triciafromoz

Thank you Hg0001london tht sounds great, hopefully the weather will be good enough to do that lovely walk

justineparis

First of all, what a shame you were so sick in Paris, I am sure that made your visit miserable. Secondly, why on earth would you not go to a French doctor,, they are very good. Even going to a pharmacy , the pharmacists are most helpful .

I have been to the Moulin Rouge. My opinion does not matter , my only caveat is do not eat there. Food is overpriced banquet fare. And yes, the Moulin Rouge IS FOR TOURISTS,, locals do not go. Really. I have friends and relatives who live there, some very close and its considered a tourist trap by them. Not just one or two of them. All of them. An alternate show might be the Lido,, also touristy, but some locals will go there .

Fat Tire Bike tours are fun, I have done all the tours and loved them, but, frankly, in cold weather, well, I am a bit of a wimp.. it would have to be a decent day for me. I assume you will go with her, trust me, they are easy,, I hadn't even been on a bike for decades before I tried it,, and I may be older then you!

Lastly, most 20 yr olds will enjoy wandering through the Marais and Latin Quarter.

klondiketoo

So sorry your first trip had so many hurdles to overcome.

I think a hotel vs apartment is a good choice. While I appreciate all that an apartment has to offer, there is nothing like a good concierge to smooth things over by getting last minute restaurant reservations, doctor or pharmacy or transportation needs for you. Let them help you take the stress out of traveling.

re: Moulin Rouge - There are many activities/events that are tourist oriented and considered "touristy"; that does NOT make them less fun, as long as you go in with eyes wide open. Example: My brother and his wife treated me to dinner at the Eiffel Tower (not Altitude 95, the other, lower level one). Would I have paid that price? No. Did I have a great time? Yes. Just listen to suggestions by those who HAVE done the Moulin Rouge experience themselves, and adjust accordingly.

Besides the Fat Tire bike tours. You might want to consider http://www.paris-walks.com/
We have only taken one tour, on our most recent visit, and I would gladly take more. It was very informative and not too long (2 hrs) so you get a valuable introduction/history lesson to a neighborhood, with sufficient time left at the end to do exploring on your own.

Lastly, get out of the shops and museums and take walks - parks (my favorite), cemeteries, along the Seine...wherever! But I agree with Justine, Latin Quarter and Marais for a 20 year old.

Relax and have fun!

triciafromoz

Thanks Justine, my daughter does have her heart set on Moulin Rouge so I guess we will be going. We did go to a pharmacy but they didn't seem to understand the word "flu" guess the language barrier was too great. Klondiketoo we will be looking at some walks, just depends on the weather, it looks like it will be raining most days but we will try!

justineparis

No ,, flu is a tough one, I know a cold is rhume,, but then I guess you could have pointed to your tummy too and charaded throwing up,, its hard though cause it can be embarrassing,, I have been lucky, most times I have hit a pharmacist that speaks a little english, you got unlucky! This time will be different though fingers crossed!

jamikins

flu in French is 'grippe'

Enjoy Paris!