Spending a short weekend in Paris late June. Last time there stayed in St. Germain district which was great. This time would like to be up near the Champs. Have booked through Discover France with success in the past. Any hotel suggestions? Nothing fancy, just nice people, comfortable and a good location. I loved the Rue to Buci neighborhood and wondered if there is anything similar near the Arc de Triomphe. My vague memory of that area from walking from the Trocadero to the Arc was that it was devoid of cafes, etc. but haven't explored extensively.

Also, looking to have a nice lunch on the Champs Elysees and then picnic for dinner to save money. Any suggestions?

In my opinion there are a lot of more interesting areas of Paris to have lunch and to stay. If you are absolutely set on it, Laduree has a restaurant on the Champs.

I know there are more interesting areas, but my traveling friend is a huge cycling fan and hasn't been to Paris. I also wanted to stay somewhere other than St. Germain although I did love that area. Ideas?

There are several cafes on the Champs Elysees, but I would head further down to Le Souffle on rue du Mont Thabor, across from the Tuileries. Charming little place for lunch.

What does cycling have to do with the Champs? I know about the Tour, but it ain't there then. I think the Champs is the most sterile part of Paris. There's the 7th, the 5th, near the Louvre, Les Halles. The connections with the Metro are also difficult from that area although the bus down the Champs from the Arc is great.

Thanks Gretchen. For cycling fans, there's nothing like seeing the champs in person, except maybe the 21 turns up Alp d'Huez.

But you were right, I'm now looking more into staying near the Louvre. On my previous trip to Paris I just didn't get to know this area so any suggestions would be appreciated.

The Champs Elysees area is nice and lively almost anytime; it's a bit commercial but it's beautiful. About connections, Etoile metro station is very handy; RER A, and lines 1,2 and 6 pass through it.

About lunch, if your budget allows it try the 35euros 3 course day menu at L'Angle du Faubourg, a michelin starred restaurant which is runned by the same management as Taillevent.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm thinking lunch as opposed to dinner because of the savings. I also love dinner picnics on Pont Neuf when the sun sets and the tour boats go by!

For 30euros pp. there is also the michelin starred Braisiere at the 17th arr.