btw, Kate, when are you going?

Kate,
we stay at the D'Angleterre when we go to Paris, I highly recommend it. They have re-done the entire hotel, inside and out so I know it will be even nicer .. you can call them, everyone at the desk speaks perfect English.

Hi Scarlett! I went into "your" hotel 2 weeks ago. It's quite beautiful. You must be a very classy lady!

Hi!
LOL, thank you, it is a nice hotel, isn't it?
Have you started planning the next trip?

Iregeo/Scarlett/StCirq -

Thanks for all your expertise and guidance. We'll be arriving on Sept 22nd late - so we'll stay at the Sheraton CDG that night. The next morning I'd like to switch to a city hotel although I'm not sure how we'll get there! (My luggage may not be allowed on the RER) I'm still deciding! I think I'm narrowed down to D'Angleterre and the Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. StCirq - what is the nightlife like around the Duquesne? I'm am particularly enthralled with the idea of St. Germain, but the amazing night views of the tower keep enticing me there -- somehow that just says "First time in Paris" ! Can you tell me about the cafes, shopping, metro proximity to the Duquesne.
THANKS AGAIN TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP and for making my first trip to Europe and Paris something I know will be spectacular!
-Kate

Kate -- I too would recommend the 6th. My sister, brother-in-law, and I stayed in the 7th 2 years ago and, although we loved it, we are all in our 50's and night life wasn't important. However, there didn't seem to be much nightlife in that area anyway. The 6th, on the other hand, is fun, fun, fun. I stayed there (on Rue Jacob) in 1989 with my then husband. We walked around that area late every night and there was lots of light and lots of people. I have also stayed in the 5th on Rue de Ecoles and just a short distance away from the 6th it gets pretty dark with not alot of people out. There are so many hotels in the 6th. The one on Rue Jacob is Les Marroniers (spelling?). Very good area. Close to everything (but the Eiffel!). I would not stay at the airport and take the train/metro back every night.

Good luck!

Joy

kate:

What's your idea of "nightlife?" The Place Ecole Militaire is two blocks from the Hôtel Duquesne, and on it and all the streets that spoke out from it are cafés, bistros, restaurants, tea shops, etc.

Now, if you're looking for nightclubs, that area wouldn't be good for that, but for cafés to sit at until late at night and people watch and sip a drink, there are more than enough of those.

Kate- I would not recommend staying near the airport and taking the RER in everyday. If you don't want to take the RER in try the Roissybus. It is a shuttlebus that runs from the airport to Opera (nonstop). Another alternative is to take the Air France bus into the city. You do not have to fly Air France to use this service. I can't remember the exact prices but they will be under 15 E one way. Also check out a hotel near Invalides. You will be in 7th midway between the Eiffel and St. Germain. Also stone's throw from Rue Cler. It is also right across the Seine from the Champs using the Alexander Bridge (5 minute walk). Try the Hotel De France. I have stayed in almost every Arr. in Paris and this is my preference. Quiet at night in the hotel areas but very safe and you will feel comfortable walking here at night.

I think there is a nice bit of nightlife around the Hotel D'Angleterre and the neighborhood. There are so many cafes and restaraurants, a neighborhood movie theatre, there is a hotel that has a really nice bar and live music - L'Hotel.
We have stayed on the Ille St-Louis, in the 7th in an apt ( with that view of the Eiffel Tower) and in the 6th. I think I still prefer the 6th.

ttt-for chasinmydream

Found an old post that is a jewel.

Starrsville- thanks for finding it! lregeo- thanks so much for posting!
I just emailed the thread to myself. Solo to Paris. That's a thought. My hubby has NO interest in anything to do w/ France. I already took my oldest daughter there twice and am waiting for my next oldest daughter to go for her 16th bday. That's two summers away. DS in between doesn't care to go. So I'm pining for Paris. I gave a passing daydream of a thought to going solo, but maybe I really could! Right now, I NEED it!!

mdmomo-GO!!! I go every year to France and maybe only a day or two in Paris because my H. doesn't like Paris. So after my dog died, I went alone in February and had a fantastic time.
I intend to do it again whenever financial able.

$736 RT on IcelandAir w/ all fees Sept. 1st according to itasoftware.

Yes, $$ is the sticky part. Oldest dd hasn't yet decided between community college for another year or transferring into a 4 year school now.
I'll keep watching that fare! I've gone in September before and I liked the weather. I don't know if I'd like to go in the winter. Hmmmm...something to think about.

Did you check the fares using the 30 day feature on www.itasoftware.com? You might find cheaper rates if you are flexible on your dates.

It IS BLISS to be alone in Paris.
I managed to go the last week in November...and it was really pretty nice; one or two days far to warm for the coat I had brought.
Now, as a Mom of 7, maybe around Thanksgiving isn't such a good time...
Do give it some thought. I did it pretty budget concsious, which isn't to say cheap...

Iregeo - I am heading to Paris for 1 week or so alone around the end of June. I have found your notes very helpful and of course interesting. Would it be possible for you to simply email me the full report? Also - which Paris travel books do you recommend? I plan to stay in the le Marais. BTW - Did you ever feel uncomfortable going out alone? In another post, I mentioned that I have previously found it hard to go out at night in Paris. Many other international cities seem
"warmer."

As a middle-aged ex-NYer living in LA, I would appreciate your pov. Many thanks.

I think I posted much earlierto this.

I have been traveling solo for many, many years....yes, a lot to say for it!!

I leave 9/18 for a super trip..return 10/8. have also rented a place for a month in the fall, 2007 in the Dordogne.

Many fine memories of great places in Paris and all over France.

Enjoy................

Bookmarking to take notes later. Thank you.

Last time I went to Paris I traveled solo, and I left my heart there!

So now I have to go back and get it:-)

And I am going back in October, and I can't wait. I am going with friends, but I hope to ditch them for a bit so I can have a bit private time: just me and Paris.