Let's Not turn this into a M.O. bashing thread and he's been too busy for a few years that he has not have time to paint. Yes, he should have told you liz before the time he did. This is not defending that part of him. He took on too much I suspect as his partner isn't always available when he's called for a roll to sing(opera)
I hope you find someone fast. You've had some good suggestions here, St cirq's friend Veronica, and Linda M.

Michael Osman fills the calendar way, way in advance - seven days a week, week after week, in the nicer weather months.

Is it not understandable that, every once in a while, something really important comes up and he must cancel?

lizkn received 2-1/2 weeks notice, for heavens sake.

I know for a fact that many of the personal guides listed above recommend each other whenever conflicts arise.

Linda Mathieu and her associates are outstanding.

How can one have a full calendar for seven days a week, week after week, and still call this just a hobby? Two and a half weeks' notice is not that much in high season (after all HIS calendar is supposedly full "way way in advance"--but the other good tour guides are just sitting around twiddling their thumbs?)...and that still does not answer the question of why HE didn't give the OP a few suggestions. He shouldn't just assume there would be Fodorites available to cover for his lack of professionalism.

If one can make posts praising MO, then one can certainly make posts criticizing him. Or is only one kind of view about MO allowed here?

Yes, things can come up that would cause him to cancel. But surely he is the one--with his supposedly vast knowledge of Paris and the people who live there--who should be the one making suggestions for alternate tour guides. His action in this instance AND in that of Happy Cheesehead shows a lack of professionalism and even common courtesy.

This is like the bonjourparis thread. lots of false facts.
We all feel for liz, we all agree it was not professional but you're turning it into a miserable thread instead of helping lizz.

"but the other good tour guides are just sitting around twiddling their thumbs?)..."

Actually, they often have last minute cancellations by people who have booked far in advance and re-confirmed several times over.

I'm sorry I'm not wearing my happy face for this thread, but what "false facts" have *I* put forward?

I have previously recommended MO to people who wanted tour guides in Paris (they ended up not booking with him). No more.

As for helping Liz, ok: Liz, email MO back and say since HE was the one who canceled on short notice and since HE is the one who knows Paris and its tour guides much better than you, who does HE recommend that he KNOWS is available for the dates that he was supposed to be guiding you.

djkbooks, those people were rude and should not have canceled on MO at such short notice. But I don't see how that justifies MO's behavior in the two instances cited above.

Btilke that was not you with 'false statements. What you said was true and I'm not defending him. The remarks of others, he cancelled to paint, and that it is his hobby being a guide is false.
I can like someone inspite of their faults. Though not a few here :)
Definately not directd at you.

Dear lizkn:

Sorry to hear of your dilemna but I too agree that you will be just fine and your group of 6 will have a wonderful time in Paris.

We visited for the 1x last month. If you have read up on the city and the sights, have a good city map, then you'll have a sound concept of what you're doing.

Originally we had planned to use Paris Vision for a Louvre tour. In the end we did it on our own using the audioguide, their map, and RS selftour.

Our first day we used the Batobus which was a lovely way to enjoy the river, get some bearings and get to/from places.

The next 2 days we used the L'open bus tour. This gave us a good introduction to the city and also provided the means to get on/off to visit and do stuff. The green route hits all the major sights and at certain stops you can transfer to 3 other routes.

We also thought we'd get to take a 'Paris Walks' but never did yet we saw and did so much.

If you really want to take a formal and very informative bus tour then I'd go with Christina's suggestions. We researched them both before our visit but once we were there it wasn't what
we needed.

My only other recommendation is that if you're planning on visiting the sights and museums you should consider
the Paris Museum Pass. It will save you time and mostly help you to avoid the long waiting lines.

Good luck with your plans, and no matter what, you should all have a wonderful time.

Di

Having only met Michael last month, and then only for ten hours, it still is hard for me to believe that he did not display common courtesty to anyone.

Once in a while things happen. Nobody's fault - let's stop bashing Michael, OK?

From my point of view, I don't think you need a tourguide at all - not in Paris. There is SO much to do and see. I really wouldn't want to be "stuck" with a guide all day, especially if I were the 9-year old member of your party! I know you don't have much time left, but instead of spending time trying to find a guide, spend the time with some guidebooks. Also, the hop-on-hop- off bus will give you a good overview. Good luck, and have a wonderful trip.

Actually, Sue, you would find a guide, especially Michael, to be a great boon, and particularly to the 9 year old. We have been to Paris maybe 15 times, and Michael showed us and explained things to us that we had never known. Not to say a guide book isn't handy--but don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

Back to the question about the Louvre: yes, there are "highlights" tours, both guided and with the use of audioguides. There are also tours that focus on just one piece of art each day.

Cigalechanta, I did not say Michael cancelled this appointment to paint, just that his art could be why he is sometimes slow to answer emails. My comment was based on his statement to me that he is an artist and finds it hard to find time for his painting. He told me that he is an artist and certainly never suggested to me that he has not painted in years. I would prefer to take his word for that. I have not made "spiteful" comments about Michael. While, as I have already said, I am sorry about what happened to lizkn and hope she finds a replacement, I very much like Michael and intend to keep asking to act as my guide and recommending him to others.

Here are some links:

Linda Mathieu

http://lindamathieu.com/paris/

Christiane

http://www.aphotographerinparis.com/

If neither is available for your dates, they will recommend others.

lizk, who not start a new thread asking info about a guide. we seem to be all misunderstanding eachother and about Osman instead of your immediate needs.

Sorry, WHY NOT!

Paris is very easy to get around and requires no hand holding. Do some basic research and explore on your own.

I personally believe that Paris is extremly easy to get around by oneself.

However, Liz has a group of 6. If you have ever been in charge of a group of 6, it isn't fun. I certainly understand why she originally chose to get a tour guide - to avoid conflict and confusion with many trying to lead and resulting arguments. A tour guide is the neutral who is clearly in charge, and can say things with no family repercussions or history.

Liz, a number of alternatives have been offered to you ? (some with multiple references).

What have you settled upon?

"I just want everyone to have a good time.'

This is easy to do, with or without a guide.

Actually, last-minute cancellations are rare, at least for people coming from the U.S. Planning a trip to Europe is fairly complex and people usually cast their plans in concrete well in advance, including any plans for a guide. They will not generally cancel unless the whole trip is cancelled, or sometimes because of illness.