Thanks for the joy, Gruezi! Have un voyage magnifique!

Hi Everyone,

I had a wonderful, heavenly 10 days in Paris. Thanks for all the good wishes. After I unpack my boxes from our move I will write a trip report and also report back here on the apartment.

I am missing Paris A LOT right now... I think I belong there permanently. It feels more like home to me than anywhere else!

sigh...

gruezi

Welcome back. Can't wait to hear all about your trip. I know what you mean about Paris as I always feel as if I have come home when I'm there. I wonder what it is that so enchants.

You can add me to that list - Paris always feels like home to me too. Glad you had such a nice time, gruezi. EJ

Now my apartment review... Trip report to follow under separate thread.

Acacia on the Ile St. Louis through Guest Apartment Services:

<b>Pluses:</b>

LOVED the location - perfect for me and close to just about everything I wanted to do. Lots of great restaurants and cafes right there in the neighborhood. Would definitely return to this neighborhood. Grocery right around the corner and wonderful cafe (Flore en L'Ile) on the other corner where I spent lots of hours watching the world go by while eating wonderful things and being treated royally.

The apartment was situated right on the Seine with a view to Notre Dame on the right and La Tour D'Argent off to the left across the river and at night the Eiffel Tower could be seen twinkling in the distance. Barges and rivercruises passed by and street music drifted up to the tiny balcony perfect for one (or maybe 2 small people).

Spacious studio with everything needed to set up basic home and kitchen.

Lovely bathroom even if paint was peeling.

Linens and towels were of good quality and plentiful.


<b>Minuses:</b>

The apartment above was under construction so the windows in my apartment were very dirty. I cleaned them myself after a few days as it was bugging me.

There was a waste chute in front of one of the two French windows so no view from there and LOTS of noise during the days.

When I saw the managing agents on Wednesday they generously offered to move me to another apt on Thursday and also gave me a 10% discount. But, the other apartment did not offer the same view and I was already pretty settled in with food, wine, flowers etc and opted not to do this. As my husband wisely pointed out, by the time I packed and moved it was just to have quiet on Friday and Monday since I was leaving early Tuesday morning. On Monday afternoon the garbage chute came down and the whole apartment just felt a lot better.

Lastly, the apartment could use a painting and perhaps a little less (or smaller) furniture. The apartment rents for maximum 2 but the dining table which sits next to the bed has 5 chairs. It just felt a little crowded even when I moved some of the chairs around.

I received my deposit back within a week of returning home so very efficient. I also used the limo service to the airport which was very convenient. Price was 70 Euro. I needed the help with my luggage on the stairs so it was worth it just for that. The recommendations for dining and shopping etc. in the apartment were very helpful.

If you have questions let me know.

And Tom definitely remembered the Paytons from Wisconsin when I passed on regards!

Okay... I'll write a short but dense trip report in the next week or two. Mostly where I ate and what great art I saw if that sort of thing interests you...

Was a wonderful time, a salve to jangled nerves and weary emotions.

Thanks to all here who shared in the planning. You are all so very nice.

gruezi

do write a trip report!

So happy to hear that Tom remembered us. I'm surprised because they have so many guests through the service.

So sorry to hear about the inconveniences of the apt. We thoroughly enjoyed HIBISCUS. I must agree about the location on St.Louis en Isle. We talk often about changing it up a bit in another location, but the isle keeps calling us back.

I will be looking forward to the rest of your trip report. I'm always interested in food & art.

I can just picture you relaxing at Flore en L'ile watching the world go by.

I can just picture you relaxing at Flore en L'ile watching the world go by.>

Yes...

Going over to read your report, but first I had to say, man I hate finding out I've rented an apartment in a construction zone. It has happened several times and it's very disappointing not to be informed in advance. Luckily, no major trauma in any instance, but definitely not what I thought I'd arranged and paid for. Peace and quiet are usually very important to me on vacation.