David

Will be surprising my wife with a week in Paris (no kids)in late April. Debating whether to stay at Hotel Left Bank, Hotel duc de St. Simon or Hotel d'Aubusson or else spending the whole week on the Ile St. Louis. Any votes or suggestions or any others as well as any thoughts as to which of the great restaurants for the special 50th celebration.<BR>Thanks.

c

David, if you will be in Paris for just a week, then does that mean you are considering staying in more than one hotel in that week? It would really not be worth the time spent changing hotels for just a few days stay in each .The hotels named are very nice, and the Ille St Louis is just a short walk from these hotels..which hotel were you thinking of on the Ille? If I were making these plans, I would pick the D'Aubusson, book a 2-3 star restaurant for her birthday dinner, spend one day at Versailles, so you will feel like you got out of the city a little,take her shopping one day for a present,see something at the Opera Garnier.I would be happy to give lists of restaruants, there are many real experts on Paris on these boards and I am sure you will soon be overwhelmed with good advice! C

David

C-Thanks-definitely only one hotel for the week. What restaurant would you suggest? David

alex

Some suggestions for dining: La Tour d'Argent, view (Notre Dame) and wine cave,(2*, 5th); Le Grand Vefour, elegant ambience (3*, 1st);Taillevent, service (3*, 8th); Le Pre Catalan,location in warm weather (tour the Bagatelle gardens) (Bois de Boulogne) (2*, 16th). Choose one hotel (the main east-west axis in Paris is shorter than 4 miles): I vote for one on the island of Saint-Louis (there are only 4 hotels from which to choose) with a view from your balcony of the rooftops (les toits) and a sideway glimpse of the river. Book early. Bring euros.

c

Hi David, I had hoped I could find the post that I had previously given a list of restaurants to someone, but it is hidden! So here goes!<BR>D'Chex Eux-2 ave Lowendale 47 05 52 55<BR>Relais Louis 13-8 rue des Grandes Augustines<BR>*Helene Darroze- 4 rue d'Assas 422 22 00 11<BR>L'Epi Dupin -11 rue Dupin 42 22 64 56<BR>Le Petit Maguery - 9 Blvd Port-Royal 43 31 58 59<BR>Chez Rene -14 blvd St Germain/rue Cardinal-Lemoine <BR>Thomieux- rue St Dominique 47 05 52 55<BR>Petit Benoit -rue St Benoit(very casual neighborhood place)<BR>*Le Violin D'Ingre-135 rue St Dominique<BR>Les Olivades -41 rue Segur 47 83 70 09<BR>Laduree,salon de the-Ave Champs Elysses<BR>Angelinas <BR>Mariage Freres-13 rue des Grandes Augustines/Marias also<BR>Georges-Centre Pompidou<BR>Cafe Marly-Louvre<BR> <BR>Deux Magots -Blvd St Germain<BR>Henri IV-wine bar<BR>Au Savignon-wine bar<BR>**these are the only ones that I can remember having to book way in advance, wear a jacket, they are the dressiest..H Darroze got one star I think and Le Violin has 2 - I think..may be wrong,it has been known to happen<BR> <BR>Almost all of these places are on the Left Bank and in the neighborhood of the hotels you mentioned.Hope you have a wonderful time~Candice<BR><BR> <BR>

Jim P

There are many great restaurants in Paris, and we have been to most of them. For what it's worth, my wife's favorite is Lassere, the Michelin two star with a unique, retractable roof. Few tourists and impecable service--give it a try.

x

read the lists above cautiously. some of the establishments named are not full fledged restaurants. Le Violon d'Ingres holds 1*, as does Helene Darrouze. www.viamichelin.com. few would call L'Epi Dupin, a smokey cabaret, a great restaurant, though it's fun. Les Deux Magots, a cafe, has mediocre, though overpriced, food. Cafe Marly and Mariage Freres are cafes. Angelina is a tea room.

Ursula

David: Before thinking of restaurants, I would book a hotel room asap. The two hotels you mention are extremely popular and not too big. End of April is a peak with May 1 and Paris will be packed. A lot of Europeans will make the "bridge" and Paris is a top destination such as London, Rome, Vienna, etc.