meet us and to talk us through the very busy itinerary for the weekend.

After a meal in the Restaurant we all retired to bed to be ready for all the activities to come.

Friday Morning after a lovely breakfast we assembled with jean Claude and Christine to walk to the Station and take a train and metro into Paris to Passy and the Musee du Vin in Rue d'eau ~(Water Street). After a very good guided tour of the caves we were treated to a lovely lunch and wines in this unique venue.

After lunch we proceeded to a guided tour of the surrounding area and the Bir Hikem Bridge where we saw many wedding couples having their photos done with the backdrop of the Eiffel tower which for the period of the Euro 2016 event has a large football wedged between its frame.

Following the tour of Paris we made our way back to our Hotel, in the evening some members ate in the hotel bar whilst others went out and discovered the lovely old port of Cergy and had an evening meal of Moules and Frites!

Saturday dawned bright and early and off we set in the cars for a trip to L'isle d'Adam for a lovely walk along the River Oise and the town and then to restaurant du plage for an excellent lunch and MORE wine! Following this we set off for the Musee du Naccre et Tablatierre ( Mother of Pearl and Dominoes and Buttons Museum). A guided tour in French showed us the artisan workshops where buttons are made from mother of pearl Shells, some of us bought lovely jewellery and other items from the shop.

IN the evening 2 minibuses ferried us to the sumptuous surroundings of a private Golf Club near Meulan, a previous convent the building was stunning and on arrival we received Champagne and canapés, various speeches were given by the Presidents of both clubs and poem in French was read by one of Meulan Clubs founding members.

 

Following this was an amazing display by a magician/ cocktail juggler which was very clever and baffled many. We then proceeded into dinner to be wined and dined with fine food and drink and excellent company and more magic. A disco was provided and many members showed their rarely seen talents on the dance floor.

 

We arrived back at the hotel at 2am! to be up again early the next morning to pack and check out then proceed to Meulan-Les Meureaux Rotary Meeting rooms for a brunch ably supplied by their Club. A bottle of champagne was presented to Jean Claude for all his hard work and scheduling. Following our goodbyes we all proceeded on our way back to the UK feeling we had been spoilt and savouring every memory of a brilliant weekend.