Hello, just got back from our three week trip to Paris and Italy. Many thanks to everyone who sent me suggestions. BIG Thank you to Mai Tai Tom, AnnW, and ANUJ.

We left of Paris on Air France Monday April 28. I used my points and got upgraded sets to their “new “ Premium” cabin class. Seats were great, but the food was basically the same as economy. We did get a Michelin starred chef meal on the return flight Quick taxi to our wonderful hotel - Hotel des Grandes Ecoles- in the fifth. We wandered over to lunch at cafe de nouvelle Marie-

Gabriel’s restaurant


Emily’s apartment

Hotel des Grandes Ecole garden

Entryway to Hotel

Enjoying the Garden
which was great. Unbeknownst to us, this is the “Emily in Paris” square. There was a constant stream of tour groups going through the square. Took lots of pictures. I’ll try and load some pictures

Years ago, Hotel des Grandes Ecoles was the 'secret' super value and budget hotel that got booked up way in advance for its secluded garden and extremely low rates. You had to call or write l to reserve. No longer the same owner now and easily available through the booking sites. I am sure it is just as lovely as ever..

We had a memorable stay there in 2001. After a great vacation with our teenage boys, the 17 year old got sick. The front desk got us a doctor in 20 minutes and he was diagnosed with appendicitis and then taken away by ambulance (with his dad) to the American hospital. Hotel was so gracious and helpful and on top of everything else atm ate my only credit card so had to pay the hotel bill when my younger son and I got back to Calif. Son and husband spent a week at hospital and we were so appreciative of the hotel’s kindness and I still remember the lovely garden.

Second day in Paris I had reservations for 11am at Notre Dame. Good thing, because the line for no reservations was really long. We strolled over to Notre Dame, stopping at Shakespeare and Co. Notre Dame is just stunning after all of the renovations. I’ll attach some photos. Lunch at Cafe Bonaparte and dinner at Le Jacobine.

The stone is so bright and clean

Rose window stained glass



A rare photo of both of us

Still pretty crowded in spite of the reservation system

Wonderful to see the Notre Dame photos, we haven't been to Paris after it's re-opening. The (free) online reservation system seems like a good idea to manage crowds better.

We were in Paris for about 10 days end November, during the official reopening of Notre Dame. Saw the exterior only, it wasn’t yet open to the public until later. So another trip due there to see the newly cleaned interiors. In the meantime, thanks for the drool-worthy pictures!

I think I got my restaurants mixed up. We actually went to dinner at La Fontaine De Mars. OMG - this restaurant is a winner. My dinner - which I believe was a special that night was fantastic . Duck Brest in a sort of plum sauce. It is near to the Eiffel Tower so we walked over after dinner and it was just at 9 pm so the tower started to sparkle.
The following day we went on an anniversary tour of the Opera House. Our guide was great. I believe his name was Frank.

La Fontaine De Mars

Super cute

Dinner menu

The Louvre

Eiffel Tower