As a business travel agency, we book daily business travel for our clients. A large part of these bookings are airline tickets, but we also book a lot of train tickets and car rentals. Travel by train is very much on the rise. Our suppliers regularly organize a study trip, for example to test a new product range so that we can inform our business travelers even better. Business Travel Consultants Roona and Nhi joined this inspection trip and in this blog they tell more about their trip.
By Thalys from Rotterdam CS to Paris
We left on the morning of April 11 by Thalys from Rotterdam CS in the direction of Paris. From Rotterdam you are in the heart of Paris within three hours, which makes the Thalys an ideal mode of transportation for (business) travelers. On the outward journey we were in Comfort 2 (this is second class). Traveling in this second class is more than fine. You have plenty of legroom and a place to work. Food and/or drinks are not included. But not entirely unimportant: wifi is! There is a bar on board where you can get something to eat or drink if desired.
From Gare du Nord onward with 2CVs
Upon arrival at Gare du Nord in Paris, the 2CVs were already waiting for us. A nice surprise. With these we took a tour (with driver) through Paris of about two hours.
Due to road works, it was quite busy on the road, so we didn't get to see everything, but we still enjoyed the drive. For example, we drove past Notre-Dame, where our driver explained at length about the different architectural styles that make up Notre Dame. Unfortunately, a few days after our trip, the big fire at Notre-Dame occurred.
Lunch at Café Ruc
After the tour, we had a delicious lunch at Café Ruc, a typical authentic French café across from the Louvre. After lunch we took the group photo below at the Louvre, and then some free time was scheduled for the participants.
We had to gather again around 5 p.m. at the Thalys Lounge at Gare du Nord, which is just outside the station. The weather was lovely, so we had a nice walk, shopping and, of course, buying the famous macarons.
Return trip by Thalys from Paris to Rotterdam CS
On the return trip, part of the group was in Comfort 1 (first class) and part was in Comfort 2 (second class). Travelers in Comfort 1 are offered a meal and drinks on board. Depending on the time of travel, this is breakfast (morning), light meal/snack (afternoon) or dinner (evening). This was well taken care of and very tasty! And also on the return trip you are back in Rotterdam before you know it. Are you going on a business trip to Paris soon? We know all the ins and outs after this study trip and would be happy to advise you further.
