My first foreign jaunt since the first lockdown so me & Mrs Wilbur venture to France on Eurostar in November.

We were met at St. Pancras with monster queues due to the extra checks and the fact that only 2 people were manning the French passport control.

This led to a departure delayed by 30-minutes. Thankfully we had loads of time for our connection eastwards though.

It was to be masks from the moment we joined that shuffling queue until we disembarked our taxi at our Nancy hotel. No hardship though.

Having breezed through Gare du Nord, we had a short walk to Gare de l’Est and time for a (very expensive) coffee in the station cafe.

After showing our tickets and double jab proof we found our seats and relaxed for the 100-minute jaunt to Lorraine’s finest.

Our hotel was lovely. A beautifully converted classical chateau complete with a colossal wine cellar.

Our large comfortable room included a kitchenette and the sort of shower worth lingering in. If you ever venture to Nancy I would thoroughly recommend Maison d’Hote de Myon.

As well as all the original features (sash windows, sweeping spiral staircase etc.) there were plenty of wonderful objet d’art that personable owner Martine had collected on her Asian travels.

There is a welcome relaxed feel to Nancy. it’s main square, Place Stanislas, must be one of the most picturesque in Europe. Gilded gates in all four corners, frothing fountains, ornate lamp posts, an imposing archway and very impressive buildings such as the Hôtel de Ville and opera house.

Our weekend was spent strolling, shopping, eating and enjoying very long breaks for cake & coffee.

As well as the main square there is a very lively old town with artisan market and colourful delis, charcuteries, boulangeries and chocolateries.

My favourite French shops however sell flowers and Nancy came up trumps as usual. The French really do know how present their wares extremely well.

To gain entry to every eating & drinking establishment we had to show our U.K. Covid pass on our phone. Everybody complied with the rules with no qualms.

My only slight disappointment was to mistakenly order a sausage filled with intestines. Happily, the salad and frites were great!

The journey back went smoothly despite our Uber not arriving in time in Nancy, which led to a slightly fraught march to the station.

All in all a very pleasant few days and a new destination to recommend. A visit in the spring-time would be great.

Finally the cathedral is an impressive site. Take a look at this video taken inside as the organ plays.