The Ghost of Christmas Future visited me..."Lead On"! Paris again...at Christmas.
Jun 17th, 2014, 08:10 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Ghost of Christmas Future visited me..."Lead On"! Paris again...at Christmas.
I can never stay away from Paris for long. ALright, no ghost visited me but we have friends that we encouraged to visit Paris over Christmas. They decided they are going, then I decided we just had to go, too. What can I say? I miss it. If I am honest - I'm a bit obsessed.
Our friends will arrive several days after we do and we look forward to visiting some of their favorite Parisian places. They were in Lisbon with us and we has a blast -so we trust their choices.
We don't have any absolutes here, but I am looking forward to a few things we have never done before---The Museum of Decortive Arts& The Baccarat Museum and maybe a return visit to Musee D'Orsay --it's been quite some since we were there last. Will we finally have that glass of Champs at Tour Montparnasse? Can I help it that Catherine B is really close to the apartment we are renting...will I find some vintage Chanel there?
Maybe we will make to La Defense for the Christmas markets. We are going back to Ste Chappelle for the Christmas Eve concert. I wish that the Ritz and Crillon were not still under going renovations - so ready for them to re-open!
I am planning on being much more serious about chocolat on this trip! I have been slipping on this and am committed to sampling & buying a lot more this time.
We are very excited about the location of our apartment and how much there is shopping and dining wise close by. As always, we won't even come close to visiting all the dining spots we want to try out. I am sure many of our favorites will be closed over Christmas but Paris is loaded with great restaurants--we won't starve. I may even track the number of glasses of Champagne I drink (and I may never tell anyone "my number").
Will definitely be checking out T/Rs until we leave. We are always seeking new Paris info from you all!!
Our friends will arrive several days after we do and we look forward to visiting some of their favorite Parisian places. They were in Lisbon with us and we has a blast -so we trust their choices.
We don't have any absolutes here, but I am looking forward to a few things we have never done before---The Museum of Decortive Arts& The Baccarat Museum and maybe a return visit to Musee D'Orsay --it's been quite some since we were there last. Will we finally have that glass of Champs at Tour Montparnasse? Can I help it that Catherine B is really close to the apartment we are renting...will I find some vintage Chanel there?
Maybe we will make to La Defense for the Christmas markets. We are going back to Ste Chappelle for the Christmas Eve concert. I wish that the Ritz and Crillon were not still under going renovations - so ready for them to re-open!
I am planning on being much more serious about chocolat on this trip! I have been slipping on this and am committed to sampling & buying a lot more this time.
We are very excited about the location of our apartment and how much there is shopping and dining wise close by. As always, we won't even come close to visiting all the dining spots we want to try out. I am sure many of our favorites will be closed over Christmas but Paris is loaded with great restaurants--we won't starve. I may even track the number of glasses of Champagne I drink (and I may never tell anyone "my number").
Will definitely be checking out T/Rs until we leave. We are always seeking new Paris info from you all!!
Jun 18th, 2014, 04:45 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 9,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I loved your last report and you had a great trip so can't blame you one bit for going back. It will be fun to have a few friends to share the trip with. I would do at least day in the Christmas Markets.
Jun 18th, 2014, 05:27 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I love sitting at the champagne bar in Galerie Lafayette and watching the tree suspended in the dome and then walking outside to see the GL and Printemps window displays.
The Madeleine church always has a unique creche.
Seasonal decor is everywhere and, in many instances, stunning.
There are Christmas markets all over the city.
The Madeleine church always has a unique creche.
Seasonal decor is everywhere and, in many instances, stunning.
There are Christmas markets all over the city.
Jun 18th, 2014, 08:03 AM
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,357
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We will get together Denise. I think I arrive same time as your friends. You can get with F&M ahead of my arrival and hope we get together before you leave..when the 28th? I will be staying until mid Feb, of course. Some new things planned and F&M have a little trip planned for us and who knows may go to Riquewihr to vist with Jean-Paul and Martine again.
Yes, I am also waiting for Ritz and Crillon to re-open..both were favoprites of mine. I do miss them when I am there.
a bientot..
Joan
Yes, I am also waiting for Ritz and Crillon to re-open..both were favoprites of mine. I do miss them when I am there.
a bientot..
Joan
Jun 18th, 2014, 10:01 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank goodness you have friends to twist your arm like that. 
Btw, I've meaning to thank you for the Tsarine recommendation (in some thread, somewhere). It had not been on my radar, unlike many other bubblies, so I made a point of picking up a bottle during a Total Wine champagne sale. Very good.
Happy planning!
Btw, I've meaning to thank you for the Tsarine recommendation (in some thread, somewhere). It had not been on my radar, unlike many other bubblies, so I made a point of picking up a bottle during a Total Wine champagne sale. Very good.
Happy planning!
Jun 18th, 2014, 10:36 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
denisea: what can you tell me about Catherine B? A fashion minded friend is going to Paris with us, and I think she would be happy to visit a vintage shop, even if it is upscale. I'd appreciate any information. I'm planning the trip and I think it would be nice to take our friend's interests in to consideration.
Jun 18th, 2014, 01:57 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't wait to see you Joan! Always envious of your long Paris trips but am so happy to be able to see you in Paris! We leave on the 28th. I am sure we will have time for some bubbly and French cuisine.
You know YankyGal, you have Joan's friends Florent and Mika to thank for Tsarine!! They brought it with them to Asheville and we enjoyed a bottle at Joan's house before going out. The bottle itself is worth the price!
tuscan...I have not been to Catherine B yet. I became aware of it here from another poster. Check on "Girl's Guide to Paris" website. I can't believe I have missed this shop, all that time!
Has anyone been to Le Dokhan Champagne Bar in the 16th? I think it is in the Radisson Blu...another one I can't believe I haven't been too yet.
You know YankyGal, you have Joan's friends Florent and Mika to thank for Tsarine!! They brought it with them to Asheville and we enjoyed a bottle at Joan's house before going out. The bottle itself is worth the price!
tuscan...I have not been to Catherine B yet. I became aware of it here from another poster. Check on "Girl's Guide to Paris" website. I can't believe I have missed this shop, all that time!
Has anyone been to Le Dokhan Champagne Bar in the 16th? I think it is in the Radisson Blu...another one I can't believe I haven't been too yet.
Jun 18th, 2014, 02:07 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DebitNM....agree with Judy.
Consider a concert at Ste Chapelle or other church (I hear the Messiah at the St Germain church is also great. We are considering this for our trip).
The patisseries and chocolatiers have beautiful store windows---works of art!
Ice skating in front of Hotel de Ville.
The Christmas markets on St Germain, The Champs Elysee, La Defense....
We love Christmas in Paris...I hope that you enjoy it.
Consider a concert at Ste Chapelle or other church (I hear the Messiah at the St Germain church is also great. We are considering this for our trip).
The patisseries and chocolatiers have beautiful store windows---works of art!
Ice skating in front of Hotel de Ville.
The Christmas markets on St Germain, The Champs Elysee, La Defense....
We love Christmas in Paris...I hope that you enjoy it.
Jun 18th, 2014, 02:27 PM
#11
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since Judy mentioned the creche at the Madeleine church, I'll add that there will be a concert there at 4:00 in the afternoon on Christmas day. It's part of their free concert series featuring the Cavaillé-Coll organ. More info:
http://www.concerts-lamadeleine.com/
There's also a Cavaillé-Coll organ in St.-Sulpice. On Sundays and holidays the organist plays for about 15 minutes prior to the 11:00 a.m. mass, then for some time afterwards. The acoustics are wonderful.
http://www.concerts-lamadeleine.com/
There's also a Cavaillé-Coll organ in St.-Sulpice. On Sundays and holidays the organist plays for about 15 minutes prior to the 11:00 a.m. mass, then for some time afterwards. The acoustics are wonderful.
Jun 18th, 2014, 02:35 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
DebitNM, we have always found interesting museum exhibits over the holidays....just need to look closer to the date.
denisea, my last week in Paris this fall is with one of my daughters and our girlfriends. We always have a "Sex and the City" day, which we started at Plaza Athenee when it was featured on the show. We dress up a bit, pick a really nice restaurant for lunch and then bar-hop (I know, pathetic, but we have fun and support the local taxi drivers) Le Dokhan Champagne Bar is on our list for October....will let you know how we liked it!
denisea, my last week in Paris this fall is with one of my daughters and our girlfriends. We always have a "Sex and the City" day, which we started at Plaza Athenee when it was featured on the show. We dress up a bit, pick a really nice restaurant for lunch and then bar-hop (I know, pathetic, but we have fun and support the local taxi drivers) Le Dokhan Champagne Bar is on our list for October....will let you know how we liked it!
Jun 18th, 2014, 03:42 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OMG Judy...I am a huge SATC fan! So, you should have lunch at KONG where Carrie met the Russian's ex-wife for lunch--then Laduree (loved that big dog she fed pastries to).
You have seen how much French Fizz I drink - so no judgement! Manhattans in Paris?
So anxious to get your impressions of Le Dokhan and hear all about your SATC day----but do your best to avoid the "face plant" in Dior!
You have seen how much French Fizz I drink - so no judgement! Manhattans in Paris?
So anxious to get your impressions of Le Dokhan and hear all about your SATC day----but do your best to avoid the "face plant" in Dior!
Jun 18th, 2014, 08:18 PM
#15
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,357
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Denise,
Demoiselle Champagne has replaced Tsarine as THE favorite for Florent and Mika...me, too!! Love their bottles!! You will have to pick up a bottle(or 2) to take home with you. Can't buy iot everyplace. I found it at Nicolas. The small bottles are really good looking!
a bientot...
Joan
Demoiselle Champagne has replaced Tsarine as THE favorite for Florent and Mika...me, too!! Love their bottles!! You will have to pick up a bottle(or 2) to take home with you. Can't buy iot everyplace. I found it at Nicolas. The small bottles are really good looking!
a bientot...
Joan
Jun 19th, 2014, 05:11 AM
#16
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh no - another champagne to try, whatever shall I do?!
Judy, I love the sound of that SATC day. Also a huge fan, and going to Paris with my girlfriends and/or sisters is on my bucket list.
Denise, we heard the Messiah at Saint-Germain-des-Prés a few years ago in late November. It was a wonderful concert. I know I don't have to tell you this as both a seasoned traveler and a European winter traveler, but please remember to bundle up! It was colder in the church than outside. I was dressed warmly enough (or so I thought) but I underestimated how cold it would be inside - and how much not moving for awhile would factor into it, so....
Judy, I love the sound of that SATC day. Also a huge fan, and going to Paris with my girlfriends and/or sisters is on my bucket list.
Denise, we heard the Messiah at Saint-Germain-des-Prés a few years ago in late November. It was a wonderful concert. I know I don't have to tell you this as both a seasoned traveler and a European winter traveler, but please remember to bundle up! It was colder in the church than outside. I was dressed warmly enough (or so I thought) but I underestimated how cold it would be inside - and how much not moving for awhile would factor into it, so....
Jun 19th, 2014, 05:54 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It doesn't hurt my feelings that there is a new favorite champagne . I'll look forward to test driving it!
Thanks YG---agreed on the warm dress. Ste Chapelle wasn't as cold as I had expected it to be last year but still chilly. Layers, upon layers, and I always take those hand warmers that get hot when you open up the package. They are great to have for this sort of thing.
. I'll look forward to test driving it!Thanks YG---agreed on the warm dress. Ste Chapelle wasn't as cold as I had expected it to be last year but still chilly. Layers, upon layers, and I always take those hand warmers that get hot when you open up the package. They are great to have for this sort of thing.
Jun 20th, 2014, 05:11 AM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know - we actually saw a poster for it during the day and went back at night and bought tickets at the door. I'm not suggesting that, mind you, since you'll be there during prime busy season.
