Hi again....I've been doing some more research, and I wonder if anyone can comment on these restaurants/bistros: <BR> <BR>Le Bouchons de Francois Clerc <BR> <BR>La Table d'Anvers (in Monmartre) <BR>Le6 Bosquet <BR>Le Bar au Sel <BR> <BR>Also, my father is treating me to lunch in Paris (my splurge meal), and I have read such wonderful things about Taillevant. Can I have lunch there for about $150.00? Has anyone eaten there since the new chef has taken over? <BR> <BR>Sorry...LOL..one more thing,but not necessarily restaurant driven.For some reason, I am very interested in Montmartre.I really want to stroll the area. However, I have heard it is very touristy. Does anyone have any suggestions about where to avoid the tourist traps (I know Place du Tertre is one)..any interesting areas in Monmartre to seek out? <BR> <BR>Thanks alot! <BR>betsy <BR>

Momarte is a nice place to visit but I <BR>wouldn't want to live there!!! Try the <BR>5th or 6th for nice hotels and many <BR>nice places to eat.

Thanks Andy....but I am only interested in Montmartre to explore.I have already booked my hotel on Ile St. Louis, which I know from experience is a wonderful place to stay. <BR> <BR>Actually, I intend to sign up for a walk in Montmartre with Paris Walks. They do other fascinating walks which I would definitely seek out were I staying longer.. <BR> <BR>betsy

Betsy, I was @ Monmarte this past Friday. Yes the area is touristy, but most every area you would like to see in Paris is as well. I personally love the area. If you go by metro get off @ the Pigalle station & either take the little tram to the top or if you are in good shape walk up. If you like mussels, fixed any you can imagine, Leon's is across from the metro is great & reasonable. Momarte offers a fantastic view of Paris & with artist, mimes, musicians etc. the hole area is like a small carnival. The shopping & food is touristy but fun & Sacre Coure Church is very beautiful. Go & enjoy, we did for the 3rd time.

Definitely sign up for the Montmartre walk. Your instincts are correct. The only area of Montmartre that is touristy and excessively so is the Place du Tertre at the top of the hill. Montmartre is much much more than that single square and is a wonderful, albeit uphill, place to discover through walking. Years ago, I did my own walk using the Michelin proposed itinerary. I fell in love with this incredibly evocative area and I'm sure you will too.

If you are going to be in Paris very long and want more than the main tourist things, you should definitely get the Michelin green guide. As I recall, their description of the Montmartre area is fine for exploring, as Carol suggested. I'm sure there are some in other Paris walking tour books, also, I'm not very familiar with others, Michelin is my bible. Place du Tertre is the only touristy area except there is the sleazy porno etc area down towards the boulevards (place Pigalle to Place Clichy), but you probably know that. Montmartre has its own WEBsite, actually, you may want to peruse (www.paris18.net). They don't seem to have a good walking tour plan on their but they have extensive info of history etc on all the streets, it's just tedious to pull down the screens for each one individually. Some of these WEBpage designers are a little too enamored of frames and little screens and buttons IMO. If you really want something more, there is a decent book on the subject, a large coffee-table size trade paper by Terrail pub.; I bought their one for Montparnasse as that's my favorite area, and they also have one for Montmartre (title "Montmartre, the Heydey of Modern Art 1860-... or something like that, Sylvie Buisson main author/editor). It's got history and great photos and illustrations. YOu can get it at Amazon.com, for example, for about $22. I collect French and English books on French architecture, art, history and music, and I think that's the only good one available translated into English specifically on Montmartre with good illustrations.

I forgot, here's another good Montmartre WEBsite, I think it has more history and the other one is more for local residents: www.montmartrenet.com/indexb.html

Thanks for all of your repsonses. I think Montmartre will be one of the highlights of my trip. I am looking forward to seeing Paris's only vineyard, et. al... I don't have the Green Michelin, but I do have this excellent new book on Paris..part of the AAA Spriral series, and the new Lonely Planet book,etc.....and they are both wonderful guides with terrific maps. <BR> <BR>betsy

Le Bouchons de Francois Clerc <BR> <BR>They are all good with good service and excellent value for the money. My favorite is the one in the 5th for the decor (in an old cellar). <BR> <BR>Le Bar au Sel - good for fish! You might also try the Bistro du Dome, excellent for fish and a great value. <BR> <BR>PS Montmatre is beautiful! Enjoy. Avoid the Place du Tetre (unless you want to see some of the tackiest art imaginable). The best metro stop is Anvers.

Thanks Francesca.....your recommendations sound good! <BR> <BR>betsy