Just wanted to second Richard's map recommendation. I practically memorized mine and it was full of clear "sticky" tabs, circled spots, etc., etc. One of the things I most like about it is that it is a small flat book size, and you can discreetly be checking your location without advertising that you are doing so. There's nothing to unfold and open. It has metro, bus routes, sightseeing info, and much more.

Wow! What a great report, and what informative details. I'm definitely going to save it for my next trip, and I just got back. (I owe a trip report, but it will be a less useful, more wandering type.)<BR><BR>One warning, though. That week-long Metro ticket "goes with" a Carte Orange, a little gray plastic folder that holds an orange card with your picture and a number on it, as well as a slot for the ticket. (It costs nothing and is reusable, which is why you can buy the weekly ticket in a machine.) You are supposed to write the number from the orange card onto your metro ticket. That prevents several people from using the same ticket during the week because if you are stopped by a controller, you have to show your orange card & picture and the number must be written on the ticket. You can also use it on buses (my favorites) by just flashing the card and ticket at the driver.<BR><BR>Otherwise, two thumbs up!

Richard:<BR>When you said "Great Eats in Paris" did you mean to say "Cheap Eats in Paris"?<BR>In regards to Cheap Eats, I had heard that the restaurants are popular with tourists, however, they nonetheless are good deals. I take it from your report that is not the case?

Hi Confused,<BR><BR>To clear up the confusion you're having, Sandra Gustaffson's former series was called "Cheap Eats in Paris". Her current series is titled "Great Eats in Paris".

What a guy! Richard you came through! What a great report which I'll have for my June trip. Thank you so much. While in Rome last year all I ever talked about was your fabulous report there.The one from your web site. I'll be visiting your site again for another trip. Where will it be?

Any tips or advice on visiting Paris with four teen agers?

Thats a good question Janet!<BR><BR>I would say to stick to the mainstream tourist sights - <BR><BR>Eiffel Tower - Who doesn't love this?<BR><BR>Sacre Coeur - Lor local color<BR><BR>Notre Dame - They will get a kick out of climbing to the top.<BR><BR>Shopping - The Marais and rue de Rivoli<BR><BR>Latin Quarter - More Local Color<BR><BR>Louvre - They'll get a kick out of seeing Mona Lisa, Wunged Victory and Napolians Apts. Beside they need to get some culture!<BR><BR>Versailles - A nice day trip!<BR><BR>Paris Disneyland - Who doesn't love Disneyland? <BR><BR>Street Food - Especially Crepes, pastries and those long baguette sandwiches.<BR><BR>Street markets - rue Cler is fun. Food and lots of Junque!<BR><BR>A picnic?<BR><BR>Thats all I can think of right now!

<BR>Richard, <BR>Thank you so very much for your wonderful trip report- going there in<BR>2 weeks and will take along your ideas.<BR>I'm hoping your restaurant 'guide' will<BR>be posted before I leave! And your<BR>website is really beautiful - wonderful<BR>graphics.<BR><BR>Finally, thanks for the chuckle over <BR>the Wunged Victory! Another victory<BR>for the Fodor's spelling gremlins.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

I am a horrible typer and a horrible speller. I also spelled "Napoleon" wrong!<BR><BR>Lynn, when do you leave?

Richard, instead of wasting your breath here, have you ever thought of utilizing other sections of fodors? This is for asking questions. Post your reviews of restaurants and hotels where they'll be available for more than the five minutes that your post here will be.<BR><BR>Hope you're brighter than your post indicates.

We returned from Paris on April 30. On our first night (after taking the chunnel from London) we met up with Fodorites at Relais Odeon for drinks. Great group of people! Stayed in St Germain de Pres at Grand Hotel del Balcons which was simply perfect for us. The breakfast buffet there turns out to be a wonderful deal -- a bottomless cup of coffee, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, cereal, croissant, baguettes, raisins, prunes, orange juice -- for 10 euros pp. We thought we could do better the first morning and didn't think to check out how extensive that buffet really was! Glad we checked the second morning. We totally agree with you on Chez Maitre Paul. We had a delightful dinner there. And we,too, used the Bistros of Paris book. Le table d'Aude (in the 6th, closed on Sundays) was wonderful. And in the Marais, we had a marvelous meal at Les Fous d'en Face. (At the latter, we were the only English speakers in the joint, but our simple courtesy French was sufficient.) Dinner for two with a bottle of wine ran about 70 euros. We also had a fun time at Polydor in the 6th. Our last night, we splurged and had a fantastic meal at Les Bookinistes. In all cases (except for Polydor which was our first night) we called during the daytime for a reservation at 8 or 8:30 that night. Don't know if I'd try that in June or July, but it worked for us. For lunches we stopped in some smaller places which served salads -- I didn't remember seeing so many salads in Paris last time, but they are everywhere now. Or else we grabbed a sandwich from a patisserie on the street. Oh, yes, and this was prime asparagus season, yum! I was worried about gaining weight in Paris, but with all that walking....didn't do badly at all! ENJOY!<BR>

Fabulous! I wanna go back!

Thank you Richard. We go next month and your trip report was wonderful!

I loved your report; wish I could be as concise. I agree that Montmartre is a bit tacky but the view, church and just taking a walking tour gives a different perspective of Paris. I would pass on all department stores as I didn't think they were better/different than the US and rather a waste of time. The only department store I would highly recommend is Harrod's in London for the food section and the sheer elegance. I spent a month last year in Paris and, honestly, it has more to see than any other capital or major city I've visited. I also enjoyed your "anything better than creme brulee" post. I copied recipes from it - I'm the profiterole fan. I've also checked your website and found it great and am looking forward to anything else you post there. Thanks so much for your contributions.

Nancy...<BR><BR>I have to disagree with you about department stores in Paris! i think many of them are still true "Department Stores" selling everything from knobs, to clothinhg to major appliance. American department stores have long since abandoned these things for high profit items like clothing.<BR><BR>Galleries Lafayette still sticks to its original objective of being "a hodgepodge of merchandise which was intendend to drive customers into a buying frenzy."<BR><BR>I know I was in a frenzy!<BR><BR>P.S. I agree, Harrods is a wonderful store.

For anyone waiting for my restaurant report....<BR><BR>Sorry I had a crisis and it has slowed me down. I will resume working on my list in a week or so.<BR><BR>If you have any questions, eMail me!<BR><BR>RichardAB

I will be in Paris with my husband and two daughters ages 15 and 17 on Sunday, May 26 and Monday May 27th. I am wondering if you can suggested a restaurant for lunch on Sunday and one for dinner on Sunday night. This will be our first night in Paris ever and I want to impress my family by taking them somewhere great. What about Monday lunch and Monday dinner. I would like to make a reservation ahead so we can go to dinner later, with the Parisians.<BR>Your posting is great. I will print it and take it with me.

top for steve

Susan -- I would strongly recommend Le Bistrot de Breteuil for your Sunday night dinner with the family. It is a guaranteed pleasure. Around $25 per person for aperitif, appetizer, main course including wine, dessert, and coffee. Wonderful food and lively atmosphere. Outdoor dining on their terrace in front.

***My favorite choice for a meal on Sunday is at Le Vieux Bistro right next to Notre Dame. Quaint, friendly & French! Have you hotel reserve ahead!!! 14 rue du Cloitre Notre Dame. Also reviewed by Fodors on their sight.<BR><BR>Au Pied au Cochon , near Les halles, 1st Arr.- This is the classic bustling French Bistro. I haven't been there but I saw from outside. Very active. Open 24 hours! 6 rue Coquilliere, Metro - Les Halles.<BR><BR>Cremerie Restaurant Polidor - St Germain Area, 6th Arr. - Said to be family friendly. Always gets good reviews, Old Fashioned place. 41 rue Monsieur le Prince. RESERVE!<BR><BR>Ma Bourgogne, 19 Place des Vosges. Metro Bastille or St Paul, in the Marais - They may be open Sundays and/or Mondays. The Marais is hustling with activity around the Place des Vosges on Sundays. Lots of people in the streets, shops and museums. This place is classic! Plan to go anyway. Your hotel can call to see if they are open. Reserve! web - http://www.cityvox.com/cityvox/com/E...IT5287,00.html The menu is posted here.<BR><BR>Aux Charpentiers - 10 rue Mabillon. in St Germain, 6th Arr. Also open Sundays. Classic French. Good menu. Trustworthy.<BR><BR>Also see Seraphin listed below. It was very nice. Great food. More intimate than most. It is open Sunday!!!!<BR><BR>CONTINUED &gt;&gt;&gt;