StCirq, thanks for the book recommendation. Something like that is needed to add a little spice to an already pretty good mix of things to do and see.

Yes, two full days of musuems, walking and shopping - and you would still have to move pretty steady with no extended stops.

I guess the real solution is to just rent an apartment for a month so you can really appreciate so many fine things.

The site of St-Germain des Près has had religious significance since Roman times, when there was a statue of Isis on the spot where the church stands today.
The first church was built there in 544, to house sacred relics the Clovingians stole from the Visigoths.In the 800s, Norsemen repeatedly sacked the church to try to recover the relics, but the relics had been returned to Spain. The church was left in ruins until the 11th century, when it was rebuilt. The central bell tower is still standing and is the oldes "church structure" in Paris.

Pierre de Montreuil, who built La Sainte-Chapelle, built the delicate Chapel of the Virgin within the abbey of St-Germain, beginning in 1245. You can still see remnants of the chapel on two walls of the garden.

elaine, thanks for the feedback. I'm adding interesting snippets of info to the list as we go.

Try this website for The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

http://www.chapellenotredamedelameda...e.com/EN/a.asp

Degas, the renovated and covered Marché Saint Germain (rue Lobineau 6e, metro Mabillon), just north of the eastern end of the Eglise Saint Germain des Prés, has a huge array of produce and prepared food.

I know you hate to spend your hard-earned money in fancy restaurants.

degas, here's another one: Madeleine Gely. 218 bd. St-Germain. Metro: Rue du Bac is the queen of walking sticks. François Mitterrand used to buy here and it also has dazzling range of umbrellas.

Just the thing for a dashing man about town.

I "stole" this one from barb's recent trip report:

Lunch at Cafe Mabillon at the corner of Rue de Seine and Blvd. St. Germain was another perfect spot for a little lunch and people watching. Very tasty Croque "jeune homme" and a 1/2 bottle of chardonnay Terrier 20.30 E., but again worth it to watch the maddening crowds.

Or for a man dashing about town

Degas, on another thread, I took the liberty of saying that 'I know you'..please forgive my presumptuousness~

Scarlett, you could never, never do anything wrong in my blood-shot eyes! I'm going to buy a paint by good numbers set this week and get started on your Xmas present.

I've exercised great self-control and refrained from jumping in with both big, flat feet on "that other thread."

The nerve and unmidagated gall of some
low-life ..... .

When you go to St. Sulpice - don't forget to look for the button on the wall which turns the spotlight on the de la Croix.

We also loved Cafe Mabillon. Kick back kinda place - with a lot of energy. (Does that make sense?) Great people watching place - we liked it better than Deux Magots, etc...

If your day in the 6eme happens to be a Sunday, there is a very lively Mass at L'Eglise St Germain des Pres on Sunday evenings that is especially for students/young professionals. We enjoyed it very much.

The procope is ok for it's history. I liked dining on the wrought iron balcony, but the food is not very good.

Here's another vote for the Café Mabillon. Years ago, when we asked Parisian friends what their favorite place to sit and people-watch in Paris was, they said Café Mabillon, and we've been dévotées ever since.
We actually never ate there, so I can't vouch for the food, but it's a great place to sit and watch the Parisian world go by.

Dear Degas,
concerning your trip in St-Germain Area, I can advise you to go to the hotel Central Saint Germain: http://www.centralstgermain.com/index.english.html . I went there a few months ago because it was the less expensive of this area (the hotels are quite expensive there). It is comfortable and clean.
You're right, this area is really interesting and fantastic during the evening. I think some music groups are playing music.
Good choice!!!
Have a nice trip!

Thank you degas for starting this post; dh and I are leaving friday for a week visit, we are staying at relais christine and intended to have a relaxed week so I am printing this thread...... We also would like to see a few plays in smaller theaters, is it safe to wait until we get there to reserve ? We will take 2 day trips, one in Fontainebleau and I'm still undecided about the 2nd one, any recommendations?
Relais Christine has a spa, has anyone ever used it or is there a spa in that area that is worth trying ? thanks

Thanks again for all the additional info, both big and small - this thing is really starting to shape up.

Glad to see some folks are all ready finding it useful. Plan to post one today on the Marais area.

Degas: Le Mabillon was my favorite early afternoon lunch, wine and outdoor cafe/people watching experience. The food was good and the service was exceptional. It was a comfortable spot to relax among (mostly) locals. (This is as of my trip to Paris in February & March of 2003).

My favorite dinner spot in the neighborhood was/is(?)located just east of the Buci market on rue St Andres des Artes (about 2 blocks east of rue Dauphine). My bills say "Latin St Andres". This is a delightful, bustling bistrot. The food was not the best I've ever eaten, but the atmosphere and efflorescence make me smile, even today. This place, too, was packed with locals. After I'd been away from Paris for a week and then returned, the head server waved to me emphatically as I walked by on the other side of the street. Of course I ate there again that night. These two restaurants are like "coming home".

I'm looking forward to your plans for the Marais. Thanks. Beth

Your list is absolutely wonderful. The area you discuss is my very favorite in Paris. We always stay in St-Germaine and I thought we had covered nearly everything but I am newly inspired. A few of our favorites although most are covered here: the Cafe Bonaparte on the Place St-Germaine del Pres, behind Deux Magots, is wonderful for breakfast and the best for people watching; Luxembourg Gardens is lovely on early Sunday morning - and people were allowed on some of the grassy areas when we were there in May; we still love L'Epi Dupin for dinner even though some think it is too crowded; and don't miss the always clever and provocative display windows at Sonia Rykiel (sp) on the corner of Rue des St.Peres and Blvd. St-Germaine. I will print your list for our May trip.

Degas - I also plan to do one area a day while in Paris, and have copied both of your walks for use in November. They look great. Anyone have suggestions on the best walk for a Sunday - Latin Quarter or St. Germain or another area?

Hi Donna,

I was wondering how to post this when you came up with "Anyone have suggestions on the best walk for a Sunday..".

Make reservations for Sunday Brunch at the Musee Jacquemart-Andre (http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/jandre/, visit the museum, take a walk through the Parc Monceau and the surrounding neighborhood (on rue Daru is the Russian cathedral Saint Alexander Nevsky, open (I think) at 3:00 PM), then down Ave Hoche to the Arc de Triomphe. From there, it's down the Champs Elysee to Place Concord.

Ira - The Musee Jacquemart-Andre does look interesting. I can see I am going to have to do a search on the best "walking maps" so I can follow these great suggestions. Thanks, Donna