Donna

Going in 2 weeks to Paris --have lunch reservations at Altitude 95. After lunch, is there an 'express' elevator to the top of the tower, or do I have to wait in line at the bottom with the crowd? <BR>Also, I vaguely remember reading somewhere that there is a 'better' Louvre entrance with less of a crowd--anyone know that? I do not plan on buying the museum pass, as the consensus seems to be not worth it. (I'll have 2 teens with me, who will no doubt have short museum attention spans.) <BR>Lastly, I've read so much about Berthillon-- is this a 'sit down' ice cream parlor as well? <BR>Thanks!!

Mia

I always have used museum passes and that is the way we bypass lines.You go past the main door where the line is and go around to the side door,where there are never any lines,someone looks at your pass and waves you in.This is the D'Osay-the Louvre-everything is inside the pyramid, you still go up the escalator and they ck you & pass you~<BR>I have heard good things about Altitude 95-have a great time!The Berthillon on Ille StLouis is sit down/depending on time of year/day/crowds...One warm spring day,we could not even sit outside,had to take a walk with our ice cream, but it doesn't matter, get that ice cream,yummmm! Have a great time~M

jhm

You will probably have no problem finding an indoor seat at Berthillion in December! And it is DEFINITELY worth the trip. <BR><BR>Have a wonderful time!

elaine

Donna<BR>Re alternate entrances to the Louvre:<BR><BR>A highly-recommended entrance is the underground entrance from the metro stop "Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre". Either splurge and use a ticket to enter the metro or, if you are already coming off a metro train, exit at the far end of the platform where the sign says "direct access to the Louvre" and you will walk through a security check, then the Carrousel shops, and into the central ticket and information area. <BR><BR>If you enter off the rue de Rivoli across from the Palais Royal, you can also take the entrance via the Louvre Carrousel shops. If you don't have an advance ticket or a museum pass and want to enter via the Pyramid, I recommend that you get in line at the Pyramid at least 30 minutes before opening time, or else go near the end of the day.<BR>By the way, Berthillion ice cream is offered in many cafes, in addition to the B. original shops on Ile St Louis.<BR>

Greg

Donna,<BR><BR>Yes, there is a side door. It has a red awning over it and it is on the far side of the museum, away from the river. We went in that door when we were there in October, our City tour guide pointed it out and dropped us off there after the tour. It is definitely faster then the front entrance. <BR><BR>By the way, I don't think you will be running into many crowds at the Tower. We got right in when we were there and took the 2 elevators to the top. Have a good trip.<BR><BR>Greg<BR>

Sherry

In for a penny, in for a pound. Go to the original Berthillon. A lot of cafes advertise "berthillon style ice cream", but whether they are the original, who knows. If at all possible, Donna, order something there that will taste good with their chocolate sauce which comes warm in a little pitcher. Or just order the sauce and eat it with a spoon!! Wonderful.

Christina

I love ice cream, it is one of my favorite desserts, and I think Berthillon is certainly good but nothing that unusual that I'd plan any event around it. It is offered in many cafes and it is copyrighted and noted as Berthillon when it is (I've never seen the term "Berthillon-style" in the cafes I go to, but I have no doubt that lower level cafes might do that, espec in the tourist areas, so I'm sure that's not authentic if they use that term). I get it a lot at my favorite cafe and it tastes the same and is a much nicer ambience and setting, and you can sit down.

Mia

OK-just to be fair--Donna-you should go to Berthillon,definitely-then go to Laduree 16 rue Royale and then to Angelina 226 rue de Rivoli...then you be the judge of the best ice cream, hot chocolate sauce ... what a chore , no? testing sweets all day

John G

I have to agree with Christina that Berthillon is overrated. The ice cream is no better than any you can get at any ice cream parlor in the US. It certainly does not compare to the gelato of Florence.<BR><BR>I also agree that there usually is no line to get into the Louvre after 3 PM. And even if you have to wait in line it usually takes no more than an hour, plus you strike up conversations with others standing in line that are very interesting.

ron

Christina--so you love ice cream? Go to the Passage de Panoramas, which is near the corner of Blvd. Monmarte and Rue Vivienne [Grands Boulevards Metro]. Then inside to Le Creperie and order a Coupe Amarena or any other of the concoctions on the menu.