Weekender

Happy Birthday! And many more!

Same birthdate as my mother and best friend. Both long gone but a very special day in my book.

annhig

I believe the OP's hotel choices are lovely for sure but are only available to those who either save for years or who are wealthy.>>

exactly.

we have lots of people here who share their budget travel, but few who travel like this.

surely there is room for all of us?

EYWandBTV

"...I thought this was an open forum...not a place for groupthink..."

Exactly, again. If people wish to stay in luxury hotels, bravo. De gustibus. Let's not make snarky comments about people who make that choice. (Or does he who snarks perhaps secretly long to stay in such plush digs....)

jenlovestravel

I am not sure why I am wasting my time responding to blueeye but I feel compelled...My father was a 5th grade school teacher and my mom was a part time book keeper. I came from a solid middle class family. My brother and I both went to college and had college loans that have long since been paid off. I am proud to say that due to intelligence, hard work, persistence and diligence my brother and I have both been very successful in our working lives and careers. I did not marry someone who was rich. We both worked our way up the business ladder. I am certainly NOT rich or wealthy. I am comfortable and should not have to make any excuse for that. I pay more taxes than than most... probably pay the highest taxes because I don't make my money off of capital gains and have few, if any, deductions. I am forever thankful and appreciative of all that I have. I wish you the best and can tell you that my family is an example of how, in this great country, you can choose your path if you have the talent, and the will. Hopefully, your path will take you and other fodor readers on many trips such as the one described as eloquently as Denise's. Safe and Happy Travels!

jenlovestravel

Happy Birthday Denise! Where are you thinking of going on your next trip?

denisea

Thanks for the birthday wishes.

I don't have a next trip scheduled...will need to save up and see where I can put Hilton points to use. Maybe London??? I have not been there in quite some time and my husband has never been there....I think he would love it. Paris is always on my mind. Remains to be seen, but I am sure I will be seeking suggestions and advice when we go into planning mode!

annhig

you could always combine Paris and London, Denise - they make great combination I think

jelopez33

Happy Birthday Denise, and thanks for your great report of a trip to remember forever!

denisea

Annhig, a combo trip is definitely being mulled over. I want to get to Paris when Giverny is open as it is the one thing close to Paris that I really am dying to see that I have not gotten to..

tomarkot

Thanks again, Denise, for sharing your wonderful experiences in the AC. We appreciate all the details you included. Gives us a lot of ideas for our next European trip. We're still working on our TR from our recent trip to Central Europe, but already thinking about our next trip. So many places on our list: Italy? Spain? France? Great to have so many great choices! Thanks again for a great report.

annhig

denise - I've never been to Giverny either and the thought of those crowds really puts me off. if you discover any tips for seeing it when fewer people ar likely to be there, please let us all know!

RobertaL

I loved this trip report!! Brought back many memories of Positano, especially the custom sandals! What a magical vacation.

~Roberta

flpab

We were in Paris and at Oktoberfest while you were in Italy and just found your trip report
Do you think the altitude made you sick to your stomach or the heat?

I found some of the best salted butter in the grocery in Paris and maille mayonnaise and thought of you. I have had the mustard but the mayonnaise beat Dukes by a landslide.

You could go to London and take the train for an overnight to Paris.

Enjoyed your trip report and loved the pictures. We people watched in the park by the Eiffel one Sunday and the selfie sticks had us in stitches. My husband is about a foot taller and he would try and get us both into a picture and only the top of my head would show. We gave up.

denisea

Oh gosh...doubt I will uncover any secrets on Giverny...but I love Monet so ?I have to get there.


Thanks R...I will always love those sandals!

Hmm, flpab...I have no idea. I think most of it was the steps the day before taking it out of me. I did not sleep well and I think I was just really tired. Chaz also felt really sick one night. So maybe we had a touch of something...after a flight these days,, who knows? I love that you think of me along with butter and mayo!! At least throw some Champs in with that!

jenlovestravel

Hi Denise. I love paris so much I have been there 4 times. It is my second favorite city - first is NY - but I am a native NY'er so its hard not to be biased. Everywhere you turn there is another architectural gem to look at. It is a pretty clean city - cleaner than NY. You can walk everywhere. I found locals to be very nice as long as you start off in conversation or question with a "hello" in french and then a "excuse moi si vou plais, parle vou englais?" (took spanish, not french so have no idea how to spell it). I went to Giverny in early May and it was amazing! At that time the Wisteria were in full bloom. It was absolutely beautiful and looked exactly like what it must have appeared to Monet when he painted. My friend and I took a public bus from Paris to get there and back. There were no issues and it was easy. My favorite museum in Paris is Rodin's Museum. I go there each time I visit. I can provide lots of recommendations if you would like for when you plan your trip. One disappointing thing the last two times I was there was the food. Every place had burgers and salad which wasn't nearly as good as what you can get here in the states. I ended up going to pastry shops and "deli's" ... I would buy a baquette sandwich or quiche etc and eat in one of the marvelous parks. Also, don't miss the Marais district. It is definitely worth a day or two of walking around.

denisea

Thanks Jen...totally agree rearis. We usually go at Christmas, so Giverny is closed by then. Would love to see that wisteria at Giverny....will get there at some point. We have been talking for weeks about how much we will miss being in Paris this year for Christmas but we will have our Italy trip to think back on.

jenlovestravel

You probably know this already but... if you can visit Paris in January or July - that is when all their stores have sales... 50% off or more. That includes almost all of the designer stores too - Re Lanvin, Dior, DG, etc etc.

yestravel

Love being in Paris for the sales. Will miss them this trip since Denise, your TRs, & others have inspired me to go see the Xmas decorations.

Judy

I do love the Paris sales but do not love July & January. Have only taken advantage once and it was awesome but not enough to return in July again. We much prefer May, September, October and December.....have 2 weeks coming up in December!

yestravel

We were there in June a couple years ago- hit the sales that had just started, but the crowds everywhere were awful. Will never go again in summer months. We've enjoyed ok weather in February during the sales. I am from the NE USA so I am used to miserable winter weather and Paris has been mild in comparison.