Operation Saint Michel

Take the evening train to Lyon from Aix by the TGV, disguised as a weekend traveler.

To confuse anybody following you, wonder about Lyon train station and take the train to Gare de Lyon (station) of Paris instead.

On arrival at 11pm, do not ask directions from people, and do not take out the Lonely planet guide, for this will reveal the fact that you have arrived in Paris for the first time.

Follow the maps, and walk with the air of a Parisien, going home after long day at work.

Take the train to the metro station Saint Michel.

Its in the heart of the most vibrant student quarter, but ignore other pedestrians.

Wedged in between 2 shops,is 39,Boulevard Saint Michel guarded by a heavy dark green door.

Key in the code 421X7(all names and numbers in this post have been changed since this is a public post) at the keypad, and the door will open to a narrow dark corridor. Close the door on entering.

On your left,there would be plenty of mail boxes. You will grope in the dark and find an envelope on the top of the mail boxes with the name Paul BASCIGNARD written on it.

You can open it, and you will find the key of the mail box of the flat,
which is the one with the name ROUSSEAU on it, in which you will find the key
of the flat inside.

Since there is no light in the corridor, you are allowed to use your cellphone as a torch to find the envelopes, mailbox and keyholes.

You can use the plastic access key to open the door at the end of the
corridor.

Climb the flight of creaky wooden stairs without unnecessary pauses, which can cause suspicion.

The flat is at the first floor on the left, use the second steel key to open it.

To reach your room, you need to cross the entrance hall, the dining room with the big table on the right and the room is on your right.

Now switch on the table lamp, near the bed, and you will find a letter addressed to you, confirming your approach. If not .... ?

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This is not the first page of my botched attempt to write a spy novel. Its EXACTLY what I did to reach the apartment of my friend Olivier in Paris. The part of the operation starting from entering the apartment, was actually designed by his friend who had worked as a military officer.

With a beginning like this, my weekend to Paris had all the makings of an unforgettable adventure. When I demostrated the same procedure the following night to my classmate Praveen, he exclaimed " If it had been me, I would given up and taken a room in some hotel !"

But how many times have you lived through an experience like this ??