December trip report to Paris - Brrrrrrr
 

Hi all,<BR><BR>A belated trip report from a weekend in Paris from Dublin and thanks to all for your recommendations. I thought I would post a trip report about from a European point of view of the trip!<BR><BR>Left Sat Ryan air on a late flight to Beauvais. Great value! I got the 1 cent fare for 2 people and only had to pay the taxes, I think the final cost was 55-60 euros for the two of us. We checked into the Muguet around 9pm Sat and headed out for some food. We were too tired to look around so we went to Cafe du Marche on Rue Cler. My French is rusty these days (Was almost fluent years ago but haven’t used it in 10 years) we were sat in close quarters between 2 tables and had a nice steak meal at a great price compared to Dublin. The guys next to use were from Mexico living in NY and then the 2 French fellas to the right ended up chatting with us telling us a good bar to go afterwards (never could find it!)They also lived in NY for a few years. I was born and lived there for years so it was nice to talk to people who lived there. <BR>

Sunday – Bursting to get out the door..was woken up by all the noise from the others staying in the hotel. It was pretty quiet but the mornings you heard a lot of noise. We didn’t take breakfast in the hotel and went for coffee on Rue Cler and started walking. I love to walk in every city and himself does as well. We started at Rue Cler and walked to St Germain and then Les Halles. Along the way we stopped for hot chocolate at Les Deux Magots (yummy). Afterwards we went for a pizza…I eat pizza in every country I visit…it’s always different and you find some strange combinations that taste good. We saw a huge demonstration outside the window that lasted for an hour with music etc…very entertaining. We finally crossed over the Seine and saw the bird Market…I was not too keen on this as there seemed to be too many birds in the one cage. We finally mad it to Les Halles and I was dying to go ice skating and when we reached it….it wasn’t open yet! I was soo disappointed. It looks fantastic and is quite big compared to the Dublin rink. Go if it is open when you are there are there are lights to skate at night as well.<BR><BR>At this point I was frozen! It was approx 4 degrees Celsius each day we were there. I saw BHV across the road and hit the basement for a look around. Saw some good stuff but not amazed by the door handles etc….they are very similar in Ireland. Himself was fascinated with the different types of radiators…I think we turned into DIY geeks when we bought our place!<BR><BR>After we wandered into the xmas market in Les Halles and it was great. Mulled wine, sausages, and about 60 different stalls selling all kinds of things from honey to wooden rouse bouquets and scarves. I got a beautiful Moroccan style glass lamp in the shape of a blue star, it’s beautiful. <BR>

Sunday night – we went back to the hotel via taxi, too tired to take the metro. At about 7pm we headed to the Champs Elysee for a walk (still freezing) and decided to eat in the area. I did not know of any places so we took a chance on the restaurant beside the Alsatian tourist board (Alsatian food). It was wonderful. Let me stop to tell you how us poor Irish folks found the prices…….MUCH cheaper for the type of meal you get than compared in Dublin. I had the best Onion soup of my life and for mains we had steak for me (I am usually veggie but it looked good!) and Pork knuckle for himself. We were happily eating away when a waiter kneeled down beside the table to unlock a cabinet and I noticed he was there for a while. I started laughing thinking what on earth is going on and others noticed he seemed to disappear as well. When I peeked into the cabinet there was an opening and tiny sized steps down to a cellar. It was unbelievable! You never would have guessed and we all started making jokes and laughing. <BR><BR>Monday – Shop till I drop! We started out in Galleries Lafayette and headed to the counter for the 10% discount card. The store was lovely and the dome beautifully decorated for Christmas. I got a fantastic funky looking outfit and we wandered all over the store to the view up top. The food Hall was lovely and reminded me of a mini Harrods. We bought coffee to bring home and I would highly recommend it. It’s delicious. Ask for the most popular brand and they sell by the kilo and have them grind the beans for you. After we went to Printemps and had a wander but we soon moved on to the Champs Elysee. I haven’t enjoyed shopping so much in ages! We headed off to the GAP (we do not have one in the Republic of Ireland and the one in Belfast is too expensive due to the exchange rate from Euro to Sterling). I finally lost all restraint and bought jeans in every colour and a few sweaters too. Himself stocked up as well and he was happy now. I know it sounds pathetic but the clothing choice is so limited in Ireland that after a while you get fed up of the same chain stores and want something different. Went back to another place I saw an outfit in the window and tried it on. The shop assistants are unbelievably nice and helpful compared to Dublin. They actually try to recommend other items/sizes and in general are so professional and friendly…Dublin they practically snarl at you if they are not already ignoring you!<BR><BR>

Monday Night<BR><BR>We decided to go for a wander in the Latin Quarter and a drink before dinner. It was absolutely freezing!!! We ended up walking to the Bombardier pub by the Pantheon freezing more by walking so far…. It’s an English pub and a nice place for a pint with a mix of locals, Irish and English nationalities.<BR><BR>Afterwards we headed back to the Latin Quarter and basically stopped at the 1st place that looked full as I did not care where I ate at that point I was hungry and it was 10pm. First of all yes…it probably was a touristy restaurant and I hate eating in places like that but it was full of French and a few Spaniards and the food was great. I had Onion Soup again…not a patch on the other night though and for a main course I had fondue and a green salad. It was out of this world and himself ate half as well as his steak dinner it was soo good. <BR><BR>I was shattered at this point and we took a taxi back to the Muguet. Now for the noise….We got in about 12:30 and I proceeded to collapse asleep straight away, himself is watching telly when I hear a noise moving above and ask him what it was….well apparently I slept through the loudest part when 2 people above were letting everyone know what a great time they were having with each other , it’s either that or they were blasting the porn channel in French…hmmmmm<BR><BR>Tues - Last day in Paris Himself is worried we have too many bags and we need to buy a big one….I am never worried, I always make it on the plane with my stuff! We decided today is for culture and I wanted to go to the Louvre but unfortunately it is closed on Tues so it was the Musee D’Orsay. We waited for a half hour to enter (really frozen by now as we walked there from the Muguet). I have to say I was not really keen on the place. I think the Louvre has so much more to offer for everyone. Himself is not mad about paintings so I just went to the exhibits I wanted to see ..Renoir, Monet and Van Gogh etc. The caf&eacute; behind the clock looked great but we decided to head onwards. We walked down towards St. Germain again and stopped in the Marche St. Germain (a little mini-shopping arcade) where we had a light lunch at Nicolas. It’s a wine shop with a caf&eacute; attached. We both had quiche and white wine that was lovely…..well only a few hours left at this point and we decided to go to the Eiffel Tower…yes its still freezing, you would think I like to torture myself at this point! The queue was pretty small and we bought tickets to the top. Managed to avoid the guys selling mini Eiffel tower junkie statues…Jesus they are aggressive. I just kept walking. Lots of tourists like ourselves and a few loud ones. I have to laugh because my partner keeps asking me are all Americans so loud &amp; how come you aren’t? (I keep telling him that’s a stereotype!)…I think they just had a few drinks and were having a good time. After we headed back to the Muguet and himself insisted on buying another bag for all our stuff. I wanted to bring some bread and cheese back but I was vetoed as we have too much stuff…I still think I would have been nice but maybe too smelly for the plane with the cheese! We took a taxi to the James Joyce pub near where the Ryan air bus brings you back to Beauvais. The Taxi driver was great and we kept asking him how he could drive in Paris as its so crazy on the roundabouts…he told us I am crazy so its ok! Very funny guy. <BR>

Once we arrived at Beauvais we queued to check in and we got nervous about the weight of the bags…Irish staff never seem too picky about these things and we hoped the French were as relaxed…needless to say it was way over and us two looking nonchalant checking in and not a word was said. Phew! We were delayed for 1 ½ hours and I would have to say Beauvais is not my favourite place to get stuck waiting around. The food is pricey and not nice and really nothing else. So bring a sandwich just in case! Overall it was a great trip and I want to go back soon in the nicer weather. I think I will try to stay in another area and soak up new parts of Paris! Again thanks to all for hotel and restaurant recommendations it made a huge difference to our trip &amp;#61514;.<BR><BR>My only negative observation is : I have a thing about Parisian toilets (Bad experiences in the past…they were much better this time around but in one restaurant I slammed my head in the door as there was no light I could see. Also call me a prude but I hate the toilets that have a gate sharing toilets with the men area.<BR><BR><BR>

Nice report! I went in October 2002 and the weather started out warm (high 60's) and then moved on to rain &amp; cold (40's), but I'd give anything to go to Paris in December-especially when it snows! I don't care if I'm frozen, I would love to go then.<BR><BR>About toilets I know, it takes a bit to get used to the co-ed toilets and also the quirks some have. Again, if I can go back, the toilet thing is liveable for me.

Siobhan, this was the most entertaining trip report! Thanks so much and I am happy that you and &quot;himself&quot; :O) enjoyed Paris.<BR>It was also interesting hearing about shopping and prices in Ireland. <BR>Those people on the floor above you in your hotel must have been next door to us one year! What a racket two people can make having a snuggle!Lol!

Siobhan, that's a nice report. I liked the part about the couple above your room. We had the same thing occur when we stayed at another well-known hotel in the 6th dist. And the couple above us were also French. I'm thinking if it may be the same couple. Too funny!

Maybe we have discovered why French women look so slim and chic! Burning off those calories in bed! LOL!!

To xxx:<BR><BR>I wished it would have snowed, it was cold enough and we were hoping but no luck...as for the toilets I have been to worse countries (I lived in China for a short while) and no matter how bad it is I always think at least they are not as bad as China! (too gross to describe!). Also good to know I am not the only one to suffer &quot;noisy&quot; neighbors I could not stop laughing. Glad you enjoyed the report, wasn't sure if anyone would be interested. Thanks!

Thanks Siobhan..really enjoyed reading of your adventures!

Siobhan:<BR><BR>Great report! I'm going to Paris in a couple of weeks! Can't wait!<BR><BR>Your story about your noisy neighbors reminds me of a similar situation my husband and I found ourselves in a year or so ago on a trip to New Orleans here in the states. When describing the encounter to a close friend my husband explained that, as far as he could tell, it sounded as thought the people in the room next to us were trying to &quot;hang up a picture&quot; and that, when they finally got it hung up, the guy sounded &quot;really, really happy and relieved!&quot;

Great report Siobhan!! Sounds like you had a fantastic trip!!!! We are leaving for Paris in 2 weeks, and I value your info..also,,, last time we were in Paris, we had the same thing happen (the couple&quot;coupling&quot; upstairs thing).. at a hotel in Montmatre.. how funny is that.. is it a French thing?? Actually our couple was either German or bi-lingual.. well guess they don't call it the &quot;city of love&quot; for nothing!

I was just talking to my other half about the trip last night and I am starting to see a pattern in all the places we stay in....We always get rooms with thin walls and &quot;excitible&quot; neighbors. He reminded me that it happened in the Abbey Glen Castle when we stayed in Connemara and in Madrid last March...we must be good luck for all of them. I am terrible beacause I just start laughing so I am sure they hear me. Must be the Childish Irish Catholic in me! Here's to Hanging pictures on the wall enjoy!

Is it still freezing in Paris now?