flounder,

Often I, and others,lose weight in Paris. You walk and you eat healthy food..a good combination! Portions are small, you eat at a slow pace and enjoy your meal. Food is, no additives.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_0002-19.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0001_00-6.jpg

I first started communicating with Joan early last year. She gave me a tip about discounts on a Paris Perfect apartment rental. By then we had already reserved Champagne, but her tip saved us around $2,000 for our 3 week stay. I offered to take her to dinner when we arrived as a 'thank you" (I think she still has a "credit" with us), since she was going to be in Paris at the same time we were going to be there. I also followed all her restaurant posts on Fodors. I developed an "image" of her weighing about 250 pounds, rather portly, and tall.

We planned to meet at our Champagne apt to have Kirs & chat before dinner at Les Fables de la Fontaine. She knocked on our door, I opened it & looked straight ahead. About 1 foot below 'straight ahead", there she was - petite, slender, and not the "moose" I expected. I don't know how she does it.

Stu Dudley

Stu, you are funny!!

I thought everyone lost weight in Paris!!

I don't know about you for our little gathering in Dec. with all the foie gras that you will probably be eating!!

I have the ET at my right elbow here in the Cabernet. I will be enjoying the Champagne ahead of you...next on my list and then St. Julien in the same building.

Not a bad day today weatherwise. Not the bone chilling!

I am about to walk ove to Les Cocottes shortly. Just go out the front door and walk a little down the street, as you well know.

Sueb08 sent an email a little while ago. She was about to leave for her flight. She gets in before noon tomorrow. She will come here on Friday evening and we will go to Violon for dinner. She wants to stay in a PP next trip.

Heard from good friend, weekender, last night. He will arrive in Paris on the 10th, join out GTG..how nice. He has reservations at l'Abbaye...nice hotel. I have stayed there, too..been a few years. You will enjoy meeting him.

a bientot...

Joan

Joan, I completely agree with you about eating in Paris and weight. My weight stayed the same and I ate what I wanted.

Funny story Stu!

I just returned from Les Cocottes. Always good..what can you say... great weeather today..hope it continues..

a few pics..

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=69232184.pbw

a bientot...
Joan

Hi Joan,

Great read! I'm getting ready to head to Paris next Friday (Nov. 20). From a brief reading, it seems that the weather is chilly. Can you confirm? I'm trying to decide what to bring as far as the type of jacket. It's a toss up between the warmest down jacket from this vendor, but it's very lightweight or another down jacket that's meant for not so cold temps. I think I'm leaning towards the warmest down jacket.

Thanks,
TR

I think my 3-lb weight gain there was probably due to too many croissants at breakfast! I can't seem to stop at just one. But fortunately, I already lost the 3 lbs (in just one week). So it was worth it!

I had a chuckle today, Joan, when I saw pics of Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas coming out of Hotel Bel Ami in Paris. In addition, the cast from the movie "Twilight" is at the Hotel Crillon. You're surrounded by such a hip crowd, Joan...LOL!!

-Roberta

Dear Gracejoan - we were in Paris for the first time in September and all we can say is "thanks" to you. For the apartment recommendation (Paris Perfect Champagne--so so great), restaurant tips, wardrobe tips and really your lovely attitude and appreciation for Paris. We'd been planning for the past 18 - 24 months, reading all the posts on several travel sites, and again and again - your voice came through above the din. I read your posts voraciously and hope to continue for many more trips!

More sighs! We hope to go to France in March. But not Paris this time. Alas

Dear Gracejoan...if you would like to join us for dinner on 12/13 at Le Suffren, please contact me: [email protected].

Travel Ribbon
Friday the 20th shows high of 51. I wouldn't take something that is too heavy and bulky, You need something warm, but you can also wear a wool sweater underneath for tha bit of extra warmth. I always have a black cashemere cardigan with me. It also might make a difference here you live..if south Fla or Green Bay, you might look at it differently!

Laurela..Arent't you nice! Thank you for your kind words. I receive so much information from others, and if I can pass along some things, too, than I am pleased. I am sure you enjoyed the Champagne apt. It is quite special, isn't it? I will be in it next. I also like the views here in the Cabernet. The building across the street is lower than most and I can look to the right from where I am sitting and can see quite far down the 'legs' of the tower. I enter on St. Dominique but I face Rapp. Similar to the view from the Fleurie, which is entered from Rapp..probably bldg. next door. Enjoy your trip planning.

RonZ..Thank you for the invitation. I know I would enjoy joining you. Sunday 12/13 is my last day in Paris. I am departing on the 14th. I will most probably be going to l'Obe in the Crillon for lunch with a friend who will be here at that time. We will probably walk on over to the Ritz and the Bar Vendome after, for whatever and spend the evening packing for early morning departure. If the Bar Vendome happens to fit into your schedule, that would be nice? I have not been to Le Suffren..have you been before? Can put it my list. In the neighborhood!

Foggy out there this morning. Top of the tower is hidden, now. Feels a bit chilly out there. I will shower, venture out and make the big decision of who will serve me something for breakfast, and get a feel for the day's weather.

Sue arrives from Gree Bay today and will email or call me from her hotel...need to look it up...that she has arrived!

a bientot....
Joan

Not cold out, but still foggy. It looked like the sun was coming out earlier..late today. Will see what it does later.

Nice breakfast..straightening up around here and doing some laundry. I will await Sues call that she has arived OK.

Your morning photos:
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=fb24bd28.pbw

Hi Joan,
Thanks for my daily dose of Paris! DH & I have stayed in Cabernet and are headed back in May. I knew you would like it. It's a very nice apartment with an unbeatable view of la tour Eiffel. Over the years, we've stayed in Pinot and Paulliac, and previewed Clairette and Tokay. Always fun. You continue to enjoy, and we'll continue to follow along. EJ ((#))

Hi Joan,

Thanks for your update! I will keep that in mind when I start packing (whenever that is!). I have cashmere sweaters on my list to bring. Ugggh - the craziness of packing!

Merci,

TR

EJ.

Yes, I like the Cabernet. You know exactly where I am sitting..look to my right and the ET is right there!

Everything is closed today..they do celebrate this holiday. I walked across Parc Champ De Mars to ave Suffren and walked along it and then back and to my patisserie where I often have breakfast. They also serve meals. They were busy. I had this nice salad with goat cheese on toast points;

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=e4b3d09e.pbw

It is all that I really felt like eating.

Lots to do tomorrow...

a bientot...

Joan

Good evening Joan, I hope you have had another lovely day in Paris!
Your Goats Cheese salad looked wonderful. I look forward to going to the markets to buy some next year! I like them grilled and a huge squeeze of honey drizzled all over the bubbling cheese!

We have had confirmation that the little studio apartment in Bastille is available and our dates pencilled in. The owners are being very kind and letting me make sure our airline seats are all securely booked so that I don't have to make cancellations or changes before paying the deposit.

What do you think of this hotel I have just booked for the 2 days before our departure from Paris to Canada after the Tour de France? I took a walk all around the island on PagesJaunes and am thrilled with the village feel and lovely surrounds. I even spied a Chinese restaurant somewhere which will make my stay even better - you probably know by now that I adore Asian Cuisine!
Here it is:http://www.hoteldelajatte.com/index.html

tod,

Great on the studio, Yes, get you air taken care of first.

The hotel looks very nice.

Looks like you are getting it all together!!

a bientot...

Joan

I have arrived here safely. It was a great flight on Air France. It was not a full plane and many of us had an empty seat next to us.
I am staying near the Crillon Hotel. I think I will walk over tomorrow and look for the cast of Twilight. Like i would recognise anyone. There was alot of traffic today and many people were shopping and looking at the Christmas decorations. too early for me!!
Joan your pictures out of your window were great! I envy your view!!!!Cannot wait to see PP on fri nite.
I hope to have a full day tomorrow just taking in all the ambience of thid beautiful city!!

sue,

We will be at the Crillon on Sunday, at l'Obe. You might see more activity.

Glad the area was open and active for you, being that it was a holiday!

We can see what the weather is like on Sat. for the Pres. Wilson Market possibility.

Joan

It is a great day today with the weather. I have been busy. I did have breakfast with Florent at his Flirt The this morning. Stayed til Michel arrived to visit with him, too.

We made plans to dine together on Saturday evening. They will come here, first. They like to see where I am staying.

I did take these pictures of the 4 Constant Restaurants...so-so pictures...
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=1ccb5176.pbw

a bientot...

Joan

Joan, your photos, the slide shows and reports were terrific! I've been to Paris a number of times with different friends and have stayed in several neighborhoods. This time, a friend and I will be staying in the Marais at a small hotel that we like (I could not persuade her to try an apartment although they always are perfect for me). We'll be arriving on Dec. 29th and I will contact shuttle-inter for a relaxed arrival, thanks to you. We are looking forward to New Year's Eve, but I have heard on other boards that nothing special goes on that night, that it is more about Parisians being with their families. Do you or any of your fans and friends have suggestions for how and where to ring in the new year?

poetess,

I have not been in Paris for New Year's Eve..Christmas, but not New year's.

I would think that there would be places in the Marais along with some major hotels that would be good places.

Someone else may have more to suggest to you.

I'm sure you will have a good time!

a bientot...

Joan

Just returned from Les Cocottes. I have some pictures below.

Earlier today I took the 69 bus to BHV. It is always fun. You could spend days there!!

I then went to Flirt The and had afternoon tea and a plum tarte.

Poetess: All the Constant restauranats will be opne New Year's Eve. I think you will find places in your area, though.

*** Christmas Eve/Christmas Day - Constant Restaurants***

They will ALL be closed!!

Weather today was great!! I do see a few more restaurants putting up their outside enclosures each day.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0001_00-8.jpg
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0002_00-4.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0002_00-4.jpg

a bientot....

Joan

Great, I am having afternoon tea at this very moment. Except mine is a boring green tea from Lipton. Even if I had the same exact one in Paris, somehow, I think it would taste better there. Fabulous looking lunch.

I love BHV!! I spent quite a bit of time picking out a purse there. Then ran up to the top floor as the store was closing in order to get my VAT paperwork. I tried to make up for the blunder of forgetting the VAT at the Heyraud shoe store down the street from BHV (went back, but store was closed!). Did you ever visit that shoe store chain, Joan?

Oh, and no plum tarte here either...

-Roberta

Joan -- Greetings from a fellow North Carolinian!! I've just joined your fan club and wanted to add my thanks to the others' for the delightful trip report! Just in the last two days, I have been trying to pull together a spur-of-the-moment getaway to London and Paris for Nov. 23-Dec. 2 and had been a little overwhelmed at all the planning required. Although I have been to Paris before, my last trip was in Nov. 2000, so I'm a little rusty on my knowledge of the city. It's been wonderful (and helpful!) to read of your activities -- and I've been taking copious notes of the restaurants and shops you visited. I am very sad to say, though, that it doesn't appear we'll be able to stay with Paris Perfect, something I have wanted to do for some time. I emailed with Michelle this morning and learned the only apartment available for the time we would be in Paris (Nov. 27-Dec. 2) was Hermitage, and as a 2-bedroom property, it unfortunately is a bit to costly for the two of us. Do you or anyone else on the thread have any recommendations for a place to stay in the 7th? When last in Paris, I stayed in the 7th and absolutely loved it. Didn't love the hotel, hence my request for help!! I had hoped to stay in an apartment with a kitchen due to my food allergies (wheat/gluten -- yes, your bakery photos have been torture!!), but I'm willing to give that up for a clean, non-smoking room in a nicely located hotel. Any thoughts?

Please keep those reports coming! We're enjoying the trip immensely!

Audrey

Joan, your photos are wonderful -- they are bringing back great memories -- I can visualize exactly what street you are on when taking them...

I can't wait to get there on December 2...Haven't packed yet, but your weather posts are very helpful for planning what to take. Seems cooler than our Colorado weather...I am packing even lighter than last time and my sons are doing the same -- one small bag each. My daughter has asked me to take some of her things back with us, so she has fewer bags to lug around on the 19th when she returns home. So, I will be packing one of those fold up Longchamp bags.

Thank you again for the wonderful travelogue!

a bientot,
Grace

Joan
I am finally back in my hotel room with feet that feel like I have walked 20 miles. I did walk all day but did not have a pedometer.
After my breakfast at the hotel ,I went over to the Orangerie Museum. I did enjoy it and there was no line to get in.
I stopped at Laduree for a few macaroons. That was my lunch. Pure sugar.
For dinner I walked over to Le Souffle. It was very enjoyable. I had a glass of white house wine to start.My starter was a plate of scallops. I chose the chicken and mushroom souffle.It was very good. The restaurant had every table occupied by the time i left.
I am looking forward to tomorrow evening. I will give you a call just before i enter the taxi.
bon soir
Sue

Carrobogirl, I met Joan during a previous trip to Paris. Yes, those apartments are absolutely lovely and I hope to stay in one in the future.

The last hotel I stayed at, Hotel Duquesne, is in the 7th and I really enjoyed it. We were lucky enough to be on the 5th floor with a balcony view of the Eiffel Tower. It was a few minutes to the metro and buses are even closer. We walked to the Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler & great restaurants. I would stay there again. Enjoy your trip!

-Roberta

Thanks, Roberta! Hotel Duquesne looks lovely. I'll see what they have available. I've been looking at other apt rentals options but haven't found much in the 7th. I appreciate you sharing your recommendation!

Audrey

Hi CarrboroGirl,
My notes show vrbo #94017, 113948, and 120200 as possibilities for your dates. Also try Paris Rental Connections (St.Dominique) and Holiday-France-Rentals(Avenue Rapp and others in the 7th) These are flats that I've bookmarked, but have not stayed in, so I can't give any first-hand opinions. Good luck! EJ

CarrboroGirl,

The Paris Rental Connections (St. Dominique) is an apt. that friends rented for a memeber of their family a year ago,,great location for you. At that time, it seems the kitchen was somewhat outdated. That might have been changed. You might check it out.

Good luck,

Joan

GraceCo,

I will keep reporting the weather. Great lately! We are still on for Sat. the 5th? I will make those reservations this Sunday when I am there.

A thought, if Lauren still has Nathan's email address,(I have it) she might send him an email that she and her brothers will be making a day of it on that Sat. and would he like to join them. He could be a helpful guide for them, too. He is very nice!

Joan

CarrboroGirl,

Think I forgot to mention that many seem to like the Muguet Hotel, too. Also ran into someone who had very nice things to sal about the hotel Le Walt..it is across the street from ecole militiaire metro..

Joan

I am in paris from 18 to 20th dec. Though time is less. I want to see all. Recommend places not to be missed during this time. And where to shop for some good stuff, not costly though

khushi2k

You're going to be in Paris for 3 days..... perhaps less if the 18th & 20th are travel days. For someone to provide you with useful information, you need to express what your interests are - shopping, museums, architecture, dining, people watching, lingering at cafes, partying, antique/flea markets, food markets, night-clubing, boutiques, etc.

You can't possibly "see all" unless you have a typo in your post and are really going to be in Paris from Dec 18 2009 till Dec 20 2011. I live in San Francisco - and there is a lot of stuff to do & see here - but it's "nothing" compared to the amount of stuff there is in Paris. I'm not even sure that "seeing all" is possible in an unlimited amount of time, since so many museums, shops, restaurants, etc change their offerings a countless number of times in the year.

Stu Dudley

sueb08,

Sue, sounds like you had a busy day. Isn't l'Orangerie nice? I hope you went below, too?

I haven't been to Le Souffle in several years. Has always been a good, depemdable place.

Why don't you come a little earlier..7:30? Yes, call me before you leave. I will look for you downstairs. 124 rue St. Dominique.

a bientot...

Joan

khushi2k: I see you are a new member her on Fodor's. Welcome! Stu Dudley and Gracejoan3, among many other contributors, are a wealth of knowledge. But in order to provide specifics to help you, people need more information.

Might I suggest you pull up previous "first time" type Paris threads through Fodor's chat search engine, which will get you started and help you narrow down your interests? Then you can post your own thread with specific questions to fine tune your personalized trip.

You sound very motivated...brought back the excitement I felt the first time I traveled to Paris! We recently spent a weekend in Paris with our (young)adult son and two of his friends. My husband and I didn't try to keep up with them and we basically enjoyed meals together. When I saw their pix, it was astounding how much they were able to see and do and it sure looked like they enjoyed every moment. So you can do a lot in a short time, but if I may offer one tip: don't do it so fast that you lose the "essence" of the moment.

Joan: As always, enjoying every moment. We will be back Dec. 12-14 and can hardly wait! Thanks again, Joan.

khushi2k:

Yes, tell us more so we can better help you. What type of things do you want to see..or is it good dining, etc. Do you want go from early morning to late in evening, or a slower pace. Give some ideas and I'm sure you will receive some help.

You are only going to be in Paris long enough to make you want to begin planning the next trip.

a bientot...

Joan

What a super day. I cooked this morning! What that means is that I went across the street to the patisserie and bought a croissant, came home and did the nespresso machine, and had some oj. Paris Perfect has a welcome basket with oj, milk and a bottle of water. I had put them in the refrigerator, but I had forgotten to turn it on...I turned it on this morning!

I then walked down St. Dominique, taking a few pictures here and there and to rue Cler to buy some flowers and take a few more pictures!

Here they are:

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=ccfeef02.pbw