ttt

Tod-Thanks for the extra details. I emailed them to ask for a "room with a view" and just heard that they have no more twin rooms with a view on the garden. I thought all rooms were around a courtyard/garden?
They seem to take 24 hours to reply to every email (even though there was only 20 min between when I received it and replied), so can you offer any insight in the meantime? I really don't want to end up with a view of an airshaft. :-)

Kristina - The rooms do all seem to look onto either the courtyard OR further down onto the driveway and even onto Cardinal Lemoine itself.
I don't think there are any rooms that have no view at all. The building seems to be: Bedroom in front and bathrooms behind onto a back wall - good for plumbing I guess?!

I wouldn't hesitate to stay in any of their rooms but admit we really liked to be on the same level as the garden.

Please do try have a meal at Le Vin Sobre, 26 rue Feuillantines, nr. Val-de-Grace.

Tod-
I just head back from them. They said, "The room has a view on a private and quiet alley."
I'm not sure what to think about that. I'm traveling with my Mom and it's her first time in Paris. I want her to be happy. Not sure if a view of an alley will be what she wants for $185 a night.

Will try to get to Le Vin Sobre!

Fantastic report, lovely, evocative photos. Sounds like a trip to remember.

Thanks for posting--and for dealing with all the idiosyncracies of kodakgallery to make your pics public.

Kristina - I think the "alley" could be the driveway entrance.

It is cobble-stones and everything about the whole hotel is like being in the country.
There are plants in a little garden immediately behind the entrance door - then the cobbles go right up to the building, but pots of flowers are put here and there.

I cannot think of a single hotel I have stayed in that would better this very unusual setting for a Parisienne hotel! It is really charming in it's appearance but more than that, the staff (lady receptionist) is as melodic as a French lady could be. Shes just lovely!

I would be VERY surprised if you did not like it.
What I would do in your situation is kindly ask them to give you first option on any cancellations on rooms off the courtyard.

Tod,

Your Paris 'story' is great... rich and textured. You visited some of my special places and have intrigued me others that I would love to see...the fabric shop, Marche St-Pierre, the 'secret' vinyard, Maison Fournaise and the restaurant with the floor of glass! I want to see them all.

I love that you stayed in three different hotels to sample the mood of each quartier. Two that you chose, Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, on rue Mouffetarde, are two that I love. When I came to the end of your story, I was shocked to find that you had only been in Paris 7 days...you experience life very fully.

Your photos are excellent and your special choice of subject matter makes them outstanding...definitely not your 'usual tourist fare'. If you ever have time, I think that many of us would love to see more photos...do you have any of Chatou (Maison Fournaise)? I am in love with its rich artistic history. hmmm...by my count you still have 3,800 photos we haven't seen! haha.

I share your love of Thirza Vallois' trilogy of Paris.

Nikki - Glad you enjoyed my report & photos!

CopperandJade -
Thanks for being so complimentary about my attempt at trying to relate our super week in Paris!
I do have more photos which I am going to add to my already existing albums.
The 4,000 snaps were not only Paris but 3,000 were of England in all it's glorious Spring colours!

-I still have to summarise a trip report on all we experienced in two weeks around the UK and that is going to take just a bit longer!

Maison Fournaise photos are with the last album:
http://tinyurl.com/3tfj28

I will dig out a few more and add them to this album.
Thirza Vallois should have come into my life w a a a y back!
She really makes Paris come alive.

Thanks Tod, once again, your photos are very special!

It's taken me a bit of time but for all of you who wanted more pics - here they are!
Thanks for the kind words also.

Thanks so much tod. You have included so much useful info. Will have to read it all indepth & look at photos when I have more time.

You are most welcome.

TTT - for Kerouac

Thanks tod -- I am in Avignon at the moment and less regularly here.

Guess you are working in Avignon - if not, still have a good time!
PS. You should try and make the GTG with Travgina & gang - reason: She is a lovely lady from Canada and about our age.
PPs: I'm older than you by the way by about 5 years. Just thought you'd like to know! Joking!

This excellent trip report needs and official bump for others coming to Paris soon!

Merci Kerouac - I am reading up on all my numerous books on Paris for our forthcoming trip in May - only weeks away now.
Discovered that Boulevard de Belleville's broad leafy street has a very lively market 7.30-2.30 Tues & Friday. And, two of the best places to soak up the multicultural buzz are the excellent Jewish-Tunisian restaurant BENISTI and the New Nioullaville known for it's outstanding dim sum.
This is music to my ears!

Oh yes, but I was taken to the most amazing Vietnamese restaurant in Belleville just last week. Just 6 tables and mountains of food for next to nothing. A lot of people cancel the second dish after seeing the first dish arrive!

I'll give the exact name and address in a day or two.

Great, thanks!

Here it is: Halong - 5 rue de la Présentation

It's right at metro Belleville in the 11th arrondissement.

It's so small that it's like eating in a private home. The server sits behind the counter watching television when there's nothing to serve.