Notes on the Eurostar and First evening in Paris

Left the sympathetically renovated St Pancras Station punctually, with good seats marred by a gaggle of women going to Paris for the weekend. They didn't stop talking for the whole trip. Gave up on the idea of peace and went and sat in the dickie seat for a while. The scenery was lovely - the light and clouds were reminiscent of a Turner painting.
Beware the taxi touts at the Gare du Nord on arrival in Paris. They are a disgrace and the city should make an effort to clean up this unofficial aspect of the taxi industry. The first cab we were offered quoted 60 euros when asked. We moved out of there quickly. The second wanted 30 and a woman was acting as his tout. I checked with a proper taxi driver going past and he said 10E but there was a queue a mile long. We walked around the corner and got a taxi for15E-even then a woman tried to rip us off for more.
Our hotel is very central and within walking distance to many restaurants, shops and sites -Louvre, Tuileries and Opera. Rooms are small, but that is typical of Paris.