I'd give this a go if you like ballet.

http://www.operadeparis.fr/en/Saison...eguine/detail/

And Versailles was not recommended in December "Late December visits to Versailles or Fontainebleau would be a mistake as far as I am concerned, unless you are never returning to Paris again."

My post actually was based upon my confusion that the same poster made both recommendations, which is not accurate as I now see.

Oh, and for restaurants, check out Patty's recent report. She did TONS of research and they ate very well. I think they stayed somewhere near your hotel, too. The photo link further down the thread works (first one is wonky for some reason).

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

What is today the Westin-Vendôme opened in 1878 as the Hôtel Continental. It was the largest hotel in Paris for many years. My 1907 Baedeker guide lists it in its top category, "Hôtels de Tout Premier Ordre," along with the Ritz, Grand, Meurice and others. So, it is far from being just a chain hotel.

When I stayed there in the 1960s, it was lovely. It was re-named Hôtel Inter-Continental at some point in the 1980s (according to Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wes...3_Vend%C3%B4me ), and then became a Westin in 2005. Quite a history, and, as kerouac says, very French. I hope you enjoy your stay.

On a Sunday I would never miss the Richard Lenoir Market near Bastille.I'd save the Champs for evening when all the lights will be on.

I agree with avalon about the Richard Lenoir Market. I would also stroll into the Marais; (close by) the stores are all open and continue to walk through Place des Vosges. The Carnavalet Museum in the Marais would be a good museum for a first visit. It's a city museum and is free and is near Place des Vosges (which also has the free Victor Hugo house museum).

Have a wonderful trip---we'll be waiting for your trip report.

Leely2- thanks for the thread and my new favorite word-WONKY! Mind if I steal it?

At the apirport waiting impaitently...

Will take copious notes! Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks to all-
S.

After almost a month, I want to thank everyone again for all the help for our trip to Paris. It was wonderful! Seeing Kerouac's pictures of Paris at Christmas made me very homesick. I am afraid I am not a very good trip reporter, but did want to say a couple of things.

The Westin was awesome! It was such a great location-2 blocks from the Rue St. Honore and we could walk almost everywhere. The concierge crew-especially Bruno- were extremely helpful, pleasant, and knowledgeable. Our room was small (as we expected,) but very nice. Actually, all the people we encountered at the hotel were wonderful!

I arrived at 6:30 am and went to hotel to meet DH. My luggage was lost, but Air France was great AND I got a few new items of clothing. (hello new boots) We went to the Louvre. Since we'd both been there, we chose our favorite parts. Then we went to other tourist spots that day and the next. Saint Chappele, Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay, Les Invalies,Tour Eiffel, Camps Elysees,... We did go to Versaille and it was super-even though the gardens were not spactacular as they are in spring and summer.

This gave us a day and a half to just wander, shop, explore-which I hightly recommend.

As far as restaurants, we went to a couple that were recommended by friends who lived there-Brasserie Lipp (twice-DH loved the food) and one of Ina's favorites-can't recall the name. The others we went to were the ones we just came upon. I would highly recommend just wandering off the beaten path and looking for the places that had lots of people. We did this and found ourselves in the most wonderful places, full of nice locals and fabulous food. I think we only had one mediocre meal the entire time.

I can hardly wait to go back- my new plan is to rent an apartment for a month and just live!!