It was probably five or more years ago that we agreed with friends, Simon and Linda, that we should visit Paris with the aim of also taking in the show at Moulin Rouge and in 2017 we managed it!

Our Friday evening journey began with a trip on Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord - the 19.01 departure was a 'classic', or old, Eurostar which we much prefer over the modern trains that are being introduced. Simon and Linda had travelled to Paris earlier in the day (because they can) and we met them at the Mercure Hotel. just a few hundred yards from the Moulin Rouge itself, for a nightcap.

Saturday morning saw us up early and making the journey over to Denfert-Rochereau for breakfast before visiting the catacombes beneath the streets of Paris. The catacombes are underground ossuaries which hold the remains of more than six million people in a part of the ancient mines and tunnel network that was originally part of a large quarry complex.

Over 100 steps took you from street level to the underground labyrinth where you walked around 750 metres, initially through the old quarry sites (with no bones), until you reached the ossuaries where the skeletal remains lie, all neatly arranged, beneath Paris. There are around 300 km (186 miles) of tunnels and pathways, of which nearly three acres are packed with the bones of those re-interred from the city's overflowing cemeteries.

Emerging back onto the streets it was time for a drink and then a trip by tram - we didn't really have a plan, but decided to jump off at Port Doree becuase it looked like a nice area and there was a large park nearby according to the map for an afternoon stroll. We stopped at the Brasserie Le Cascades and enjoyed a very leisurley lunch - great food, great service and being away from the central area of Paris the price was very good too!

Wandering into Parc Vincennes we stumbled upon a boating lake and decided that an hour of gentle rowing (well, for Simon anyway) would be nice. It really was a most pleasant way to spend an hour, especially for the passengers.

Saturday evening was earmarked for the Moulin Rouge and our seats at the show were very good with us almost sitting on the stage itself. Lots of dancers, male and female, lots of bare breasts and some fabulous cirque style acts made up the show which included, of course, the famous Can Can dancers. The price certainly was not cheap, but did include half a bottle of Champagne each, and did seem like value for money overall.

Sunday morning saw us visit the Canal St Martin area of Paris before making our way to the Place de la Republique and a quick metro journey back to our hotel to collect our bags before checking out and having lunch.

The Brasserie Le Moncey, on Place de Clichy, was a good find and was good value too for central Paris. It was very much a family run place and they served up very good food and considering the location it seemed very much more local than the places in and around nearby Montmatre.

An after lunch coffee brought this trip to the French capital almost to a close, so it was soon time to make the journey back to the UK, again on Eurostar to London, and then onwards to Derby. It really was a great weekend away with great friends too.