TransAfrica 1975: France

After an uncomfortable night sleeping in the Land Rover, on the 7th March 1975 we crossed the English Channel by hovercraft landing at Calais:

The Transit and Land Rover just off the hovercraft

For me this was quite exciting: First, the crossing was by hovercraft – an excellent way of travelling across the channel (why don’t they still use hovercrafts?). Secondly, it was my first time abroad…

We had to divert to Belgium to get some visas before we headed down to Paris. It was interesting the effect to Land Rover had on the notorious Paris traffic. Strapped across the front were 2 large perforated steel sheets (made from ex-military landing strips) which caused the traffic to part when they saw it coming…

View of the Land Rover travelling towards the Arc de Triomphe

We did some of the usual touristy things such as a visit to the Eiffel Tower:

Me on the second stage of the Eiffel Tower. Very cold and windy so the top was closed.
A group photo taken by Bob on the Eiffel Tower. I am on the right
The vehicles parked at the base of the Eiffel Tower – I wonder if you can do that these days…

After our short visit to Paris we headed south towards Andorra to cross the Pyrenees.

Author: Paul L.G. Morris

I am an amateur photographer whose photography is mostly of gardens, nature and the rural environment. My specialities are close-ups, panoramic views, or a combination of both that I call 'Nearscapes'. I work mostly for my own interest having closed my business PM Studios Ltd.

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