Travel to Netherlands

Day 9 Saint-Quentin - Eiffel Tower - Millau - Barcelona (1,205 Km.)

(in 169 Km.) Eiffel Tower: As part of our return journey from the Netherlands to Spain, we planned a short stop in Paris to stretch our legs and have breakfast. We exited the périphérique and navigated through the early morning traffic toward the Champ de Mars, the large public greenspace adjacent to the Eiffel Tower. Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and originally criticized for its appearance. Over time, however, it became one of the most iconic structures in the world. The tower consists of 18,038 metal parts held together by over two million rivets, and stands at a height of 330 meters. At its base, four pillars anchor the structure into the ground, allowing access to elevators and stairs that lead to the three levels above. We walked around the tower's base, observing the iron lattice work and the elevators ascending diagonally up the legs. Although we didn't go up, we had ample time to admire the structure and take photos. The surrounding Champ de Mars park provided a pleasant atmosphere for our short stroll.

Nearby, we sat at a sidewalk café and ordered coffee and fresh croissants while facing the tower. The café was already busy with early visitors and locals commuting to work. We noted the Pont d'Iéna, which connects the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro area on the opposite side of the Seine River. After finishing our breakfast, we walked along the riverbank briefly before returning to the car. Exiting Paris once again via the southern ring road, we rejoined the A71 and later the A75, the route that would take us through central France toward the Spanish border. Around midday, we made a practical stop in the town of Issoire. Without any planned sightseeing there, we focused on getting a quick and satisfying lunch at a McDonalds restaurant near the highway, before continuing our trip.

(in 641 Km.) Viaduc de Millau: Later in the afternoon, we approached one of the highlights of the southern route: the Millau Viaduct. This impressive bridge spans the Tarn River Valley near the town of Millau in the Occitanie region. The viaduct was completed in 2004, the result of collaboration between structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster. At its highest point, the structure reaches 343 meters, making it taller than the Eiffel Tower. It stretches across the valley for 2.46 kilometers, supported by seven slender concrete pylons and multiple cable stays. We exited the motorway to stop at a designated panoramic viewpoint that offered clear, uninterrupted views of the entire bridge. The viewpoint area includes a visitor center with information panels in several languages, outlining the phases of construction and the environmental impact assessments carried out before its development.

From the observation platform, we could see the viaduct from below, marveling at the symmetry of the cables and the soaring height of the tallest pylon. The valley beneath was calm, dotted with farms and small houses. Vehicles crossing the bridge appeared as miniature models, moving steadily along the curved deck above. We walked along the trail that follows part of the ridge near the viewpoint, reading about the challenges of constructing a bridge in such a deep valley while preserving the surrounding natural environment. The Millau Viaduct also plays a key role in improving road connectivity between Paris and the Mediterranean, significantly reducing travel time. After taking photos and spending time at the viewpoint, we returned to the motorway. The visit marked our last major stop before continuing southward on the final leg of our journey toward Spain.

(in 395 Km.) Barcelona: End of travel