atelier des chefs

Has anyone done cooking classes/demonstrations with Atelier Des Chefs? Any insights would be appreciated. Also, has anyone done a %26quot;market walk%26quot; with Context Paris? Again, I would appreciate any thoughts or comments. Thanks

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LOVED the atelier organizing a class next month with a dozen girls friends.

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sorry, that should read, %26quot;I am organizing......

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I have been there 5 times and tried two kinds of classes : %26quot;la tradition%26quot;, 2 hours and %26quot;60mn chrono%26quot;, one hour.

Both of them are great.

In terms of sites, they have 3 of them : one in the 8th, one in Galeries Lafayette maison basement floor, and one at Printemps Nation in the 20th arr. The most gorgious is in the 8th but the drawback in my opinion is that the groups are too large (from 12 to 20 people). Lafayette is much more intimate but very small. My favourite is Printemps Nation but it will be too far for you from main tourist attractions.

So I would recommend the 8th, rue de penthièvre if you don%26#39;t mind large groups.

You see, I give cooking classes but I also enjoy a lot other people%26#39;s cooking classes !!

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Thank you for your responses, Anne and Phread. I am still disappointed that you will not be in Paris while we are there, Anne, but I will give atelier des chefs a try. Thanks again.

Airline Choices Canada to France

Hi all,

i am considering a flight overseas this summer and want to compare airlines. Charters are a little cheaper than Air Canada, but I was wondering about comfort on the plane, in particular, leg room. If the charters (Air Transat and Skyservice) are anything like they are on Caribbean flights,I do not want to be that cramped for 7 hours. Is Air Canada that much better for the couple of hundred dollars extra?

Thanks for your help.

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I took Air Transat from Vancouver to Paris. The leg room is non existant. Look into some of the foreign airlines, may be Air Lufstana or British Airways. But, good luck to you, remember is is only 6 or 7 hours for a flight, and us west coasters enjoy 10!

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Those european airlines are going to cost just as much, and you%26#39;ll have to connect somewhere. The US airlines might be cheaper , especially if you are doing some last minute package thing on the travel websites like travelocity or expedia.

For transat, you may opt for the %26quot;Club%26quot; class with more legroom.

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I%26#39;m also looking for a flight from Ottawa or Montreal to Paris. Zoom has some decent priced flight out of Montreal...

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Removed on: 10:56 am, January 25, 2006

Between these two apts which should I choose? 9 Er or 4 Er

The one in the 9 Er on rue du Faubourg? or the one in the 4 Er on rue du Pont Louis Philippe?

Notice my last two postings about each of them.

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I am not an expert on Paris, but if it were me, I would choose the rue du Pont Louis Philippe. It%26#39;s in the Marais, between rue de Rivoli and the Seine, and is much more centrally located.

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Thanks LaC.... I am tending towards that one too but my husband thinks the bed for him and myself my be a back breaker ( I will be there 33 days by myself he will only be sharing tbed for 7 nights)?

I love the 4Er location also. The other apt in the 9Er between Opera and the Montmarte is much nicer and larger for the same price but has a couch sofa bed and a bedroom with a queen size bed.

I wrote a note as you suggested to only one person who has stayed at the 9 Er. I will look and see if I can write someone about the cinna fold out bed on the 4 Er web site.

Thanks for all your help.

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Definitely Louis Philippe, which is a wonderful location. See my response to your other post.

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Rue du Faubourg what? St Martin or St Denis? Anyway rue du Pont Louis Philippe is far far far better location...

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Hi Discover,

Tried to email you- my ISP was blocked by yours after my ISP complained about spam coming from yours. Yours got mad and blocked one of the servers from mine. I called mine and they told me the whole story...funny! ISP wars! LOL

Anyway- about your bed. The bed%26#39;s measurement is about a queen size. American Queens measure 60x80, and from what I can convert from cm., this one you describe measures about 65%26quot; by 78%26quot;. So its a little wider and a wee bit shorter than our queen.

So it seems like it would be all right?

As for location, that first apartment looks great. It is close to everything. The other

listing mentions it is near the Hard Rock Cafe. Its not such a bad area either but since you like the 5th you%26#39;d probably rather stay in the first property since it%26#39;s near the Louvre and other stuff.

You know where to find me if you need more info.

PS Things went real good yesterday :)

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I just tried emailing you again and I think it worked this time Discover. I logged off and logged back in. My ISP uses three servers and your ISP apparently only blocked one of them. So logging back in must have connected me with one of the other two!

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Raphy, the other apartment is on rue du Faubourg Montmartre, next to the bar Le Backgammon.

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Thanks everyone!

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%26lt;American Queens measure 60x80%26gt;

I couldn%26#39;t help but laugh when I re-read this Discover.

More true than we%26#39;d like to admit, eh? ;)

|||

That is totally funny!

By the way, Best Wishes on your new marriage!

Many wishes for a wonderful life adventure together!

Savings for Disney Paris tix/hotel

I%26#39;ve searched as thoroughly as I could, but I don%26#39;t see a listing for what businesses might offer great savings on tickets to Euro Disney like the ones in the states. We used Getaway Today Vacations and were extremely satisfied with our savings over purchasing directly from Disneyland. But they don%26#39;t do Europe. Do you know anyone who does?

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unfortunatly.tickets are the same price where ever you buy them .no discounts given at park or local hotels

A question about the seating for the Moulin Rouge show

Hi everyone,

I will visit Paris in late Jan. Should I buy tickets early or wait til I get there?

Also, I try to figure the seating for the show. Do I get designated seats when I buy tickets (for show only)? Or is it random seating? If it%26#39;s random seating, should I go there early for better seats? Do I need to tip the usher for better seats?

And thank you for the advice.

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I booked with Euroscope, a tour company. There were no assigned seats. Our driver must know someone there as he assured us that he%26#39;d do his best to get our group great seats. He sure did something as we got to sit next to the stage. I%26#39;m not sure if you can tip an usher to get a better seat. You line up outside and they let in groups of people at one time. Then they tell you where to sit. I guess going early may help.

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In fact there are no assigned seats, also the best seats (imo) are not close to the stage but in the middle. It is kind of difficult to look up to a 1.80 m woman on a stage while you are just next to it... Being there early and tipping the usher do help.

For the reservation if it is not on a saturday you should be fine in making your reservation at your arrival in Paris through the concierge.

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We just were up seeing the cathedral one day and bought the tickets for just the show not the dinner-show at the box office. It was open when we got there in the afternoon.

Or you can buy it from the hotel concierge if your hotel has one.

You can also buy it on line from tour companies that include a shuttle pick up from your hotel for a little more money.

We just bought our own tickets and took the metro there and then a taxi back to our hotel afterward.

No matter how you buy the tickets it is pretty much first come first seated or random seating not assigned.

We were seated on the right near the back and the seats were just fine. The show only comes with a bottle of champagne for two.

Have a great time!

|||

Our seats next to the stage were fine in my opinion. Judging from the men seated in the same area their seats didn%26#39;t seem close enough actually.

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Ha, ha... being close to the stage, looking up to a 1.80cm beauty whose feathers brushed my grandfather%26#39;s face, was his idea of dying and going to heaven!!

Latin Q V's St Germain

I am planning my first trip to Paris in July and can’t decide where to stay – its so confusing!! Whats the difference between the Latin Quarter %26amp; St Germain Des Pres?

We are looking for a two or three star hotel that has air conditioning and is in a good location to walk to all the touristy sights but in a nice area that has cafes close by and gives us the real paris experience as well!

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We are going to be in Paris the last week of June. We are staying at the Hotel Henri IV. It has a great location, air conditioning (which is important to me too), and great reviews. Check it out in the reviews on this forum and at http://www.henri-paris-hotel.com/index.html

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Latin quarter is mostly in the 5th arrondissement and some of the 6th.

St Germain des Pres is in the 6th and a bit of the 7th - roughly.

Latin quarter has a lot of schools and young people. The Sorbonne is there.

St Germain des Pres is more sophisticated and elegant.

Both have dozens of cafes and restaurants.

The 5th could be less expensive.

Again, this is a rough statement and there will be exceptions to what I said above.

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From what you describe as your criteria, I%26#39;d say that either the 5th or 6th districts will appeal to you. However, on the whole, the younger crowds would like the 5th more than the 6th which is more appealing to older adults. While I do like the 5th I prefer the more quiet atmosphere in the 6th. By this I mean that it%26#39;s quieter on the whole not to say that it%26#39;s dead. There are many great cafes and restaurants in the 6th but it%26#39;s more of an upscale environment than the 5th.

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aphotographerinparis and paris 1204

have done an excellent job of laying out

the 5th and 6th arrondisements.

My first 4 trips to Paris I stayed in the

5th and it was comfortable and easy.

Last September I stayed in the 6th.

I really enjoyed the upscale nature

with many good restaurants, much interesting

shopping, movie theaters and sites. An

easy walk to the Seine and across to

the Right Bank.

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Thanks so much, I think i will look around the 6th. We are staying in paris for 2 nights then heading to the loire valley for 2 nights then back to paris for 2 more nights - our last 2 nights are Thurs 13th and Fri 14th July, the bastille day fireworks %26amp; parade look amazing would we be best to stay in a different area for these nights closer to the eiffel tower?

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We stayed at Hotel La Perle on rue des cannettes a very charming side street in the 6th. Lots of bars and restaurants and shops all around- I highly recommend it-they were very friendly and I have reviewd them on this website. Wonderful a/c- very clean and soooo quiet- church bells from St. Sulpice were so charming. I got a rate of $140E/night through the hotel- well worth it. They were very friendly and helpful.

Does anyone know when the Les Voiles de St Tropez is this...

My fiance and I will be in the area on our honeymoon next September and would love to catch this %26#39;event%26#39;....just curious...any other ideas or input is always appreciated.

|||

Have a look at

ot-saint-tropez.com/en/…

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Many thanks...looks like it%26#39;s late this year...too bad for me.

many thanks

Paris Experts: Travel from CDG to Paris

Hi, I understand the easiest and cheapest way of arriving to the city is via the RER line at CDG. Since I will be staying in Paris for 6 nights, I was wondering what type of Paris Visite Pass I should purchase? Is there any way of purchasing this pass at the Airport? I also understand that the Carte Musee is a worthwhile pass. What are your reccomendations for the length of a carte musee pass? Thanks for all the help.

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what day do you arrive on.

|||

Arrive on Saturday at 8:50 Am.

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The RER is the cheapest but not necessarily the easiest. The easiest is to walk outside and get into a cab, and let them drive you to your door.

If you are staying anywhere near Opera, then it would be good to use the Roissybus. If you are staying near Etoile, Gare Lyon or Gare Montparnasse, then the Air France bus is easy. You can make metro connections from any of these bus drop-offs.

The Carte Orange is good for Mondays-Sundays, but can%26#39;t be bought after Wednesday for the week, so no good for Sat/Sun when you arrive. You could just try a carnet (%26quot;kar-nay%26quot;) of 10 metro tickets, then buy a pass if you think you%26#39;ll use it.

I don%26#39;t recommend a Carte Musée unless you know which museums you want, what their entry fees are, and compare that to the pass%26#39;s benefits. Often it is not cost-efficient, especially in off-season. All museums owned by the city of Paris (vs. national) are free anyway.

what's the difference between booking an unrestricted rate...

Hi, i%26#39;m going to book one night for 2adults and one child at the novotel gare de lyon and was wondering what the difference is between the standard rate and the unrestricted rate. also, is there much difference between the standard room and superior room? Thanks everyone.

|||

I really believe these questions should be addressed to the hotel itself. I%26#39;ve never heard of a standard rate vs. an unrestricted rate at a hotel.

|||

ok ta, i%26#39;ll email them now. thanks for your help.

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Don%26#39;t know this hotel, but if it is part of a chain (Mercure etc) then you%26#39;ll find that it is the ability to cancel, change etc. On their website they often offer you 4 prices for the same room, including their top rate walk in off the street and don%26#39;t bother to argue rate! The cheapest pay now and don%26#39;t change rate will often be £30 - £50 or more cheaper!

Cafes on the Right and Left Bank

My wife has heard that back in Hemingway%26#39;s day, Paris%26#39;s upper class sat in cafes on the Right Bank sipping wine looking out over the Seine while the artsier folk sat in cafes on the Left Bank drinking coffee, looking out on the Seine.

Any recommendations on cafes we could go to to experience this?

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There are %26#39;..grand cafés on both banks of the Seine--though none overlook the Seine. On the Right Bank, the %26#39;grand cafés would probably be the CAFÉ de la PAIX on Place de la Opera and FOUQUET%26#39;S on Champs Élysée. On the Left Bank, they would be the CAFÉ DEUX MAGOTS and CAFÉ FLORE on Blvd. Saint Germain and LA COUPOLE, down on Blvd. Montparnasse.

But bear in mind, if you want to drink coffee or sip wine at a sidewalk café where %26#39;..the Greats..%26#39; once did; it%26#39;s gonna%26#39; cost a fair bit more than your average neighborhood café.

CAFÉ de la PAIX--

…intercontinental.com/icpargra/dining_01.html

FOUQUET%26#39;S--

lucienbarriere.com/localized/…index.asp

CAFÉ DEUX MAGOTS--

http://www.lesdeuxmagots.fr/

CAFÉ de FLORE--

http://www.cafe-de-flore.com/

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The Cafe de Flore and les Deux Magots are the %26quot;intellectuals%26quot; cafés in Paris, as there are many writers and publishers in St Germain, or at least , there were. You mention cafés overlooking the river Seine on the right bank but note tha the posh café de la Paix and Fouquet%26#39;s are not near the river. The cafés in St Germin are not along the river either. Hemingway used to go to the Closerie des Lilas if you want to try that, it is on Boulevard du Montparnasse. I don%26#39;t think all the cafés mentionned in the bookwere along the river, actually.

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I%26#39;d add Le Select and La Coupole to KDK%26#39;s list.

Until the mid 70%26#39;s the left bank was more bohemian, less establishment, less wealthy and considered the intellectual%26#39;s stomping grounds. Even today, all of the Haute Couture and jetset lifestyle establishments tend to be Rive Droite, while the editors and producer tend to stay Left Bank, although this is changing rapidly.

As for wine v. coffee.... Fitzgerald and Hemingway were having there way with much more potent stuff than what can be produced by a handful of beans.

June trip to Paris

A mixed group(adults and Children- about 10 of us) are hoping to travel to Paris in late June/early July for 5 nights. Some of us would like to travel out to Disney at least once during the trip. We need a reasonably priced hotel, centrally located. Has anyone any recommendations?

Is Paris Child friendly? We will need to eat with the children in the evening - are there many restaurants that will allow Children. I would really appreciate help, especially on where to stay

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Is Paris Child friendly? YES, althoughy many people will say otherwise.

We will need to eat with the children in the evening - are there many restaurants that will allow Children. Even Jules Verne, with its Michelin star welcome%26#39;s children (although my kids find a couple of hours too long for a meal).

Most Parisians do not dine out with their kids because they enjoy their meals better sans famille. (Today I lunched next to a man who even prefered eating out without his wife, bringing the mistress along, but that%26#39;s another kettle of fish.)

The one hiccup is that restaurants often do not open until 8pm. This can be frustration for families insisting on maintaining an earlier schedule, but cafes and brasseries have service throughout the day, so they are often a wonderful solution.

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I would consider Paris somewhat %26quot;child friendly,%26quot; but not %26quot;child centered.%26quot; Many restaurants will not have highchairs or booster seats(especially the more exspensive ones, which you most likely would not want to go to with young children anyways)

I do think if you go to bistros and cafes you will be fine.

As for Disney, stay in Paris, and just day trip there, there is no hotel %26quot; central%26#39; between the two really, perhaps stay near the train station( I can%26#39;t remember which one it is that comes in from Disney) but personally it is only one day so I would pick an area in Paris I like , not base it on a Disney trip.

The Latin Quarter is very kid friendly with lots of less exspensive places to eat that are open early in the evening.

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I would consider Paris somewhat %26quot;child friendly,%26quot; but not %26quot;child centered.%26quot; Many restaurants will not have highchairs or booster seats(especially the more exspensive ones, which you most likely would not want to go to with young children anyways)

I do think if you go to bistros and cafes you will be fine.

As for Disney, stay in Paris, and just day trip there, there is no hotel %26quot; central%26#39; between the two really, perhaps stay near the train station( I can%26#39;t remember which one it is that comes in from Disney) but personally it is only one day so I would pick an area in Paris I like , not base it on a Disney trip.

The Latin Quarter is very kid friendly with lots of less exspensive places to eat that are open early in the evening.

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Many restaurants will have a children%26#39;s menu, also the chain Hippopotamus where is see many children all the time. Most restaurants will open at 7h00, sometimes 7h15 or 7h30 at the latest, not 8hOO pm.

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Thanks for all the information, I,m really looking forwrd to the trip

Reserve the Best

I have read about people making restaurant reservetions through %26quot;Ness from Reserve the Best%26quot;. Can someone fill me in on what this service is? Is is a website? Free? Phone number?

Thanks!

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www.reservethebest.com

You can book it yourself. It is free and sometimes you can pick a special table or get an other special advantage as there is a window for special requests when you book on line.

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Thank you. Their list looks pretty extensive. Although I was surprised not to see Altitude 95 there.

Do they update the list often? I assume that they limit themselves to reservations for those restaurants in their list only.

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Altitude 95 is not a %26quot;best%26quot; restaurant. Wonderful to dine with Paris at your feet, but the food is merely average. This service really is for the better restaurants of Paris.

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We used Reserve the Best for most of the bookings at restaurants at which we dined. We used the web site for the resrvations and received prompt e-mails back from Ness or someone else. I haven%26#39;t found anything quite like it anywhere - it%26#39;s just great.

A little hint though - bring a print-out of your reservation with you and it never hurts to confirm prior to arrival.

The service is still free.

weather...end of april??

me and my wife are interested in going to nice late in the month of april. would the weather at this time be good %26#39;beach%26#39; weather or would we be too early??

if the beach isn%26#39;t much of an option, would we be able to still have a good/relaxing time in the area? or is there still plenty of sightseeing to do?

we are planning a 3 week euro trip mostly to bigger cities and wanted nice to be more of a down time to relax. thanks for any help and input.

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Put simple, the beach season starts gradually from sometime in June. The sea is slow to both heat and cool. You see some brave, or well-insulated, in the water up to X-mas. The core of the beach season is in August-September. October is also just fine. However, all this stated, the beach is only one reason to come here. The simple truth is that it%26#39;s nice here at all times. It%26#39;sworth bearing in mind that the winter season was the original high- one. Back the, no one went to Nice in the summer. All this pre-WW1, la Belle Epoque!

It%26#39;s very nice right now with bright sunshine. Just to give you a flair, we went sking over the day a few days ago. That may be over by April. However, at that time, the spring has started to get serious, with flowers and birdsong. There%26#39;s almost any number of things to see and do here, for days and for weeks. Some, like the writer of these lines, have moved here in order to profit full-time.

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April will be just fine for relaxing and temperature should be in the low-20%26#39;s Celsius and sometimes quite warm under the sun around noon (I usually get an average of 14-15 Celsius in the firs 2 weeks of March). There is so much to see in the Nice area that the beach is one amongst many reasons to go to Nice.

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thanks for the help guys

great restaurants in Paris

My Husband and I will be going on a short Holiday to Paris Feb. 16th thur the 21st. We are both chefs and own a catering business in Dallas. We have not been to Paris in 8 years so we would like some suggestions on really great places to eat. We don%26#39;t mind spending up to 100.00 on dinner but we want it to be good. We also love it when we happen on to great place at a reasonable price. We will use the metro so the area doesn%26#39;t really matter. Any suggestions.

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For 100 euros (for two or each?) I would try any of these:

Les Bouquinistes (6th)

Ze Kitchen Galerie (6th)

Atelier Maitre Albert (5th)

A l%26#39;Angle du Faubourg (8th)

But if I were a chef going to Paris for a rare trip, I would go all out and head to a great Michelin star restaurant:

Taillevent

Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee

Le Cinq

Helene Darroze, etc....

A one michelin star restaurant (menu at 90 euros per person) is Jacques Cagna in the 6th. I really like it a lot. Quaint and the chef is really sweet...

Les

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Aux Lyonnais , run by Alain DUCASSE.

Best lyonnais food in best real bouchon lyonnais. 60 € , pp, incl. wine, If your prof. go there, they have been selected best prof. Ducasse might be there in person. located near Opera Garnier. 10 minutes walk from the metro . Booking is mandatory, sit downstairs. Try also the new Saendersens on the Place deleine. ***Lucas Carton closed down recently . booking at least 3 weeks in advance. Real top end of the line *** cooking for 100€. Most run place in Paris. Left hand if you look at the Madeleine . good luck if you find a table ,maybe for lunch. contemporary interior.

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The most creative cuisines in Paris (IMHO) are Le Grand Véfour and Pierre Gagnaire. I think it would be great for both of you to try one of them, it will give you great ideas.

PG is more expensive than LGV, but maybe you can try one of the lunch menus ?

Paris for the Weekend - Help!

Just about to book a weekend in Paris in late Feb and need help in regards to where to stay...was looking for somewhere central enough to the ET and also some reasonably priced restaurants. Looking for a nice, clean 3/4* hotel. Also arrive Friday lunch time so would love some suggestions on what major attractions to take in on the Fri afternoon and how to spend Saturday. Thanxs

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I like the Latin Quarter, which is the 6th and 7th district. My husband and I have stayed at Hotel Saint Paul located on rue Monsieur le Prince, 01-43-26-98-64, around 180 dollars per night. There is a great place to get cassoulet right around the corner called La Tabla d%26#39;Aude located at 8 rue de Vaugirard. If you are looking for something a little less expensive try the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles on rue du Cardinal-Lemoine, 01-43-26-79-23, around 125 dollars per night. They have a website - www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com.

Les Bouquinisites; What happened?

Does anyone know if Les Bouquinistes is closed for good? We walked passed two weeks ago (with the intention of making a reservation) and the entire restaurant was undergoing major construction. If it was closed merely for renovations, there was no sign indicating that was the case.

|||

That%26#39;s funny because someone replied to my email inquiry on Jan. 3rd. She mentioned their closing times and didn%26#39;t mention that they%26#39;re closed up for renovations.

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We were at the same situation during the same period one year ago. We walked pas the Bouquinistes restaurant and was closed and under construction. There wasnt any sign indicating that the restaurant was undergoing renovation either. So they probably update the decor during the same time every year? I dont know.

restaurants in Paris

My Husband and I are planning a short Holiday in Paris Feb16th thur Feb. 21st. We are both Chefs and own a Catering business in Dallas. We have not been to Paris for about 8 years and we are wondering if anyone can give us some great restaurants to try. We love french food. We don%26#39;t mind spending 100.00 plus if food is great we just don%26#39;t like spending a lot for bad food. We would also love some advise on great bargain and neighborhood places. We really enjoy going to the local spots instead of all the typical trouist places,any advice would be great.

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I%26#39;ve read very good things about Guy Savoy%26#39;s restaurants namely Chiberta in the 8th district and L%26#39;Atelier Maitre Albert and Les Bouquinistes both in the 5th district.

Other well-regarded restaurants are La Bastide Odeon in the 6th and Le Violon d%26#39; Ingres in the 7th.

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Guy Savoy%26#39;s places are great, but more in the 140 euro range.

I went to Le restaurant du Marche, 50 rue Dantzig in the 15th last week. It is definitely a local hangout and a good value for the price. Off the beaten path, too.

I like lunch at Au Babylone on the rue de Babylone in the 7th for traditional french food at a fair price, but this more homemade quality than %26quot;chef%26quot; quality (which I usually prefer).

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I have not been to these but have heard very good things about them and intend to try them out on our next trip in March. Google for reviews, reservations are a must:

A la Biche au Bois

45, Avenue Ledru Rollin

Metro: Gare de Lyon

La Cerisaie

70, BV. Edgar-Quinet

Metro: Edgar-Quinet

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Aux Lyonnais at 32 rue St-Marc in the 2nd is Alain Ducasse%26#39;s %26quot;bargain%26quot; restuarant, but the food, service, atmosphere (a Belle Epoque space dating fom the late 19th century) are all top of the line. The egg appetizer served in a terrine and cooked in cream with mushrooms and shrimp is already legendary.

I%26#39;m also crazy about Moissonier in the Latin Quarter, 28, rue des Fossés St-Bernard, a classic bistro.

And since you are from Texas, you might be interested in trying Anuhuacalli, 30 rue des Bernadins in the 5th. This is generally regarded as Paris%26#39;s best Mexican restauramt -- it%26#39;s a quietly elegant place serving gourmet Mexican dishes of very high quality -- not a taco to be found.

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I agree PontMarie. Aux Lyonnais has the ability to take very simple dishes and recipies and make them taste incredible. The only criticism I have is the wine was too expensive for what it was- although it was good. I was very impressed at the quality at this price range.

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Guy Savoy%26#39;s Les Bouquinistes is one of my favorite restaurants in Paris - but the bill for our 3 course dinner (2 people) including a bottle of wine (61EUR) and a bottle of mineral water, cappucino and tea (15EUR combined) was 186EUR before tip. So 110EUR if you have no wine, bottled water, coffee or tea.

I think it might be a challenge to limit your spending to US$100 for two %26quot; if food is great.%26quot;

For a very authentic Paris bistro experience try Le Vieux Bistro, literally down the street from Notre Dame. Excellent traditional fare such as coq a vin and beef bourguignon.

And for a great %26quot;out-of-the-place%26quot; I highly recommend La Maison du Jardin on rue Vaugirard near the Luxemburg Gardens. The have a very good value prix fixe dinner and the kitchen is first rate. If you limit your wine choice, you can walk out for under $100.

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I guess things have really gone up since we were last in Paris. I think we will need to re think our budget to mor like 150.00US. I love all the recommendations please keep sending them.

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on the way home tonight I passed Oudino, 17 rue Oudinot. It is a real neighborhood place and very nice. I think that it may just now be getting some of the recognition it deserves. It should be well within your budget.

ALso Le Vin Sobre in the 5th. Both of these places are well within your budget.

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Le Petit Zinc and La Petit Cour are my favorites- in the 6th.

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We just got back from Paris over New Year%26#39;s. The first night we ate at Au bon Acceuil on r. Monttessuy in the 7th. They had a menu for 31 Euros which was an incredible value given the quality of food. Great service, good wine--ended up about 50 E/person, so a bit more than your $100 total, but close. Added advantage is the view of the Eiffel tower from this street--an angle that is not normally on the tourist routes.

Don%26#39;t forget the Bistros, as well. Our favorite is Bistro Henri on r. Princess in the 6th. Very small place with good food/ambiance. A lot of organ meats whiche we love and can%26#39;t get easily here in the States--roasted veal kidneys, bone marrow, boar cooked in it%26#39;s blood (it sounds much better in French and it was delicious)--plus more %26#39;normal%26#39; meats. The appetizers are about 10 E, the entrees about 20E. Not a big wine selection, but good ones at a decent price. And if they have fig tarte...whoo hoo!

A lot of places have menus that are amazing deals given the quality of food, so good luck! Another option is to go for lunch; prices are sometimes less, and then have some wonderful cheese, pate and wine for a dinner....plus, of course, a crepe (people in Detroit haven%26#39;t heard of chestnut cream....arrrgh...heaven!)

(and thanks to all who post here--all of you have been so helpful!)

cauterets

hi everyone

is it just me or is there a shortage of information about Cauterets in the pyrenees. From i%26#39;ve seen on the net, it seems like a beautiful village/town and I%26#39;m finding it hard to find any info on the forums! My wife and I will be visiting in the European summer 2006 so we look forward to seeing the area by doing some walks. If anyone has some experience with the place, please advise good or bad.

Regards

mt cook 1

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We stayed in Luz St Sauveur a few years ago - it%26#39;s a beautiful area and we did some walking near Cauterets up to Pont d%26#39;Espagne, and also up to the Cirque de Gavarnie. I guess you might find more info on the net after the skiing season finishes and the websites are updated for summer visitors. We shall probably go back sometime (my husband is a keen cyclist and rode the big Tour de France passes), though I%26#39;d be inclined to stay somewhere more convenient for traffic routes than Cauterets - if you just want to walk from the town, it wouldn%26#39;t be a problem, but if you want to travel around at all, you%26#39;d have to retrace your route each time. If you go to the area, don%26#39;t miss the Donjon des Aigles at Beaucens!

Accommodation near Garde du Nord Station

Hi All

Please could anyone advise of a budget hotel with triple rooms close to the Garde du Nord Station?

Just looking for a clean option with en suite bathroom.

Thanks so much!

Sue

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You can go to www.activereservations.com,they tell u which hotel is closest to the station not bad website.

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I would try a search, I asked a very similar question a few days ago and got some suggestions.

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%26quot;The New Hotel%26quot; is just across the street from Gare du Nord. It%26#39;s clean, economical, and can%26#39;t get much closer. There%26#39;s also a Metro entrance at the corner.

www.parisholidayapts.com

Hi all

Any one of you has rented with www.parisholidayapts.com, how was your experience.

Im looking into renting one of his apartments and would want other users opinions.

Thanks

Roberto

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Hi Roberto,

We have booked the Lourve one bedroom apartment for early May through John at Parisholidayapts.

You are dealing with the owner direct and I have always found him to be prompt and professional with his e mail responses. Good luck!

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Hi Patz

Thanks for your reply. I think I found about parisholidayapts from your post on another thread.

I was/am hoping for a reply from someone who has already stayed there.

Thanks

Roberto

Versailles tour . . . please help!!!

My husband and I will be in Paris in March and we had our eyes set on a half-day tour of Versailles, but then we found out that the company we were going to go through will not allow us to go on their tours because we%26#39;re not staying at their hotels. My husband really has his heart set on seeing Versailles, and we%26#39;re trying to find a way to do it. We were planning to pay around $150 for the both of us, but now I can only find really expensive tours.

Are there reasonably priced Versailles tours that I don%26#39;t know about, or is this something we could take the Metro to and explore on our own? Would we be missing out if we tried to explore by ourselves?

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The first time I went to Versailles I was on a tour that was way too short. I can%26#39;t remember the cost.

The second time I wised up and took the RER ligne C5 Versailles (Do you have a map of the RER/Metro yet?) and got off at the last stop. The ride took about an hour, maybe less IIRC.

Follow the crowds for about a 10 min stroll to the palace. It couldn%26#39;t be more simple, really.

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That makes sense. Once we get there on our own, though, what happens? Are there tours that run regularly? Are there brochures/maps that one can pick up or buy to guide oneself through the grounds? Is there an entrance fee?

Also, we also heard that Versailles is closed on Mondays. Is that true?

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As of 2002 (last time I was at Versailles) it was closed on Mondays. Here%26#39;s the offical website http://www.chateauversailles.fr/. The trip from Paris to Versailles by RER is about 1 hr and the walk from the train station to the gates is only a few blocks. There are both guided and self-quided tours.

Enjoy!

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;Once we get there on our own, though, what happens? Are there tours that run regularly? Are there brochures/maps that one can pick up or buy to guide oneself through the grounds? Is there an entrance fee?

Also, we also heard that Versailles is closed on Mondays. Is that true?%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

The chateau is indeed COLSED on MONDAYS. The RER %26#39;C-5%26#39; ligne trains (%26#39;..V xxx..%26#39; trains), from any of its Left Bank stations to VERSAILLES-Rive Gauche takes approx 40 mins (round-trip fare 5,30 €) with train frequency one every 15 minutes. There is a pleasant ten minute stroll from the Rive Gauche station up to the gates of the chateau (entrance to all but the %26#39;State Apartments%26#39; is included within the CARTE MUSÉES et MONUMENTS pass). There are regularly scheduled tours (in several different languages) regularly through the day. You simply purchase a tour ticket and show up at the meeting point. There are also self-directed %26#39;..audio tours..%26#39; available.

So...you can quite easily visit and tour Versailles entirely on your own for a LOT less than $150...then %26#39;..re-invest..%26#39; those savings in a much better wine with lunch or dinner...or a third dessert.

CHATEAU de VERSAILLES INFO--

http://www.chateauversailles.fr/

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Have you tried a tour company called Paris Visions ? We booked our Versailles tour thru them independent of our hotel. They are located across from the Tuileries. We took the morning tour to Giverny ( Monet%26#39;s home) and the afternoon tour of Versailles, with lunch included.I%26#39;m sure no one could have talked me out of going to V. but I must say I was very disappointed and will not go again when we go to Paris later this year. The tour of the palace includes the King%26#39;s and Queen%26#39;s apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. PERIOD. The apartments are nearly empty. Everything was hauled off and sold during the Revolution. When we were there (last April) the Hall of Mirrors was closed for renovation. Talk about disappointing !! The tour of the gardens is that you are on your own..no brochures or maps.I was sure glad we didn%26#39;t spend an entire day there ! I hope you will consider going to Monet%26#39;s home and gardens. We will definitely go back! The lunch in V was kinda fun. We ate escargot.

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You can do the trip on your own as other have told you.

There are a couple of tours that you can take when you get there. The longest line will be for the general admission line, then there is the Queens Tour and then the Kings Chambers Tour.

I have always taken the shortest line first the Queens tour and then a couple of years later the Kings tour. You can rent an audio tour if you like.

A good guide book explainly how to get there and the tours is the Rick Steves Guide book.

Have great time!

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I concur with he previous poster that you can visit Versailles on your own. It%26#39;s an easy 30-40 minute train ride away from Paris. You can buy the train and entrance tickets altogether at the RER C stations. A tour company will simply rush you only around the state apartments, while there is so much to see at Versailles. At the chateau leaflets in English and multi-language audoguides are available.

Do visit the chateau webside, as suggested (English version available).

Check out the thread on %26quot;Versailles renovations%26quot; for an update of the restoration work underway. Presently half of the hall of mirrors is hidden by scaffoldings but it shouldn%26#39;t deter you from visiting the place.

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If you go on your own, keep in mind the queues on the week-ends. Go there during the week. It is closed on Mondays. On their website you should find the time for the tours in English.

I don%26#39;t agree with the previous post about Versailles being nearly empty, they try to buy back some of the furniture, tell the Queen of England to offer some furniture, many of the pieces that were in Versailles now belong to Great Britain. Also buying back furniture costs millions of euros for one piece!! There is still so much decoration, paintings, to keep you entertained apart from the furniture. Even at the time of the 17th_18th century, there were not many chairs (reserved to the King%26#39;s family) or stools (for princesses and princes)... The hall of mirrors was only partly closed to my knowledge, you could still see the other half. And now the half that was closed has been restored so looks very nice. The other half remaining will now be covered for the next restoration. These restorations are NECESSARY. I think it is worth to go there for a day and go to the Trianons and hameau de la REine. At the information desk, they do have a map of the gardens.

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Visiting Versailles on your own is definitely possible, but without some research before you go, I would imagine your experience might be similar to the poster who was disappointed. Without some knowledge of the history of the place, the tidbits available from a guide (audio guides are available for rent), or a handy guidebook that will explain what you%26#39;re looking at, you risk the chance of walking about aimlessly without getting any real appreciation for the place.

With that said, if you venture out on your own, you do have a few options. The Carte Musee et Monuments will grant you access to the state apartments and the gardens (thru the end of March...there%26#39;s an extra charge for the gardens from April thru October) and you can bypass the long lines for tickets by going directly to door B2. If you decide to take one of the lecture tours to the Opera House or Marie Antoinettes apartments, or if you would like to see the King%26#39;s Chambers, you will need to return to entrance C or D to buy those additional tickets. The pass also includes entrance to the Grand Trianon.

If you do not plan to purchase a Carte M%26amp;M, you can purchase a full day pass for the chateau that includes everything but the lecture tours (Opera/M.A.) for 20 Euros. This pass also includes audioguides for the state apartments and the King%26#39;s Chambers. You can avoid waiting in line at the Chateau by purchasing this pass in advance at any FNAC in Paris.

If you are taking the RER to the Chateau, you can purchase a combination train/chateau pass at Transilien SNCF stations. You will save about 1 Euro by purchasing the combination pass, but the greater advantage is avoiding the lines. More info at http://www.transilien.com/FR/TouVers.htm (in French)

The official website%26#39;s English version (http://www.chateauversaille.fr/en) offers a fair amount of information, but if you are able to read some French, I recommend sticking to the French version.

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We did it on our own, with kids in tow. That was in February and there were really no crowds. With the museum pass you can bypass any lines.

We used the Rick Steve%26#39;s guidebook as a basic tour for ourselves.

Also, I would recommend before you go to check out any videos that your public library has about Louis XIV and beyond, as well as about Versailles, etc. Check under %26quot;Sun King%26quot; as that is how he was known. We watched a bunch of videos about Versailles and the different Louis%26#39; and all that and my kids were awfully well versed in French History by the time we left, and it made the trip to Versailles much more meaningful.

Lunch and Diner Times

When are french restaurants%26#39; lunch and diner times?

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Lunchtime is normally between 12.00 and 14.00 hour, dinner time from 20.00 or 20.30 to about 22.30. A few restaurants in Paris stay open till midnight or even later.

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I%26#39;ve found that many restaurants have their earliest seatings at 7 p.m. (19:00).

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Outside of those seatings for restaurants and bistros, you can eat meals at any time at most brasseries and cafes.

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Thank you. I have received emails from some restaurants stating their menu prices for lunch and diner, but I was not sure when one ended and the other began.

Do restaurants that serve lunch and diner close in between the two?

Thanks.

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For restaurants, luncheon hours usually run from 12:00 until 14:00 (12-2 PM) then close and re-open mostly from 20:00 (8:00 PM...but many will re-open as early as 19:00 (7:00 PM).

Some bistrots will stay open from 12:00 until midnight. Most cafe%26#39;s will open at 07:00 AM for breakfast and remain open throughout the day and evening, offering a luncheon and a light supper menus from noon through early evening, until closing.

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The latest time for restaurants to reopen is 7h30 pm, most will reopen at 7 or 7h15. I have never seen any restaurants reopening as late as 8 pm. Proper restaurants will close around 3 pm after their last clients are gone. But in brasseries you can be served lunch anytime usually.

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I would say that restaurants who have %26#39;seatings%26#39; do close in between lunch and dinner; the staff eat prior to the reopening for dinner.

just one question..........

does anyone know the size of a standard French double bed.

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140 x 190 cm is the standard size for a French double bed (that is 55.12 inches wide if I am correct). People will usually refer to that kind of bed as being a grand lit or lit double or double bed. A larger bed will be a queen size bed which is 160 x 200 cm usually (referred to as un lit de 160 or queen size).

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If it%26#39;s for a hotel, there is a little trick to get a bigger bed, ask for a twin and put the beds together. The minimum per bed will be 80cm and the max 90, so you increase the bed%26#39;s size of 20-40 cm!

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Single/Twin = 90 cm. (36%26quot;)

French double = 120 cm (47%26quot;)

Standard double = 140 cm. (56%26quot;)

Queen = 160 cm. (64%26quot;)

King = 180 cm. (72%26quot;)

Paris meeting place

6 members of our family will come to Paris for a family meeting.

As we are divided over Europe 4 will arrive on gare de l%26#39;est comming from the direction of Switzerland and 2 will arrive at CDG airport.

Eventualy we all have to meet up in Versailles.

What trains or metro can we take and about how long will it take us?

Is a taxi an option? What would a taxi cost from CDG airport to versailles?

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IS there any specific reason you have to catch up in Versailles?

None of your arrival spots are very convenient to get to Versailles, CDG is about 60 km from versailles, so taxi is NOT an option, unless you don%26#39;t mind spending 75-100 Euros on the cab. The RER will be a very long trip but kind of easy, after you%26#39;ve taken RER B you have to change lines in RER C at St Michel, this one will take you straight to Versailles. All together about 2 hours journey.

From Gare de l%26#39;Est you have to take metro line n°4 and again change at St Michel in RER C ca 1 hour ride.

If you don%26#39;t have to necessarily meet in Versailles and your arrival times are kind of similar you should meet at St Michel in front of the Fountain (it is not to miss), this is a very popular meeting point among young parisians, easy to spot and good acces to the bars in the Latin quarter!

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I agree w/Kasthor on all points, even where you should meet.

Meeting at Versailles lends a level of difficulty to your plans that should be avoided if possible.

Les

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Hi Kasthor,

The hotel where we meet and stay is in versailles, so we are fixed on versailles.

An hour from gare de l%26#39;est is ok, maybe a taxi from there would still be an option as it is 4 people sharing,any idea on prices for that journey by taxi?

The 2 hours from CDG is quiet far but sure we find some sort of solution, thanks for your help anyway!

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For those arriving ar PARIS-Gare d%26#39;Est, they can make their way across town to either PARIS-Gare Saint Lazare and take a SNCF train to VERSAILLES-Rive Droit or from PARIS-Gare Montparnasse to VERSAILLE-Chantier (fare 2,65 €--approx 30 mins) and then a taxi to your accommodations or meeting place at VERSAILLES or some convenient metting point there.

Those ariving at CDG (there are no direct public transportation--SNCF, RER, etc from CDG to VERSAILLES) can take a taxi (approx. fare 65-80 €) from the airport to Versailles....OR....take the RER %26#39;B-3%26#39; train (fare 8 €) from one of the two stations at CDG to the SAINT MICHEL-NOTRE DAME station (fare 8 €...approx 34 mins) and then make the quick Correspondence transfer to the RER %26#39;C-5%26#39; ligne (any train with %26#39;v xxx%26#39; designator) to the end-of-the-ligne at VERSAILLES-Rive Gauche station (fare 2,65 €---approx 40 mins) . Then taxi to your agreed upon meeting place in Versailles.

The members of your party arriving by train at Gare d%26#39;Est could also ake their way across town and use the RER %26#39;C-5%26#39; ligne train to VERSAILLES-Rive Gauche, from any of its Left Bank stations (Gare Austerlitz, Saint Michel-Notre Dame, Musée d%26#39;Orsay, Invalides, Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel).

Bear in mind that if you are planning to arrange for a %26#39;..meeting place..%26#39; in Versailles, there are three(3) different train stations there--VERSAILLES-Rive Gauche, VERSAILLE-Rive Droit and VERSAILLES-Chantier. Don%26#39;t get e%26#39;em confused.

SNCF--

www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage…

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;The hotel where we meet and stay is in versailles, so we are fixed on versailles%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

This being the case, then don%26#39;t bother with any other meeting place...simply make your own ways to your hotel in Versailles and use that as the meeting place. Everything else has the potential to turn into %26#39;..mice-in-a-maze..%26#39;. KISS--Keep It Simple Stupid.

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My husband works near Versailles and a cab to CDG usually runs about 90 euros.

Restaurants in Bastille Area

Came to Paris for 1st time last year and loved it so much we are coming back again.

We love food, and the restaurants were very good but we would like some advice on the best ones in the Bastille area at a price of about 100 Euros for 2 people.

Thanks You/Merci

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Anybody??

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You can go to Bofinger or le Train Bleu at the gare de Lyon for a start. Both have fixed price menus, good food and great decor.

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%26quot;Square Trousseau%26quot; is a good one.

Another one I like very much (i%26#39;ve been there only for lunch so I don%26#39;t know how it is like for dinner) is %26quot;Pause Café%26quot; (metro Ledru Rollin for both of them). It is a café, with a very simple decoration, full of locals but everytime I go there I am very pleased with the food. Last time, I had brochettes with herbs and sweet potato purée and the brochettes (skewers) were so tasty and the sauce so %26quot;to die for%26quot; that I went in the kitchen and asked the Chef for his recipe !

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Pause Café Bastille

41 r Charonne 75011 PARIS

01 48 06 80 33

01 40 21 89 06

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A small brasserie (cuisine d%26#39;auvergne) is Le Rey, at 130 rue de la Roquette, métro Voltaire. Always full with locals which is a very good sign. You will find great meats at reasonable prices.

Les Grandes Marches, 6 Place de la Bastille, modern decor brasserie with a modern twist in the menu.

Best thai cuisine in Paris (IMHO) is Blue Elephant, 43 rue de la Roquette. Don%26#39;t get turn off by the small entrance, the dining room is large and nicely decorated, the food is splendid.

Bon appétit.

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I second Bofingers. But, be aware that there is a restaurant directly across from the original Bofingers called Petit Bofingers and it is hard to see the Petit when it is dark and you are not expecting a decoy! We had reservations at Bofingers and went and ate at Petit Bofingers by mistake. Well, I am going to give it another try in March when I return. I have heard good things about it!

Hostel in Paris??

Hi everybody!!

Please can someone advise me a hostel in Paris, I will be there in February. If it´s well located, cheap, and also include free internet access. I am from Argentina so that is why the cheaper the better. I also need information about hostels in Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Venecia, Florencia and Roma. I will be waiting for your answers because I start my trip 4th february.

Thank you very much!

bye!

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Hi,

Try Hotel Marignan:

http://www.hotel-marignan.com/

It%26#39;s not a hostel per se, but the prices are not that bad. I am also going to Paris and this hotel was among my choices. I won´t stay there because they don%26#39;t have toilet and shower inside their rooms for a single person.

Hope it helps. ;)

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I believe it might be useful:

http://www.hostelseurope.com/

http://www.hostels.com/en/europe.html

http://www.europefamoushostels.com/

http://www.europeanhostels.com/fall/

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Hi Ilyfe,

I have the same problem finding a nice place.

I came accross this on TA and will be staying there second week of Feb, it looks very hip and its near to the metro, and the area is just so nice)

www.caulaincourt.com

Hope to see you there :)

Good Luck,

Rasha

Paris Metro

I am looking at buying a Paris Visite Pass for Zone 1 to 5 and am interested to know if anyone can comment on value for money.

We are stay in out towards Euro Disney and hope to travel into Paris all days but 1 on our 5 day stay.

I understand the company I am buying from issue a redeemable voucher. As we are travel by Eurostar and arriving into Paris Nord station and the voucher is redeemed at rue des Pyramides, would we need to get metro to get to this place or is it walkable? What sort of distance are we talking about?

Many thanks.

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If you do a search you%26#39;ll find tons of advice. Basically, if at all possible you shoule wait until you get there to buy a metro pass as you will be buying direct and not have to pay any brokerage fees. You should also compare the prices for the Carte Orange because it is less expensive. The Paris Visite is geared towards tourists and ergo, the price is inflated. I%26#39;m sure KDKSAIL who is truly an expert on the metro will weigh in on this for you but there%26#39;s some initial advice to get you started. :)

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There is ***NO advantage*** to pre-purchasing a PARIS VISITÉ before arriving in Paris...and in your specific instance even greater dis-advantage. To pick up your pass, you must get from Gare du Nord to the agency%26#39;s office on rue des Pyramides (Office du Tourisme de Paris #25??)...and then make your way to one of the RER %26#39;A%26#39;ligne stations to get the train out to the Marne La Vallee-Chessy station at DLP.

The simplest, most straightforward and least expensive way of handling this will be to wait until you arrive at PARIS-Gare du Nord, purchase your PARIS VISITÉ Zone 1-5 pass there (at the official price...most third-party agencies charge a 25%-35%premium for NO added conveneince) and then either take the RER %26#39;B%26#39; train from the lower level of Gare du Nord one(1) stop to CHATELET-Les HALLES station, and make a quick CORRESPONDENCE transfer to the RER %26#39;A%26#39; ligne to MARNE La VALLEE-CHESSY--using your PV pass (approx 50 mins travel time).

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One not-so-minor-detail....on which day of the week (S,M,T,W.TH,F,S??) will you arrive in Paris for your five(5) day visit. Depending on this, your BEST and LEAST EXPENSIVE transportation pass option may be the CARTE ORANGE Zone 1-5 weekly pass--valid from FIRST TRAIN, Monday AM until LAST TRAIN, Sunday PM--but day of arrival will dictate whether it will %26#39;work%26#39; for your specific itinerary.

OFFICIAL RATP PRICES--

ratp.info/informer/titres_de_transport.php

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Whether buying the Paris Visite or the Carte Orange, if buying for zones 1-5, then purchase at the airport/RER station ticket office. Then you can use the pass to take the RER into Gare du Nord, make the transfer to Chatelet and transfer on RER-A to Disney.

|||

Thanks for your help. We hope to arrive on Tuesday and leave on Saturday.

|||

A Carte Orange would work well for you in that case. Cost for 5 zones is 30,90 euros much cheaper than the Paris Visite at 45,70.

Of note, be sure to take an passport size photo with you as have to have one for the Carte Orange. You will be given a little card to %26quot;assemble%26quot; where you still your photo. I have found that they are usually willing to loan sissors to cut down a photo at the ticket window if they have a pair. Any photo of your face really will do as long as it is clear that it is you.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;We hope to arrive on Tuesday and leave on Saturday.%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Then most definitely wait until you arrive in Paris and purchase a weekly (hebdo) CARTE ORANGE Zone 1-5 transportation pass at at RER ticket kiosks, on the lower-level, RER portions of Gare du Nord.

In addition to the CARTE ORANGE being less expensive, since it requires that YOU provide a %26#39;head-shot%26#39; photo (approx 1 1/4%26quot; x 1 1/4%26quot;) for the photo-ID portion of the CO pass, it also makes a great %26#39;..personalized..%26#39; souvenir of your Paris visit.

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Thanks very much for your help.

side day trip

My husband and I will be in Paris in Feb, and are considering a day trip into the countryside but don%26#39;t really know anything about the area. He is in wine sales so a trip to a wine region would be a good option. Are there any suggestions? Should we rent a car??

Thanks for your help!

Karen in Maryland

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Champagne is the easiest day trip to a wine growing region. You can take the train and rent a taxi to visit the cellars, but it is even more enjoyable to rent a car and drive through the small towns, stopping to taste as you go. This is a great way to meet the smaller producers that you won%26#39;t find at home.

Chablis is also do able in a day.

A bit further, and more of an over night would be the Burgundy, and Loire regions (Tourraine, Chinon, Bourgeuil, Vouvray). In the Loire you could also stop at a chateau or two along the way.

cheers!

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If you want to do a day-trip %26#39;tour%26#39; of vinyards and wineries, your best bet may be to select a region(s) and rent a car to get to those which interest/attract you most. Most escorted tours may not cover what particularly interest you.

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Thanks for the messages. Here%26#39;s the thing. We will only be in France for 3 full days. Is it stupid to leave Paris? Should we just stay there the whole time? We are not really big on touristy attractions. Viewing the tower from the street would be good enough for us, etc. But we want to sample the food/wines of the region and see the culture.

Your suggestions are helpful.

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I think that you%26#39;d be missing out on a LOT if you spent one of your three days on the road. Why not lunch at one of the L%26#39;Ecluse wine bars and head over to Vinia for a wine tasting? www.lavinia.fr This way you can test an entire selection of regions in a serious of afternoons.

Paris is MUCH more than the Eiffel Tower. Did you know there were vineyards in Montmartre? Check it out http://www.commanderiemont.com/vignoble.html

There is also a wine museum. www.museeduvinparis.com/gbmusee/index.htm

Brasserie

Just wondering what the definition of a brasserie in France. We have them in Quebec, but only people of drinking age are allowed to enter. The food is usually very good and at a decent price...

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Brasserie is open to anyone i guess, as you can order coffee, tea, fuit juice as well as alcohol. Food is usually basic : omelette, sandwiches, fried eggs, sometimes lasagna.

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The Brasseries were introduced to Paris by the Alsacians fleeing the borders of the Franco Prussian war and coming to Paris where many of them set up shop brewing beer.

Today they are mostly historic establishments and are pretty much what you would call a restaurant in Canada.

Unlike Paris restaurants, Paris brasseries tend to offer service non-stop, providing hot meals throughout the day. Which is great for jet lagged travelers and those who just can%26#39;t wait until 8pm for dinner.

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I thought a %26#39;brasserie%26#39; generally served either seafood or Alsation type foods, and kept long hours... and you could get %26#39;just drinks%26#39; or order many other things off the carte as you wished, and they often focus on varieties of beer.

I think of a %26#39;cafe%26#39; as a place to get more simple food, quiche, salads, croque monsieur, etc...

but it does get confusing, especially if a brasserie calls itself %26#39;cafe%26#39; and so on. And I feel a bit %26#39;cheeky%26#39; contesting a Parisian member on this!

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For real confusion, I%26#39;ve been to places that say Restaurant AND Brasserie AND Cafe, all on the awning!

Staying in the 5th or 6th

Hello to any experienced Paris hotel friends,

We will be traveling to Paris in July with our 3 teenage daughters. We%26#39;ve (just my husband and I) stayed at the Hotel des Carmes in the past, and we thought it safe, clean and in close prox. to most activities, Notre Dame, the Metro...etc. But would like a bit quiter street in the general vacinity. Do you have any feelings on the following hotels, which we%26#39;ve been hearing about. 1) Relais Saint Jacques 2) Vendome St. Germain 3) St. Gregoire and lastly 4) St. Beuve. We want it safe enough if our girls want to explore a bit by themselves, that we (and they) feel safe.

Thank you,

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Hi, yes, I%26#39;ve stayed at the Relais Saint Jacques. My report is posted here at Trip Advisor as a matter of fact.

tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d325…

I highly recommend this hotel as I not only enjoyed my room (Prestige) but also the staff who are very friendly and helpful.

Btw, I noted that a housekeeper entered my room while I was still occupying it. I emailed M. Bonneau, the manager, and he assured me that the staff have been advised at what occured. They were never suppose to enter a guest%26#39;s room and they have been advised further that this is not correct.

The Saint Gregoire is on my short list too.

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I%26#39;ve just come back from Paris with two teens and we stayed at the Henri IV which was perfect location wise being very close to Notre Dame, Boulevard St Germaine etc (see my post from a couple of days ago) and I didn%26#39;t find it at all noisy. The good thing would be that on the top floor of this hotel they have two adjacent rooms, one a double the other a triple which would be perfect and private for you. Have fun!

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The Ste-Beuve gets high marks at a number of other forums, but it%26#39;s closer to the Luxembourg Gardens than--I think--the other hotels you mention. But it%26#39;s a very safe area.

Eiffel tower dinner and cruise

My husband and I had planned to book an evening at the Eiffel Tower through a travel agency but now that we%26#39;ve bought airfare and hotels a la carte, that evening package deal is no longer available to us.

It included Eiffel Tower tour, dinner at the Altitude 95 restaurant, and a cruise on the Seine for $109 per head. Is there anything comparable out there? Nothing we%26#39;re coming across includes the dinner.

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Here is the Eiffel Tower site. I would start here for reseverations for Altitude 95.

Faxing would probably work faster if you can do that.

www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/pratique/resto/

If you type in %26quot;River Cruises%26quot; in the search window on this page, I am sure you will get alot of info.

BTW. There really is no %26quot;Tour%26quot; of the Eiffel Tower, at least nothing that we saw. You just get in line, and pay for what level you want to go to. All 3, only 1 or 2+1. There are some posters and things hanging telling the Tower%26#39;s history, but we never saw a group tour, etc.

If you dont want to que in line for A95 and to go up the tower, you could reserve dinner at Jules Verne. This would be very expensive, but you do get to ride in a restaurant only elevator.

Good luck, and I can speak from experience that many of your questions can be answered by doing a search here. It worked for us, and no waiting that way either... )

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Book for dinner at one of the restaurants at the Eiffel Tower and then take a late-evening cruise on the Seine with Vedettes de Paris or one of the other boat operators (Bateaux Mouches is the noisiest and most crowded, usually). The cruises that offer dinner are considerably overpriced for the food that you get, and you can have a much more pleasant evening by dining on shore and then drifting along the river, looking at the lights and beautiful buildings that give you a view of old Paris.

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We did one of these dinner/cruise package deals last year with some friends. It was easy and convenient. They whisked us to the tower and up to the restaurant and to our table. Dinner was so-so and there was no choice at all. Plus I%26#39;ve never been served such a quick dinner in France. But then I could see why as most of the others were gone super fast, so I guess they pace the service for American diners.

Anyway, for convenience it can%26#39;t be beat. But I won%26#39;t be doing it again that way.

Hotel La Ponche or Hotel La Mandarine?

My husband and I were in St. Tropez last June and loved it so much we are going back next year. We stayed at Chateau de la Messardiere and loved it, but for our next trip, we%26#39;d like to be within walking distance of the town. We%26#39;ve narrowed it down to La Ponche or La Mandarine. Does anyone know which of these hotels would be the best?

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Hi vickie, I have never been to France so unfortunately dont have a suggestion for you but maybe you could tell me more about Chateau de la Messardiere. We are planning on staying there for our honeymoon in September. Is it worth it, is it away from the buzz of Saint Tropez and what is the beach close by like? Why are you not returning there?

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Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Chateau de la Messardiere is beautiful! The only reason we don%26#39;t think we%26#39;ll stay there for our next visit is because we like to be able to walk to shops and restaurants. Although, that being said, the shuttle service at Messardiere is very convenient. It goes all day and all night. They%26#39;ll take you to town or to the beach and then pick you up again whenever you want. It%26#39;s practically like having your own limo driver. The beach is very nice. It%26#39;s got lots of restaurants which rent chairs and umbrellas for the day. We went to the beach one morning just to go for a walk. But for suntanning, we spent most of our time at the hotel%26#39;s pool. Another highlight for us was the breakfast at the hotel. The setting was beautiful, on a terrace with such a wonderful view. I have no problem recommending Chateau de la Messardiere for your honeymoon. Have a great trip!

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Hi Vickie

I have not stayed at the La Mandarine, but I can tell you La Ponche is very nice and a good deal for St. Tropez. Your room is cleaned twice daily; they have beautiful showers; the rooms are pretty large (for Europe); and the staff is just wonderful. They made all our reservations for us at the restaurants and beaches (La Vouile Rouge and Nikki beach). The location is great - about a two block walk to the port and maybe four blocks to the square. Everything is close by - shopping, etc. They have they%26#39;re own small beach, but not quite as fun as the beaches previously mentioned. Hope this helps.

D-Day Normandy Trips from Paris

Four of us will be visiting Paris in October and would like to take a day-trip tour of the Normandy D-Day beach sites. The options seem confusing. Can anyone suggest the most cost effective/comfortable/informative way to do this? We would love to hear stories of great experiences on one of these tours.

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From Paris you can : take a tour type Paris Vision or Cityrama as one-day tour, it is about 150 euros per person with lunch if i remember well, with a tour guide who is in general quite informative.

The second option is to take the train to Caen for example, and then take a minibus trip from there (the tourist office should have some information about companies).

Third option : take the train to Normandy and rent a car.

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Hello John,

If you search this site for Normandy or D Day beaches, I think you will get many opinions about how to do it.

For 4 of you, it might be cost effective IMO to rent a car for a day, maybe from the western edge of Paris (la defense) and drive out. It%26#39;s about 2 hours on a direct super highway. When you get to the Normandy beaches, there are many historical musuems where you will get great information on what went on. You can drive along the shore and to the cemeteries. (Great eating over there too.)

By all means don%26#39;t miss it. It is awesome to see it.

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Raphy %26amp; Bea, Thanks for the info. The car rental is something we had not considered but may be more time effective. I%26#39;ll check out the rental possibilities.

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By all means, the rental car is the way to go. You will have the freedom to go where you want and stay as long as you like. I suggest you invest in a couple of guide books and plan a route ahead of time. The guide books will tell you where the smaller monuments are located. If you are interested in the American Beaches, the best place to start is Bayeaux. It%26#39;s a short drive to the beach from there. The highways are very good and fast. All of the important sites have parking. The other good thing about renting a car is that you can explore the many small private museums along the beach road.

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We booked a tour in May 2005 via www.linkparis.com (the D-Day tour). We found it to be very informative and our guide (Karine) was great. She is a native of Caen and added many insights as a %26quot;local%26quot;. This tour was the best option for us as 1) we didn%26#39;t feel comfortable renting a car and 2) we like small tours (they limit the group to 8). We took the train to Caen and were picked up at the station. Spent the morning at the Caen Memorial Museum (amazing place), lunch was provided at the museum, then the afternoon included numerous sites: The American Cemetary, Omaha Beach, and Ponte du Hoc. We also stopped at the German cemetary (La Cambe, I think). We%26#39;re booking again with this tour for May.

6 Days in Paris.......need help on what to do?

In Paris for 6 days, 5 nights........any suggestions on Itinerary? Would like to see most historic landmarks, and visit some the d’Orsay, Louvre, and make a day trip to Versailles. Any suggestions on how to make the best of a spring break visit to the City of Lights?

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The best suggestion I can make is that you decide what is important for YOU to see. Do some research ~ either going through guidebooks or online. TravelNutty took time to put together a draft itinerary for you back on May 13th....maybe that would be a good place to start. Delete places you aren%26#39;t interested in, and add others that you don%26#39;t want to miss. Good luck.

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Oops, not May 13th, meant Jan. 13th.

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I totally agree with totallyclueless. You have some ideas already which is a good start. Maybe one other advice I can suggest is to walk. Paris is a walkable city and my favorite places to walk are in the 4th through 6th districts.

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I think you should get a couple of guide books from library or bookstore. Paris has enough to offer to keep a person busy for weeks. Try to visit by areas so you do not run all over the place. Example: Marais and Bastille or Champs Elysees and Tuileries. You need a little bit of method to do this. Also it takes longer than you think to visit any single place. Versailles will take a full day going and coming back.

Louvre takes a couple of hours or more, plus getting there, is a 1/2 day.

You will find out at the end that you did not have enough time to see everything on your list.

Hotel Saint Germaine des Pres or Hotel Bonaparte?

I want to be near the river and Saint Germain des Pres? Which is a better hotel?

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Hotel Bonaparte is a no-frills 2* in a good location. It does have a/c and a minibar, but the furnishings will be more utilitarian.

Hotel St Germain des Pres (same street) is a 3* with higher prices. The decor looks to be a bit %26#39;richer%26#39;.

So, it boils down to appearance as far as I can see, and whatever you can discern from the TA reviews.

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How near to the river? The Bonaparte is across the Blvd. St-Germain.

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BOTH are perfectly fine hotels--one a basic Parisian 2-star and the other a basic Parisian 3-star. So if budget is not a pressing concern, you may find that the HÔTEL SAINT GERMAIN des PRÉS (3-star--NOT the 2-star Hôtel de Saint Germain) 36 rue Bonaparte (a few steps beyong Eglise Saint Germain des Prés), 75006, Metro: Saint Germain des Prés--

http://www.hotel-paris-saint-germain.com/

will offer a bit more in amenities and a more convenient location.

Balck to Paris in Feb, Need Info on Montmartre - GOD IS...

I can%26#39;t believe I have to travel to Europe for a business meeting second week of Feb. during my weekend, God is great, my prayers are answered and I will be coming to Paris again, yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! (my boss is giving me a couple of days to compensate for my weekend.)

I don%26#39;t know if I can sleep tonite, soooo excited, really happy from the bottom of my heart.

Ok, now to the point, on this visit to Paris I will try to focus on MontMartre mainly because I didn%26#39;t have time to really absorb all of it last time. I realize this area a the birthplace of great art throughout the years and the highlights of my visit will be Dalida%26#39;s house and square, Amelie%26#39;s neighborhood, Place de tetre,...

Also I plan to visit Centre Pompidou, the Mosque, Dali museum, Orsay 5th Floor.

So please if anyone has info/tips on the above would appreciate if you share with me.

I also have some questions:

- Does anyone know if there is a museum for Dalida?

- Does anyone know where Helena Rubinstien lived? I read in a book that her apartment was so artistic.

- Are there any hotels in MontMartre, I couldn%26#39;t get much information on staying in this area, budget around 70-100 EUR.

- Is it worthwhile visiting the parks and gardens in Feb? Or will it be too cold to wander around?

- Are there any sales in the shops in Feb?

- Are there any fashion shows taking place? How do you get invited to these?

I did all the touristiky places last time and this time I am looking for a more original, in-depth visit, all suggestions very welcome.

Arvoir :)

Rasha

ps: Is anyone going to be there 12-16 Feb? Maybe we can meet up for a Parisian coffee?

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As for Montmartre, i don%26#39;t think there is a museum, but you can pay a visit to her tumb in Cimetière Montmartre.

I think Helena Rubinstein lived on the Ile St Louis but not sure at all, maybe i am mistaken. Don%26#39;t forget in Montmartre the rue Cortot, rue des Sules with the vineyards and Lapin agile, the rue de l%26#39;abreuvoir with the statue of Dalida, the allée des brouillards. Villa Léandre, Place Marcel Aymé, the Moulin de la Galette, etc... I wouldn%26#39;t recommend you stay in Montmartre, it is nice to visit but not central, after a long day of visit you are tired and still need to go up the hill to your hotel! No official sales %26quot;soldes %26quot; in February, but sometimes %26quot;promotion%26quot; in some or many shops. As for fashio show, you can attend the ones in the Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, as for the famous ones you need an invitation.

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Congrats Rasha! The mosque is going through some very serious renovations at the moment and a good part of it is inaccessible at this time.

Does anyone know if there is a museum for Dalida? No, there is not.

Does anyone know where Helena Rubinstien lived? On the Ile St Louis, but the more artistic one was in NYC and the art collection was sold in 1966.

Are there any hotels in MontMartre, I couldn%26#39;t get much information on staying in this area, budget around 70-100 EUR. Lots, check the tripadvisor site.

Is it worthwhile visiting the parks and gardens in Feb? Or will it be too cold to wander around? The gardens are full each day, but you may find it too cold, coming from a warmer climate. Are there any sales in the shops in Feb? search sales in this forum for the exact dates.

Are there any fashion shows taking place? How do you get invited to these? There are fashion shows every week at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. For THE shows, well I have not yet managed to procure one for myself.

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Hi Rasha,

I love the Montmartre too.

There is a little hotel you might want to look into, it is called the Hotel Utrillo. It has mixed reviews on TA but I have stayed there a number of times and the staff there are all very nice in my experience. It is a small tourist class hotel. Not fancy, but clean and most of the rooms in the front of the building have a neat view of the rooftops of Montmartre.

The hotel was sold recently and from what I understand is undergoing renovations. Best to check to see what the status of that is before you go. Here is their website:

http://www.hotel-paris-utrillo.com/

The hotel is located on r. Aristide Bruant which is just off r. Abbesses and about three blocks from the r. Abbesses metro station. R. Abbesses has a lot of wonderful little shops, restaurants and bars. There is also a great bakery on r. Abbesses, just down the street from the hotel. The hotels is also about a 2 minute walk from the r. Lepic area which has great markets - and just further down from there is the Moulin Rouge on bvd. de Clichy and also a large Monoprix should you need anything.

You might also consider seeing if one of these studios is available (not sure if they are only rented by the week?) They are located on r. Lepic right around the corner from the Hotel Utrillo:

www.parisvacationapartments.com/prop.pl?6

I would also recommend you try Le Chinon which is my favorite bar on r. Abbesses and also a really good restaurant called Le Relais Gascon which is also on r. Abbesses, right on the corner next to the hotel. They have incredible salads! (I believe someone here at TA also mentioned visiting this restaurant recently and had a good experience there.)

Have a great time!

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The weekly fashion shows at Gallerie LaFayette are held Friday%26#39;s at 2:30 7th Floor Salon Opera. Call 01 48 74 02 30. It is free.

When I called for reservations they asked who invited me....I fumbled

a bit and mentioned I saw it in France Guide. I know the famous ones you need an invitation. I do not know if you need an invitation to the weekly shows so being asked who invited me caught me off guard however I obtained a reservation.

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A nice looking hotel within your budget is the Prima Lepic, right in the heart of Amelie country - http://www.hotelprimalepic.com/index-2.html

Various hotel discounters feature it and they offer promotions on the hotel site.

It gets many good reviews on TripAdvisor and elsewhere. I have not stayed there, but noticed it in walking by during my last two stays in Paris--both in Montmartre, which my husband and I fell in love with. Both times we stayed a week or more and rented an apartment from Gail Boisclair at www.perfectlyparis.com; if that idea appeals to you, check out her site, as she specializes in Montmartre. As you can see, people vary in their opinion of staying in this area--but there are %26quot;sweet village%26quot; sections as well as noisy and bawdy parts. The section of rue Lepic where the Prima Lepic is located is well-situated between the sacred and the profane (down to the Moulin Rouge or up to Sacre Coeur); it%26#39;s up to you what direction you take! As for having a steep climb home, we didn%26#39;t find it too bad at all and actually welcomed the exercise to work off all those fabulous French calories. If you love Montmartre%26#39;s art history, try to see the collection of related art at the Musee Carnavalet :

…paris.fr/musees/…principal_cadre.htm Bon voyage!

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Thanks everyone for the help, I checked our your suggestions.

I also found this on TA, it seems like a nice hostel in Montmartre: www.caulaincourt.com

Do you think it would be safe to stay in that area?

I checked the metro map and its not so bad to get to the city center, plus the opportunity to meet new people. What do you think?

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It sounds friendly, but more %26quot;basic%26quot; in accommodations and is likely a bit noisier. If you are okay with that and want the hostel atmosphter, I think the neighborhood is fine. If you look on the Caulaincourt Square Hotel location map, you can see Avenue Junot, where I stayed in Sept.; it was an easy walk down a flight of stairs to the Caulaincourt Metro--good connections to other points.

Good bike shops in Paris?

My husband and I will be in Paris Jan. 20-26. He%26#39;s a huge cycling fan, so I%26#39;d like to take him to a bike shop while we%26#39;re there for some cycling gear.

I looked up the official store of the Tour de France, but as far as I can tell the tour stuff is only available online. Does anyone know of any good bike shops in Paris, where they sell jerseys, etc? Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!!

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Decathlon and Go Sport are two sporting goods chains that have a large selection. I just don%26#39;t know what, if anything is available in the winter.

My bike is my principle mode of transport and all of the bike shops I frequent focus on the bikes, with very little gear. Here is the email address of one shop, perhaps they could steer you in the right direction: mbrparis@mountainbiker.fr

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THere%26#39;s a nice place by the Canal St Martin - not quite what you were looking for but very Parisian in concept. Vélo et CHocolat a café and bike repair shop at 75 Quai de La Seine - Metro Riquet on line 7.

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Thanks, phread...can you tell me where these places are? The Decathlon and Go Sport stores, I mean.

Double-Decker Bus Tour comparable to Metro pass?

My wife and I were thinking of getting a two-day Double Decker Tour Bus pass that runs every 15 minutes as a way to get around and see the most popular sights. We love to walk around and explore, and plan on doing that from our hotel in the 5th arrondissement, but my wife%26#39;s leg goes numb when walking for any length of time, so we need an alternative form of transportation.

Which would you recommend, the Double-Decker Tour Bus, or simply a Metro pass?

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The two--L%26#39;Open Tour buses and the regular RATP public transportation system--RER/Metro/Bus--are really two different things. The l%26#39;Open Tour buses are fine for casual getting about the city, seeing some of the sights and orienting yourself to the city layout and relative location of sights and atractions--get an overview...but it really isn%26#39;t as practical, convenient or flexible a mode of %26#39;..transportation..%26#39; as the regular public transportation system. L%26#39;Open Tour is an excellent %26#39;..add-on..%26#39; for your visit...but not really an alternative.

To begin with, L%26#39;Open Tours only offer four(4) routes throughout portions of the city, with interconect-stops (between only two(2) different route per stop) at only four(4) locations within the city (free transfers between routes). These routes only travel in one(1) direction along their %26#39;circuit%26#39;. In addition to this, there are fewer stops along their routes and less frequency (often erratic due to surface traffic) between buses, and these buses cease operation at approx 18:00 (6:00 PM).

L%26#39;OPEN TOUR Details--

http://www.paris-opentour.com/index_eng.htm

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I went on the double decker tour bus in 2003. It gives you a great view from the open top deck, on fine days of course. It%26#39;s more expensive than travelling on the metro but usually drops you off right outside the tourist attraction. A couple of the bus drivers we encountered had obviously had a bad day and were in a hurry to get the circuit finished. As a tourist with time to spare it is great but if you want to get places quickly take the metro and avoid the traffic.