cigalechanta,

funny you should mention that. we almost rented a studio on a fourth floor walk up in the ninth and the woman we cancelled with sent me the same quote from the NYTimes. I figure we make our own tombs and since I'm outgoing and speak a little french I'll find a way to meet locals, to frequent non-touristy hants where they'll know me after a visit or two and generally to make the neighborhood feel homey for me and my husband@!! Thanks for all the tips jpie or is it jple...myeyes are gettin gold. We're further south but will still be walking up to Victor Hugo so we'll make good use of your suggestions. Anyone spend anytime in the Bois de Bologne?

ahh, the Bois de Bologne..that is an interesting area, varied in activities and the people who like to go there.
I believe there is a fabulous restaurant nearby as well as some wonderful gardens. We will be in that area when visiting the Musee Marmatton.
The 16th is known to be a very elegant and rich neighborhood, I think you will feel safe and be happy to be there~

Hi Marciabb:

Yes-whiskey is right. I believe it is a Maison du Chocolat at the place.

Also, there is a nice little one of Guy Savoy's "baby bistros" not too far on Kleber called the Butte Chaillot:

I have had a really nice "business" lunch there. Foodies can sort of tend to be a bit snobbish because Savoy and many of the other big name chefs are launching these type of places-but frankly, my experience was that you got more interesting food than the average Paris corner local bistros and the prices for lunch are very good-in the 25 euro range for a menu if I remember right.

So I think it is a nice way to have a good meal when you want something more than a "snacky" kind lunch, or you are tired of eating ethnic (what I almost always do in Paris if I want eat cheaply, hence Al Dar) and haute cuisine but you still want get some interesting cooking.

Butte Chaillot

Hours Sun-Fri noon-2:30pm; daily 7pm-midnight

Address 110 bis av. Kléber


Transportation Métro: Trocadéro

I have not hung out much at the bois de boulogne other than to go walking with friends with their dogs. So I don't know it too well. But unlike London, which lots of grass, the bois does provide some relief for the Paris "cement" and sand parks :)

Have a great trip by the way. I will be in Paris for about 3 weeks in late April and early May. And I am also going to spend 2 weeks down south in Languedoc and the Perigord region. Hopefully we will both get lovely spring sunshine for the trips!

Thanks for the info jpie. Sounds like we'll be in Paris at the same time. We'll have fun. And we'll definitely hit the chocolate shop. My husband is an addict.

Have a great time all if I don't talk to you again.