Trip Report Part One: Five Days in Paris
Apr 18th, 2011, 03:35 PM
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Trip Report Part One: Five Days in Paris
I am just back from a whirlwind visit to Paris made specifically to gather content for my blog! Needless to say, I came home with tons of photos and plenty to talk about.
The first installment of my trip report is on my blog
http://juliesparis.wordpress.com/201...t-behind-tour/
I'll mention a few things of interest to Fodorites here:
The unseasonable 70-degree sunshine put everyone in a good mood, so the cafe terraces were full and good cheer prevailed.
We stayed at the Hotel du Lys near Odeon. I thought it was great. but it may not be for everyone. There is no elevator, and the single rooms are compact. But the location is primo and the price is right at 105-120 euro per night for our rooms. (I plan to do a blog post with more detail later)
We enjoyed windowshopping in the Marais. It was truly windowshopping as the goods were beautiful and expensive, especially with the exchange rate at US $1.42. But oh, to dream of the leather briefcase I didn't buy. The new Hermes store in the rue de Sevres is just fantastic. I made myself revisit the Champs Elysees and again, I thought it was disappointing.
We had good food throughout, but our memorable meals were at Chez Omar in the Marais, Le Bistrot d'Henri in the 6th and a perfect croque monsieur at La Fontaine St. Michel. Surprisingly, we had a satisfactory meal in Montmartre in the Place du Tertre (or maybe it was the effects of the wine).
This was probably my 12th visit to Paris - and stil - I spend the flight home making plans for a return trip. Maybe it's just me.....
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
The first installment of my trip report is on my blog
http://juliesparis.wordpress.com/201...t-behind-tour/
I'll mention a few things of interest to Fodorites here:
The unseasonable 70-degree sunshine put everyone in a good mood, so the cafe terraces were full and good cheer prevailed.
We stayed at the Hotel du Lys near Odeon. I thought it was great. but it may not be for everyone. There is no elevator, and the single rooms are compact. But the location is primo and the price is right at 105-120 euro per night for our rooms. (I plan to do a blog post with more detail later)
We enjoyed windowshopping in the Marais. It was truly windowshopping as the goods were beautiful and expensive, especially with the exchange rate at US $1.42. But oh, to dream of the leather briefcase I didn't buy. The new Hermes store in the rue de Sevres is just fantastic. I made myself revisit the Champs Elysees and again, I thought it was disappointing.
We had good food throughout, but our memorable meals were at Chez Omar in the Marais, Le Bistrot d'Henri in the 6th and a perfect croque monsieur at La Fontaine St. Michel. Surprisingly, we had a satisfactory meal in Montmartre in the Place du Tertre (or maybe it was the effects of the wine).
This was probably my 12th visit to Paris - and stil - I spend the flight home making plans for a return trip. Maybe it's just me.....
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
Apr 19th, 2011, 08:31 AM
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Yes, Julie. Thank you for making that trip on our behalf. Too bad the wine cannot be vicariously shared. It sounds like there was enough to go around! I have been following your blog daily for several months (though I have yet to post). You are a very funny, talented writer and always worth a morning pick-me-up. Plus, there are always such good pics.
Apr 19th, 2011, 04:36 PM
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UhOh thanks for your feedback on the post - and the blog!
Sap, believe me there was wine to spare. We actually had to adopt a "vin input strategy" so Melinda didn't come down off her chic wedgie sandals in the middle of the Place St-Germain. Besides, it's cheaper than Coca Lite.
And thanks for such generous comments about the blog! I'm glad it inspires a laugh and a Parisian moment when it's needed.
It wsa a terrific visit to Paris. I found I spent alot less on stuff and concentrated on bringing home photos-priceless. : )
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
Sap, believe me there was wine to spare. We actually had to adopt a "vin input strategy" so Melinda didn't come down off her chic wedgie sandals in the middle of the Place St-Germain. Besides, it's cheaper than Coca Lite.
And thanks for such generous comments about the blog! I'm glad it inspires a laugh and a Parisian moment when it's needed.
It wsa a terrific visit to Paris. I found I spent alot less on stuff and concentrated on bringing home photos-priceless. : )
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
Apr 21st, 2011, 02:08 PM
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Bonjour Helen!
I ejnoyed my stay and would return. The Hotel du Lys is well located between the St Michel and Odeon metro stops in the 6th. Excellent metro connections and so much is walk-able. There is a small grocery on the Rue Danton for snacks and sodas. Many cafes close by in the Place St-Andre des Arts, the Boulevards St Germain and St Michel.
The first consideration - are you comfortable with stairs. There is no elevator. However they have rooms on the main floor, and 1-2 flights up is easy enough. If need be, call them and ask for a room off the lobby.
The hotel is well-kept and comfortable - just not fussy. Bathrooms are great and the rooms are fine - carpets can be a little worn but who cares.
I had a double room up one flight on the first floor (French) with windows on the street. There was noise at night,but it didn't bother me. You can get rooms that open onto the back for more quiet. The bed and linens were perfect, including pillows.
My companion had a single on the fifth floor (French) that was quite a trek up the lovely old spiral staircase. I thought her room had character - it's just not large. Her windows looked out over the rooftops - very La Boheme! It did get a little warm at night.
The staff was helpful and friendly. The owner lives on-site and works the desk, so she's available and responsive. Breakfast was typical - coffee, juice, bread and croissant. It's included in the price of the room.
The only problem was that I had to sit in the lobby to get a wi-fi connection and no one seemed to know why.
For the price it's perfect. I hope they never reonovate! What did I miss?
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
I ejnoyed my stay and would return. The Hotel du Lys is well located between the St Michel and Odeon metro stops in the 6th. Excellent metro connections and so much is walk-able. There is a small grocery on the Rue Danton for snacks and sodas. Many cafes close by in the Place St-Andre des Arts, the Boulevards St Germain and St Michel.
The first consideration - are you comfortable with stairs. There is no elevator. However they have rooms on the main floor, and 1-2 flights up is easy enough. If need be, call them and ask for a room off the lobby.
The hotel is well-kept and comfortable - just not fussy. Bathrooms are great and the rooms are fine - carpets can be a little worn but who cares.
I had a double room up one flight on the first floor (French) with windows on the street. There was noise at night,but it didn't bother me. You can get rooms that open onto the back for more quiet. The bed and linens were perfect, including pillows.
My companion had a single on the fifth floor (French) that was quite a trek up the lovely old spiral staircase. I thought her room had character - it's just not large. Her windows looked out over the rooftops - very La Boheme! It did get a little warm at night.
The staff was helpful and friendly. The owner lives on-site and works the desk, so she's available and responsive. Breakfast was typical - coffee, juice, bread and croissant. It's included in the price of the room.
The only problem was that I had to sit in the lobby to get a wi-fi connection and no one seemed to know why.
For the price it's perfect. I hope they never reonovate! What did I miss?
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
Apr 22nd, 2011, 03:49 AM
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Hi Julie
Thank you so much for your detailed, amazing response. I don't think I could come up with any more questions than you have already answered.
I feel totally reassured that my decision to stay at Hotel du Lys is the right choice.
Many thanks again
Regards
Helen
Thank you so much for your detailed, amazing response. I don't think I could come up with any more questions than you have already answered.
I feel totally reassured that my decision to stay at Hotel du Lys is the right choice.
Many thanks again
Regards
Helen
Apr 22nd, 2011, 06:09 AM
#8
Enjoyed your report and photos. How nice it was for you to have such great weather. We usually go to Paris in Sept. and have also had good luck weather-wise.
Have to agree about The Champs----not my cup of tea.
Have to agree about The Champs----not my cup of tea.
Apr 22nd, 2011, 06:35 AM
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Helen -- You'll have a great stay. I don't know how well you know Paris, but the hotel is halfway between two market streets - one on rue de Bucci at rue de Seine, and the other at the Maubert metro stop (not sure which days Maubert is open). Take a picnic lunch to the Luxembourg Gardens in the good weather!
TPAYT - even the Parisians were amazed at our weather. And what is is about the Champs Elysees? The proliferation of Gaps and Virgin Megastores? Granted, it might have a different ambiance at night, but it's never on my list of places to visit. Surely the Champs has it's fans, maybe someone will speak on it's behalf.
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
TPAYT - even the Parisians were amazed at our weather. And what is is about the Champs Elysees? The proliferation of Gaps and Virgin Megastores? Granted, it might have a different ambiance at night, but it's never on my list of places to visit. Surely the Champs has it's fans, maybe someone will speak on it's behalf.
Julie
www.juliesparis.wordpress.com
