Paris and Rouen 2015
Apr 22nd, 2015, 12:04 PM
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Paris and Rouen 2015
I'll be posting a trip report of our most recent trip. DW and I recently returned from our third trip to Paris, with a short day trip to Rouen from March 27- April 5. As it was the first trip we took just a a couple, we decided to handle it a little differently that our previous trips which included our two sons the first trip and our niece and nephew the second trip. With just two travelers, our airfare budget allowed us to fly business class. Wow, what a difference. We both were actually able to sleep for several hours on the flight over.
Apr 22nd, 2015, 12:20 PM
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Arrival day one.
Although we were delayed out of DFW with a mechanical issue, the pilot was able to make up the 45 minutes in flight and we arrived early on the 27th. Although we packed carryons only, the check-in requested as many carryons as possible be checked for free. While it didn't impact us with business tics, they asked us at boarding if we would check, so we agreed. Luckily, there were no issues with retrieving our luggage at CDG, and we were walking towards the RER station when we both just decided to go ahead and pay the extra for the taxi. The cost for two, plus four carryon size bags from the airport to our apartment at the intersection of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Arrondissements on a busy friday morning was 61 euro.
We met our apartment greeter as planned at 10:30 am so that we could drop off our luggage. Apparently, the apartment was vacated the day before, so we were not only able to drop our luggage, we were given keys and full access immediately! We stayed at this apartment: http://cobblestoneparis.com/La-Charme-Du-Marais.html based upon both reviews and the photos, this was my wife's first choice. I can truly say the photos are excellent representations of the apartment. The only "misleading" aspect was that the living room is MUCH roomier than the photos show. It was huge.
We spent about an hour or so unpacking and inventorying what we'd need from the store and relaxing. DW was a little droopy and indicated she wanted to take a short nap, so I headed out to tour the neighborhood and get my bearings a bit. (and to fight jet lag) After I returned, DW and I went out for a late lunch at Presto Fresco off rue Montmartre in the Montorgueil District. We've eaten here each time we've been to Paris so it is kind of "our" place! We had a large Antipasti plate for 2-3 people as our entire meal. It was excellent as usual. No wine or drinks at this meal, just water and a soda for a total tab of 34 euro. We left full, excited and tired. A slight drizzle sprang up so we cut short our little walk and headed back to the apartment.
Since I convinced DW to try carryon only, I did get assigned the task of ironing our clothes upon arrival, so I took some time back at the apartment to start that task and be ready for the rest of the weekend.
Next: Our first trip through the swamp. (Marais anyway)
Although we were delayed out of DFW with a mechanical issue, the pilot was able to make up the 45 minutes in flight and we arrived early on the 27th. Although we packed carryons only, the check-in requested as many carryons as possible be checked for free. While it didn't impact us with business tics, they asked us at boarding if we would check, so we agreed. Luckily, there were no issues with retrieving our luggage at CDG, and we were walking towards the RER station when we both just decided to go ahead and pay the extra for the taxi. The cost for two, plus four carryon size bags from the airport to our apartment at the intersection of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Arrondissements on a busy friday morning was 61 euro.
We met our apartment greeter as planned at 10:30 am so that we could drop off our luggage. Apparently, the apartment was vacated the day before, so we were not only able to drop our luggage, we were given keys and full access immediately! We stayed at this apartment: http://cobblestoneparis.com/La-Charme-Du-Marais.html based upon both reviews and the photos, this was my wife's first choice. I can truly say the photos are excellent representations of the apartment. The only "misleading" aspect was that the living room is MUCH roomier than the photos show. It was huge.
We spent about an hour or so unpacking and inventorying what we'd need from the store and relaxing. DW was a little droopy and indicated she wanted to take a short nap, so I headed out to tour the neighborhood and get my bearings a bit. (and to fight jet lag) After I returned, DW and I went out for a late lunch at Presto Fresco off rue Montmartre in the Montorgueil District. We've eaten here each time we've been to Paris so it is kind of "our" place! We had a large Antipasti plate for 2-3 people as our entire meal. It was excellent as usual. No wine or drinks at this meal, just water and a soda for a total tab of 34 euro. We left full, excited and tired. A slight drizzle sprang up so we cut short our little walk and headed back to the apartment.
Since I convinced DW to try carryon only, I did get assigned the task of ironing our clothes upon arrival, so I took some time back at the apartment to start that task and be ready for the rest of the weekend.
Next: Our first trip through the swamp. (Marais anyway)
Apr 22nd, 2015, 12:59 PM
#3
Sounds good so far but I am very surprised that they would ask you to check carry-on luggage since that makes it checked luggage and not carry-on at all. However, since most airlines say "one carry-on per person" and not two, that explains it all.
Did you pay for water? You shouldn't have.
Did you pay for water? You shouldn't have.
Apr 22nd, 2015, 02:01 PM
#6
I learned to travel with carry-on only, even for a 3-week trip, but that's because I was an airline employee flying standby. You never want to be separated from your luggage when you are on standby!
Apr 23rd, 2015, 08:03 AM
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Kerouac: The water was free. The soda was 4.50. The antipasti plate was massive, and 29.00.
As for carry-ons, we both had the roller carry-on bags, and we each had a slightly smaller "personal item" which was a backpack. I carried the laptop and all the electronic stuff. Wife's included two full sets of clothes for each of us in case something happened. They were pretty assertive in Dallas about checking, for free, all the carryons they could. Since we were in Business, it didn't seem necessary to me given the amount of room, but I've never had a problem with the last minute checking of carry-on bags in the past.
As for carry-ons, we both had the roller carry-on bags, and we each had a slightly smaller "personal item" which was a backpack. I carried the laptop and all the electronic stuff. Wife's included two full sets of clothes for each of us in case something happened. They were pretty assertive in Dallas about checking, for free, all the carryons they could. Since we were in Business, it didn't seem necessary to me given the amount of room, but I've never had a problem with the last minute checking of carry-on bags in the past.
Apr 23rd, 2015, 09:03 AM
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The Marais Walk.
Saturday the 28th was our first full day in Paris. We both got a good night's rest in the apartment. We woke to an overcast looking day and slight sprinkling, so since we were going to be outside, walking most of the day, we decided we'd start a little later to see if the sprinkling would stop.
I got ready and headed over to Montorgueil first thing to pick up fresh pastry and a large Cafe American from the Starbucks for DW. We hadn't tried the coffee, or coffee maker yet, so I wanted her first cup to be familiar to her for the beginning of our trip. We later used the apartment coffee maker almost exclusively. Once we had eaten breakfast and packed up one of the back packs with the camera, some bottled water and fruit, we headed out for a trek into the Marais.
We started with a trip to the Pompidou Center, which was only two blocks away. We'd been extremely close to it in the past trips, but never actually saw the building, so we spent some significant time looking at all the outside attractions. In the area near the fountains (which were not yet open) there were several sidewalk chalk artists trying to ply their trade, but the rain had placed a halt to their work. It luckily hadn't been enough rain to actually wash away their morning work, but it certainly dampened their spirits. After taking numerous photos, we decided we'd not go in or go up at this time, but would think about doing it on a different day since it was so close to the apartment, and the rain had stopped.
After Pompidou, we headed south towards the Hotel de Ville area. The thought was to visit the area out front with the carousel and get some architectural photos. The large number of pedestrians with bright orange bags, however, intrigued DW. (DW doesn't speak or read much French, so I act as translator) Once I explained that the bright orange bags with BHV on them were for the Bazaar Hotel de Ville, and what it was, our first day of shopping moved to Saturday morning.
It was our first time here as well, so we spent a leisurely couple of hours walking past every stinking thing they sold, except the basement, which had the hardware -guy stuff. We did make excellent progress in our plans to bring back small gifts for all our family and friends! Luckily for me, DW didn't find anything extremely heavy to purchase, as I was wearing the backpack! My delight of the trip through BHV was a glaring translation error. The sign read CUISSON, with the translation being Coocking department. The misspelling was theirs - and I always looked at Cuisson as more baking than just coocking, but I'm certainly no expert, except that I do know how to spell cooking. When I first read it, my mind immediately went to the voice of Julia Childs saying the Coocking Department!
We left the BHV and headed towards the heart of the Marais. Our trek took us towards the Carnavalet. On the way, we walked upon two Gendarmes who were armed with Uzi's, which was a bit shocking to my wife. Once I pointed out that we were across the street from a synagogue - Agoudas Hakehilos - she then understood! We'd discussed what we might see following Charlie Hebdo, and weren't surprised anymore.
We continued our tour, stopping at the Carnavalet for a few minutes. Once again, since the rain had stopped, we decided to not go in, but stay outside in the courtyard area for a few photos instead. The weather forecast most of the time we were there was for some rain, so we discussed saving any actual museum entrance fees for the days when just being outside wasn't feasible due to the rain. We headed easterly towards the Place des Vosges along rue Francs Bourgeois, stopping at several independent shops along the way. We ended up with some additional chocolate, and DW did pick up some skin care products. The skin care products were noticeably heavier than anything so far!
We reached the Place des Vosges, and decided to just take a break in Square Louis XIII, sit on a bench, eat a pear and drink some water. This little break turned into about 45 minutes. It was nice to refresh the batteries, as we were going to head over to the Bastille area to see the Opera House. We were planning to try to see Swan Lake on Monday evening and I wanted to see the place, and get my bearings as I anticipated that I would be heading over there Monday to wait in the return ticket line. Neither of us were aware how big the circle area was, so DW decided to take a break on a bench while I walked around the circle and got my bearings and figured out where the lines were to begin on Monday! Once I got my bearings, I went and found DW, so we could head north to a shop she was dying to see - Merci, on Blvd Beaumarchais.
Our walk north included stopping at a pet store for a new collar and lead for our dog. About half way to Merci, the rain returned. We looked for a metro stop, but DW asked to just get out the umbrellas and walk in the rain, as her knees were barking a bit and stairs didn't sound appealing to her (Bilateral knee replacement 16 months earlier) and walking on somewhat flat ground in the rain was more appealing than the stairs.
I felt as though we were on a forced march in the rain, and I regularly had to stop and try to figure out which tiny little street we were on and making sure we were headed towards the apartment. We arrived back at the apartment very late in the afternoon/early evening and DW took a nap, while I began reading a book on the french revolution that happened to be in the apartment. When DW woke, we decided to just go on a walk to find a restaurant that sounded appealing. After a circuitous route found nothing we were interested in, we started heading back towards the apartment. We stumbled upon a small place called Le Grand Cerf at the end of the block. We were both tired, and hungry, so we got a table, luckily.
We were pleasantly surprised. I had a Cassoulet, and DW had moules frites. We were both pleased with our meals, and she enjoyed both the wine she had, as well as the espresso she had with her dessert - creme brulee. We couldn't find the receipt for this meal, but as I recall, the total was around 50 euro, with the wine. The evening ended with both of us falling asleep shortly after hitting the sheets.
Next - a walk to the Seine and up to the Palais Royal
Saturday the 28th was our first full day in Paris. We both got a good night's rest in the apartment. We woke to an overcast looking day and slight sprinkling, so since we were going to be outside, walking most of the day, we decided we'd start a little later to see if the sprinkling would stop.
I got ready and headed over to Montorgueil first thing to pick up fresh pastry and a large Cafe American from the Starbucks for DW. We hadn't tried the coffee, or coffee maker yet, so I wanted her first cup to be familiar to her for the beginning of our trip. We later used the apartment coffee maker almost exclusively. Once we had eaten breakfast and packed up one of the back packs with the camera, some bottled water and fruit, we headed out for a trek into the Marais.
We started with a trip to the Pompidou Center, which was only two blocks away. We'd been extremely close to it in the past trips, but never actually saw the building, so we spent some significant time looking at all the outside attractions. In the area near the fountains (which were not yet open) there were several sidewalk chalk artists trying to ply their trade, but the rain had placed a halt to their work. It luckily hadn't been enough rain to actually wash away their morning work, but it certainly dampened their spirits. After taking numerous photos, we decided we'd not go in or go up at this time, but would think about doing it on a different day since it was so close to the apartment, and the rain had stopped.
After Pompidou, we headed south towards the Hotel de Ville area. The thought was to visit the area out front with the carousel and get some architectural photos. The large number of pedestrians with bright orange bags, however, intrigued DW. (DW doesn't speak or read much French, so I act as translator) Once I explained that the bright orange bags with BHV on them were for the Bazaar Hotel de Ville, and what it was, our first day of shopping moved to Saturday morning.
It was our first time here as well, so we spent a leisurely couple of hours walking past every stinking thing they sold, except the basement, which had the hardware -guy stuff. We did make excellent progress in our plans to bring back small gifts for all our family and friends! Luckily for me, DW didn't find anything extremely heavy to purchase, as I was wearing the backpack! My delight of the trip through BHV was a glaring translation error. The sign read CUISSON, with the translation being Coocking department. The misspelling was theirs - and I always looked at Cuisson as more baking than just coocking, but I'm certainly no expert, except that I do know how to spell cooking. When I first read it, my mind immediately went to the voice of Julia Childs saying the Coocking Department!
We left the BHV and headed towards the heart of the Marais. Our trek took us towards the Carnavalet. On the way, we walked upon two Gendarmes who were armed with Uzi's, which was a bit shocking to my wife. Once I pointed out that we were across the street from a synagogue - Agoudas Hakehilos - she then understood! We'd discussed what we might see following Charlie Hebdo, and weren't surprised anymore.
We continued our tour, stopping at the Carnavalet for a few minutes. Once again, since the rain had stopped, we decided to not go in, but stay outside in the courtyard area for a few photos instead. The weather forecast most of the time we were there was for some rain, so we discussed saving any actual museum entrance fees for the days when just being outside wasn't feasible due to the rain. We headed easterly towards the Place des Vosges along rue Francs Bourgeois, stopping at several independent shops along the way. We ended up with some additional chocolate, and DW did pick up some skin care products. The skin care products were noticeably heavier than anything so far!
We reached the Place des Vosges, and decided to just take a break in Square Louis XIII, sit on a bench, eat a pear and drink some water. This little break turned into about 45 minutes. It was nice to refresh the batteries, as we were going to head over to the Bastille area to see the Opera House. We were planning to try to see Swan Lake on Monday evening and I wanted to see the place, and get my bearings as I anticipated that I would be heading over there Monday to wait in the return ticket line. Neither of us were aware how big the circle area was, so DW decided to take a break on a bench while I walked around the circle and got my bearings and figured out where the lines were to begin on Monday! Once I got my bearings, I went and found DW, so we could head north to a shop she was dying to see - Merci, on Blvd Beaumarchais.
Our walk north included stopping at a pet store for a new collar and lead for our dog. About half way to Merci, the rain returned. We looked for a metro stop, but DW asked to just get out the umbrellas and walk in the rain, as her knees were barking a bit and stairs didn't sound appealing to her (Bilateral knee replacement 16 months earlier) and walking on somewhat flat ground in the rain was more appealing than the stairs.
I felt as though we were on a forced march in the rain, and I regularly had to stop and try to figure out which tiny little street we were on and making sure we were headed towards the apartment. We arrived back at the apartment very late in the afternoon/early evening and DW took a nap, while I began reading a book on the french revolution that happened to be in the apartment. When DW woke, we decided to just go on a walk to find a restaurant that sounded appealing. After a circuitous route found nothing we were interested in, we started heading back towards the apartment. We stumbled upon a small place called Le Grand Cerf at the end of the block. We were both tired, and hungry, so we got a table, luckily.
We were pleasantly surprised. I had a Cassoulet, and DW had moules frites. We were both pleased with our meals, and she enjoyed both the wine she had, as well as the espresso she had with her dessert - creme brulee. We couldn't find the receipt for this meal, but as I recall, the total was around 50 euro, with the wine. The evening ended with both of us falling asleep shortly after hitting the sheets.
Next - a walk to the Seine and up to the Palais Royal
Apr 23rd, 2015, 01:45 PM
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Oh wow, we arrived in Paris the same day. that first week was pretty cold and miserable with the rain. Our second week was amazing.
Yes, I saw those police/soldiers in the Marais with the guns. It was a little startling but they were friendly.
Can't wait to hear more. I'm too lazy right now to do a report.
Yes, I saw those police/soldiers in the Marais with the guns. It was a little startling but they were friendly.
Can't wait to hear more. I'm too lazy right now to do a report.
Apr 24th, 2015, 06:21 AM
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denmal: I'm not sure what exactly happened on my first load with the combo machine, other than I washed whites first. After the wash, I put it on for drying. After a short time, I opened it to pull out some of the non-cotton whites and there were grey stains all over the undergarments. Thereafter, I did not chance the dryer function at all. I did use the washer function numerous times thereafter, including rewashing the whites, and most of the staining came out of everything except some cotton shirts, which still had slightly visible discoloration. As it was undergarments, and mostly mine and not DW's, it wasn't a big issue for us.
I notified the hosts that the information book needed updating, as the washer in the apartment was a new one, and they still had the old instructions, which I suspect will be remedied quickly.
Dealing with Cobblestone was excellent, no problems at all and very helpful. We arrived with a cable problem that neither I nor our greeter could figure out. They sent someone around while we were out the next morning to fix the cable. We never had a problem with the wifi or phone (VOIP), just the cable and it was fixed in less than 24 hours.
As for the shower, it was a little small, or maybe just awkward at first, but once you got used to it, it was fine. I'm not a small person by any means (6' - 220lbs) and it was fine for me, but I was used to a very large shower at home.
I knew the location before renting, so I was a little concerned about street noise. With the windows closed, it was not a problem at all. You could hear sirens, but they were not loud enough to be disruptive. With the windows open for a cross breeze, you definitely heard the vehicle noise, but there were restaurant/bars on two of the other corners and I did not hear voices unless I was actually sitting on the terrace.
I'd rate the apartment experience overall, even with the dryer issue and the cable issue a 9 out of a 10.
I notified the hosts that the information book needed updating, as the washer in the apartment was a new one, and they still had the old instructions, which I suspect will be remedied quickly.
Dealing with Cobblestone was excellent, no problems at all and very helpful. We arrived with a cable problem that neither I nor our greeter could figure out. They sent someone around while we were out the next morning to fix the cable. We never had a problem with the wifi or phone (VOIP), just the cable and it was fixed in less than 24 hours.
As for the shower, it was a little small, or maybe just awkward at first, but once you got used to it, it was fine. I'm not a small person by any means (6' - 220lbs) and it was fine for me, but I was used to a very large shower at home.
I knew the location before renting, so I was a little concerned about street noise. With the windows closed, it was not a problem at all. You could hear sirens, but they were not loud enough to be disruptive. With the windows open for a cross breeze, you definitely heard the vehicle noise, but there were restaurant/bars on two of the other corners and I did not hear voices unless I was actually sitting on the terrace.
I'd rate the apartment experience overall, even with the dryer issue and the cable issue a 9 out of a 10.
Apr 24th, 2015, 07:42 AM
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WOW - Thank you for the feedback on the apartment. I might rent that one in the future , I was worried about the shower as my husband is 225 and was afraid he would not fit well. I love the Maris and actually enjoy the street noise sometimes. Looking forward to the remainder of your report
Apr 24th, 2015, 02:11 PM
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Enjoying your report while beginning to think about details for our next trip. The apartment looks very nice.
Once, when confronted with a washer/dryer with no instructions, I Googled the brand, model number, and user manual. Maybe I got lucky, but I was able to find the instructions, in English, to enable me to use the machine. We have had several apartments in France with these machines and only one really worked well. Most took a very long time to do a small load and made a lot of noise from time to time during the process. I was reluctant to use them at night because of the noise.
Once, when confronted with a washer/dryer with no instructions, I Googled the brand, model number, and user manual. Maybe I got lucky, but I was able to find the instructions, in English, to enable me to use the machine. We have had several apartments in France with these machines and only one really worked well. Most took a very long time to do a small load and made a lot of noise from time to time during the process. I was reluctant to use them at night because of the noise.
