well we stopped just before Paris to get some fuel, coffee and to swap pilots... just in time to experience the Paris periphique. Which of course was where the hards yards were won (and doesn't she keep reminding me about it!). 1030pm local time saw us enter the madness of the periphique after the sat nav had taken us off the main road (due to roadworks and congestion) some way outside of Paris. We went past Le Bourget Airport and through seemingly side streets although the buildings were pretty. It was time consuming, slow progress, dark and tiring by now. Top tip - avoid Paris! (for the next time!)

p.s. along the way I did manage a glimpse of the eiffel tower from my relaxed position in the passenger seat! (Carol saw the searchlight! she claims it was the one from the tower but I'm not convinced ;-))