Breakfast a little earlier than usual at 06:45 for a departure just before 07:30. 

Nothing much to speak of en route. Scenic Swiss countryside and mountains, boring French farmland and some good-enough stops at service stations along the way.

We arrived at the Novotel in Metz around 19:45. The rooms were typical Accor group style. Quirky, functional and clean. Most of our groups’ rooms were towards the back of the hotel, three minutes walk (seriously) away from reception & bar. The dining area was another good distance beyond that. 

Pure French… they didn’t serve drinks in the dining area. Walk back all the way to the bar. Vive la France!

A serviceable meal and a good night’s sleep awaited.

Menu:

Green Salad

Chicken and frites

Chocolate Mousse

(Mais non, there are no alternatives!)