Taking my wife to Paris for her B-day, we have hotel, but I could use all of the tips I can. What is the best way to get from CDG to town? Taxi or other? Things to do and things that we shoud shy away from. <BR> <BR>Thanks and god Bless!

There is a great shuttle service that runs from CDG to downtown. They have a web site with schedule that you should be able to locate. <BR> <BR>We had dinner at La Tour Argent last year. It overlooks the Notre Dame Cathedral and is one of the oldest restaurants in France....since 1700's I think. You will see all the pictures of the kings, queens and Presidents that have dined there in the past....Queen Elizabeth, Nixon, Kennedy and on and on. They are famous for their duck and the invention of the menu. That would make a special meal. <BR> <BR>My advice on Paris is to see the great things in the town center first. I have been to Versailles twice and have enjoyed the other parts of Paris more than this. Having said this, I will now get 20 posts that disagree. <BR> <BR>A great view of Paris can be had for free on top of the Samartain (sp) department store. You have a nice outdoor viewing area and small restaurant. Many people fight to go to top of Eiffel Tower and never know about this great view. <BR> <BR>

Hi Julien, <BR>Your wife is one lucky lady! <BR> <BR>I would recommend the airport shuttle from CDG to your hotel. You can reserve on the web site www.parishuttle.fr or phone toll-free 888-426-2705. They are very reasonable & do not charge extra for your luggage. <BR> <BR>The suggestion Bob made for dinner is good. I can also recommend L'Arpege for a very nice dinner. The chef was so kind that he gave my best friend a chicken recipe when she complimented the staff on the dish she ordered. Dinner reservations are a must & your hotel concierge or front desk clerk should be able to make them for you. <BR> <BR>For activities, much depends on what you like to do & how much time you have. I always like the various "Jardins", although a stroll on the Champs Elysee is also nice. Although I enjoy history & art, I avoid the Bastille, as it's true role in French history is not as dramatic as most people believe. If you can be in the Eiffel just as the sun is setting, you actually get 2 views; Paris by night & Paris by day. Also, don't dine on one, but take the "tour" on a bateau-mouche down the Seine & again sunset or night is a perfectly delightful time to do this. <BR> <BR>Bon Voyage & I hope you both have a lovely time, <BR>Kathy

My favorites: <BR>Eiffel Tower at night <BR>Bateau Mouche or the Canal St Martin boat trip <BR>Rodin Museum (sculpture *and* a garden) <BR>St Chapelle in the daylight and at night for a concert <BR>Sacre Coeur and the view of Paris (go early in the morning to avoid the hordes) <BR>Walk through the Marais - stunning buildings, lots of history, several museums (Picasso, Carnavalet) <BR>The church of St Etienne du Mont <BR>Wander into any church that catches your eye; always something to see, and sometimes to hear (choir practice, choral concert, organ recital) <BR>Notre Dame at sunup <BR>Special exhibits - it goes thru July now, but check for what's where: http://www.paris.org/Calendar/ <BR>For lunch, Kiosque Flottants, quai Montebello (moored boat in the Seine) <BR>Not in the same league as Tour d'Argent or l'Arpege: Les Amognes 01 43 72 73 05 243, rue Faubourg du St Antoine 75011. Last fall, it was a favorite of Parisians (up and coming chef) <BR> <BR> <BR>

Dear Julian, <BR> <BR>What a thoughtful husband you are!!! <BR> <BR>I LOVE paris and can't think of a nicer gift! I would go to Guy Savoy for dinner.( 18, Rue Troyon, Paris 17. tel 01-43-80-40-61. or e mail reservations are accpeted at [email protected]. I am in the food business and believe me this is one of the best meals I have ever had ( I have eaten my way through the US and parts of Europe). The restaurant is lovely, the food sublime and Guy Savoy is a doll!!! The bill is a little steep, but what the heck, it's her birthday. <BR> <BR>If she likes shopping, god knows you can shop to death! One of my favorite shops is a perfume shop called Parfums Caron, on 34 Avenue Montaigne, 8th arrondissement. It is off the Champs elysees. They have the best powder puffs for powder that are so soft and do not even compare to American powder puffs. The perfume is splendid. Then go around the corner to your left to Fouquet and indulge in candy!!! If she likes to shop I would recommend the book, The Paris Shopping Companion by Susan Swire Winkler, you can get it on Amazon. <BR> <BR>The l'Ile Saint Louis is a very romatic spot with its tiny streets and old world charm. My husband and I find sharing a delicous ice cream from Berthillon at 31, rue Saint Louis-en-i'Ile, Paris 4, a little slice of heaven! <BR> <BR>And for something clearly Parisian and at the same time yummy, try my favorite pastry shop, Laduree, 16, Rue Royale, Paris 8. This divine little shop serves lunch as well, but the highlight is the wonderful macaroons ( not the coconut ones we have here, but two meringue cookies sandwiched together and coated with different flavors, I like pistachio!). Perfect croissants and my husband adores their coffee. Look up at the wonderful frecoes on the ceiling! <BR> <BR>Go have a ball!!! Where are you taking her next???