Paris Trip Report: Lots of Good Info
Mar 22nd, 2004, 03:39 PM
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Paris Trip Report: Lots of Good Info
Paris, 2004
Departure: AA 5134 Jacksonville to Miami (ATR 72)
AA 62 Miami to Paris (Boeing 767-300 New Interior)
Weather: 60 - 70 during the day, 40 - 50 at night, no rain, all sun!
Originally we were supposed to depart from Jacksonville, FL on AA 5136 at 4:37 P.M. and arrive into Miami at 6:07 P.M. We were concerned that we wouldn't make our connection for our 7:40 P.M. departure to Paris and decided that we would try to standby for the earlier flight.
We arrived at the Jacksonville Airport around 11:30 A.M. and the agent stated that we didn't have a very good chance of making it to Miami on the earlier flight. She handed us our standby boarding cards and we headed to the gate. Shortly thereafter, the gate agent called us and stated ?because of weight restrictions, the aircraft would have to depart with the last two seats empty. However, he asked us to wait because he was going to talk to the pilot because we were small and didn?t have much luggage.
The pilot than came back after getting coffee and said there would be no problem if we were to get onto the aircraft. We thanked the gate agent for all his help and were the last people to board.
The flight was a quick 1.5 hours. We were served drinks and pretzels. Since we only flew at 16,000 feet we had some great views of Florida. We arrived into Miami at 3:00 P.M., boarded the bus, and arrived into Terminal D around 3:15 P.M. We met up with my brother who had flown from Columbus, Ohio and headed off to Chili's for lunch.
We then headed to Terminal E where our flight to Paris would depart from. The flight was fairly full (about 85% full). We were one of the last groups to board and took our seats in 11 G,H,J. Never flying AA internationally, I was very impressed. The seats were very comfortable with ample legroom. The in-flight entertainment and food was no where near Continental?s standards, however I would rather have a comfortable seat and more leg room.
The flight was uneventful and landed into Paris at 10:00 A.M. While most people were very tired and appeared they just wanted a bed, we were wide awake because we took ?No Jet Lag: (available on http://www.megellans.com/).
We deplaned by stairs, took a bus to the terminal, and headed off to customs because had didn?t check any luggage. Customs took 5 seconds. He looked at my passport and said "Welcome." We then headed off toward the RER station. We got on Line 5 and got off by the Ibis Hotel. We then walked right into the RER station and purchased our tickets to get into Paris. THE RER STATION DOES ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! However, the RER station was closed due to maintenance. They transported us by bus to the next RER station and then got on there. We arrived into Paris about 55 minutes later. We got off at Chalet, transferred, and got off at Monge.
*Note: We did not have any Euro at all upon arriving. You don't need any.
Once we arrived at our hotel, we walked across the street to the ATM and pulled out money. I got 200 Euro for $245 U.S. Get your money from an ATM. If you have to exchange U.S. cash for Euros, go to the main French bank or an American Express office or Travelex. Most other places will rip you off.
Hotel Residence Monge
Hotel Residence Monge is by far the best Paris hotel I have ever stayed at!! The location is great, Julie is the best, and the rooms are sooooo clean! We checked in around 12:00 P.M. and spoke French. I attempted to pay for it but she told us to wait until we checked out. Eventually Julie began speaking English which was very nice and helpful. We were on the first floor and had a room with three beds. It appeared that everything in the room was brand new. The beds were comfortable, the windows were brand new, there was AC, and the bathrooms were nice. The water pressure was strong and always had hot water! We really didn't hear anyone in other rooms and the road noise was kept out by the new windows. I will always stay at the Hotel Residence Monge when I am in Paris.
Paris Day 2
Day 1 was fairly easy for us. Since we really do not care for French food, we went to McDonalds and had lunch. Then we went and picked up our train tickets for the next day for our World War II tour in Bayeux. We then headed to Champs-Élysées and walked around. Before we knew it we were climbing up the stairs to the top of the Arc de Triumph. It provided great views of the city. We continued to walk around Paris the rest of the afternoon and then headed back to the hotel. We had dinner in a small Paris café and stopped by a local market to get some food for the train ride to Bayeux. We then headed to bed around 8:30 P.M. that night.
Normandy, Bayeux, Day 3
We woke up at 5:00 A.M. on Monday (was fairly easy to do since we really hadn't caught up to Paris time). At 6 A.M. we were out the door and took the metro to St. Lazare train station. We got onto the train and headed to Caen. Once we arrived into Caen, we switched over to the next track and picked up the small commuter train(TER) to Bayeux.
We had previously made reservations for our World War II tour with Mr. Roel Klinkhamer (Victory Tours http://www.lignerolles.homestead.com/victorytours.html) We walked from the Bayeux train station to the Bayeux Pharmacy and met up with him. He picked us up between the Pharmacy and tourism office. He had an 8 passenger van but because of the bombings in Madrid everyone had canceled except us. Basically we got a private tour.
Even though this was my first Normandy tour, I must say it was unbelievable. Roel is soooo knowledgeable and had so much enthusiasm. He was born in the Netherlands and had personal stories about his mother and father fleeing from the Germans, etc. I am basically speechless because it was so amazing. You have to do the tour with him!! We did the full day tour (around 8 hours) and saw the following items: Arromanches, German Battery Lounges sur Mer, Port en Bessin, Omaha Beach, U.S. War Cementary at Colleville, Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Ste. Mere Eglise, and the Airborne Museum. He allowed us ample amount of time at each spot and was able to answer all of our questions. In the end, we drove around 110 miles that day had the best time every. I learned more with him in one day than I did in all my history classes at school.
We departed Bayeux around 6:20 P.M. and arrived back into Paris at 8:50. We were so tired we headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
Paris, Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6
We started the day off attempting to eat in a Paris Café by our hotel. We really wanted some crepes but they were closed. We then took the metro to a McDonalds had some breakfast. After eating, we went to the following places: Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur.
I was accosted by a man wanting me to buy a stupid bracelet. I had warned my brother and friend about these people attempting to sell you stuff.
First, the man spoke in French and I kept walking not looking at him in the eyes. I continued to walk and he shouted "STOP." I continued walking and then he put is hands on me and made me stop. I began to get very mad but I did what I was told by the man. He then quickly made a bracelet, did some kind of magic on my hand, told me to make a wish, and demanded 25 Euro. I pulled out my pockets and said I have no money. This is the very reason you don't have money in your pockets!! He then said, "You owe me 25 Euro, but I'll settle for 20." I told him I had no money. He then told me that I was so nice that I could have it for free, shook my hand, and left. Basically it was easier for him to loose a couple cents on some yarn then take it off of me.
However, be very aware of people like this. He had actually unbuttoned my coat (around my left hand) in an attempt to take a watch off if I had one. I don?t ware a watch so he couldn?t take it. Even though Sacre Coeur is beautiful from entering it by the front, I recommend walking around to the back of Sacre Coeur to avoid people like this. Also, do not enter Sacre Coeur by the people mover (the mover that takes people up for a fee rather than walk all the steps). The same people will harass you there too.
We then went to the top of Sacre Coeur and then walked around the artist district and bought some nice prints of Paris. We then headed to Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, Paris Crypts, and finally ended with the Eiffel Tower. I had never been to the Paris Crypts before but they are so interesting. It is very dark, damp, and cold. Well worth the 45 minute walk through the Crypts. We went up in the Eiffel Tower as the sun was setting. We had some great views of the city. The line was very short and took about 30 minutes to reach the very top.
The next day we went to the Lovre (no line at all), Grand Arch Defense, the Bastille Area, and continued walking around Paris. We left Paris around 6 P.M. that night (thanks to Julie at the Monge for holding our luggage all day) and took the Roissy Bus to the airport. After getting stuck in a traffic jam, we made it to the airport. From there, we picked up the shuttle to the Holiday Inn. We arrived shortly thereafter, checked in, and then ate dinner.
The Holiday Inn Charles de Gaulle is not very nice and I do not recommend staying there. The people next door were so loud we didn?t sleep at all. The rooms were warn and hadn't been upgraded since the 70s. The Ibis Charles de Gaulle is much nicer.
The next morning we got up around 6A.M., got to the airport at 7AM and checked in for our flight. It took about an hour to check in and about an hour to go through security. Allow about three hours to check in at the Charles de Gaulle.
Last Word
Remember, this is a short (long to some) trip report and I didn't touch on everything we saw. Remember, buy No Jet Lag, fly AA if you want more legroom, stay at the Hotel Residence Monge, don't walk to Sacre Coeur from the front entrance, take a World War II Tour with Roel, and stay at an airport hotel the last night in Paris so you don?t stress over if you are going to make your flight or not.
And yes, we enjoyed every moment in Paris.
Departure: AA 5134 Jacksonville to Miami (ATR 72)
AA 62 Miami to Paris (Boeing 767-300 New Interior)
Weather: 60 - 70 during the day, 40 - 50 at night, no rain, all sun!
Originally we were supposed to depart from Jacksonville, FL on AA 5136 at 4:37 P.M. and arrive into Miami at 6:07 P.M. We were concerned that we wouldn't make our connection for our 7:40 P.M. departure to Paris and decided that we would try to standby for the earlier flight.
We arrived at the Jacksonville Airport around 11:30 A.M. and the agent stated that we didn't have a very good chance of making it to Miami on the earlier flight. She handed us our standby boarding cards and we headed to the gate. Shortly thereafter, the gate agent called us and stated ?because of weight restrictions, the aircraft would have to depart with the last two seats empty. However, he asked us to wait because he was going to talk to the pilot because we were small and didn?t have much luggage.
The pilot than came back after getting coffee and said there would be no problem if we were to get onto the aircraft. We thanked the gate agent for all his help and were the last people to board.
The flight was a quick 1.5 hours. We were served drinks and pretzels. Since we only flew at 16,000 feet we had some great views of Florida. We arrived into Miami at 3:00 P.M., boarded the bus, and arrived into Terminal D around 3:15 P.M. We met up with my brother who had flown from Columbus, Ohio and headed off to Chili's for lunch.
We then headed to Terminal E where our flight to Paris would depart from. The flight was fairly full (about 85% full). We were one of the last groups to board and took our seats in 11 G,H,J. Never flying AA internationally, I was very impressed. The seats were very comfortable with ample legroom. The in-flight entertainment and food was no where near Continental?s standards, however I would rather have a comfortable seat and more leg room.
The flight was uneventful and landed into Paris at 10:00 A.M. While most people were very tired and appeared they just wanted a bed, we were wide awake because we took ?No Jet Lag: (available on http://www.megellans.com/).
We deplaned by stairs, took a bus to the terminal, and headed off to customs because had didn?t check any luggage. Customs took 5 seconds. He looked at my passport and said "Welcome." We then headed off toward the RER station. We got on Line 5 and got off by the Ibis Hotel. We then walked right into the RER station and purchased our tickets to get into Paris. THE RER STATION DOES ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! However, the RER station was closed due to maintenance. They transported us by bus to the next RER station and then got on there. We arrived into Paris about 55 minutes later. We got off at Chalet, transferred, and got off at Monge.
*Note: We did not have any Euro at all upon arriving. You don't need any.
Once we arrived at our hotel, we walked across the street to the ATM and pulled out money. I got 200 Euro for $245 U.S. Get your money from an ATM. If you have to exchange U.S. cash for Euros, go to the main French bank or an American Express office or Travelex. Most other places will rip you off.
Hotel Residence Monge
Hotel Residence Monge is by far the best Paris hotel I have ever stayed at!! The location is great, Julie is the best, and the rooms are sooooo clean! We checked in around 12:00 P.M. and spoke French. I attempted to pay for it but she told us to wait until we checked out. Eventually Julie began speaking English which was very nice and helpful. We were on the first floor and had a room with three beds. It appeared that everything in the room was brand new. The beds were comfortable, the windows were brand new, there was AC, and the bathrooms were nice. The water pressure was strong and always had hot water! We really didn't hear anyone in other rooms and the road noise was kept out by the new windows. I will always stay at the Hotel Residence Monge when I am in Paris.
Paris Day 2
Day 1 was fairly easy for us. Since we really do not care for French food, we went to McDonalds and had lunch. Then we went and picked up our train tickets for the next day for our World War II tour in Bayeux. We then headed to Champs-Élysées and walked around. Before we knew it we were climbing up the stairs to the top of the Arc de Triumph. It provided great views of the city. We continued to walk around Paris the rest of the afternoon and then headed back to the hotel. We had dinner in a small Paris café and stopped by a local market to get some food for the train ride to Bayeux. We then headed to bed around 8:30 P.M. that night.
Normandy, Bayeux, Day 3
We woke up at 5:00 A.M. on Monday (was fairly easy to do since we really hadn't caught up to Paris time). At 6 A.M. we were out the door and took the metro to St. Lazare train station. We got onto the train and headed to Caen. Once we arrived into Caen, we switched over to the next track and picked up the small commuter train(TER) to Bayeux.
We had previously made reservations for our World War II tour with Mr. Roel Klinkhamer (Victory Tours http://www.lignerolles.homestead.com/victorytours.html) We walked from the Bayeux train station to the Bayeux Pharmacy and met up with him. He picked us up between the Pharmacy and tourism office. He had an 8 passenger van but because of the bombings in Madrid everyone had canceled except us. Basically we got a private tour.
Even though this was my first Normandy tour, I must say it was unbelievable. Roel is soooo knowledgeable and had so much enthusiasm. He was born in the Netherlands and had personal stories about his mother and father fleeing from the Germans, etc. I am basically speechless because it was so amazing. You have to do the tour with him!! We did the full day tour (around 8 hours) and saw the following items: Arromanches, German Battery Lounges sur Mer, Port en Bessin, Omaha Beach, U.S. War Cementary at Colleville, Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Ste. Mere Eglise, and the Airborne Museum. He allowed us ample amount of time at each spot and was able to answer all of our questions. In the end, we drove around 110 miles that day had the best time every. I learned more with him in one day than I did in all my history classes at school.
We departed Bayeux around 6:20 P.M. and arrived back into Paris at 8:50. We were so tired we headed back to the hotel and went to bed.
Paris, Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6
We started the day off attempting to eat in a Paris Café by our hotel. We really wanted some crepes but they were closed. We then took the metro to a McDonalds had some breakfast. After eating, we went to the following places: Moulin Rouge and Sacre Coeur.
I was accosted by a man wanting me to buy a stupid bracelet. I had warned my brother and friend about these people attempting to sell you stuff.
First, the man spoke in French and I kept walking not looking at him in the eyes. I continued to walk and he shouted "STOP." I continued walking and then he put is hands on me and made me stop. I began to get very mad but I did what I was told by the man. He then quickly made a bracelet, did some kind of magic on my hand, told me to make a wish, and demanded 25 Euro. I pulled out my pockets and said I have no money. This is the very reason you don't have money in your pockets!! He then said, "You owe me 25 Euro, but I'll settle for 20." I told him I had no money. He then told me that I was so nice that I could have it for free, shook my hand, and left. Basically it was easier for him to loose a couple cents on some yarn then take it off of me.
However, be very aware of people like this. He had actually unbuttoned my coat (around my left hand) in an attempt to take a watch off if I had one. I don?t ware a watch so he couldn?t take it. Even though Sacre Coeur is beautiful from entering it by the front, I recommend walking around to the back of Sacre Coeur to avoid people like this. Also, do not enter Sacre Coeur by the people mover (the mover that takes people up for a fee rather than walk all the steps). The same people will harass you there too.
We then went to the top of Sacre Coeur and then walked around the artist district and bought some nice prints of Paris. We then headed to Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, Paris Crypts, and finally ended with the Eiffel Tower. I had never been to the Paris Crypts before but they are so interesting. It is very dark, damp, and cold. Well worth the 45 minute walk through the Crypts. We went up in the Eiffel Tower as the sun was setting. We had some great views of the city. The line was very short and took about 30 minutes to reach the very top.
The next day we went to the Lovre (no line at all), Grand Arch Defense, the Bastille Area, and continued walking around Paris. We left Paris around 6 P.M. that night (thanks to Julie at the Monge for holding our luggage all day) and took the Roissy Bus to the airport. After getting stuck in a traffic jam, we made it to the airport. From there, we picked up the shuttle to the Holiday Inn. We arrived shortly thereafter, checked in, and then ate dinner.
The Holiday Inn Charles de Gaulle is not very nice and I do not recommend staying there. The people next door were so loud we didn?t sleep at all. The rooms were warn and hadn't been upgraded since the 70s. The Ibis Charles de Gaulle is much nicer.
The next morning we got up around 6A.M., got to the airport at 7AM and checked in for our flight. It took about an hour to check in and about an hour to go through security. Allow about three hours to check in at the Charles de Gaulle.
Last Word
Remember, this is a short (long to some) trip report and I didn't touch on everything we saw. Remember, buy No Jet Lag, fly AA if you want more legroom, stay at the Hotel Residence Monge, don't walk to Sacre Coeur from the front entrance, take a World War II Tour with Roel, and stay at an airport hotel the last night in Paris so you don?t stress over if you are going to make your flight or not.
And yes, we enjoyed every moment in Paris.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 04:07 PM
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Thanks for the report I enjoyed it.
Stay at the airport so I don't stress about missing my flight and miss a last night in Paris? No way. In fact I'm always hoping that I'll get in one of those famous Paris traffic jams, miss my flight and have to call work and tell them I'll be in Paris one more night. Dang, it's not happened yet.
Stay at the airport so I don't stress about missing my flight and miss a last night in Paris? No way. In fact I'm always hoping that I'll get in one of those famous Paris traffic jams, miss my flight and have to call work and tell them I'll be in Paris one more night. Dang, it's not happened yet.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 04:32 PM
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I frequently stay at the Ibis at CDG the night before staying home to minimize stress. I just schelp my bags out there in the late afternoon and relax and go to bed early. Since I generally go overseas for 3-4 nights at a clip, I am usually ready to go home by the time the trip is over.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 05:29 PM
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I was also tempted to stop after reading that "Since we really do not care for French food" and prefering McDonalds bit. But I pressed on and the report was really pretty good with some good insight. Looking at the screen name I can only hope these are young guys who will someday outgrow their hamburger/fries/coke addiction.
Mar 22nd, 2004, 08:21 PM
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CalgirlSusan and Jody:
I have traveled all over Europe three times and have been to Paris 4 times. I believe I have "broaden my horizons." I also think I have the right not to like French food.
How many times have you actually traveled abroad, especially to France?
CalgirlSusan: I can't believe what you typed in your reply to my thread. I simply posted a trip report with some advice. Don't tare it up just because I ate at McDonalds!!
My advice is based on experience. Obviously you don't want to "expand your horizons" with potential good information.
I don't need you to reply with "bashing threads" People like you run people away from this site (for fear of posting because they will get bashed!!) Stop being so NEGATIVE!!!
I have traveled all over Europe three times and have been to Paris 4 times. I believe I have "broaden my horizons." I also think I have the right not to like French food.
How many times have you actually traveled abroad, especially to France?
CalgirlSusan: I can't believe what you typed in your reply to my thread. I simply posted a trip report with some advice. Don't tare it up just because I ate at McDonalds!!
My advice is based on experience. Obviously you don't want to "expand your horizons" with potential good information.
I don't need you to reply with "bashing threads" People like you run people away from this site (for fear of posting because they will get bashed!!) Stop being so NEGATIVE!!!
Mar 23rd, 2004, 04:18 AM
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Collegetravelers,
What food do you like besides McDonald's? Paris offers cuisine from almost every country in the world...why didn't you go to any of the Greek restaurants near St. Michel, or the Italian restaurants found all over or the North African couscous spots or Spanish tapas bars or Vietnamese or...why choose McDonald's as the alternative to French food with so many other choices available?
What food do you like besides McDonald's? Paris offers cuisine from almost every country in the world...why didn't you go to any of the Greek restaurants near St. Michel, or the Italian restaurants found all over or the North African couscous spots or Spanish tapas bars or Vietnamese or...why choose McDonald's as the alternative to French food with so many other choices available?
Mar 23rd, 2004, 05:41 AM
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Thank you very much for the trip report! Welcome to the world of food snobs who can't believe you'd rather eat a hamburger over goose liver or snails. You should have seen the comments I got when I asked if there were any Mexican joints in Paris...I think some were throwing holy water on me to exorcise the demons.
Yes I know there is more to french food than this, but give this person a break folks. It's their vacation and let them enjoy whatever parts of the destination they like.
Bravo on the tips on the wrist watch guy...I'll make sure to leave mine in the hotel when we go this part of Paris on our upcoming trip.
Yes I know there is more to french food than this, but give this person a break folks. It's their vacation and let them enjoy whatever parts of the destination they like.
Bravo on the tips on the wrist watch guy...I'll make sure to leave mine in the hotel when we go this part of Paris on our upcoming trip.
Mar 23rd, 2004, 05:53 AM
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It would be much better Report if you liked escargot and pig guts...
))
I liked your Report, thanks.
Is liking fast food makes person less valuable adviser on subject she knows by her own experience ? Common people !
You not really going to France to stuff your faces, right ?
))I liked your Report, thanks.
Is liking fast food makes person less valuable adviser on subject she knows by her own experience ? Common people !
You not really going to France to stuff your faces, right ?
Mar 23rd, 2004, 06:03 AM
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Opinions differ. I enjoyed your report and am thinking of one of these dash over, dash back long weekends myself! No Jet Lag huh?... My "lag" seems to occur when I get home, not when I go over. I'm convinced adrenalin helps me there.. come home? Well, then I'm dull and loggy jet lagged...
Mar 23rd, 2004, 09:57 AM
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Michael, I believe college_travelers found the RER **did** take credit cards.
college_travelers:
Don't worry. The death penalty for not liking French food was revoked on Fodor's last year. Now you only get life without parole, or is that life without a roll.
Thanks for your report, as always, I enjoy reading about the experiences of others.
college_travelers:
Don't worry. The death penalty for not liking French food was revoked on Fodor's last year. Now you only get life without parole, or is that life without a roll.
Thanks for your report, as always, I enjoy reading about the experiences of others.
Mar 23rd, 2004, 10:28 AM
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I think people should eat whatever they like, especially while on vacation.
That said, I admit to being a little puzzled when people express
dislike of all French or Italian or American food. What does that include exactly? As you know since you've traveled before, French food can mean anything from a plain roasted chicken to grilled fish, or a great salad,and the idea that dishes are always heavily sauced or piquantly herbed is the same to my mind as thinking that all Italians only eat pasta with red sauce.
I can tell you that when it comes to ethnic foods I don't care for most Indian food myself, and that's because I dislike the curry and other spices that are frequently used. On the other hand, I've occasionally had other kinds of Indian dishes that I like quite a bit, because they go beyond curry,and I ought to recognize that more often.
I just think based on many trips abroad,including France (though not to India!)that it is hard for me to imagine
that McDonald's would be my culinary refuge. I'm not saying I would never go there, but just saying that I wouldn't pair that in a sentence with not liking the food of the nation. On the other hand, you do mention having dinner in a little cafe so I guess you do try other places.
Thanks for the details on the Residence Monge and the Normandy trip.
That said, I admit to being a little puzzled when people express
dislike of all French or Italian or American food. What does that include exactly? As you know since you've traveled before, French food can mean anything from a plain roasted chicken to grilled fish, or a great salad,and the idea that dishes are always heavily sauced or piquantly herbed is the same to my mind as thinking that all Italians only eat pasta with red sauce.
I can tell you that when it comes to ethnic foods I don't care for most Indian food myself, and that's because I dislike the curry and other spices that are frequently used. On the other hand, I've occasionally had other kinds of Indian dishes that I like quite a bit, because they go beyond curry,and I ought to recognize that more often.
I just think based on many trips abroad,including France (though not to India!)that it is hard for me to imagine
that McDonald's would be my culinary refuge. I'm not saying I would never go there, but just saying that I wouldn't pair that in a sentence with not liking the food of the nation. On the other hand, you do mention having dinner in a little cafe so I guess you do try other places.
Thanks for the details on the Residence Monge and the Normandy trip.
Mar 23rd, 2004, 10:29 AM
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I have not been to France yet. I am going for the first time in June. I'm really looking forward to it!
However, this is what I have learned:
If a Japanese tourist traveled to New York and at only at Yoshinoya (Japanese Fast Food joint with NY branches, the equivalent of McD's.) because he did not like "weird" American food like Pizza, Hot Dogs, and Burritos, many posters here would not think he was nuts for spending thousands of Yen on hotel and airfare to eat the same crap he could get at home. They would think this was admirable "common man" behavior.
I have also learned that no reasonable American could be expected to eat bizarre French food like:
Salade (Salad with vinagrette dressing)
Poulet Roti (Roast chicken with fries)
Steak Frites (Grilled steak with fries)
Tarte Tatin (Apple Pie)
Beef Bourguignon (Beef stew)
Croque Monsieur/Madame (Grilled Cheese, perhaps with ham and egg if feeling frisky)
Crepes (Thin pancakes, sometimes with jam)
...all of which are the most commonly eaten dishes in France. Those weirdos! I could see how someone would certainly hate that kind of food.
I also learned the following on this thread:
-Avoid food from countries that France borders like Italy and Spain. Instead, try to eat the cuisine of countries that have tenuous relationships to France, like Mexico.
-Expressing surprise that a poster chose American Fast Food in Europe is "bashing" and should not be done.
-Traveling to Europe many times and refusing to eat the food there is to be admired because the traveler is experienced (even though they have not experienced the food, but that is not an important part of French culture anyway).
-You should visit countries where you hate the food or don't like the people, then get into a flamewar with people who suggest that maybe next time you should try the food or a different country where the folks are more to your liking. Ignore them! People who hate the French and French food should visit France as often as possible.
-Only snobs and jerks like to eat anything other than hamburgers or other normal American food.
-All the food in France is composed of animal livers, snails, or both.
-Restaurants in America that claim to serve typical French food like chicken, steak, or sausages, are liars and frauds. It's not really possible to try out authentic French food here first to see what you do and don't like.
-France has no regions or local food. Everyone eats the same thing- liver and snails, 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. This is also true in Provence, Pays Basque, and Alsace, even though none of these regions speak the same language or have the same history or local produce.
However, this is what I have learned:
If a Japanese tourist traveled to New York and at only at Yoshinoya (Japanese Fast Food joint with NY branches, the equivalent of McD's.) because he did not like "weird" American food like Pizza, Hot Dogs, and Burritos, many posters here would not think he was nuts for spending thousands of Yen on hotel and airfare to eat the same crap he could get at home. They would think this was admirable "common man" behavior.
I have also learned that no reasonable American could be expected to eat bizarre French food like:
Salade (Salad with vinagrette dressing)
Poulet Roti (Roast chicken with fries)
Steak Frites (Grilled steak with fries)
Tarte Tatin (Apple Pie)
Beef Bourguignon (Beef stew)
Croque Monsieur/Madame (Grilled Cheese, perhaps with ham and egg if feeling frisky)
Crepes (Thin pancakes, sometimes with jam)
...all of which are the most commonly eaten dishes in France. Those weirdos! I could see how someone would certainly hate that kind of food.
I also learned the following on this thread:
-Avoid food from countries that France borders like Italy and Spain. Instead, try to eat the cuisine of countries that have tenuous relationships to France, like Mexico.
-Expressing surprise that a poster chose American Fast Food in Europe is "bashing" and should not be done.
-Traveling to Europe many times and refusing to eat the food there is to be admired because the traveler is experienced (even though they have not experienced the food, but that is not an important part of French culture anyway).
-You should visit countries where you hate the food or don't like the people, then get into a flamewar with people who suggest that maybe next time you should try the food or a different country where the folks are more to your liking. Ignore them! People who hate the French and French food should visit France as often as possible.
-Only snobs and jerks like to eat anything other than hamburgers or other normal American food.
-All the food in France is composed of animal livers, snails, or both.
-Restaurants in America that claim to serve typical French food like chicken, steak, or sausages, are liars and frauds. It's not really possible to try out authentic French food here first to see what you do and don't like.
-France has no regions or local food. Everyone eats the same thing- liver and snails, 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. This is also true in Provence, Pays Basque, and Alsace, even though none of these regions speak the same language or have the same history or local produce.
