Well, I guess I'm not alone in this obsessive travel information addiction. Made myself wait at least a week before joining in, but here goes. <BR> <BR>Going back to Paris in April. First trip was only 6 days (was on a 30 day grand tour) and filled with museums, Versailles, andthe usual tourist stuff. This time, I have two weeks and want to sip, sit and watch, and do whatever strikes my fancy.

Sorry, Phyllis, did you have a question?

See how nice we are to new people, Phyllis. <BR> <BR>Search "Elvira". Some of her stuff on paris stunning.

What Shelia said [Good morning Shelia ]

Forum - a medium for open discussion. <BR> <BR>Thus no question requires to be asked, welcome Phyllis. (Some people on this forum can be unhelpful or sarcastic but don't worry about it).

Phyllis--- how great! Two weeks in Paris and, obviously, open to suggestions!! Strongly recommend that you head out towards Normandy; Mt. St. Michel, Deauville, Trouville, Caen, St. Malo, etc... It would make, at a minimum, wonderful three days. I have posted many times on Normandy; please post back with preliminary ideas in mind. Enjoy planning! <BR> <BR>(Tony--- I'll e-mail you & Emily soon. How is the trip coming up?

Some people need to have that feeling of control or superiority. When you ask a "question" they get to answer, they then feel the importance that they must otherwise lack in their life. Too bad...

Ah, Phyllis, how grand. I'll be going to Paris (alas, only 6 days, but 4th trip) and doing the same. Wandering streets, looking at bookstalls, sipping cafe au lait, watching the river, pets, lovers, babies, waiters, shopkeepers. I'll do the ritual Eiffel Tower but that's probably it, although I'm planning on gardens being a big part for the picnicking/watching. Welcome to this fantastic site. I've found a ton of information, just as much fascinating opinion, researched my hotel, and just generally found delight and comfort in knowing I'm not nuts, or at least not alone. Have a great trip and remember we all want to hear about it! And we wouldn't mind hearing your planning, what you pack, how much your cab fare (air fare, hotel) was, etc., etc. Vicarious thrills!

When my husband was sleeping in one morning, I shopped all over the Marais. Found some wonderful places, some outlets, just had a magnificent time. Couldn't tell you what streets, wandering around was half the fun. Got along just great with my fractured French and a list of measurements translated into centimeters before the trip!

I agree there is nothing better than just wandering around and seeing what you can find. Out last trip in November 2000, we just walked about and stopped in whatever shops looked interesting. Went into a paint store because the brushes they had displayed in the window looked intriguing. Ended up buying some paint brushes that are used for special wall treatments as well as the booklets that showed how to do them. Besides being useful for the painting they are also neat to look at, copper and wood and nice horse hair bristles, with a nice made in France stamp on the handle. Roamed through countless tiny antique shops buying unique little items. If you asked me to find the shops now there would be no way. We also just stopped in whatever little cafe looked good, and one was an absolute wonderful Italian with the best pizza I have ever tasted, even better than Italy. So wander, roam, and just discover, that is the way.

I envy you! I'll be going back to Paris in April also, but only for 8 days. I plan on doing the same thing that you are, walking around, sitting in cafes, and just relaxing. If you haven't made hotel reservations yet though, do it soon. I am already finding some of my choices fully booked.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind word. <BR>I'll be on the lookout for other happy faces, sitting and sipping, watching and walking....Bonjour!

ah, vindication - how good it feels! Our first trip to Paris, two years ago, was for six days. In that time, the "sights" we saw numbered pitifully few: a Vivaldi concert (ah yes!) at St. Chappelle; a quick trip to the Tour Eiffel about 12 mins before they turned off the lights for the nite (but how many people get to watch THAT?), and a trek to the top of the Arch.....Other than that, all our Paris exploring was walkingwalkingwalking...and stopping in local supermarkets, hardware stores etc..Now, I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who likes to see how the other half (of the globe) lives... <BR> <BR>Even so, next month's 5 day visit to Paris will def include a few museums (as well as hardware stores). And does anyone have any suggestions for fabric stores????

arjay: I'm a quilter/sewer/crafter, so I was also interested in fabric. I've never been to any of these, so can't say how good they are, but here's what I've come up with: <BR>Fabric flea market: Marche Saint-Pierre, Place Saint-Pierre (18th arr.), Mon-Sat 9am-7pm (near Sacre-Coeur). <BR>Angele Gaspard & Cie, 65 rue Pierre-Demours (angle rue De Courcelles), 75017. <BR>Il etait une fois...le Patchwork, 10 rue du Dr Finlay, 75015 (Metro Bir Hakeim). <BR>Mercerie Levis, 39 rue de Lives, 75017. <BR>Le Rouvray, l rue Frederic Sauton, 75005 (RER St Michel, Metro Maubert-Mutualite). <BR>Comptoir St Merri, 52 rue Ste Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004. <BR>And the one who dies with the most fabric wins! (a quilter's joke for those of you not interested in this subject!) <BR>