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Bordeaux/Paris What to bring

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Old Jul 24th, 1998, 08:39 PM
  #1  
Kathy
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Bordeaux/Paris What to bring

I'll be in Bordeaux and Paris from Aug 4-12. What <BR>types of clothing should I pack? What other <BR>essentials? Are ATMs readily available?
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 09:16 AM
  #2  
Cheryl Z.
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<BR>Hi - I don't use ATM's but from what I've read on these boards, they are available.Re clothes -When we were last in Paris and the South of France (about two years ago) most everyone was wearing darker clothing, dresses, long skirts even in the summer. I don't recall even seeing lots of Americans wearing bermuda shorts/t shirts. I did see younger people wearing jeans but I thought it was too hot. Wear comfortable walking shoes because Paris is wonderful for walking around. You'll have a great time.
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 10:30 AM
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Kathy
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Dear Cheryl, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your reply. I had planned on taking <BR>three jumper that don't wrinkle and one of them is <BR>black. Because this will be my first time in <BR>Europe, I needed I was on the right track. I was <BR>worried I'd need to take along a pair of pants--but <BR>I rarely wear them. Did you take along anything <BR>like a poncho? Would an umbrella be better? <BR>Did you go to Bordeaux at all? If so, any tips on <BR>"must
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 01:50 PM
  #4  
Cheryl Z.
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<BR>Hi Kathy - if you don't wear pants at home, you probably won't on the trip. I mostly wear pants so that's what I depend on, but I bring a dress or jumper or skirt for dressy if necessary. We do bring lightweight raincoats (with hoods, and hip length, not full length) that can get scrunged up (is that a word??) for packing and not take much room. We did bring umbrellas once when we went in May or June, but Aug. I wouldn't think so, maybe another poster will have that info. I regret we haven't been to Bordeaux but soon maybe! I have heard it's wonderful
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 02:06 PM
  #5  
Kathy
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I'm glad to hear you've heard good things about <BR>Bordeaux. I'm going to a conference at the <BR>university there. So that's where most of my time <BR>will be spent. Perhaps I'll be able to send you a <BR>virtual postcard. I'll let you know how it was one <BR>way or another. <BR> <BR>I'll only have two and a half days in Paris, and I'd <BR>like to spend one of those days in Versailles. Have <BR>you been there? I am a collector of castles, so I <BR>can imagine missing it. Can I squeeze a lot into a <BR>couple days in Paris? Any sugges
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 02:08 PM
  #6  
Kathy
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I'm glad to hear you've heard good things about <BR>Bordeaux. I'm going to a conference at the <BR>university there. So that's where most of my time <BR>will be spent. Perhaps I'll be able to send you a <BR>virtual postcard. I'll let you know how it was one <BR>way or another. <BR> <BR>I'll only have two and a half days in Paris, and I'd <BR>like to spend one of those days in Versailles. Have <BR>you been there? I am a collector of castles, so I <BR>can imagine missing it. Can I squeeze a lot into a <BR>couple days in Paris? Any suggesstions? <BR> <BR>By the way, I'm an English teacher, and I think <BR>"scrunged" is a gre
 
Old Jul 25th, 1998, 02:11 PM
  #7  
Kathy
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My messages seem to be getting cut off. I wanted to <BR>let you know that "scrunged" is a great word
 
Old Jul 26th, 1998, 01:59 AM
  #8  
Donna
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If Versailles is high on your list - go there! It's best to find out which days the tour buses go and pick another day. You can get there easily on the RER. Bring a picnic lunch along to enjoy in the extensive gardens (they do have a cafeteria).
 
Old Jul 26th, 1998, 08:48 AM
  #9  
kam
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Many people prefer Fontainebleau to Versailles--it's equally beautiful and slightly less touristy. But, if it's Versailles you want, go for it---wear good shoes, the cobble stones are difficult walking. You can also go to Giverny to the Monet house and gardens as a day trip on the train from Gare du Nord, I think. But, that leaves less time for Paris!! We too have never been to Bordeaux, but will go to visit friends in Toulouse this October and they promise one day of tasting in Bordeaux. They know it well (they're French) and have been trying to get us to come for years now! Unfortunately, you can tell me as we won't go until October. What a nice place for a conference!! I agree with your clothing selection--T shirt under jumpers or jumpers alone on a hot day (and it will be!) and good walking shoes--Nordstrom's is making their own sandals that are so comfy--if you are anywhere near a store. Have a wonderful trip! A bientot! <BR>
 
Old Jul 27th, 1998, 12:05 PM
  #10  
Kathy
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Dear Kam, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the tips. I'll try to let you know about <BR>Bordeaux. I know I'm so lucky to be going to <BR>Bordeaux for a conference. It seems like whenever I <BR>get to go to a conference it's either in Mpls. or <BR>St. Paul...nice places, but not France. <BR> <BR>Merci beaucoup, <BR>K
 
Old Jul 27th, 1998, 02:33 PM
  #11  
caryn
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I went to Versailles--twice. I was staying with my traveling companion's relatives who took us there once to see the gardens only and once to see the palace. So I really saw Versailles! (Maybe more than I needed to). I HIGHLY recommend the gardens. I enjoyed them MUCH more than the palace which was in a way just another glitzy, ostentatious show. If you've seen one estate or palace, you've seen them all. If you like that, go for it. Be aware that the fountains only operate on the first Sunday of every month and only for a certain amount of time. Luckily, I was there on 1st Sundays! This makes quite a difference in the experience. Try to find out and plan around this. Versailles is one of those places you just have to go to in your lifetime, so do!
 
Old Jul 28th, 1998, 06:39 AM
  #12  
anne
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ATM's are available all over the larger cities - from the airports and train stations to the many banks (of course). <BR>Have a super time!
 
Old Jul 28th, 1998, 10:15 AM
  #13  
Kathy
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Thanks for the information. It is much <BR>apprecitated. I'm glad to hear Versailles is worth <BR>a trip. It will be the first palace I will have <BR>ever seen. <BR>Ka
 

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