I love Paris in the Springtime - a trip report
Apr 9th, 2009, 12:49 PM
#21
analogue, there is no shame in missing something because we all enjoy what we do see and love what we return to.
luveurup, I love paris anytime at all. As soon as I'm feeling better I'll post mine, meanwhile I'll enjoy your Paris.
luveurup, I love paris anytime at all. As soon as I'm feeling better I'll post mine, meanwhile I'll enjoy your Paris.
Apr 9th, 2009, 04:02 PM
#25
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Royal, After the sandals at Starbucks. My DH actually went to the Dr. earlier this week because he had a chest cold, seems me and my DD both have it. Ran into a friend that day and he let me have it about the "open toed shoes" I was wearing..
Apr 10th, 2009, 06:46 PM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks again for comments.
Day 2 - continued
The Basilique St Denis is quite spectacular. I walk inside and soon realize part of it is partitioned off, go back outside pay the fee, and continue on my visit. I see a plaque that says Jeanne d'Arc was here in 1429, wow. For those who might not know, most of the royals (or thier remains) are emtombed here. I really like the crypt.
Back upstairs there are some magnificent statues, stained glass, and royal garments. I can't believe it took me 11 trips to finally get out here.
Outside there is a small reception area with a video (in french) about the Basilique. Actually, I could have waited a bit for the English version, but I didn't.
I decide to walk around a bit, down some main drag, and I can't believe how much cheaper everything is out here. I see 3 euro shoes and 10 euro dresses. Unbelieveable. Lots of people are out on this sunny day, it is just gorgeous.
I miss Paris, and hop back onto the metro. I get off at place de Clichy, and walk down blvd des Batignolles. My stomach is making noises, so I decide to stop by a traiteur (sp?) for a quick bite to eat. I order meat lasagne, haricots verts, and a coke. Cheap eats for about 7 euro, and perfectly suitable to quiet my stomach rumblings.
My current destination is the parc des Batignolles, and it is quite splendid. (I would be spending a lot of time in parcs this trip as the weather demanded it). I walked around a bit, watching the people and the ducks, and sat for a spell.
After getting my parc fix, I get a sudden urge to shop. I pull out my map, and decide it would be a pleasant walk to Printemps. Walking down rue de Rome past the Gare St Lazare.
I've never been inside Printemps so this is a first. I wander around looking at purses. I'm torn. A saleswoman asks me if I need help, and I tell her I'm not used to so many choices. The selection is just huge.
I tell myself to forget about the "luxe" selection upstairs, but damn my good memory. I walk upstairs and my credit cards start planning their revolt against me.
I walk into Dior. I'm still torn.
I walk into Gucci, and there I find what I'm looking for. Ahhh. I nearly cry with anticipation of walking the streets with this beauty.
I'll take it.
"The charge has been refused."
"Say WHAT??? Try again please."
"It's refused."
I'm livid. Absolutely lived. (Not at the saleswoman, at Capitol One who I called prior to my trip to advise them of my travel plans.)
I ask her to please call Cap One, and she says that she can't make an international call. I want to scream and cry at the same time, but instead I say that I will take care of whatever problem Capitol One has, and I will be back tomorrow.
I can honestly say, I've never been more pissed off (in Paris) than in that moment. I've never had a credit charge denied in my life, and I really wanted to strangle someone.
I metro-ed back to the hotel, called Capitol One and spoke to someone in India. They don't why the charge was refused, as I have over $20K in available credit, "These things happen." Gee thanks. I told the woman in India I would be none too happy if it happened again, and if it did I would be closing my account.
I have a friend who lives in the 16th arrt, I'll call her Monique, and I promised her I would call on Monday, so I did. She was heading out to a dance club, and ask me to join her. In theory, it sounded like a wonderful idea, but for some reason which I fail to understand, jet-lag always seems to hit me on my second day of a trip, and not the first. (Go figure.)
So I regrettfully declined a night out dancing, and collapsed in bed.
Day 2 - continued
The Basilique St Denis is quite spectacular. I walk inside and soon realize part of it is partitioned off, go back outside pay the fee, and continue on my visit. I see a plaque that says Jeanne d'Arc was here in 1429, wow. For those who might not know, most of the royals (or thier remains) are emtombed here. I really like the crypt.
Back upstairs there are some magnificent statues, stained glass, and royal garments. I can't believe it took me 11 trips to finally get out here.
Outside there is a small reception area with a video (in french) about the Basilique. Actually, I could have waited a bit for the English version, but I didn't.
I decide to walk around a bit, down some main drag, and I can't believe how much cheaper everything is out here. I see 3 euro shoes and 10 euro dresses. Unbelieveable. Lots of people are out on this sunny day, it is just gorgeous.
I miss Paris, and hop back onto the metro. I get off at place de Clichy, and walk down blvd des Batignolles. My stomach is making noises, so I decide to stop by a traiteur (sp?) for a quick bite to eat. I order meat lasagne, haricots verts, and a coke. Cheap eats for about 7 euro, and perfectly suitable to quiet my stomach rumblings.
My current destination is the parc des Batignolles, and it is quite splendid. (I would be spending a lot of time in parcs this trip as the weather demanded it). I walked around a bit, watching the people and the ducks, and sat for a spell.
After getting my parc fix, I get a sudden urge to shop. I pull out my map, and decide it would be a pleasant walk to Printemps. Walking down rue de Rome past the Gare St Lazare.
I've never been inside Printemps so this is a first. I wander around looking at purses. I'm torn. A saleswoman asks me if I need help, and I tell her I'm not used to so many choices. The selection is just huge.
I tell myself to forget about the "luxe" selection upstairs, but damn my good memory. I walk upstairs and my credit cards start planning their revolt against me.
I walk into Dior. I'm still torn.
I walk into Gucci, and there I find what I'm looking for. Ahhh. I nearly cry with anticipation of walking the streets with this beauty.
I'll take it.
"The charge has been refused."
"Say WHAT??? Try again please."
"It's refused."
I'm livid. Absolutely lived. (Not at the saleswoman, at Capitol One who I called prior to my trip to advise them of my travel plans.)
I ask her to please call Cap One, and she says that she can't make an international call. I want to scream and cry at the same time, but instead I say that I will take care of whatever problem Capitol One has, and I will be back tomorrow.
I can honestly say, I've never been more pissed off (in Paris) than in that moment. I've never had a credit charge denied in my life, and I really wanted to strangle someone.
I metro-ed back to the hotel, called Capitol One and spoke to someone in India. They don't why the charge was refused, as I have over $20K in available credit, "These things happen." Gee thanks. I told the woman in India I would be none too happy if it happened again, and if it did I would be closing my account.
I have a friend who lives in the 16th arrt, I'll call her Monique, and I promised her I would call on Monday, so I did. She was heading out to a dance club, and ask me to join her. In theory, it sounded like a wonderful idea, but for some reason which I fail to understand, jet-lag always seems to hit me on my second day of a trip, and not the first. (Go figure.)
So I regrettfully declined a night out dancing, and collapsed in bed.
Apr 10th, 2009, 09:55 PM
#28
I will never forget how mortified my father was once when his Visa card was refused in a restaurant. Not one penny of debt to his name and here he was inviting the entire French side of the family to lunch when it happened. I thought he would drop through the floor. (I paid with my card and he reimbursed me.)
Apr 10th, 2009, 11:13 PM
#29
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,994
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
luveurop, on my last trip to Paris, I stayed in a wonderful apartment in Les Batignolles. I loved the area. Just curious, what made you seek out le parc des Batignolles? Wasn't it charming?
Thanks again for sharing.
Thanks again for sharing.
Apr 12th, 2009, 06:38 PM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day 3 - Tues March 31
Woke up at 4 am. Decide this would be a good time to call friends back home. Had a beer and a cigarette and went back to bed.
Woke up again at about 11 am. Out the door in a flash, it is sunny and warm. People are wearing shorts and flip flops. I'm so glad I brought my sandals. I head to Laduree on rue Bonaparte. I order a café creme, OJ, and a salmon club sandwich, which is served with a small green salad. All very good.
On this gorgeous day I decide to head to the Tuileries. I sit for a good long while. I contemplate if I really need a Gucci purse. I picture myself leaving Paris without said purse, and the thought makes me shiver.
I head to Printemps. My purse is waiting for me. I said, "Oh you knew I'd be back didn't you?" And she said, "Yes I could tell." lol
I admire the Opera Garnier and sit on the steps for awhile.
I head down ave de l'Opera, and stop at Monoprix. I leave Monoprix and happen by a café where an old "friend" worked, last I heard. I don't see him, so I leave.
I walk through the Palais Royal. The part with the bizarre posts/art work is under construction. I admire the flowers and the fountain. I window shop. In one shop is a letter from Napolean I. I don't see a price. And there is a letter from Cardinal Richelieu for 1900 euro.
I walk through the Louvre courtyards, and admire such. I stop on the Pont des Arts for a spell. It is so sunny and hot I'm almost sweating.
I walk, walk, walk some more around the rue de Buci area. I stop by Relais Odeon for a coupe de champagne, then head back home. I take a 1/2 hour nap.
I get up and dress for dinner. Where's dinner? Good question. I'm determined to find something that will knock my socks off tonight.
Woke up at 4 am. Decide this would be a good time to call friends back home. Had a beer and a cigarette and went back to bed.
Woke up again at about 11 am. Out the door in a flash, it is sunny and warm. People are wearing shorts and flip flops. I'm so glad I brought my sandals. I head to Laduree on rue Bonaparte. I order a café creme, OJ, and a salmon club sandwich, which is served with a small green salad. All very good.
On this gorgeous day I decide to head to the Tuileries. I sit for a good long while. I contemplate if I really need a Gucci purse. I picture myself leaving Paris without said purse, and the thought makes me shiver.
I head to Printemps. My purse is waiting for me. I said, "Oh you knew I'd be back didn't you?" And she said, "Yes I could tell." lol
I admire the Opera Garnier and sit on the steps for awhile.
I head down ave de l'Opera, and stop at Monoprix. I leave Monoprix and happen by a café where an old "friend" worked, last I heard. I don't see him, so I leave.
I walk through the Palais Royal. The part with the bizarre posts/art work is under construction. I admire the flowers and the fountain. I window shop. In one shop is a letter from Napolean I. I don't see a price. And there is a letter from Cardinal Richelieu for 1900 euro.
I walk through the Louvre courtyards, and admire such. I stop on the Pont des Arts for a spell. It is so sunny and hot I'm almost sweating.
I walk, walk, walk some more around the rue de Buci area. I stop by Relais Odeon for a coupe de champagne, then head back home. I take a 1/2 hour nap.
I get up and dress for dinner. Where's dinner? Good question. I'm determined to find something that will knock my socks off tonight.
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:25 PM
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day 2- continued
I spend some time at the reception desk. My "wish list" of restos, they are either full or the line is busy. Madame suggests "Les Bouquinistes" which I have heard of, and they have a table for me.
I am warmly welcomed, and I have a table by the window. This resto is small, and modern. I order a coupe de Champagne, and an amuse of carrot soup arrives. Delicious. I devour it in seconds. My entrée is crab and lobster cakes with beets and artichokes. Hands down the best crab cakes I've ever had in my entire life. My plat is pan seared foie gras, served with mangoes and red peppers. Very good. My dinner wine is chablis. I pass on dessert, and order an express which comes with not one, but two pieces of dark chocolate. Parfait. I'm delighted by the whole experience, and will definitely return.
http://www.lesbouquinistes.com/
I walk back home for a quick change of shoes, then I go back to Relais Odeon for more champagne. I get the urge to see the sparkling Eiffel Tower. I head to the Pont des Arts. I swear I made it on time to see the midnight show, so I waited. And waited. I gave up and walked towards Notre Dame. All lit up.
People are playing boules well past midnight now. I admire the details of Notre Dame, it is quiet and peaceful, and I love Paris.
I walk to the Ile St Louis. It is a beautiful night. Just perfect. I stroll along without a care in the world. An elderly Frenchman stops and asks me where is the nearest metro.
I spend some time at the reception desk. My "wish list" of restos, they are either full or the line is busy. Madame suggests "Les Bouquinistes" which I have heard of, and they have a table for me.
I am warmly welcomed, and I have a table by the window. This resto is small, and modern. I order a coupe de Champagne, and an amuse of carrot soup arrives. Delicious. I devour it in seconds. My entrée is crab and lobster cakes with beets and artichokes. Hands down the best crab cakes I've ever had in my entire life. My plat is pan seared foie gras, served with mangoes and red peppers. Very good. My dinner wine is chablis. I pass on dessert, and order an express which comes with not one, but two pieces of dark chocolate. Parfait. I'm delighted by the whole experience, and will definitely return.
http://www.lesbouquinistes.com/
I walk back home for a quick change of shoes, then I go back to Relais Odeon for more champagne. I get the urge to see the sparkling Eiffel Tower. I head to the Pont des Arts. I swear I made it on time to see the midnight show, so I waited. And waited. I gave up and walked towards Notre Dame. All lit up.
People are playing boules well past midnight now. I admire the details of Notre Dame, it is quiet and peaceful, and I love Paris.
I walk to the Ile St Louis. It is a beautiful night. Just perfect. I stroll along without a care in the world. An elderly Frenchman stops and asks me where is the nearest metro.
Apr 12th, 2009, 07:44 PM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oops, that should say day 3 above.
Back on the Ile St Louis- I tell the gent that there is no metro on Ile St Louis and I think the nearest one is St Michel. I now realize my mistake, it's actually Pont Marie. Continuing my stroll an auto and a bike almost collide along the Quai d'Orleans.
To my surprise the Tower lights up! Yeah, sparkles! A couple walking by completely ignore it, I guess they take it for granted. Then Notre Dame goes dark.
By now I'm ready for dessert and I head to Le Petit Pont. The place is packed, and there is a band playing. I order a coupe de Champagne, and chocolate ice cream with strawberries and cream. The ice cream comes with a lit sparkler.
Leaving, I walk down rue St Andres des Arts. It is quiet. I head to Café Mabillion where I order a grand Sancerre blanc. Jacques isn't there. I'm sad, and need a change of scenery. I go to Café de Buci where I order a petit Sancerre blanc. I want to go dancing, but I'm not sure where to go on a Tuesday night/Weds morn. I ask around without much luck.
I head to Pub St Germain, where the music is good but no dancing. I order two White Russians, and watch a fascinating fashion show on the TV. Soooo much better than sports!
I decide I've given my liver enough of a workout for one night, and head to bed at about 5 am.
Back on the Ile St Louis- I tell the gent that there is no metro on Ile St Louis and I think the nearest one is St Michel. I now realize my mistake, it's actually Pont Marie. Continuing my stroll an auto and a bike almost collide along the Quai d'Orleans.
To my surprise the Tower lights up! Yeah, sparkles! A couple walking by completely ignore it, I guess they take it for granted. Then Notre Dame goes dark.
By now I'm ready for dessert and I head to Le Petit Pont. The place is packed, and there is a band playing. I order a coupe de Champagne, and chocolate ice cream with strawberries and cream. The ice cream comes with a lit sparkler.
Leaving, I walk down rue St Andres des Arts. It is quiet. I head to Café Mabillion where I order a grand Sancerre blanc. Jacques isn't there. I'm sad, and need a change of scenery. I go to Café de Buci where I order a petit Sancerre blanc. I want to go dancing, but I'm not sure where to go on a Tuesday night/Weds morn. I ask around without much luck.
I head to Pub St Germain, where the music is good but no dancing. I order two White Russians, and watch a fascinating fashion show on the TV. Soooo much better than sports!
I decide I've given my liver enough of a workout for one night, and head to bed at about 5 am.
Jun 25th, 2009, 12:26 AM
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes there is more! Sorry all. Got very busy with work and I also caught the swine flu. And then I went out of town for a week.
Day 4 - Weds April 1
Woke up at 6 am due to a screaming man in an adjacent room. I have no idea what that was about. Finally fell back to sleep and woke again refreshed at the crack of noon.
It is hot again today, I simply cannot believe this weather! Too gorgeous for words. I find a nice shady spot at Café de Flore. I order a jambon and fromage omlet, and a café creme. It hits the spot, and my waiter is very friendly and attentive even though the café was packed.
On this beautiful day I head to my favorite park, the Jardin du Luxembourg. I walk around and look at the statues, including the statue of liberty. I think maybe one day I'll get to NYC and see the big one.
I spend a lot of time in the jardin just basking in the sunshine and practicing my human being routine, instead of my usual human doing. Of course the jardin is popular today and is great for people watching.
I hear a brass band playing. Where is it coming from? I decide to get off my bum and go for a look. I don't see the band anywhere, but can tell I'm getting closer. Ah, it must be outside the park! I find the band playing just outside near the Médicis fountaine. They are good and loud of course, and attracted quite a crowd.
I decide I better head back to get ready for dinner. Walking past the backside of St Sulpice I hear the organ playing. I stand and listen near a window and am mesmerized.
Continuing on my stroll back "home" what is this I see? A champagne store! I don't think I've ever been in a store that only sells champagne. Of course I must enter. It is a small store, but nicely done. The owner, I presume, is happy to accommodate me. He is surprised at my knowledge of some of the lesser known (in US) champagnes. I tell him about a champagne tasting I went to and point out this bottle and that bottle, and he nods approvingly. I leave with a demi-bouteille of Gosset Grande Reserve Brut. He wraps a small flute as a souvenir for me.
Back at the hotel I change for my splurge dinner at the Ritz!
Day 4 - Weds April 1
Woke up at 6 am due to a screaming man in an adjacent room. I have no idea what that was about. Finally fell back to sleep and woke again refreshed at the crack of noon.
It is hot again today, I simply cannot believe this weather! Too gorgeous for words. I find a nice shady spot at Café de Flore. I order a jambon and fromage omlet, and a café creme. It hits the spot, and my waiter is very friendly and attentive even though the café was packed.
On this beautiful day I head to my favorite park, the Jardin du Luxembourg. I walk around and look at the statues, including the statue of liberty. I think maybe one day I'll get to NYC and see the big one.
I spend a lot of time in the jardin just basking in the sunshine and practicing my human being routine, instead of my usual human doing. Of course the jardin is popular today and is great for people watching.
I hear a brass band playing. Where is it coming from? I decide to get off my bum and go for a look. I don't see the band anywhere, but can tell I'm getting closer. Ah, it must be outside the park! I find the band playing just outside near the Médicis fountaine. They are good and loud of course, and attracted quite a crowd.
I decide I better head back to get ready for dinner. Walking past the backside of St Sulpice I hear the organ playing. I stand and listen near a window and am mesmerized.
Continuing on my stroll back "home" what is this I see? A champagne store! I don't think I've ever been in a store that only sells champagne. Of course I must enter. It is a small store, but nicely done. The owner, I presume, is happy to accommodate me. He is surprised at my knowledge of some of the lesser known (in US) champagnes. I tell him about a champagne tasting I went to and point out this bottle and that bottle, and he nods approvingly. I leave with a demi-bouteille of Gosset Grande Reserve Brut. He wraps a small flute as a souvenir for me.
Back at the hotel I change for my splurge dinner at the Ritz!
