Paris Trip Report
 

My flight was on time and it even pulled up to the new terminal..no bus!!! What a difference! Surprise, surprise, I had 3 seats to myself!!

My granddaughter and husband were not as lucky. They flew TPA/EWR/CDG. Their plane out of EWR had aproblem and they had to sit on it for 3 hours while it was being repaired.

We had a driver meeting us. He told me of heir problem. I said I would not wait, they could be picked up later. I got to my apt. about 9:30, the kids about 12:30.

Got them settled in, we took a walk, had a nice salad lunch nearby. We then went to the Monnaie Museum and picked up their Museum Passes. Then to the Odeon Metro station for a carnet for them.We wandered around the St. Germaine area and back to apt. for some scheduling their Museum day one, today. They will have a busy day. They are doing the Louvre Introductory Tour..a good one for first timers.

Our apartment is great..roomy for all. Obviously, internet connections. We both brought laptops.

I had made early dining reservations at La Regalade. Their first Metro ride. We enjoyed it. Yes, tables are close. Did not seem to bother anyone. By 8:30 the place was full. I think we were the only non-French.I had excellent Seabass, a delicious foie gras/asparagus soup and an apple crum with caraamel ice cream dessert. We had a coupe de champagne...a good start.

a bientot

Glad you had an easy flight and 3 seats to boot. Asparagus soup and sea bass.....you've inspired me, I think that's what we'll have for dinner tonight Here in Hartford, CT.

Seafox..

but you have to add that foie gras to the asparagus soup!!

Great start to your trip. Are you staying in one of the Parisian Flats this time around?

Good idea to buy the museum pass at the money museum. Convenient and not crowded.

Yes, I am staying in the Parisian flat rue Dauphine and then will move to a Paris Perfect on the 23rd when the "kids" leave.

Yes, re their Museum Passes..get them at whichever is nearby to where you are staying..and..preferably a smaller one. Walked in a purchased them, just like that!!

They had their list all made out for ones they wanted to cover today..and this was after their early morning walk!! A longer list than I would tackle..but I do get museumed out rather quickly!

We went to Boulangerie Paul for breakfast...a good place to go!!

I decided to take in Cherche Midi and then on to Bon Marche..that was not a good idea!! It is cold! The wind gets to you. Spring has not arrived..it is winter coats, wool hats and scarves! April is one of the months that I have not been to Paris previously. I have rented a place for a month mid April-mid May next year. I think I will pack differently..then next year will be an early Spring!!

Confirmed Friday evening dinner reservations.

Lots of things to do this afternoon.

Our apt. does have the free long distance phone call service..a nice feature..will call the US one of these days!! They also have internet connection..

a bientot.........

Sorry to hear about the trouble out of EWR, especially since Mom and I will be taking that flight next Thursday. We also fly TPA/EWR/CDG. Hoping for better results than your granddaughter.

Keep the reports coming. I love this stuff! :)

Excellent start gracejoan!

What & where is the Monnaie Museum?

Museum of the French Mint and Treasury.

The Hotel des Monnais (museum) is on the corner of Quai de Conti and rue Guenegaud.

The TPA/EWR/CDG flights had been doing well timewise. Their flight the pilot heard some sort of grinding noise while taxiing out, finally went back in and the passengers heard all this pounding and drilling going on before they got in line again. The pilot then told them they they were about 35th in line..he said he was briding the tower with a dinner to move him up in line..it seemed to work, as they took off shortly thereafter!

I don't know how many of you like to have a driver waiting with your name on a sign when you exit with your luggage...I sure do, after that flight. The one I used this time is a great one..nice, nice and reliable and reasonable, so I think...55 euros for 1, 65 euros for 2. Here is their site, if you are interested:www.shuttle-inter.com
Presently pay cash..they are working on CC.

a bientot..........

The word was bribing, not briding..sorry about that...........

Thanks for bringing us along on your vacation in Paris, fun to share it with you.

Seeing that you seem to be enjoying..let me tell you a bit more re Boulangerie Paul for breakfast...it is on the corner of Buci and Seine...it has a restaurant, serves lunch, too. Anyway grandaughter's husband ordered a cheese omelet..I think they had like 5 choices...8.50...I couldn't believe it..enough for two...huge portion of fluffy eggs, and large pile of salad greens, some tomatoes..really surprising! They have many other locations, too.

Hi gracejoan. Thanks for the report. My mom and I are heading to Paris (6th district, as well) on Tuesday.

I'm glad you mentioned the weather. I wasn't sure what to expect in late April. I wasn't planning to bring my scarf and gloves, but maybe I should. Is it cold enough to use up valuable suitcase space for them?

You report has me very excited for my trip! :)

gracejoan,

Enjoying your report! I'll be in Paris with my mom later this year and looking forward to reading more about your trip! :)

Shelly M,

I don't think you need gloves, but I would bring a scarf...I bought one today (10 euros)..haved a zillion at home...I wish I had brought a heavier coat. What I brought is a Talbot (Nordstrom seems to always have similar) nice black, car coat length, hooded raincoat like, that zips into itself. I wore it. I also have a nice reversible coat velveten on one side and a raincoat type on othr side..I almost brought that..now wish I had. Next year either that or my carcoat length Coldwater Creek leather with zip out lining. April is a tricky month!!

Shelly M,

Where will you and your mother be staying??

I was waiting to hear this!
Have a wonderful time on Saturday.
Give my best to all!

Thanks for the info! Last time I was there it was the first week of April, and I froze the entire time. I'm a Florida girl, so it doesn't take much to make me cold.

Since we are also going to Rome, and it's a bit warmer, I am packing everything from short sleeve t-shirt to quadruple layers, so hopefully I'll be covered for all weather situations. I got out my scarf, but I'll leave the gloves at home.

We're staying in a VIP studio apartment on rue Gregoire de Tours (near Odeon). We are really looking forward to getting there. I've been planning since last June, and I can't believe it's finally here.

Shelly M

You will be very nearby.

GraceJoan, glad your trip is going well. We leave May 3 so hope it warms up! We were there once in April and it was sunny but cool. OUr last two trips were May-lovely warm weather. Hope I didn't just curse myself!
Eagerly awaiting your restaurant reviews!!

Gracejoan 3

That has just brought back memories for me.

We were in Paris with our two children last August and used to go there for breakfast.

As it was near our hotel we would pass it on the way home from our night out, peer through the window, and watch the baker make the breads, rolls and cakes for the next day. It was fascinating and strangely addictive. Quite a crowd used to gather much to the amusement of the baker himself!

d'Orsay only had first floor open today...some worker strikes. Hope it is not catching!!

Oh, I hope the d'Orsay's not shut down. That is my one and only must-see on this trip.

BTW, we actually have a Paul in one of our local shopping areas. They have articles posted in their store about the original in Paris, but I thought it was just marketing hooey. How exciting to be able to try the real thing.

I told my mom to pack her scarf. Thanks again for the up-to-the-minute info.

Dejais-
I am on the TPA-NWR-CDG flight next Thursday also! See you there (and now I'll be taking a heavier coat-thanks!).

Just home from dinner. We had reservations at La Ferrandaise on Vaugirard. We walked..about 15 minutes..or less.

We really enjoyed it..nice , nice people. They just kept bringing things out. Had an entre of skewered scallops and mangoes...very good..a main of Bresse chicken and cabbage wrapped something with soy nuts...really, very good. Dessert was rum baba with grapes and whatever..very edible....

Total for 3..128.50 with glasses of wine, etc. Definitely a return place.

When/if I hear more on the strike, I will post it. These things usually end pretty fast..usually,
that is!

a bientot.........

Gracejoan...Scallops and mangoes...oh my. That is right up my alley. Loving your report from Paris. And the weather ifno is a plus. I have been really concerned because while it is cold now, it does appear to be warming up when we arrive. Or so says weather.com. I will keep an eye on your report. We have rethought our packing twice now and are trying to go for more layers....t shirt, light sweater, jacket. Who knows? I fgure whatever I pack, it will turn out wrong anyway. :(

Clio...Oh, you will have to look for us. I have never met another Fodorite. We need a secret signal. LOL

I just looked at the extended foecast..nothing great. I will be here til the 3oth. By then, Spring may have arrived!!

It is not the same as last year, and who knows for next year!!

I easily could have brought a different coat..you carry it/wear it on the flight, so makes little difference. I always have a black cashmere cardigan. A scarf that can cover the situation...a Pashmina should do the trick.Just layerred clothing, is about all you can say..........

Dejais-

A signal, funny! I'll carry a copy of the Fodor's guide to Paris with a yellow rose in it, you wear a red beret and carry a baguette... LOL. I'll be meeting up with my parents in Newark, they're coming in from Nashville.

Dejais and Clio:

Are you all staying in the 6th? Maybe we'll bump into each other at Paul.

You'll know me by the look of confusion and the constant muttering of, "Je ne parle pas français!"

Shelly_m:

We're in an apartment in the 7th near Invalides. I'll be the one rehearsing aloud with my parents "Ou est les toilettes?" As dismal as my high school French is I'm way ahead of the parental units...

For my last trip to France 5 years ago they gave me an electronic translator called a "Lingo". It has a hilarious section on social phrases. Now I have a handy pocket reference for how to say "You have the most beautiful lips I've ever seen" and "Would you like to come back to my hotel tonight?" Priceless!

gracejoan - our dinner tonight was great sans foi gras, but good none the less!

Now, tell me more about the scallops with mangos. I need to do a small dinner party (6) on Saturday and that sounds lovely. i'm thinking a simple salad, jasmine rice, pan fried scallops and a sauce of pureed mango and perhaps a liquor (and butter of course) in the sauce.....

Funny! My mom (who is coming with me) and dad gave me an electronic translator, as well. By the time I find what I want to say, the person to whom I am trying to speak will be long gone down the road.

These last few days are going to be tortuous. I have everything planned, sorted, organized, and ready to go. I just need to sort out the hubby and kids, at this point. When I finally step foot on that plane, I will be so happy.

gracejoan:

Please keep posting tomorrow. It's great to hear what's going on over there at this exact moment. A person can only look at Eiffel Tower webcams for so long. ;)

Hi gracejoan3 - I'm so glad I read your report. We're leaving for Paris on April 30th for 9 days and I now think I may take my leather jacket. I wasn't going to take a coat before I read your report, but it sounds like a good idea now. Thanks for the tips!

shellym...We are staying in an apartment in the 1st/2nd. Right near Saint Eustache church. I normally stay in the 7th but decided to venture out to another area this time. And I thought I was the only one wearing out the Eiffel Tower webcam!

Seafox...That dinner sounds heavenly. I am definitely going to have to search for some mango puree recipes now.

Clio...After I posted that I got to thinking....wait...there are quite a few flights to EWR that day. I'll be looking and you'll probably have already left. LOL

Gracejoan...Sorry to get off the subject of YOUR trip. :) Keep the posts coming. They are obviously saving our sanity until we all leave.

Seafox...glad your meal turned out well. My scallops and mango was only an appetizer. Scallops and pieces of mango on skewers..a nice sauce. I'm not a cook to be able to describe ingredients. Your idea sounds great..I'm sure it will be.

It seems the strike people are the kiosk/information people who seem to be annoyed! They can shut down the large museums!! Perhaps it will be over today....or...it can make others decide to join them!!c'est la vie!!

a bientot.......

Definitely warmer today! Just had breakfast at Paul's. Some possible showers.
Kids are off for their day at the museums.

I did a bit of marche shopping.

I am meeting friends later and the real estate person for previewing a place I have rented for a month next April/May along with another apt. in the same complex.

Will do some Grands Mag. or Opera shopping after that...

A big evening planned for the very charming Au Gourmand restaurant on rue Moliere.

a bientot..........

I see you've discovered the boulangerie Paul, which can be a good place for a quick coffee and croissant, but I would recommend that you try out Laduree on the Champs Elysées : http://www.eat-out.net/restaurant-pa...178551-laduree

Its a bit pricey, but it's a wonderful place for a tea or coffee and you should try their Macaroons, they're delicious. Be sure to get there early though or you could be in for a wait

Dejais-
I'm on the 3:30 out of Tampa. I think the Paris leg leaves at 8 something.

Our breakfast are for convenience..Paul's in this area is large and most certainly does as we want it to do..

Angelina's etc are not what we are looking for..

Great dahy...previewed some places...went to Le Meurice Dali Bar for light finger sandwiches, wine etc. lat...now getting ready for a lovely evening at Au Gourmand..

a bientot