All of this museum is wonderful!! Be sure to see the clock and look through it to view Sacre Coeur! Not only the new decorative arts furniture, but WONderful Art Nouveau and Art Deco exhibits. And the gare itself--it is magnificent. What a tragedy if it had been torn down as might have happened.

Oh, and let me say that shopping in the museum store for small gifts may be a highlight for you--it is for me. There are beautiful "post its" with art from the museum, note pads, etc. Easy to transport.

Should i purchase our tickets to the Seine boat ride Or is hat readily available at he ock?

I meant should I get it online in advance or can we just buy it there?

No, not in advance, but print the discount pass you can get and then present that for your tickets. there isn't a crowd, and bring a bottle of wine and some glasses with you to sip on.

Thanks again everyone. We are laying out our clothes for the trip, printing maps of Paris, subway map as well, looking for the discount pass to the boat ride and mapping our time in Paris. We may stray from plans but that is what having a good time is all about. We'll then meet our friends at Gare de L'est to head to Strasbourg.

I will post new threads for suggestions on the next legs of our trip. They may want to visit castles and we may want to do something else.

Many thanks again!

@jojojg, they have a room for luggage. and you won't be awakened by the sound of trains. gare de l'est is a wonderful transportation hub

canal st. martin is not far from gare de l'est and makes for a wonderful walk, if only to have something to drink at cool hotel du nord.

If you find yourselves in the 10th around dinnertime, I would recommend Terminus Nord brasserie. It is directly across Gare du Nord which is only a couple blocks from Gare de l'est.It is a classic old time big brasserie. Being across from the gare, many diners are there with suitcases. Check Trip Advisor for more opinions if you wish.
Personally, I like Rue Montorgueil which is near les Halles more than Rue Cler. There are more stores and greater variety of items.
Finally, if you're near the Gare deL'est a bit early, and if markets are of interest, you can consider going to Marche San Quintin which is on Blvd. Magenta a two minute walk from the gare. It is the oldest covered market in Paris with many different stands.
Enjoy your trip

The brasserie mentioned is good. A stop for DH and me every trip to Paris is one of the cafes just along the street facing the gare for a big bowl of mussels, fixed several ways!! Not the only place in paris to get them,of COURSE, but we love them there.

Like everyone else has been saying, you really should ditch the excess luggage. Unless you are staying in upscale hotels and/or on the ship the whole time, YOU have to get it to/from each place. There are not always elevators (my last trip to Paris, the one and only elevator was broken all five days --- and my room was on the third floor of what I had prevously thought was a charmingly beautiful spiral staircase!). Nor are there usually any of those luggage carts we see in every hotel here in America. Plus, here's the thing, NO one but you really cares what you are wearing each day. No one but you will realize in the pictures that you wore that same shirt two days previously. Trust me on this. Less is more. The main thing to pack is fresh undies and/or bras that will dry overnight. You can wear outer clothing over and over and just change up with a scarf or tank. And comfortable shoes. Pictures are usually from waist up - WHO cares what is on your feet. You'll be doing LOTS of walking and having blisters ruins a perfectly good day. Many times I was flying space available and could be bumped at any minute. I got extremely proficient at traveling with just my carryon and a large tote bag/purse. Even to Paris for five days/nights. Just one bag. I took one small roller brush/hair dryer (no, not all hotels in Europe provid hair dryers so if you Must do your hair every day, take your own. Make sure it's dual voltage AND that you pick up one of the converter plugs at the travel store - not the gigantic plug either. The one item converter is sufficient). You're there to see the world ...not for the world to see you! Enjoy!!!

A thought about your limited time in Paris --- I won't beat you up with the WHAT? ONLY A DAY??? ...becuase once you have been there, it's in your blood and you WILL find your way back. :) That said -- I highly highly highly recommend the Hopon/Hopoff bus. Some people consider it a touristy thing and silly. Well, you ARE a tourist. Duh. And, getting around the city while someone else is driving - for a set fee allows you the opportunity to SEE the city from a different perspective. It allows for some really pretty pictures as well because of the height. I have done the bus in nearly every major city I've visited if for no other reasons, than just to get my bearings and to SEE where I am.

Oh gosh, I just can't help myself here now that I have browsed thru a lot of the other replies. Yes yes yes on the Orsay. Absolutley one of the most wonderful museums in all of Europe (well ok, I've been to a Lot but not all ....but stillllll). One of my favorite things about the Orsay was getting a cool drink at the dinning part upstairs and then going outside. There, straight across the city, was one of the most magnificant views of Sacre de Ceur that I have ever seen. A-ma-zing. Just sayin'

If either day that you are in Paris is sunny, I suggest that you take time to see Sainte Chappelle, a small chapel located in the Dept. of Justice just a little south of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is magnificent, of course, but the chapel will take your breath away. The bottom floor is lovely but the top floor is mostly stained glass. On a sunny day it is indescribable.

Just back from Paris and have a couple of suggestions. First, go to a tobacco shop and buy bus tickets. Take the #69 bus to either end of the line, observing potential stops you may want to make along the way. Get on the bus going the opposite direction (you will have to use another ticket at the end of the line), getting off where you choose. If you get off to explore and get back on going the same direction, your ticket is good for 90 minutes. Second, it is essential that you purchase your ticket for D'Orsay before you go; you will not have time ro see the museum if you don't. If going to D'Orsay is too challenging, I'd highly recommend visiting L'Orangerie instead. Even the least museum-inclined man would enjoy Monet's Water Lillies, and crowds there are very light. If he won't even consider going in, he would enjoy the setting and could easily spend as much time walking around in the gardens or on the street as it will take you in the museum. Enjoy!

Thank you Giro- i will check out Terminus Nord brasserie for our second day. We have trimmed down our luggage tremendously and will probably have clothes that will fit two carry ons. And we'll have a back pack each for change of clothes and necessities.

I've just bought our Musee D'Orsay tickets online and am now searching for discount coupons for the boat ride on the Seine. Any tips on where I can find this?

I am now torn between taking a hop on hop off bus on our first afternoon or taking the 69 bus. I guess We'll do the hop on hop off. Where is the best area to take this so that we can end at Pont Neuf for our sunset boat ride? Then, where should we get off to head to Bistro de Gastronome. I've a reservation for 8:00 pm. Maybe 8 should move this to 8:30 to give us more boat time?

You have all been so generous with your suggestions and we thank ou!

can someone please point me to where I can get discount coupons to the boat ride on the Seine? Or are you referring to the Paris Pass? Does it make sense to get the Paris Pass for the one day we'll be there?

google pont neuf discount

Thanks Gretchen! much appreciated.

Jojojg:

Ok. I would love to know exactly what you are packing. I am the three suitcase queen. I am committed to cutting back to two suitcases for my two month journey to France and Italy.

I am a fashionista, the two stunning outfits and undergarments per day chick. Everyday--At home, or when traveling.

I am the Jimmy Choo/Manolo/Tods wearing walker.

I don't do laundry while on vacation, and I cringe at the thought of wearing the same thing twice within one season.

It pains me, but I am considering possibly--maybe-- wearing an outfit twice on my trip. Gosh. That does not even sound right... Laughs!

I catch hell and have endured countless *beatings* about my wardrobe and suitcases from some (many) on these travel threads. Laughs...

However, as I have strolled the globe, I enjoy turning heads and collecting the compliments that I get. I'll still do this with one or two suitcases. I just like having choices!

For years I have heard all of the above perspectives provided to you about what to pack and why no one cares. I care.

That's it, that's all. I care. Pretty, sexy, fresh, happy, and fashionable can be accomplished without three suitcases. I have to figure out how to do so with two suitcases.

So, spill the beans. Please give me the details of how you are going to do this.

Cheers,
Oaktown Traveler

Re: The luggage. I think the trouble here is the cruise! People WILL know you are wearing the same thing again and again and there's dress codes. I know when I've tagged a cruise onto a trip it added a lot to the luggage - we still managed to fit it into a wheelie but it was a lot tougher than when the entire itinerary was solo travel.

Also we made a big point to get our laundry done in Vancouver before our Alaska cruise (after a week in Canada) and spent a ton for it only to find the cruise ship had a laundry room with coin op machines.

Now the self service laundry on the ship is a big factor! If that is the case, we can certainly bring less and wash for less!Thanks Monica.

re less luggage, I am taking a number of basic black tops that can be dressed up many ways. I am also taking "traveler" clothes which can be rolled without creasing. scarves, scarves and scarves. Finally, I am taking over a part of my husband's suitcase of extra space :)

...weaping uncontrollably...

I had my hopes that this would not be the case for your packing *success.*

What the hell are "traveler" clothes? LAUGHS!! Do they contain micro-odor-holding-fibers? Do they come in colors on the bright side of the color wheel?

And for that matter, pray tell, what is a basic black top??? Are they pretty? Sexy? Head turning? Is this a form of fashion time-out?

Where are your dresses?? Silk nighties? Those silk nighties are the only items, besides the silk scarves that I pack that could be rolled (OMG). I mean folded. What I roll, I can't travel with...

Speaking of which... It's 6pm somewhere...LAUGHS!!!!!!!

What about your shoes? Humor me, please...

In Good Fun,
Oaktown Traveler

P.S. These can be rolled/folded and you can look GREAT!:

http://shopplanetblue.com/dresses/li...Fa9_QgodJWAA6Q

Oaktown,, it must be hard to be so concerned with what others thing about your outward appearance,, while the rest of us are enjoying the cultural and historical sites of Europe you are worried that you are still turning heads ..my condolences..
I like to appear well presented, but you take it to another level.
Trust me, on your death bed you will not give a sh%t for Jimmy Choos.

Oaktown must have gotten shut out of the Lounge!! LOL Enough about you--let me tell you about ME!!

one could only hope so....

It doesn't make sense to buy the Paris Pass ever. I don't even really know how people hear of that or where they see it, it's a terrible deal.

There are several companies that do the Seine cruises, here is the one with some discounts
http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/

I've taken this one at night and really liked it, I like their location a little bit better than the Pont Neuf one, it's very convenient, right off the quay. The other one isn't super difficult, though. They also have a location near Eiffel Tower. http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/ Their price is 13 or 14 euro which I think is the same as Vedettes du Pont Neuf, but they don't have that summer promo rate.

Oaktown, "travelers" is a category of clothing at Chico's. It refers to the clothes from man-made materials that can be rolled without fear of crease. Clearly you are not in Chico's target age group. Velvets belong to this group. black velvet tank with velvet pants and a nice belt will do for my dressed up nights on the cruise. The link you gave is a fun collection but I am not in that age category anymore. I am past caring what others say about my outfit (been there, done that). As long as I am not violating a prescribed dress code, I go for comfort. But you sound like a lot of fun and please enjoy your clothes because we all have to find what makes us feel special. But don't try to wear what you roll, you can get burned :)

Packing sensible Merrell shoes for the 6-8 mile walks during the days and a pair of black shoes for dinners. My husband and I are taking up the challenge of packing one bag each for clothes and shoes. Toiletries, tech and other stuff in our backpack. I think this will be a good exercise in planning well. But I will bring an empty light bag for the trip home :)

Nine days to go! So thankful for everyone's suggestions. You have all been generous with your time and ideas.

Hello all,

We are back from our 19 day vacation in Europe and what a great time we had! Thanks again to those who reminded me to pack as light as possible. Our train from Strasbourg was cancelled and we had to take three trains to get to our destination. The light luggage was a blessing.

Bistro de Gastronome was just the right bistro experience. Thomas, the very nice waiter let us in before the bistro opened, which gave us time to freshen up (with their fluffy cloth towels) before dinner. My husband loved the razor clams with crispy shaved potatoes that looked like bacon strips on top.

The boat ride at sunset, D'Orsay, missing our metro stop (because we didn't know that one had to press the button to open the car), peeking in at Gallerie Lafayette and making a quick U-turn, sampling varied pastries on Rue Cler and and watching people walk by with their fresh baguettes, and more, was an exhilarating two-day experience. Staying at the Kyriad right in Gare De L'est was most convenient and Bernadette at the front desk was more than helpful. She printed two e-receipts which I somehow forgot to take with me!

Thanks again everyone. Will post soon for my return-to-Paris with my nieces.

Cheers!

Super, Jojojg. Glad it worked out.

jojo, its nice to hear back and that your trip went well!

jojojg:

Welcome back!

I am glad to read that your trip went well. Awesome!

My husband and I just got back yesterday as well. We were gone for 40 days. Great trip as well.
We wound up with two suitcases each. Shipped stuff home when needed. No worries. Felt great. Looked great. All is well.

When are you going to Paris?

I leave in 7 days for 60 days. I will be in France for 30 days and in Italy for 30 days. I can't believe that I put these trips so close together.

I don't care what other think about what I wear. That some do is nice and fun and puts a smile on everyone's face. I think I'm envied by a small number on this thread, but that's ok.

The personal attacks and snarky remarks are pathetic and illuminating. Says more about the posters than me. Sad. What shoes I'll be wearing when I die? Really?

How travel appropriate! Nice...