"worth it" is very subjective and relative. The food is very good, highly over priced and the view and the romance is priceless. Reservations must be made many months in advance (try now for May)and a suit and tie is appropriate.

Have a great time. Happy Anniversary.

Hi J,

Ties are no longer required anywhere but at funerals.

Jules Verne was recently taken over by Alaine Ducasse. It should be better than ever. It will close in July (I believe) for a makeover.

Yes, I know there's no e on Alain. How did that get there? Damn fingers.

Our dinner at Jules Verne three years ago is one of the most memorable meals we have ever had. It is expensive (my wife's lobster appetizer was $75.00) but to see the light come on throughout Paris is about as romantic as it gets. Our meals were wonderful and with Alain Ducasse taking over the kitchen, the food will continue to be outstanding. Make sure to request a table by the window when you book; we noticed a number of tables in the middle of the room and would not have been happy if we had been seated at one of them. All things considered,it was the most romantic meal we have ever experienced. BTW, it was our 22nd anniversary also.

plafield and bumper are right on the mark!!
I sure hope NeoPatrick is right about it being better than ever

To make a reservation, send a fax and include your Paris phone number. They will return a form letter, and you can show this to the elevator operator.

We called JV this week to make reservations for June and they said they are not sure when they will close for rennovations. The gentleman said to call back in early May and they will know, but they are looking at either June, July or August to close for about a month.

If you go for lunch during the week instead of dinner, they do have fixed price specials. Lunch is always cheaper than dinner in "big ticket" Paris restaurants.

There are plenty of other restaurants you can eat at if price is a consideration--and given that it will be your anniversary, I bet you will have a great time wherever you go!

Thanks to all. I don't mind the splurge for our anniversary. I read the other forums on JV. The view and atmosphere get **** but the comments on the food seem mixed (although those were B.D. - before Ducasse). Where was he before?

P.S. Ira, we're staying at the Bonaparte. Thanks for the suggestion.

One further observation about Jules Verne - have coffee at the bar after the meal. There is little need for dessert as they will bring you delices (little tarts, maccaroons, truffles, etc. The bar area is quite intimate, close to another window over Paris that will give you another, different look. The bar itself is fantastic with a magnificent espresso machine. And if you enjoy a cigarette or cigar after the meal...

Hi J,

>...the comments on the food seem mixed (although those were B.D. - before Ducasse). Where was he before?<

You might want to Google "Alain Ducasse".

I hope you enjoy your stay at the Bonaparte.

I googled Ducasse. Big shot. Guess he can cook too. No dinner reservations available at JV through May. I even tried the AMEX conceirge. A few lunch reservations were available but I prefer dinner to lunch. Any other suggestions for our first fancy dinner in Paris?

Jules Verne is great - and don't under estimate lunch - you get a birds eye view of Paris - in daylight and you don't have to queue for the lift...

I am glad to hear it's having a facelift - those "desktop lamps" must go.

For more Ducasse try the Plaza Athénée.

Or go the Guy Savoy route to happiness.

I think the most universally "rave" compliments for a splurge special restaurant in Paris would be Taillevent. Has anyone ever been the least bit unhappy there?

I agree with you NeoPatrick if you are talking about meal quality however, for a once in a lifetime, place to remember, meal to tell your friends and family about, you cannot beat Jules Verne. Everyone has heard of the Eiffel Tower.

I agree wholeheartedly with that. I was responding to the poster's request for an alternate choice if they can't get evening reservations at JV.

Although, I've never understood the idea of doing something because you can tell your family and friends you did it. Maybe that's just me. In fact I probably wouldn't tell most of the family and friends where we ate.

Hi J,

>...I prefer dinner to lunch. Any other suggestions for our first fancy dinner in Paris?<

1. Lunch at JV is not to be sneered at, and the prices are lower.

2. Before I suggest Taillevent: how much of a foodie are you? Will you appreciate dinner at about $200 pp?

3: If not, you might want to consider Le Train Bleu for the atmosphere.
www.le-train-bleu.com/

next big splurge for me will be Les Ombres at at the Museum Quai Branly - as far as I can tell in searching Fodors, no one has reported eating there...

I'll volunteer to be the first!!!!???

The pictures are breathtaking.

I checked out Le Train Bleu's website. Beautiful place. I do consider myself a foodie (money is not an issue for this meal anyway) but this is our first time to Paris without kids, so the fine dining experience there is all new. A good problem.
Taillivent, Le Tour d'Argent, Guy Savoy all sound like good options too. Tough choice. Another good problem.

I would drop Tour D'Argent a little farther down the list - not a big fan. I don't think it is in the same category as your other choices.

The reason I mentioned Taillevent, is because I swear I never hear a complaint, only raves. Yet I've seen a lot of people who were disappointed with Guy Savoy (some saying it just wasn't worth it) and even more so with Tour de Argent -- all kinds of complaints including snobby attitude, disappointing service, and even not-outstanding food.

I had my birthday dinner at Le Train Bleu last summer. The setting is wonderful and our service was superb. The food was surprisingly good -- better than I expected, but it certainly won't rank with the other places mentioned as far as really fine dining goes. The worst problem in July was the lack of air conditioning. We left literally soaking wet -- unbelievably hot inside.

Hi J,

>A good problem.
Taillivent, Le Tour d'Argent, Guy Savoy all sound like good options too.

Tour d'Argent has been reduced to 1*, but still charges 3* prices. Its major draw is looking at Notre Dame lit up at night.

What's wrong with that???

"What's wrong with that?"

Dukey, are you saying you enjoy paying 3 star prices for 1 star food just for a great view. You're entitled to do that, but most people would rather get food that they paid for. No?

Hi Dukey,

What if you don't get a table by a window?

BTW, J

You might want to consider Laperousse on the Quai des Grands Augustins.

See the Paris part of my trip report for details:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34676645

So, if JV is not operating in July, where would you suggest we go for a great lunch or dinner with a view on the 21st of July? What about the cafe on the Trocadero?

If you are lucky enough to be able to book dinner (recommend the earliest time), do it.

Once Ducasse (or, more likely, his "staff") takes over, all bets are off.

We've done this three times. It just could not be more romantic to arrive at the earliest time (best chance of a window table) and enjoy daylight, then dusk, twilight, sunset (if there is one that day). This "level" is plenty high for enjoying the scenery all about, and you should advise the staff that you wish to go outside after dinner, then enjoy your dessert/coffee in the lounge after. Once you've explored all about outside, the views are the very best from the lounge (Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde...). Most wander right past on their way out without even noticing. And, there's a magnificent pianist/vocalist. And, the chef emerges from the kitchen for comments and photo ops (along with cookbook signings).

You can get by without a tie, but why wouldn't you want to wear one?

Hey dj,

>You can get by without a tie, but why wouldn't you want to wear one?<

And they have called me an old fogie for suggesting the wearing of a jacket.

ira, just for the record, most of us who have called you an old fogie (or insinuated it) were referring to your insistance that a gentleman always wears a jacket at any ordinary brasserie or simple restaurant. I'm not sure anyone would call you one for suggesting a jacket and YES, even a tie at a place like Jules Verne. Quite a different matter. And also for the record, yes, even I would be wearing a jacket AND tie at Jules Verne in the evening -- maybe not a tie for a lunch there in the summer.

Mind if I jump in here?
I wasn't able to make dinner reservations but did manage reservations for lunch in April.
I hate to sound stupid but what would be considered "proper attire" at lunch time?
Thanks!

I wouldn't overdress. You can be neatly dressed without going to the suit coat and tie extreme.

My personal favorite is Pre Catalan in the Bois de Boulogne, but I haven't been to other big ticket places aside from Jules Verne. I believe I have been to JV twice, but not in recent years so I could not comment on Ducasse.

If you search for "Pre Catalan" on fodors, you will find out why I enjoyed myself so much.

Hi B,

>...what would be considered "proper attire" at lunch time?<

I'd wear a jacket - sans tie, but many have suggested essentially what you would wear to dinner at a golf club.

Hi NP,

>..I would be wearing a jacket AND tie at Jules Verne in the evening -..<

I ain't going if I have to wear a tie.

"I'd wear a jacket - sans tie, but many have suggested essentially what you would wear to dinner at a golf club."

This is confusing to me. Here in Naples most golf clubs require a jacket for men in the evenings (no tie)-- so I'd be dressed just like you are at Jules Verne!

I was thinking about having lunch at Jules Verne when we're there, but I wondered, too, if anyone has enjoyed a drink at the piano bar there, and is that worth considering....

Only Americans on internet message boards worry about what they wear to restaurants in France. Let me assure you that you will see everything and anything. Obviously, you cannot bring your whole wardrobe with you on a holiday. No restaurant will turn you away because you are minus a tie or are wearing clunky shoes (ladies) in lieu of high heels. Just wear what you would feel comfortable wearing at a similar place at home and don't spend a lot of time obsessing over it. You will be fine.

Kat12,

Unfortunately, you cannot just drop into the piano bar at Jules Verne. We had drinks there after we ate, and found it so charming I asked if that was possible to come back just for drinks. I was politely, but firmly, told no.

They explained it was small, and was just for the restaurant guests. There is also the fact that you may only board the private elevator if you have a lunch or dinner reservation.

For elegance, impeccable service, and wonderful food, I think Taillevent cannot be beat if money is no object.

I have been to Jules Verne five times, but only for lunch (never able to get dinner reservations, even months ahead of time). The views were wonderful, and I have gone back repeatedly because the experience was too. I can only imagine how nice dinner would be there.

Both are great romantic alternatives for your 22nd anniversary.

Hi NP,

>Here in Naples most golf clubs require a jacket for men in the evenings...<

Naples, FL?

Up here in GA, even at the Ritz, jackets are not required.

I called around Jan 17 and was able to get an 8pm dinner reserv. on april 19. So there may still be hope for anyone wanting a reservation.

Ira, how do you feel about the rumored demotion of your favorite Paris canteen, Taillevent, to two Michelin stars?

We had reservations for lunch at Jules Verne and were told we could not be assured of a window table. My husband was dressed nicely, with jacket and dress shirt (no tie), but quite a few of the other diners on our elevator were dressed more casually. We found that they were placed at tables in the middle of the room, where we were seated at a wonderful window seat. Perhaps it pays to dress up!

Hi ek,

>Ira, how do you feel about the rumored demotion of your favorite Paris canteen, Taillevent, to two Michelin stars?<

I am still in shock.

I shall have to wait and read the book.

Ira, yes, Naples, Florida. Jackets aren't required at either of our Ritz's either, but many of our private golf clubs consider themselves far more exclusive than the RITZ! Some of them do have casual nights, but most of the nicer ones do require jacket for men on Friday and Saturday night, if not every night, or else they offer being served in the bar if you are dressed more casually.

Taillivent is also booked solid for dinner. ....and they're closed Saturdays.???? Still looking.

We are going to Paris in March and have opted for lunch instead at the Grand Vefour-- but I have researched Bon Appetit May 2001 Paris issue and read kudos on JV. But you would miss all the lights at lunchtime -- so do it!!!!

Just received a reply from the cocnenrige at my hotel in Paris who was attmepting to make a reservation at Jules Verne. They will be closed for renovations from July to September 30.

We enjoyed three amazing experiences, over many years, at Le Jules Vernes. We knew to reserve the earliest time, so as to enjoy daylight, dusk, twilight, during dinner, then sunset outdoors, followed by coffee and dessert in the cocktail lounge (with the best views) along with the fabulous pianist/vocalist (most folks leave after dinner without evening noticing the lounge...).

But, with the Alain Ducasse "takeover", all bets are off.

We were dismally underwhelmed with Aux Lyonnais - pedestrian (awful, actually) food at ridiculous prices. Worse, we were asked to vacate our table and move upstairs to a cramped and very uncomforable "lounge" to accomodate another "cover".

Highly, highly recommend Le Grand Vefour.

In Rome Italy our car driver called John put us for lunch at Monte Mario nearby Hilton at Zodiac for a real modest fee we
ate great and enjoyed the view of all Roma. But you need a great limousine car :
www.romelimousinebyjohn.com
John made us visit the Vatican also with no lines.

<<Only Americans on internet message boards worry about what they wear to restaurants in France. Let me assure you that you will see everything and anything.>>

Yes, you will see "everything and anything" on Americans who do NOT worry about what they wear.

A jacket and tie is hardly "extreme".

With the variable weather in Paris, a jacket/sport coat is surely practical for a gent. A shirt, sweater, jacket, raincoat, comprise the perfect ubiquitous "layers".

And, my husband knows very well that he looks ever so much more handsome in a jacket/sweater or jacket/dress shirt/tie, and it will be well worth his while...

At Taillevent, figure €25 for an aperitif, €75 for a starter course (haricots vert with parmesan and vinagrette to perfection), and so on...an "experience" for sure, but we didn't find it "worth every penny".

Taillevent is elegant in every way, and very comfortable and relaxing.

Since you're staying at the Bonaparte, walk over to La Petite Chaise for a look at the rooms and the menu. The food and service are magnificent and the prices are quite low. For something a bit fancier, check out nearby Le Telegraphe (pricier with less good food, but gorgeous interior). Also have a look at Les Ministeres, La Caleche, La Ferme St Simon. Bargain prices in gorgeous dining rooms can be found at Le Fregate, with beautiful views from window tables across the Seine to the Louvre...

I took my husband there for dinner on his 50th. It was magical. The food and wine were excellent. He hasn't stopped talking about it.

Can I just ask what a meal of entree, main and dessert would cost at Jules Verne?

I'm also trying to decide whether to have dinner at JV or lunch alternative.

Here's a link to a website with at least a partial of their menu including prices.

http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/restaurant-paris/detail/le-jules-verne.html

davidjac - I faxed a reservation for September a week ago and got a faxed reply from them stating to fax back the end of March because they are renovating currently??

Something doesn't add up.

emh

djkbooks

I am writing to Le Petit Chaise right now, thank you for the rec.

On the JV issue, we pondered this and finally decided on lunch at Le Grand Vefour.

TO othes, I am sorry to highjack the thread.

Is Jules Verne the restaurant shown in the movie about Howard Hughes, The Aviator? Or was it A View to a Kill? I saw them both this morning.

To answer an earlier question, we paid approximately $250.00 for lunch for two at Jules Verne in late June of 2006. We ordered a lunch 'menu,' had a glass of champagne each (it was something like Euro 25 per glass!) and a glass of wine each with the meal. The food was beautifully presented, good but not exceptional for the most part (my pork terderloin was dreadfully overcooked); service was professional but on a cool side (still o.k. with us); the ambiance and a feeling of having lunch in the Eiffel Tower were incomparable. I would not do it again.

BTW, they were 'sold out' for dinner until November and we were there in late June.

Anna Roz

hopscotch, A View to Kill

emh--I think they just don't know their plans yet. As I posted earlier, we too were trying to get dinner reservations. I was told to call back later when they would know their closure dates. Since we didn't want to miss out, I called again last week just to see. I first tried to make reservations for early July, but they said they didn't know if they would be closed July, August or September. So I tried for late June, but they aren't taking those reservations just yet. So I will keep calling back. Hopefully they get their schedule figured out soon!