Bonjour mes amis! It’s an honor to be sharing another chapter of my journey with you today. This time we venture from the bustling city of Paris to the historic town of Saint-Denis. A mere 8.8 kilometers separate these two gems, yet they offer such a different perspective on the French culture.

As I waddled my way along the Seine, I couldn’t help but be struck by the stark contrast between the grandeur of Paris and the raw, unpolished charm of Saint-Denis. The journey was short but filled with sights that could keep a gnome like me entertained for days.

But, among the hustle and bustle, one observation stood out. It was the way the people of Saint-Denis embraced their history. There is a saying here: “Le passé est un présent pour l’avenir” – “The past is a gift for the future.” Nowhere is this more apparent than in Saint-Denis. The locals have not only preserved their history but also actively celebrate it. The basilica, the market, the narrow streets, all whisper stories of times gone by.

The journey from Paris to Saint-Denis was but a tiny fraction of my adventure. I’ve been on the road for 81 days, traveled a total of 2223.4 kilometers, and explored fascinating places such as Pontault-Combault, Argenteuil, Paris, Saint-Denis, and Créteil.

Despite the language changes I’ve encountered—particularly crossing into French-speaking regions—I’ve found that a smile and a bit of local lingo can break any language barrier. “Un sourire coûte moins cher que l’électricité, mais donne autant de lumière.” – “A smile costs less than electricity, but gives as much light.” A phrase I learned from a friendly Parisian.

As I continue my journey, I’ll remember the words of the popular French song, “On the Road” by Kavinsky: “Sur la route, toute la sainte journée. Sur la route, toute la sainte nuit” – “On the road, all the blessed day. On the road, all the blessed night.”

May we all find joy in the journey, mes amis. À bientôt!

Bonjour from Saint-Denis, a city with a rich culture and history that’s as thick as a pot of coq au vin!

First, let’s talk about the Basilica of Saint-Denis, or as locals call it, “Basilique royale de Saint-Denis”. This architectural marvel is not just a church, it’s the first Gothic-style building and holds the tombs of 43 kings and 32 queens of France. Talk about a royal napping spot!

Secondly, Saint-Denis is home to the Stade de France. Now, this isn’t just any stadium. Opened for the 1998 World Cup, it’s where Zinedine Zidane, a.k.a “Zizou”, headbutted his way into the hearts of millions, giving France their first World Cup. As the French say, “C’est la vie!” (That’s life!)

So, whether you’re a history buff or a sports fan, Saint-Denis has something for everyone. As Victor Hugo said, “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.” And this city has done just that.