Our first trip to Paris was February 17-23. Thanks to Tripadvisor and this forum, I was extremely prepared and we had a good trip. We had 5.5 days of sightseeing and walked 8-10 miles a day. Yes, walking is the best way to see Paris, but not good for my feet. My first trip to a podiatrist was after our return and he confirmed that I should limit walking to avoid pain and surgery. I was in a lot of agony through most of the trip and for weeks later, which is why this report is late.
Highlights (in order of importance):
1. My favorite part of the trip was experiencing French food. Except for a croque monsieur at a small left-bank cafe, all the food we ate was fantastic. But the best meals were lunches we had at two right-bank restaurants. I had pulled menus from the web, so I was prepared for the cost, which was approximately $140 per lunch for two people.
Our first full day we slept late, so started with lunch at the Royal Madeleine. After reading about the Royal Madeleine on Tripadvisor, I did more research and found in was in our backyard and recommended by many others. We didn%26#39;t have reservations and believe we got the only walk-in table. We were also the only tourists. The place was full the entire time. The 2-hour lunch was fantastic! I had wine, French onion soup, veal stew, creme brulee, and cafe creme. This video gives a good feel for the Royal Madeleine:
geobeats.com/videoclips/…french-bistro
On our last day, we had lunch at Auberge Nicholas Flamel. Our reservations were not necessary, at least not for lunch on the day we went. Again, we were the only tourists. I had a cheese artichoke entree, lamb, creme brulee, and cafe creme. At any restaurant anywhere, if it%26#39;s offered, I usually have creme brulee for dessert. This was the best creme brulee I%26#39;ve ever had!
http://www.auberge-nicolas-flamel.fr
2. After much research, I decided on Hotel de Vendome. Yes, it%26#39;s pricey, but I got a good deal on Expedia and this trip was in celebration of 35 years of marriage. Unfortunately, we are now spoiled for future Paris trips! Our suite included a foyer, sitting area and large bathroom. We faced the street, but heard nothing and the blackout drapes worked beautifully, keeping sun out while we slept in most mornings. The location was perfect for our itinerary. It was within minutes of the Musee Louvre, Champs Elysee and Opera Garnier. And several days we walked to and from the islands.
3. I loved the islands! After dropping off our luggage upon arrival, we headed to Notre Dame. Especially on a sunny Sunday, the islands are so enjoyable with street entertainers and cute shops. We had our first Paris meal at Cafe Med on Ile Saint Louis and ended our day with an evening boat tour. We spent more time on the islands two additional days, including eating our last Paris meal at a small cafe near Notre Dame.
4. I can%26#39;t stop talking about the food and my husband can%26#39;t stop talking about the Tower Eiffel. He was not prepared for it%26#39;s size and keeps telling people how %26quot;big%26quot; it is. He also now better appreciates the engineering involved in it%26#39;s construction.
Observations:
1. Paris is very expensive! Yes, the exchange rate is horrible, but I wasn%26#39;t prepared for how much Parisiens pay for everything. I had hoped to buy some fashion items, but just couldn%26#39;t stomach the cost. Instead, I carefully observed what the locals were wearing and what was in the stores. In particular, I noticed many women wearing short swing jackets with 3/4-length sleeves and huge buttons. Within days of returning home, I purchased a similar jacket online for a fraction of what I would have paid in Paris. Another trend I noticed were colorful sneakers. Often they were metallic. We probably won%26#39;t see this trend in the midwest for a year or more.
2. Everyone wears a scarf. Yes, I had read about this accessory statement (and we were prepared with our own scarves). But I had to smile when a French mother put a scarf around her toddler%26#39;s neck before getting off the plane!
3. There are eyeglass shops everywhere. Honestly, I couldn%26#39;t get over it. I didn%26#39;t even see that many people wearing glasses!
4. The French in Paris are extremely friendly. Several acquiantances warned us about how rude the French are -- not true! In fact, 98% of our interactions were with *overly* friendly and helpful people. The other 2% were cordial, professional and certainly not rude. Maybe outside of Paris this is different?
In summary, 5.5 days is not nearly enough time to see all that Paris has to offer. But that was all the time away from work we could take and, honestly, we could not have afforded more. But I now will tell people to go to Paris no matter how little time they have. It%26#39;s an experience I remember fondly. Of course the beautiful weather we had didn%26#39;t hurt. It was sunny and in the 50s for all but one day of our visit in the middle of winter!
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It sounds as though you had a lovely time. Glad you enjoyed yourselves.
Anniversary Congratulations.
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Great report, me and my new Mrs. to be are heading to Paris in May. We can%26#39;t wait! I have a knack for finding some bargains on the road. I find that near train stations or inside of them for that matter they have fabulous deli%26#39;s that display their sandwiches etc. they are reasonable.
I loved Paris the last time I was there. I can%26#39;t believe it%26#39;s been 9 years since I%26#39;ve been there, time moves way to fast.
Can%26#39;t wait to get to the Louvre and all those cool places once again.
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Great trip!
In Paris we have the reputation according to other Frech people, to be the rudest in France, so i think outside Paris would be even more friendly?
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Great TR; thanks for the detailed restaurant reviews. I hope you will have many, many more trips to Paris to look forward to.
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