Susanna,

They use no systhetic materials in their building. They buy too expensive furnishings for rentals!! The places are gorgeous. Yes, I can compare them to PP. Alsace is just less expensive than Paris..as is every place else!!

They stay pretty well booked..I think all booked now til probably Nov....the only slow period is Nov and maybe Jan/Feb. I will be going with them probably in Nov.

grandmere, who posts on Fodor's, has Oct. reservations.

a bientot...

Joan

RobynFrance: I would describe prices at Montparnasse 1900 as moderate. The menu is extensive, and there are daily specials in all categories, with a wide price range for all. At lunch one day, I could see the salads being served around us were large, so we shared one. We also ordered entrees (also generous) following, rather than main courses, as we found the scallops preparation appealing. The waitress pointed out that we were ordering entrees rather than main courses, but not because she minded, she just wanted to make sure we realized that. And, that was plenty of food for us for lunch. The salad was so good, we returned another day and enjoyed one each (sharing would not have been quite enough, but one each was a lot) on the patio. I actually found the receipt! Two Vitel €4.95, two Endive Roquefort €13.60.

But, there are many places all over Paris with wonderful composed salads. Dressings are light and exquisite. Most, by name, are quite similar wherever you go. But, you never know what surprises will be included, often not mentioned in the description on the menu.

Another of my favorites is the "Salade Saint-Dominique" at Le Recrutement on the corner of blvd La Tour Maubourg and rue Saint-Dominique. It's a very casual place (a sports bar inside, I think), with a different menu for each of two sections on the sidewalk (so look at both, before choosing your table). There are straight on views of the Tour Eiffel from many tables on the terrace.

But, there are many other light lunch options all over. I love the salmon tartare with French potato salad (vinaigrette rather than mayo) at Le Grand Cafe (where the lunch menu is a real bargain in gorgeous surroundings).

Another good spot for light lunches and great salads is La Cremaillere on Place du Tertre. Skip the sidewalk tables and the cafe on the place. Go inside for the beautiful Art Nouveau dining rooms or the beautiful garden terrace beyond (with gas heaters).

http://www.cremaillere1900.com/MENU_LA_CREMAILLERE.pdf

Thank you, Joan, for the link to your friend's apartment. Since sancerre is my favorite white wine, I think I'll have to head out there soon. Next year, we'll be in Paris with my two teenage children, so it's out...maybe the year afterwards.

Thank you so much again for your lovely reports and your wonderful photos.

Yes, we are booked for a week at the house in Riquewihr in the fall. It looks so pretty in the pictures. Joan, you are a wealth of info and a great referral source.

I was sorry not to be able to see Joan again when I was in Paris two weeks ago; it was a whirlwind of a trip with my granddaughter and daughter. (trip report brewing)

I spent a week in Sancerre in 2007, and it is a lovely village; I stayed at a very cute and friendly B&B. I forget the name but will look it up.

In Sancerre: Le Logis du Grillon

Hello GraceJoan

I have read a few other Fodor blogs for Paris Perfect in which you are very popular and have now finished reading this thread and I am thoroughly enjoying your current trip.

My family and I have been to Paris several times staying in hotels. However, for the next trip, we believe an apartment is in order for the purposes of spending the Holidays away from home. I searched high and low for Paris Perfect reviews and in particular for comments in regards to the Cotes du Rhone and nothing. It is thanks to you that I learned that the lack of reviews may be due to the Cotes du Rhone being one of the newer apartments. Therefore, I have concluded that Paris Perfect is just right for us for the Holidays and placed the deposit. Please share the wonders of the Cotes du Rhone with me and others.

Happy last few days in Paris.

liktotravel

You will like the Cotes du Rhone. Some other friends have it rented for later in the year.

Yes, we were the first to stay in it in Dec. The pictures are now on their website. It is as the pictures show it to be. Lovely place. The location is perfect..the Eiffel Tower is right there. I take it that you have children. The Parc Champs de Mars is one block away. A great boulangerie/patsserie practically below you, on corner. A small groceery store just down the street and largeer ones very nearby. Buses go eveywhere.You have so many of the sights to see within walking distance, along with the Seine and across to the high fashion area.

If I can answeer any specific questions, please feel free to ask. What time of the year will you be going?

a bientot....

Joan

grandmere--u r in for a treat in Riquewihr--we spent a week in the area and thought it just gorgeous--the flowers, the stork nests at the entrance to each village--just a picture book. Enjoy it.

I think Sue is already prepared for the beauty of the place and of the area. I was there with my friends and saw it all. I do hope they are there when you are there. I know he will be there for part of the time, even if they have not physically moved there. He will be starting the next places. You will enjoy Jean-Paul. I will be there a month later, with them.

Joan

Hi Joan,

Enjoy the last few days of your trip.

Best,

Jane

Hi Joan

What joy to have a response from you as I check the thread this morning from my office in a high rise here in Los Angeles.

Actually, no children, 4 adults going. Thank you very much for the information on the Cotes du Rhone and the surrounding businesses including the park. We will be there for Christmas and know from past experience that it will be cold in Paris which is a big deal coming from Los Angeles. Good thing is we went to Alaska last May and now have the proper clothing. We will only need to add a few pretty scarfs as you suggest.

Again, merci and happy day in Paris.

liktotravel,

I will be in Paris til the 14th of Dec. Stu Dudley will be here just before Christmas, too. Another friend earlier in Dec...possibly the owners of Riboto de Taven where I stayed in Les Baux will be here for a few days. Hope to plan some sort of gathering along with some nice local friends, Always fun to do.

Are you familiar with all our area restaurants? The 4 Constant's, Au Bon Accueil is right down Monttessuy which is the corner you are on..Bourdonnais and Monttessuy..right across the street from the Royal apts. of Princess Caroline of Monaco! All her balconies have the Royal Crest on them.

Just bring layered clothing...wool scarves for around your neck, gloves, umbrella.

I don't know if you plan to cook for Christmas, or to dine out..simple places , or fancy. I had Christmas dinner at the Les Ambassadeurs restaurant in the Hotel Crillon a few years back. It was memorable! I will send them an email to ask if both restaurantas will be serving Christmas dinner. I go to the l'Obe quite often..you probably have already read that.

I do have my travel email address that you might like to use. It is [email protected] Those are the names of my cats!

a bientot...

Joan

Hello Joan,

Unfortunately, we arrive in Paris four days after you depart. I am not familiar with any of the restaurants in the area, however, I am becoming acquainted through your postings on this thread and have noticed you frequent Constant. Thank you so much for thinking of Christmas Dinner for us. We originally thought we would eat out then a friend mentioned that most everything is closed on Christmas, however, my family customarily celebrates the evening of the 24th into the wee hours of the 25th, so I am thinking we may be in luck and therefore will check into Les Ambassadeurs per your suggestion and look forward to word if they will be open this year.

Have a marvelous last full day in Paris.

liktotravel

You will find that the hotels with dining rooms will be open..they have to take care of their guests! I did email the Crillon to see if both dining rooms will be serving.I will probably hear from them today.

You will enjoy the Christmas decorating. Dress warmly, walk down Monttessuy to ave. Rapp and walk acros the Seine to Ave Montaigne. All the big fashion designers, Plaza Athenee Hotel
decorations are beautiful. Continue on to Champs Elysees to see all the beautiful decorations..looking in both directions...Arc de Triomphe and to Pl de la Concorde. Do take your camera.You will find places to stop for warmups along the way.

Restaurants: There are 4 Christian Constant restaurants, Cafe Constant, Les Cocottes, Violon d'Ingres and Fables des la Fontaine. No reservaitions for Cafe and Les Cocottes. They are very reasonable, for excellent food. Cafe is a real bistro, Cocottes is modern and all stools, serving many cocottes..great food.Fables is an excellent seafood rest. need reservations. Violon is their original premier restaurant with excellent value. Need reservations. This is only a starter for you with restaurants.

Will be back in touch..

Joan

liktotravel,

I received this from the Crillon today

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Flag this messageRE:Tuesday, May 12, 2009 4:47 AM
From: "Restauration Crillon" <[email protected]>Add sender to Contacts To: [email protected]













Dear Mrs. Grace,



I thank you very much for your email. We are all happy that you enjoyed so much your dinner at the restaurant L’Obé yesterday.



Regarding Christmas at the Hôtel de Crillon, we propose normally a dinner on 24th of December at the restaurant Les Ambassadeurs as well as a Christmas Brunch on the 25th. The restaurant L’Obé is closed for these days.



At the moment, I am not able to communicate you more information about these events. There will be perhaps some changes this year.

As soon as we have determined the offers, I will have the pleasure to send them to you.



Remaining at your entire disposal for any further request, we are looking forward to welcoming you soon at the Hôtel de Crillon.



Best regards,



Christina









Christina Hager

Food & Beverage Coordinator

Hôtel de Crillon

10, Place De La Concorde

75008 PARIS



Tél : +33 1 44 71 15 78

Fax : +33 1 44 71 16 03

Email : [email protected]

www.crillon.com

Violon d'Ingres pictures

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00012-2.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00022-4.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j.../000_00033.jpg who could possible eat this!

I had a nice lunch. Catherine joined me for a bit. We discussed Christmas holidays, etc.

A fitting end for my dining in Paris this trip.

Have a few things to do around the area this afternoon. Will pack and that will be it!!

a bientot...

Joan

Joan,

Thank you so much for the information, especially for Christmas dinner which coincidentally works for us on the 24th. As for dressing warmly to take in the stores, I cannot wait. I have heard the window dressings are beautiful.

I will printout all the restaurant suggestions and start a travel notebook so that I may have handy once in Paris.

Enjoy yourself while still in Paris and I will be in touch once you are home.

Thank you

liktotravel,

Yes, after I get home contact me via the email address I gave earlier.

a bientot...

Joan

Joan,

What a trip this has been! You have made everybody happy to follow you around all over Paris and beyond - feasting on all the beautiful, delicious food!

Great meal at Violon - I remember haing the same main course and still remember how crunchy that topping on the fish had been! The picture of your dessert, I think, is the photo of the "Religiouse" (that's the name of the pastry) that you had at L'Obe. When you get home, you can re-post because I'm dying to see what we cannot possibly eat!!!

You've got another evening and you must have finished packing by now. What are you doing tonight?

Have a good rest and a safe flight home. If it's miserable, just think of the last month or plan what you are going to do in November/December.

Lots of bisous,

Lilia

Lilia,

You are correct about the desset at l'Obe. At Violon, today, it says it is Vacherin Glace. Huge big thing! How can anyone eat all that!!

No dinner this evening. I went down and visited with Florent late in afternoon. I then returned home and packed. I just came in from a great walk, Parc Champ de Mars...fed the pigeons some left over cracker things that were in the welcome kit. They were pleased.

A good trip..

a bientot..

Joan