kfusto

I am another fan of Europe over the holiday season - I find it a special and beautiful time of year.

Even though I am not a lover of Paris, I enjoyed your trip report and have passed it on to friends headed there this winter.

Thanks for sharing.

TDudette

Wonderful report and super pix.

elburr

So glad your report was topped as I missed it the first time. What a wonderful trip, made me want to jump on the first plane to Paris!

denisea

Thanks all and I appreciate the revival! We are missing Paris after being home for over two weeks, the fun of it is sharing it and re-living it every now and then through the T/R.

There are more pics on Christmas in Paris was fantastic (part two), as well. I missed a few photos the first time.

roundtheworldtix

Just saw the second and third photo links...souffles look so good; which arrondisement is Le Souffle in? Also the food at Le Comptoir looks terrific! Will have to try!

denisea

Le Comptoir was very good and right by our hotel. It was featured on No Reservations w/ Anthony Bourdain...part of a Paris movement with small restaurants that focus on very high food quality without all the waiters, fancy decor and high prices. We really enjoyed it...no photo of the lobster bisque but it was phenomenal. We also loved their saucisson.
I understand reservations can be tough to get, so start working on them early so you don't miss out!

denisea

oops...forgot to answer this...Le Souffle is in the first aeeondisement; around the corner from the Chanel boutique on rue Cambon.

Le Soufflé. 36 rue Mont Thabor 75001

Nikki

Great report, you certainly travel in grand style!

denisea

Oh, not usually, we just decided to have the blow out Christmas of all time and then probably no vacation at all in 2011! It was worth it.

nancy1652

I stayed in an apartment just across the street from your hotel and also went to Gerard Mulot's every morning for breakfast, picking up great cheese in the covered market nearby. Your food photos are terrific; thanks so much for labeling them all. I passed Marco Polo all the time but never thought to go in because it was Italian. For sure, it's on the list for my next trip.

JulieVikmanis

Love your travel philosophy--"we just decided to have the blow out Christmas of all time and then probably no vacation at all in 2011! It was worth it." You only live once, and apparently you two have decided how to do it right. As I was looking at your pictures I started to realize that you hit every "biggy" in Paris, so by the time you got to Atelier Robuchon, I was giggling. You sure know how to pick 'em! Wonderful trip, with all the trimmings.

denisea

Oh Nancy 1652, especially if you are there in summer try Marco Polo for the lovely outdoor tables and the melon & prosciutto...literally the melon was just so good and I never need an excuse to get prosciutto. We also love the gorgonzola after dinner it's just so good and you get enough for 6 people. Sometimes, no matter how good, you just can't eat anymore fois gras and Italian hits the spot.

JulieV...love the fact that you got what we were doing...it was decadent and embarrassing how much we ate (and what we spent on it) but we truly enjoyed it and it was a spectacular experience. It was all so memorable and we had a ball! So glad you enjoyed...Paris is all about pure enjoyment.

TPAYT

Another fan of Marco Polo----we always share the melon and prosciutto and also the grilled antipasto vegetables as starters.

denisea

Ahhh, TPAYT, I can taste it now!!

mish42

Hi denisea: Great trip report loved all the details. Just wondering if by any chance you saw either of the Jr. Suites (attic rooms) at the Hotel Louis II? We're holding a reservation for one of those rooms in March and wondering how they are. we are 3 adults (sister, mom & myself) and obviously need more space than the regular rooms. We'll be there a week and still trying to pin down which hotel. I had heard about Marco Polo and now I really can't wait to go there!

KTtravel

denisea, you commented on my post about hotels -- thank you. We have decided on the Hotel Louis II partially due to your recommendation and wonderful trip report. I love your photos and the restaurants you picked. When I read about your trek to Bertillon, I knew our travel styles were similar!

denisea

KT travel-Truly one of the best things about this site, isn't it?! I hope you found all three photo links...great food photos on the second and third links that didn't get on the first one. The location of Louis II is superb!! I miss my little neighborhood in Paris...Le Comptoir right around the corner! Oh, and that Berthillon ice cream...remarkable!
I hope you enjoy your trip-I look forward to reading your trip report!

denisea

mish42- sorry I missed your question..I did not see the junior suite upstairs at Hotel Louis II. I have seen it on the internet but not in person. We were in a regular room on the third floor which I actually think are the smallest rooms. We did fine with two adults for a week, so I think the junior suite for three will work. We did this even with two fairly large suitcases in our room, as well. We are not light packers!

As before, seriously, the location is so great for Parisian neighborhood feel, close Metro stop, terrific little places for dining, drinks and coffee. If you haven't looked the photos on my T/R, you can see the neighborhood (look for shots with Le Danton, Le Comptoir, Marco Polo).

Good luck with planning your trip! Enjoy Paris.

mish42

Hi Denisea:

Just re-read your T.R., taking notes for our (myself, sister and mom) upcoming trip in 2 weeks. We ended up pushing our budget up a bit, so although we won't be staying at Louis II, we'll be in the exact same area, staying at Le Relais St. Germain (the hotel next to Le Comptoir, owned by the chef). You didn't happen to go in the that hotel at all did you? Still hoping we made good decision. (other consideration was D'Aubusson - a few blocks towards the Seine and a bigger hotel). Curious if reservations are needed or even taken for Marco Polo. Definitely plan to eat there, as well as Le Comptoir. Made note of the Souffle restaurant and of course, will go to Bertillon regardless of the weather!

denisea

Mish42- Marco Polo does take a reservation...just ask your hotel to call over there for you. If the weather allows for outdoor seating, you probably won't need to book but if not it is small and gets crowded.

I did not go into Le Relais but would definitely consider staying there and I believe it is nicer than Hotel Louis II. We loved the location, so I think you are making a great choice...and you will get priority booking at Le Comptoir. L'Avant Comptoir next door is great for a crepe or appetizers, as well.

You will not believe Berthillon...so good. I would kill for more of that Salted Caramel Ice Cream (or the Grand Marnier Souffle st Le Souffle).

Have a great time.