Elizabeth

My husband and I will be in Paris in June for our 10 year anniversary. My father is thrilled that we are making such a cultural trip and is gifting us quite a few dollars to spend frivolously - wanting us to spend it on something that we wouldn't actually do as we are somewhat frugal. He has not been there for years, but suggested going to a first class restaurant like Tour D'Argent or the like. I don't know if that is even there anymore. He is giving us far more that what an expensive dinner might cost..I was thinking more like a one night stay in a deluxe Chateau or 'chunnelling' it to London for a night. Any ideas? <BR>Thank you in advance....Elizabeth

elaine

La Tour d'Argent is still there. Still has gorgeous views and impeccable service, but the food is not considered quite top-level. Very good food, but not first-class. <BR>There are many stupendous restaurants that would give you a night to remember: <BR>the Jules Verne in the Tour Eiffel has excellent food and a breathtaking view and experience. Le Grand Vefour is one of the best for food and gorgeous decor, but no view. <BR>How about a night at Les Crayeres in Reims? Gorgeous mansion-inn with a dining room overlooking a garden, and Michelin 3-star food. You could stay overnight, and they can arrange a private tour at the Pommery champagne house across the road. <BR>I love too, but going there just so you can take the chunnel train, stay a few hours, and come back doesn't seem worth it to me. <BR>Have you thought about buying a wonderful piece of artwork or crystal to ship home, and have a more tangible <BR>souvenir? <BR>

elaine

oops, that should have been <BR>"I love London too"

Rex

Three words: <BR> <BR>Trans Helicoptere Service <BR> <BR>See www.ths.fr/english/helicos/services.asp for more details. There are any number of chateaux that have helicopter landing facilities. <BR> <BR>Some that would be high on my list include <BR> <BR>Chateau d'Esclimont - about 45 miles from Paris <BR> <BR>Chateau d'Artigny - in the Loire, maybe three times that <BR> <BR>Chateau de Mercues - in the Perigord, probably 400 miles. Out of range for heli-travel? I'm not sure. <BR> <BR>See www.relaischateaux.com or www.slh.com for these and many other ideas. <BR> <BR>Best wishes - - for ten more good years, and ten more and ten more, etc. <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>www.allexperts.com

Jen

My in-laws gave us the same kind of 'gift' as a wedding present (along with our honeymoon to France) - to go and do anything you want 'frivolously'! <BR> <BR>We decided to buy a painting unlike we would ever purchase, for a while at least. It is in our living room, and each time we look at it, we recall our honeymoon and the time we took in Paris and Provence to search for it. <BR> <BR>So if you have some $ left after dinner...that's my recommendation! Have a wonderful trip!

elvira

Artwork, a set of crystal glassware, an antique...I like the idea of something concrete (ok not MADE of concrete) that would remind me of the special trip (bet your father would like that, too). <BR> <BR>Hot air balloon over the Loire? Seine dinner cruise? website (it's not the Bateaux Mouche): http://www.lepaquebot.com/GB/bateau/ <BR> <BR>Congrats on the anniversary (wow 10 years and you STILL like to travel together?)