lantana

I can't tell you what a treat your photos are Thank you SO much for sharing. I'm looking forward to more!

john183

I'm finally closing the book on this trip. I have spent way too much time on this TR and posting pictures (I just finished uploading the last of them). I had a lot of fun doing it but it's time to move on. Thanks to everyone for your nice comments and I hope you all get to experience the fun of taking your kids/grandkids/nieces/nephews (heck I'd even rent a kid if I had to) on a trip like we did. Happy Travels!

lantana

Thank you for sharing. I truly enjoyed your report and photos. Your trip is an inspiration to me.

john183

Thanks lantana. I just read your New York TR and I really enjoyed reading about your adventures (you had a few interesting adventures didn't you?) and looking at all the pics. It sounds like you had a wonderful time and I think you like to plan and research as much as I do. Like someone commented on your TR, I think I gained 5 pounds just looking at all the food pics you posted.

I'm sure you will have a lot of fun in London and Paris next summer with your daughter. In 2004, we took our older granddaughter to Paris, Normandy & London and had a great time. I'll be interested to see your itinerary and read all about it (and see the pics). I am by no means a France or London expert like so many of the other Fodor's folks are but I'll try to answer any questions you may have as you do your planning.

lantana

Thank you so much for the encouragement on my Paris/London trip, John. I appreciate it! I'm quite overwhelmed.
Re. your expertise, you're far too modest. Your TR is incredible and will benefit many, while also providing a great read.

I'm flattered that you read my NYC TR

indy_dad

Well done, John. Thanks for pointing me here. I saw this when doing my research but skipped it because I don't usually read ones with this many entries. Glad I finally did.

Great report and an even better trip. Nice photos too. You have a wonderful attitude and family.

Kwoo

I am going to France for the first time this summer, and have thoroughly enjoyed reading your trip report, and have taken some notes. Where did you purchase your museum passes? Sounds like you had a mixed bag of weather, which surprises me considering you were there in the summer. Were you prepared for cooler weather? I'm expecting it to be hot when we are there in late July/early August. We will be limited in what we can take for luggage so I can't pack anything too heavy. Did you wear primarily shorts or long pants/jeans?

john183

Glad you enjoyed our adventures - we had a really great time. We bought our museum pass at the Rodin but you can buy it at any museum and other places too I think. We recommend it just to save time even if you don't use it enough to save money.

Our Paris weather was cool and rainy, Normandy was hot and the Loire Valley was perfect - you just never know what you are going to get. We did not wear shorts, I have light weight/wrinkle free travel slacks I like to wear. If it's cool, I put on a couple layers (shirt/swearter and maybe even a light jacket) then put them in my backpack as it gets warmer during the day. I think you are right in expecting it to be hot in July/August so shorts should be a good choice.

I saw a bit of your itinerary on another thread and it looks like you have a great trip planned. Have fun and I look forward to reading your report.

roguemckenzie

Great report! I also research and plan well ahead. We leave for Paris May 2, 2016.

john183

It was a nice surprise to see this old trip report pop up. Thanks. I hope you have as much fun as we did - it was a fantastic trip! Researching and planning is half the fun for me. Reading this report made me feel like we were there again. I can't believe it's been more than 4 years already.

Our granddaughter is still in love with France. She has studied French every year of high school and she hosted an exchange student from France for a month this past summer. Next summer she is going to France for a month to stay with her new French friend (part of time at their flat in Paris and part of the time at their house in Normandy). I have no doubt she will live and work in Paris at some point in her life.