As part of a 5 night trip in February, I will be taking the Eurostar from London in order to spend 1 night in Paris. Am staying at the Hotel Muguet. Looking for advice on that neighborhood. How to travel from the train station. Also, can you recommend a restaurant for dinner in the area? Would like something with slightly upscale food and a casual atmosphere. Thanks so much!

I'm not sure what you mean by "slightly upscale food," but my favorite in that immediate area is Le Maupertu on the Bd de la Tour Maubourg. Left out the door of the Muguet, left on Rue Codet, right on the Bd de la T-M, a few feet up on your right. Good food, friendly service, sidewalk seating with a nice view of Les Invalides. Menu around 30 euro.

Another Fodorite favorite near there is Le Florimond, though I haven't eaten there myself. It's on the Ave. de la Motte-Picquet on your left as you're walking toward the Ecole Militaire metro stop.

As for getting to the Muguet from the Gare du Nord train station, you could do it by metro but it would take a couple of line changes. My advice: splurge and take a taxi.

Le Florimond

La Fontaine de Mars

L'Auberge de Bressane

All within a walk from your hotel.

Take a taxi.

What does Rick Steeves recommend?

I second Betty1's nomination. Le Maupertu is quite close to the Muguet, has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and serves excellent food.

Here's the website for Le Maupertu. You can read their menu and reserve if you like.

http://www.restaurant-maupertu-paris.com/

Re-reading your post and my first answer, I don't suppose you'll be wanting "sidewalk seating" in February! You can also sit inside, of course.

I am advising some friends (8 people) on their trip to France in June. They are staying at the Muguet and, ordinarily, I would suggest Le Maupertu for their first dinner. Unfortunately, they are arriving on a Sunday and the Maupertu is closed, so I am looking for alternatives.

My criteria are 1)easy walking distance from the Muguet 2) menu around 30 euros or less 3)can seat 8 people 4)would be nice if reservations could be made by internet (although three of the group will be there on Saturday and could make reservations for the group for Sunday if one day's notice would be OK.)

I'm looking at these

L'Auberge Bressane
Le Champs de Mars (on Motte-Picquet)
Bistrot du 7eme
La Terrasse
Brasserie Ecole Militaire

Opinions on these or others? Thanks.

I've had mostly good meals at L'Auberge Bressane - it's usually packed (and I mean packed - you're sitting very close to other diners) with locals, and it's typical, hearty "cuisine de grandmère."

The Bistro du 7me is also a good choice.

Haven't been to the Champs de Mars in an age (maybe I'll go back there in march), so can't comment.

I don't like the Terrasse or the Brasserie Ecole Militaire for anything other thank coffee or drinks.

I guess you will have to choose between Bistro du 7eme and L'Auberge Bressane as Le Champs de Mars has been closed for a couple of years. (Very sad as it used to be a favorite)

Thanks, St. Cirq and minimn. I think I'll give them the info on both L'Auberge Bressane and Bistrot du 7eme and let them decide between the two.

I ended up going to Le Violin d'Ingres. Although I initially wanted a slightly upscale meal, I eventually decided that with 1 night in Paris, I would go for broke.

It was a lovely meal. I ordered the menu, with about 6 (?) courses. Cream of celery root soup, leek vinegrette salad with seafood, sea bass (absolutely delicious), pigeon with lentils, cheese course with 3 cheeses (wonderful!), meringue dessert, wine.

The wait staff was very nice. Since I obviously didn't speak French (at all), the young lady brought someone over who spoke English. I think she was the chef's wife. She was very nice and helpful about ordering. She was very concerned with making sure everything ran smoothly and that everyone was happy with their meal. A young waiter also spoke English. They were all extremely welcoming (while a bit reserved), very efficient and focused on giving each table their full attention. Very professional, in a low-key way. The restaurant was elegant, but not stuffy. As a solo diner, I felt comfortable there. After dinner, they said goodbye and the young man hailed a taxi for me. A lovely evening.

The next day, I intended to go to Le Maupertu for lunch. I was looking forward to it. But, it turned out that I wasn't the least bit hungry the next day (I wonder why?). I just picked up a cheese sandwich and had a light lunch.

This is my regret about travelling. There are so many wonderful places to visit, fabulous restaurants to try, and so little time!

Thank you for the recommendations. I will go back some day and try some of them. Happy travels.

Oh yes, and I took a taxi from Gare du Nord to the Hotel Muguet. I tried to figure out the subway system, but there were so many lines from Gare du Nord that I just gave up and went with a taxi.

Then, to get back to Gare du Nord, I took the subway system. I'd had time to look at the subway map and the starting station was smaller and more manageable.