Thanks everyone for the advice. The only thing is that we will only have 4 days including arrival day for our first trip to Paris and of course we want to see as much as we can in the little time we have. I know you can spend days in the Louvre and still not see everything but how much time realistically should I figure on for the Orsay and Rodin museums? I also heard great things about the Carnavlaet and Cluny but I will have to pick and choose and not sure which ones are not to be missed.

Joan,
Your trip report is great!

You can do d'Orsay, Rodin and Invalides in the same area. Some spend more time than others at d'Orsay.

I think if you look online at the Louvre website you will find what they call an Introductory tour that last less than two hours. Might be just what you are looking for timewise. l'Orangerie is lovely..especially if you are a Monet fan.

How about things other than museums?

a bientot...

Joan

Here is the Louvre Intrductory tour information:

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/activite/de...27&bmLocale=en

Here, I think I have it in a tinyurl for you:

http://tinyurl.com/yfavzxy

Sue,

Would you like to meet me at the Le Meurice Bar about 2:00 today for their club sandwich or something else??

I did send you an email, too..not sure where best to catch you.

I am about to go out for breakfast..

Joan

Thanks again. As you can tell we like museums. Are Carnavalet and Cluny great to see as well? Not sure though with our limited time if we will get there.

We also want to see the Eiffel tower of course, the Arc de triomphe and Notre Dame. My son wants to climb the towers at notre dame. We thought about taking walking tours of the Marais and the Latin Quarter so someone can explain to us about the buildings we are viewing. Just not sure what we can accomplish in just four days which includes the arrival day.

I feel like I walked a zillion miles today!! I did rue St. Honore and a bit of Rivoli.

Early morning I went to another boulangerie that I like, across from Thoumieux..so walked a bit for that.

Took the metro in because I want to re-load my navigo.

I arrived at Le Meurice a bit early and did not know if Sue wold be meeting me or not. I had spoken with the concierge earlier and he wanted me to see some of the newly renovated rooms..why not. I say a room and a suite on 5th floor with Tuiieries view. I was the escorted to the bar.

I ordered a glass of wine and waited a bit to see if Sue was going to make it. Don't think she got my message. I ordered a really super lunch..actually two starters: coddle egg, with pumkin flavored cream....it was really good..and hearts of romaine salad, with shavings of sun-dried tomatoe and parmesan. I then had some green tea. It is a pleasant bar area. I like it better than their renovated other area..liked it better before.

I then walked down to the Crillon where the 42 bus stops and delivers me across street from my apartment.

Here are some photos for the day:

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=d19a3b88.pbw

a bientot,

Joan

I left out one picture:
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=d19a3b88.pbw

Joan...

I'm still with you, just catching up since I was in New Orleans for a few days, eating my way through that city! :)

You are a lady after my own heart...your meals look mouthwatering!

I'll be in Paris in May, and hoping we can connect then when you are there but will leave those arrangements for another time...continue with the lovely posts from this trip!

joan

your lunch pictures are great. i now know what a great lunch i missed!!

same time next yr.

LowCountryIslander,

You live near Hilton Head? Do you know the Frankie Bones restaurant there?

Joan

I have one more question for all of you folks. Husband wants to take the Roisybus from airport because we will have travel pass that we could use. It will drop off at opera. Is there a taxi stand near the opera house in case mother in law can't walk with the luggage to the louvre area? Are we better off taking a car service from the airport and if so which one is reliable? How much would it cost? Thanks for all the info so far.

europenovice:

Given your short schedule, you could devote the first day to Notre Dame and strolling around Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite (where ND is located). If you're up to it, you could do the Seine cruise at sunset.

As for time at each museum, there can be lots of variables...especially time in line and getting through security. Once inside, you can do D'Orsay in 2 1/2 hours. Rodin, probably an hour. This won't allow for a comprehensive visits, but with so little time, you'll hit the highlights. I would devote one morning to the Louvre. Know in advance what you want to see. And study the maps; it's HUGE.

I'll offer one other suggestion, based on my mistakes on my first visit: accept that you can't see everything and leave time for just wandering and soaking up the ambience. My favorite memories of Paris have nothing to do with museums or other landmarks. More like a particularly lovely window display in a little shop. Or the Vogue wedding dress photo shoot we happened upon when crossing Pont Alexander III. Leave time for those spontaneous moments.

europeannovice,

[email protected] is a service that I have used for several years with excellent service..you will read that sueb08 has just used them..and will be departing with them in the morning..gradmere has recently used them, too. The regular rate for 3 is 55 euros..if you make a round trip reservation and mentiond joan grace, it seems that they will give you a 5 euros discount on the return.

This is a PRIVATE service, not shared, you do not have to call them upon arrival..they will be waiting with your name on a sign as you exit wecurity. It is cash, no credit card. The good thing about a fee for service is if heavy traffic, accident or something, you do not have a meter running!!

I am always grateful to see them upon exiting with my luggage..they take it and we are off.

I have to agree with Jeanne re not over planning. Take the time to stop and smell the roses! You will enjoy it more that way, rather than trying to jam every minute with something!

a bientot...

Joan

Joan...

Yes, I am well acquainted with Frankie Bones here and moreso their one year old winebar called WiseGuys, where I go weekly for an evening with a friend where we enjoy their terrific small plates (tapas) the chef there is very inventive!

I notice several months ago you had a mini GTG at the Frankie Bones in Asheville, that was the first time I realized they had a branch there!

LCI,

Frankie Bones opened in Asheville a couple years ago (might be longer)Several of them came to Asheville to operate it. If you go to FB in HH, ask for Rob (an owner)and tell him that you know me. He comes to the Asheville location regularly and stays for several weeks at a time...there are 4 owners..Rob is one. It is near me and I am a regular custome..they all know me well and are actually following on this thread.

I wll have to ask Rob about WiseGuys!!

Do you ever get to Asheville??

Joan

It's been great keeping the Paris "vibe" alive through your selection of photos.

TPAYT

I just looked..you are from Wisconsin...Sue who has been joining me and who is leaving is from near Green Bay..did you know that?

Glad you are enjoying the photos..

a bientot..

Joan

Joan...

I don't get up to Asheville often. The last (and first) time I was there was probably 6 or 7 years ago during the Thanksgiving holiday...the Biltmore Estate is magical that time of year! My mom has never been and I keep mentioning we need to make a trip up to explore more of what Asheville has to offer!

LCI
Take my email address down and if you plan a trip to Asheville we will have to get together..maybe get Betty and Robyn, too. They were the two referred to in our mini GTG. Robyn is also the one who did the great water color from the breakfast photo, above someplace.

Joan

Joan...

You are so kind. I will definitely let you know if/when I intend to come to Asheville...I have a feeling I may find you in Paris first! :-D

Robyn's water color was fantastic!

Well, I am cooking today! You know what that means..I went to Davoli this morning:http://www.davoli-paris.fr/crbst_6_en.html

I bought the Tomatoe farcie and the Veloute de Champignons. I will pick up some bread and have ssome wine and voila..I cooked! Want to join me?

Look at the weeks menu on their site..it shows it day by day!!

I screwed up the washer last evening, somehow.I have used this small dual one previously here and at the Meurdsault, so was not like I didn't understand it! Called PP and they said they would take care of it..I did not have to be here. When I returned from breakfast and Davoli the washer was fixed and my clothes were washing! They are on top of everything! I know, I keep praising them, but how can I not?

Grey out and had drizzled earlier and stopped while I was out and a little started again just as I reached 'home'.....

I will take some pictures of my 'cooking' later. I guess I just put them in the convection oven for a bit?

a bientot...

Joan

Yes, <i>tomates farçies</i> are easy to heat up -- but make sure they stay long enough so that the center is not cold.

Yum! If I'm not mistaken that is the same shop/delicatesen featured in my EyeWitness guide. When we passed by the shop some years ago I immediately recognised the elderly gent behind the counter and showed him the photo in my guide - he nodded in acknowledgement!

Hope your lunch/dinner was divine. What was in the 'farcie' part of the tomatoes? Tuna?

Just chatted with Gina live! Never done that....was incredible!

Hope the weather is kind tomorrow.......

Hi tod....yes it was good. I have a picture:

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_0001-26.jpg

I'm not sure of the stuffing, but it must have been something that walked on four legs! t was very good, as was the soup. I bought some good bread across the street and had a great meal.

Yes, the chat is fun. I have done it a few times with Gina and with others.

Temperatures are staying relatively mild..rather grey out.

a bientot...

Joan

The stuffing is ground pork + onion + spices.

And in fact, I'm making all that from scratch tonight! :)

Thank you kerouac..I thought it might be pork. Did I give you the idea for it tonight?

Davoli is great to have in the neighborhood.

a bientot..

Joan

Hi Joan, could you kindly check for us if the Catacombs have been reopened? Thanks very much!

All I can find is that it is closed indefinitely! I al going for a walk that way and will see what I can find out for you..if there is any other news.

Joan

Received a message from Sue..she finally arrived home. Her reeturn was via Amsterdam. She said she would never do that again!

She said shuttle Inter promptly picked her up at 7. She was glad she had them as the taxis went on strike yesterday. They made a traffic mess blocking lanes all over. A mess around the airport! Maybe another good reason to add to the list of why we use them.

a bientot,

Joan

Hi, Joan!
You're up early in Paris, and I am still up here in Pgh.!

Just to chime in about Shuttle-Inter: we used them for the RT to and from CDG again in Oct., and our rush hour Monday morning trip into Paris took 1.5 hrs. I can't imagine what the taxi fee would have been for that length of time. I was really glad we had a locked in fare of 55 euro.

Have another fun day in Paris!

Hi Sue,
Time for you to go to bed!

Sue had one long trip home. She said going via Amsterdam is a definite no, no!

The strking taxi drivers made a mess all around the airport and traffic in general. She was so glad to have shuttle inter.

I can't imagine what your taxi charge would have been for 1.5 hrs!

I don't know about taxis today. I don't use them!

a bientot...

Joan

Here's what Sue had to say about her departure to airport:

Hi Joan

Just a short note to let you know the shuttle was there exactly at 7 to pick me up. they are great. it was a weird day as the taxis went on strike today some time// it is confusing so i did not ask much. many,many police cars at the airport . some taxis were dring at 3 miles per hour to slow traffic up and make it difficult to navigate.

***** ****** ***** *****

Spring Followers:

I was by there today and they have a little boutique down the street. I went there. Daniel not in today..but..tomorrow evening a wine tasting. I will be there, and have made dining reservations at Au Gourmand..a favorite spot..for after.

Opening date of new Spring..probably late March!!!

I will be leaving 12/14, but returning 1/25 and will be here til 3/4, probably. I can check on it at that time and perhaps make some reservations for some of you!!

I am also previewing the Cote de Provence this weekend for those interested in that!!

Off to lunch at Petite Sud Ouest.

a bientot......

Joan

Hi Joan,

Thanks for the Spring update. We don't go until September 2010 so I'm hoping Daniel is well up and running by then. I can't wait to see his new place!

I'm so happy you are having such a wonderful trip. Your generous postings are keeping so many of us going, lol. Thank you again for taking time out of your vacation to keep us updated. We are all loving it!

Jo

I don't know what your plans are for lunch today, but I would strongly recommend what I had

Brouillade aux truffes
(scrambled eggs with black truffles)

Salade de Chevre Chaud
(salade with hot goat cheese)

Verre de Cahors
(Cahors wine)

Cafe Creme

I ate the whole thing, too!!

You see the scrambled eggs with black truffes often..they vary a bit in preparation. This salad is excellent. The hot goat chees in on a slice of toasted bread, excellent dressing..a really good combination.

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/j...t=7be2ba71.pbw

Enjoy your lunch....

a bientot...

Joan

To clarify: sueb08 and I are two different "Sues".

Yes, Sue, I was thinking of that when I posted that Sue just left and arrived home safely.

Joan

<i>Thank you kerouac..I thought it might be pork. Did I give you the idea for it tonight?</i>

Actually, I had stuffed tomatoes on my agenda for this week, but your delightful photo moved them up in the queue. On top of that, I bought a yellow bell pepper and stuffed it too.

kerouac,

I bet the yellow bell pepper was good, too.

I had a great meal at au Petite Sud Ouest today..the Bourdonnais location..just down the street from me. Have you ever tried it?

Joan

I fear that my restaurant budget rarely ventures beyond 20€ per person, so I don't think we're playing in the same league. :)