I Didn't Think I Could Do Carry-On for a Week in Paris, But I Can!
Jan 3rd, 2005, 09:07 AM
#81
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Thanks for the encouragement Suze.
alg, I don't think the large rooms at the Bonaparte are THAT much larger but we upgraded anyway to a two-twin large on the premise that two ladies on the loose in Paris need as much room space as we could get our hands on! In any event, we will report back. Marcy's already stayed at the Bonaparte and liked it. I know that everyone is curious about this hotel since it doesn't have a website, so we'll deliver photos and descriptions in our report after we return.
alg, I don't think the large rooms at the Bonaparte are THAT much larger but we upgraded anyway to a two-twin large on the premise that two ladies on the loose in Paris need as much room space as we could get our hands on! In any event, we will report back. Marcy's already stayed at the Bonaparte and liked it. I know that everyone is curious about this hotel since it doesn't have a website, so we'll deliver photos and descriptions in our report after we return.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 10:11 AM
#82
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I decided to splurge and get the larger room, even though that may have been MY post that said that it isn't that much larger than the standard one.
I just figured that I'm not used to sharing a room with anyone but my DH, and maybe we should have all the space possible, to not feel too crowded
Deirdre, my theory about packing light is that if I were staying longer and moving around I would want even MORE to pack light. For just going to one place and staying there the whole time I'm more tempted to bring out the steamer trunk and bring my whole wardrobe!!
(Only tempted... My good sense keeps me from doing it!)
It still is a nice feeling of freedom to be able to zip right through customs while everybody else is still waiting at the luggage carousel.
It's also nice to be able to easily take public transportation to the hotel, and to be able to walk a few blocks or climb a flight of stairs without needing help with bags.
On my list of things to do:
The Jacquemart-André, Nissim de Camondo, and Marmottan museums.
We have tickets for a ballet at the Palais Garnier and tickets to the Turner-Whistler-Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais.
Also on the list is ice-skating on the Eiffel tower!
I just figured that I'm not used to sharing a room with anyone but my DH, and maybe we should have all the space possible, to not feel too crowded
Deirdre, my theory about packing light is that if I were staying longer and moving around I would want even MORE to pack light. For just going to one place and staying there the whole time I'm more tempted to bring out the steamer trunk and bring my whole wardrobe!!
(Only tempted... My good sense keeps me from doing it!)
It still is a nice feeling of freedom to be able to zip right through customs while everybody else is still waiting at the luggage carousel.
It's also nice to be able to easily take public transportation to the hotel, and to be able to walk a few blocks or climb a flight of stairs without needing help with bags.
On my list of things to do:
The Jacquemart-André, Nissim de Camondo, and Marmottan museums.
We have tickets for a ballet at the Palais Garnier and tickets to the Turner-Whistler-Monet exhibit at the Grand Palais.
Also on the list is ice-skating on the Eiffel tower!
Jan 3rd, 2005, 10:38 AM
#83
Fabulous about the ballet!! We only toured the Garnier, no performance, and if you haven't already, that is a must do as well. Incredible beauty--just awesome! We lamented not seeing a performance.
Aside from the man who inoculated us both with our Jacquemart-Andre colds, we loved the museum. Do take the audio guide and in the first (second?) room figure out how they opened up the walls to accommodate larger gatherings. It's described, but you can also find where and how the walls move. Imagine his wealth, and yet he was considered middle class! Although a Jacquemart-Andre museum is mentioned in the Carte Musee, it is not this museum, but one in another location, so should you be buying the Carte Musee, don't try to do this on one of those days!
I'm so glad you have advance tickets to Whistler etc! I just emailed dln about the lines, and that tickets were available in advance, as well as telling about our experience which I shall not embarrass myself with here!
D can fill you in. We did the Japanese art exhibit in the Grand Palais...DH was actually primarily interested in seeing the interior of the building but we found ourselves in a maze of false walls and ceilings with nary a glimpse of the actual interior. Hopefully your experience will be different.
I just started a new word document entitled "Paris Next Time", and Marmottan leads that list. You two will have such fun. We'll all be thinking of you. No need to send "wish you were here" postcards. We all do too!
OH...and despite the café creme and croissants each day, crepes, meats with all the uck gravy which I wouldn't dream of eating at home, plus a quest to find the best of the creme brulet with each dinner...we evidently walked every extra calorie off. Oh, the glory of Paris!!
And one more "Oh"....if you've read "the book", do the dastardly tourist thing and go walk the rose line to the obelisk in St. Sulpice! I half expected to see a broken tile at the base.
LOL, and I scoffed at all those "the book" tours when we lived in Savannah....!
Aside from the man who inoculated us both with our Jacquemart-Andre colds, we loved the museum. Do take the audio guide and in the first (second?) room figure out how they opened up the walls to accommodate larger gatherings. It's described, but you can also find where and how the walls move. Imagine his wealth, and yet he was considered middle class! Although a Jacquemart-Andre museum is mentioned in the Carte Musee, it is not this museum, but one in another location, so should you be buying the Carte Musee, don't try to do this on one of those days!
I'm so glad you have advance tickets to Whistler etc! I just emailed dln about the lines, and that tickets were available in advance, as well as telling about our experience which I shall not embarrass myself with here!
D can fill you in. We did the Japanese art exhibit in the Grand Palais...DH was actually primarily interested in seeing the interior of the building but we found ourselves in a maze of false walls and ceilings with nary a glimpse of the actual interior. Hopefully your experience will be different. I just started a new word document entitled "Paris Next Time", and Marmottan leads that list. You two will have such fun. We'll all be thinking of you. No need to send "wish you were here" postcards. We all do too!
OH...and despite the café creme and croissants each day, crepes, meats with all the uck gravy which I wouldn't dream of eating at home, plus a quest to find the best of the creme brulet with each dinner...we evidently walked every extra calorie off. Oh, the glory of Paris!!
And one more "Oh"....if you've read "the book", do the dastardly tourist thing and go walk the rose line to the obelisk in St. Sulpice! I half expected to see a broken tile at the base.
LOL, and I scoffed at all those "the book" tours when we lived in Savannah....!
Jan 3rd, 2005, 10:59 AM
#84
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OO,
Thanks for all the encouraging words and good information!
I'm curious now to have D tell me all the behind-the scenes scoop
You are so right about walking the calories off! That's one of the things I love so much about traveling, and Paris in particular. We will walk and walk and walk-- and then eat with impunity!
Oh, those macarons are calling my name!
And some of that super-thick hot chocolate will sure hit the spot on a cold January day. We'll report back every calorie for your vicarious enjoyment.
Thanks for all the encouraging words and good information!
I'm curious now to have D tell me all the behind-the scenes scoop
You are so right about walking the calories off! That's one of the things I love so much about traveling, and Paris in particular. We will walk and walk and walk-- and then eat with impunity!
Oh, those macarons are calling my name!
And some of that super-thick hot chocolate will sure hit the spot on a cold January day. We'll report back every calorie for your vicarious enjoyment.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 12:10 PM
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dln - your list of clothes is almost identical to the clothes I took to France in the fall. I love Chico's travellers - they are so comfortable and always look good - no wrinkling, etc. You can mix and match all the tops, shells, pants. I took two sets of black, and one set of brown with scaves and a couple of Chico's jackets. I also took the cuddleduds which made the travellers work perfectly on cold days. (I'm also a Chico's stock holder!!!) We were gone 15 days, and my carryon held plenty - even had room left over. I also packed my coat in the front pocket of the suitcase (it was warm weather and didn't need it on departure). I also packed a warm scarf which is the best for keeping you warm on cold days along with gloves. My coat had a hood which was good in light rain - also carried a small unbrella which was great.
I had not heard about the "airport" friendly bras before our trip - heard them mentioned on travel tips before the holidays - as one more way to keep from setting off the alarms at the airport check points - think it sounds like a good idea as well as comfortable for the long trip. I set off an alarm on the 2nd leg of our trip home - had on the same clothes and shoes in which I had gone through three other check points - don't know what set it off - but didn't enjoy the "search", although I understand the necessity.
Hope you two have a wonderful trip - will be waiting to read your trip report!
I had not heard about the "airport" friendly bras before our trip - heard them mentioned on travel tips before the holidays - as one more way to keep from setting off the alarms at the airport check points - think it sounds like a good idea as well as comfortable for the long trip. I set off an alarm on the 2nd leg of our trip home - had on the same clothes and shoes in which I had gone through three other check points - don't know what set it off - but didn't enjoy the "search", although I understand the necessity.
Hope you two have a wonderful trip - will be waiting to read your trip report!
Jan 3rd, 2005, 12:55 PM
#86
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I'm so jealous, dln. My daughter & I were in Paris last March & we had a ball! I also brought a carry on but only stayed for 4 days. And of course, needed another bag to lug back all the things I bought. I had an interesting experience a few weeks ago on a domestic flight (America West to Phoenix). My husband and I each brought a carry on & a "personal item" as they call them. When we checked in, the woman at the desk insisted that we check our two carry-ons. The plane had very little overhead space and they were checking luggage even as passengers were boarding.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 01:01 PM
#87
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Can I come with you?..I can bring my Chicos!!
Seriously, please let me know about the Hotel Bonaparte as we want to stay there too. Have to stay on a lower floor due to hubby's claustaphobia..so I want to know all about the rooms.
Seriously, please let me know about the Hotel Bonaparte as we want to stay there too. Have to stay on a lower floor due to hubby's claustaphobia..so I want to know all about the rooms.
Jan 3rd, 2005, 03:02 PM
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dln & marcy, You will <b>love</b> the gift shop!
We saw a William Forsythe Ballet there last trip, although it was great, we were content just to sit in that room, with that chandelier over our heads!
The seats are surprisingly comfortable and the ushers are all very nice.
Ours had been in NY state at some sort of camp and loved NY so we had a nice chat with him
Get to the Opera House early so you can wander the rooms .. have champagne with everyone at intermission!
We saw a William Forsythe Ballet there last trip, although it was great, we were content just to sit in that room, with that chandelier over our heads!
The seats are surprisingly comfortable and the ushers are all very nice.
Ours had been in NY state at some sort of camp and loved NY so we had a nice chat with him
Get to the Opera House early so you can wander the rooms .. have champagne with everyone at intermission!
Jan 4th, 2005, 06:23 AM
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dln,marcy,
I just read a positive review on your hotel, which comes at a good time!
Question:
Did you call the Opera House or email?
We are considering giving the "boy" a thrill and taking him to see something..thanks!
4 more days!!!
I just read a positive review on your hotel, which comes at a good time!
Question:
Did you call the Opera House or email?
We are considering giving the "boy" a thrill and taking him to see something..thanks!
4 more days!!!
Jan 4th, 2005, 07:26 AM
#93
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Scarlett, Marcy made the reservations for the ballet at the Opera Garnier, and for the Monet/Whistler exhibit by e-mail. It's flabbergasting how easy it is to reserve things online these days! I'm very glad about that because I can speak french well enough when I'm face-to-face with someone; not so good when it's over the telephone. E-mail is a godsend.
We're looking forward to the Opera Garnier especially. Even if the performance is not to our taste, that fabulous building with its Marc Chagall ceiling certainly is! There's LOTS to look at there.
Packing Update: chenille out; cashmere in. I bought a bottle of Morgan Childs brand delicate fabric wash. It said it could be used in the washing machine as well as hand wash, so I threw my oldest and least-favorite cashmere sweater in the machine on delicate cycle with the Childs' wash and lo and behold, my sweater wasn't ruined! I even threw it in the dryer on delicate for ten minutes to fluff it up, and it came out looking great and feeling incredibly soft. My only fear about bringing cashmere to Paris was that I worried about getting it dirty i.e., spilling sauce or something on it in some bistro, and I didn't want to be bothered with handwashing or paying dry cleaning bills! But now I know that cashmere can be cleaned in the washing machine, I plan on wearing it like I do sweatshirts.
We're looking forward to the Opera Garnier especially. Even if the performance is not to our taste, that fabulous building with its Marc Chagall ceiling certainly is! There's LOTS to look at there.
Packing Update: chenille out; cashmere in. I bought a bottle of Morgan Childs brand delicate fabric wash. It said it could be used in the washing machine as well as hand wash, so I threw my oldest and least-favorite cashmere sweater in the machine on delicate cycle with the Childs' wash and lo and behold, my sweater wasn't ruined! I even threw it in the dryer on delicate for ten minutes to fluff it up, and it came out looking great and feeling incredibly soft. My only fear about bringing cashmere to Paris was that I worried about getting it dirty i.e., spilling sauce or something on it in some bistro, and I didn't want to be bothered with handwashing or paying dry cleaning bills! But now I know that cashmere can be cleaned in the washing machine, I plan on wearing it like I do sweatshirts.
Jan 4th, 2005, 07:59 AM
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Lois, most of the museums and galleries in Paris have their own websites. For the Opera Garnier, it's http://www.opera-de-paris.fr/ (if you pull it up, you'll see a photo of the ballet we're seeing--wow!) For the Grand Palais, it's http://www.rmn.fr/galeriesnationales...ais/index.html
I usually just google what I'm interested in and that usually leads me to the website. ("monet exhibits in paris" or "ballet in paris" etc.) I've found that even restaurants have websites and sometimes you can preview menu selections! It's hard not to find what you want these days on the web. The only thing I will say is that many of the Parisian websites are in French, so it helps enormously to have a working knowledge at least of French vocabulary. You can't always count on the English translations being automatically available.
I usually just google what I'm interested in and that usually leads me to the website. ("monet exhibits in paris" or "ballet in paris" etc.) I've found that even restaurants have websites and sometimes you can preview menu selections! It's hard not to find what you want these days on the web. The only thing I will say is that many of the Parisian websites are in French, so it helps enormously to have a working knowledge at least of French vocabulary. You can't always count on the English translations being automatically available.
Jan 4th, 2005, 03:09 PM
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A word of caution to anyone planning to order tickets online for the Opera Garnier:
Don't do what I did!!
I found the tickets I wanted, filled out the credit card info, clicked "Submit Order" (or whatever it was in French) and waited for the confirmation screen to come up... and waited.... and waited. The little hourglass /turning wheel just kept showing. Nothing happened.
So I did it again.... same result. Finally the third time it went through, and I got the confirmation screen.
Later, when I checked my email, imagine my surprise, when I found that I had been charged for ALL THREE SETS OF TICKETS!!! To the tune of 378€ !!
And the website had made a big deal about the tickets being completely NONREFUNDABLE under any circumstances!
Well, I immediately sent a groveling email in my best French explaining my predicament and begging for mercy and a refund.
A day or two later I heard back from them saying that they were going to refund my money for the extra tickets, but they wanted me to know what an exception they were making in order to do this.
Pheew! What a relief!
Anyway, just be careful-- sometimes the transaction is completed without a confirmation screen coming up.
Don't do what I did!!
I found the tickets I wanted, filled out the credit card info, clicked "Submit Order" (or whatever it was in French) and waited for the confirmation screen to come up... and waited.... and waited. The little hourglass /turning wheel just kept showing. Nothing happened.
So I did it again.... same result. Finally the third time it went through, and I got the confirmation screen.
Later, when I checked my email, imagine my surprise, when I found that I had been charged for ALL THREE SETS OF TICKETS!!! To the tune of 378€ !!
And the website had made a big deal about the tickets being completely NONREFUNDABLE under any circumstances!
Well, I immediately sent a groveling email in my best French explaining my predicament and begging for mercy and a refund.
A day or two later I heard back from them saying that they were going to refund my money for the extra tickets, but they wanted me to know what an exception they were making in order to do this.
Pheew! What a relief!
Anyway, just be careful-- sometimes the transaction is completed without a confirmation screen coming up.
Apr 5th, 2006, 06:46 AM
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Hi, lyndash -
If you right-click on the thread title at the top of the column, you can save the link to your own Fodor's Favorites or bookmarks folder. This is probably the quickest way to access it in the future.
If you right-click on the thread title at the top of the column, you can save the link to your own Fodor's Favorites or bookmarks folder. This is probably the quickest way to access it in the future.
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