paris trip report
 

Here is my third try at a posting. Hope it works this time. Thanks to all who provided assistance in planning--we had a great time.<BR><BR>We stayed at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles, 75 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005, 01-43-26-79-23. Quiet, good location, one block from Cardinal Lemoine metro station, helpful staff, lift. Larger room overlooking courtyard is 690 Francs (100 less for smaller room)<BR><BR>Had good meals at the following moderate restaurants:<BR>Le Coude Fou, 12 rue du Bourg-Tibourg, 75004, 01-42-77-15-16<BR>Le Cafe Marly, Palais du Louvre<BR>Le Soleil, 109 Av Michelet, 01-40-10-08-08 (metro pte de clignancourt)<BR>Brasserie Bofinger's, 5-7 rue de la Bastille, 75004, 01-42-87-82<BR><BR>Highlights included tour of Louvre and Orsay with American artist Michael ($60 for all day!, [email protected]), view from Samarataine store, taxi past Arc du Triomphe at night, chocolate eclair from Hediard, chocolate fondant dessert and warm goat cheese salad from Le Coude Fou, green bean and foie gras salad from Le Soleil, La Bayadere ballet at Bastille (booked through www.ticketavenue.com), Alexander Gruss circus, haircut at Peter Gadge (husband loves my cut, I love color and highlights), and the friendliness of Parisians. <BR><BR>Hints: USE MONEY BELT (husband had someone grope his ankles on subway), use subway, learn a few phrases of French (got big smiles when we tried although not necessary to speak French), ATMs, green cross above door marks pharmacies; book hotel, ballet/opera tickets (preferably at Opera Garnais) and best restaurants as soon as you know you are going (we had almost 24 hours of lousy food due to lack of reservations).

Can I ask how much it cost for a haircut and highlighting in a Paris salon? I would love to try the experience.

It was a real Parisian experience--FIVE hours for color, highlights, two shampoos and cut. I am guessing around $100 for all of that--have to find the receipt.<BR><BR>Got the recommendation from Rachel Kaplan's Best Buys to French Chic in Paris (available on the internet for $15).<BR><BR>

Olivia, How did you book for Hotel des Grandes Ecoles by telephone or email address or fax? I have heard so many good things about this hotel. Will be in Paris in May with my daughter. Is breakfast included ? Also does it have airconditioning? Thanks, Mary Anne Cook

Breakfast is separate--I think 40 Francs each. I was worried about being too cold and we were very warm in the room. I emailed AND called to book the hotel. The direct phone call was really cheap (30-40 Cents) and they found someone who spoke English. A written confirmation was sent to me via email. We also called just before we left to ask that they book restaurant reservations for us. In regards to AC--check the website for sure but I think they do have it.