S'il Vous Plaît ... What are your top five Parisian Pleasures?
Feb 16th, 2008, 03:33 PM
#21
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1 - Dinner cruise on the River Seine
2 - Eiffel Tower at night, especially when it flashes
3 - The Musee D'Orsay
4 - Walking along the River Seine and looking at some of the art
5 - Windowshopping along French streets
2 - Eiffel Tower at night, especially when it flashes
3 - The Musee D'Orsay
4 - Walking along the River Seine and looking at some of the art
5 - Windowshopping along French streets
Feb 16th, 2008, 04:31 PM
#23
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How do I love Paris, let me count the ways!
Landing at CDG and hearing French even if I can't understand it.
Walking the streets and seeing an amazing church and not being able to find it in the guide book because it is just another church to the French.
Six hundred million kinds of cheese to be eaten with amazing bread and with the wines!!!
Sainte Chappelle's stained glass windows, the basement room at the Musee Marmottan with all those Monets and enough space to see them from close up and far awake, turning around to look for my husband at the Louvre and finding him standing awestruck looking at Charlemagne's sword.
Markets and the care the French take with their food-you know how the grocery stores pyramid the oranges here? I saw bing cherries like that in Paris.
The Metro and how they tell you when the next two trains with arrive!
Sitting in the sun at our favorite restaurant eating oysters and drinking wine in March no less.
I will stop now and let other add their thoughts. I can only say that we won't be going to Paris this year and I am not happy.
Landing at CDG and hearing French even if I can't understand it.
Walking the streets and seeing an amazing church and not being able to find it in the guide book because it is just another church to the French.
Six hundred million kinds of cheese to be eaten with amazing bread and with the wines!!!
Sainte Chappelle's stained glass windows, the basement room at the Musee Marmottan with all those Monets and enough space to see them from close up and far awake, turning around to look for my husband at the Louvre and finding him standing awestruck looking at Charlemagne's sword.
Markets and the care the French take with their food-you know how the grocery stores pyramid the oranges here? I saw bing cherries like that in Paris.
The Metro and how they tell you when the next two trains with arrive!
Sitting in the sun at our favorite restaurant eating oysters and drinking wine in March no less.
I will stop now and let other add their thoughts. I can only say that we won't be going to Paris this year and I am not happy.
Feb 16th, 2008, 08:26 PM
#24
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I just returned from 5 days in Paris to celebrate my daughters 16th bday - I had lots of advice from this column - The weather was perfect, the sun was shining - it could not have been more perfect. I highly recommend Paris in January! No crowds anywhere yet still very beautiful. My daughter and friend loved the stained glass at St. Chappelle .. followed by the Conciergere. We all became very interested in history after our visit there - I highly recommend it. Someone had recommended a taxi ride down by the Arch de Triomphe . We did that for my daughters birthday and it was very special. The best 20 euros I spent the entire trip. The taxi drove slowly and allowed us to take photos.. it was cold and dark and we were moving hotels so we elected not to walk. I also agree about the food. My daughter lists one of her top two as eating crepes on every corner.. and bread and cheese as well. Have a wonderful time. Paris is fabulous and I can't wait to return.
Feb 16th, 2008, 09:07 PM
#26
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I think Paris may be one of the few places in the world where people return to, year after year, and never tire of it. I know I never do.
Everything that's been said is also favorite of mine, and so I'll just add:
1. Finding old Sotheby's Art catalogues at that wonderful bookstore in the Passage Jouffrey (9th arr.)
2. Wandering around Pere Lachaise and eating at Chez Paul aferwrards.
3. Discovering new neighborhoods every trip.
4. Free concerts at St.Eustache.
5. The garden at the Rodin Museum when the tulips are in bloom.
Enjoy!
Everything that's been said is also favorite of mine, and so I'll just add:
1. Finding old Sotheby's Art catalogues at that wonderful bookstore in the Passage Jouffrey (9th arr.)
2. Wandering around Pere Lachaise and eating at Chez Paul aferwrards.
3. Discovering new neighborhoods every trip.
4. Free concerts at St.Eustache.
5. The garden at the Rodin Museum when the tulips are in bloom.
Enjoy!
Feb 16th, 2008, 09:52 PM
#27
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1. The food! *sigh* Crepes, baguettes, cheeses, ice cream, macarons, chocolates, croissants and pains au chocolats, and the amazing restaurant meals to boot. Wonderful coffee and wine too.
2. The museums! I'm not a huge art lover, but it is almost impossible not to be enchanted by the Orsay or the Louvre. The Louvre itself is a work of art, just beautiful to wander through, in amazement at its beauty and grandness. Also enjoyed seeing the Orangerie, Notre Dame, and Sainte Chappelle. (Didn't love the Rodin or Invalides, but they're worth checking out too.)
3. The CITY. It's so beautifully laid out, and the archetiture everywhere is gorgeous. The lights at night are nothing short of magical - there is a unique quality to the Parisian lights (somehow warmer than usual) that must be seen to be truly appreciated. The bridges and quais are lovely, the monuments magnificent.
4. The shopping. Ohhhhhhh. Diptyque for the best candles and soaps you will ever find. Pierre Marcolini (and lots of others) for chocolate. Mariage Freres for high-end teas, Serge Lutens, Chanel, Guerlain, Jean Patou, Annick Goutal, L'Artisan, and more for perfumes, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world.
5. How wonderful of a walking city it is, despite its size, and how fabulous the Metro is for when you tire of walking-and-gaping.
Bonus: the language and people-watching!
2. The museums! I'm not a huge art lover, but it is almost impossible not to be enchanted by the Orsay or the Louvre. The Louvre itself is a work of art, just beautiful to wander through, in amazement at its beauty and grandness. Also enjoyed seeing the Orangerie, Notre Dame, and Sainte Chappelle. (Didn't love the Rodin or Invalides, but they're worth checking out too.)
3. The CITY. It's so beautifully laid out, and the archetiture everywhere is gorgeous. The lights at night are nothing short of magical - there is a unique quality to the Parisian lights (somehow warmer than usual) that must be seen to be truly appreciated. The bridges and quais are lovely, the monuments magnificent.
4. The shopping. Ohhhhhhh. Diptyque for the best candles and soaps you will ever find. Pierre Marcolini (and lots of others) for chocolate. Mariage Freres for high-end teas, Serge Lutens, Chanel, Guerlain, Jean Patou, Annick Goutal, L'Artisan, and more for perfumes, some of which can be found nowhere else in the world.
5. How wonderful of a walking city it is, despite its size, and how fabulous the Metro is for when you tire of walking-and-gaping.
Bonus: the language and people-watching!
Feb 16th, 2008, 10:06 PM
#28
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Many already cited above ...
My favorite, rising before dawn (my internal clock not yet on Paris time) and walking Ile de la Cite and Ile St. Louis before and as they "waken". Seeing the early morning light color the sky, buying a newspaper and coffee with Parisians and Parisiennes. Watching Christmas decorations going up at shops before they open. Bringing very fresh croissants back to sleeping friends at the hotel.
My favorite, rising before dawn (my internal clock not yet on Paris time) and walking Ile de la Cite and Ile St. Louis before and as they "waken". Seeing the early morning light color the sky, buying a newspaper and coffee with Parisians and Parisiennes. Watching Christmas decorations going up at shops before they open. Bringing very fresh croissants back to sleeping friends at the hotel.
Feb 16th, 2008, 10:25 PM
#29
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1. Early mornings in summer in front of Sacre Coeur, with a view of the city is that greyish haze. Walking around Montmartre when the first grocery shops and bakeries open, and tourist groups are not yet around.
2. The view from the Samaritaine. Ok, forget about that until renovation is finished.
3. Walking around Marais, Quartier Latin...
4. Climbing the Eiffel Tower to the 2nd platform
5. Using the Metro as some kind of sightseeing roulette.. get off somewhere which is not in your guide book , and let the neighborhood surprise you
2. The view from the Samaritaine. Ok, forget about that until renovation is finished.
3. Walking around Marais, Quartier Latin...
4. Climbing the Eiffel Tower to the 2nd platform
5. Using the Metro as some kind of sightseeing roulette.. get off somewhere which is not in your guide book , and let the neighborhood surprise you
Feb 17th, 2008, 08:31 AM
#30
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<i>Merci beaucoup!</i> 
I have goosebumps reading all of your contributions -- your descriptions are marvelous!
We are planning on staying 9/10 nights (that is my limit before homesickness sets in). In fact, I found a hotel this morning and we are in the process of securing reservations. I wanted to book an apartment, but DH has many rewards he would like to unload, so we decided on a hotel. I'll share once it is confirmed.
Please continue to share your Parisian Pleasures...I can't wait to add to this list myself!
I have goosebumps reading all of your contributions -- your descriptions are marvelous!
We are planning on staying 9/10 nights (that is my limit before homesickness sets in). In fact, I found a hotel this morning and we are in the process of securing reservations. I wanted to book an apartment, but DH has many rewards he would like to unload, so we decided on a hotel. I'll share once it is confirmed.
Please continue to share your Parisian Pleasures...I can't wait to add to this list myself!
Feb 17th, 2008, 12:30 PM
#31
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As you can see, limiting oneself to 5 is almost impossible but I will try:
1. The food.
2. The parks, gardens, streets and boulevards. Walking in Paris is wonderful.
3. The museums - the Oranterie, Louvre, Cluny, D'Orsay, Rodin.
4. Sainte Chapelle
5. The Seine. Walking along the Seine, crossing the bridges, visiting the islands or a boat ride on the Seine are the best ways to see the city.
There are many others but if I had to limit myself to the 5 above, I would be happy.
1. The food.
2. The parks, gardens, streets and boulevards. Walking in Paris is wonderful.
3. The museums - the Oranterie, Louvre, Cluny, D'Orsay, Rodin.
4. Sainte Chapelle
5. The Seine. Walking along the Seine, crossing the bridges, visiting the islands or a boat ride on the Seine are the best ways to see the city.
There are many others but if I had to limit myself to the 5 above, I would be happy.
Feb 17th, 2008, 12:52 PM
#32
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stw: since you have such a nice long time to be in Paris, I heartily suggest a day trip to Chartres. The cathedral was so great, but I didn't expect the old town to be as great an experience as it was.
Feb 17th, 2008, 07:18 PM
#33
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Reading all of these posts, I can hardly wait for our 30 April arrival for the month of May. I agree with just about everything others have said, and would add two more:
Among the parcs, I would add Parc Monceau and the neighborhood streets around it; and Rue Mouffetard (lined with food shops, stalls, and cafes).
Among the parcs, I would add Parc Monceau and the neighborhood streets around it; and Rue Mouffetard (lined with food shops, stalls, and cafes).
Feb 17th, 2008, 08:25 PM
#35
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I LOVE the "oldness", walking down a street and entering a building that is older then my whole country, LOL, it fasinates me. I even like the narrow stinky alleys, LOL
The food, well, what can anyone say, the bread, the cheese and the haricots verts are the best in the world! LOL WINE of course goes in this catergory as it is FOOD for the soul, LOL
The Eiffel Tower, no matter how many times I have seen it, it is amazing, to stand underneath it and look up, it is a world wonder in my books.
The museums, I am not into modern stuff abhor Picasso, but I love anything else that is old... old fasinates me, doesn't have to be my taste, just the thought that what I am looking at was either created by someone who lived hundreds of years ago, or was used by someone hundreds of years ago, or even what their perspective was on something hundreds of years ago( you do see a pattern here, LOL ) .
Any outdoor cafe,, with wine or a cafe creme, just people watching( and listening to the many languages around me, Italian, Spanish, German , Dutch , etc etc. , everyone loves Paris!
The food, well, what can anyone say, the bread, the cheese and the haricots verts are the best in the world! LOL WINE of course goes in this catergory as it is FOOD for the soul, LOL
The Eiffel Tower, no matter how many times I have seen it, it is amazing, to stand underneath it and look up, it is a world wonder in my books.
The museums, I am not into modern stuff abhor Picasso, but I love anything else that is old... old fasinates me, doesn't have to be my taste, just the thought that what I am looking at was either created by someone who lived hundreds of years ago, or was used by someone hundreds of years ago, or even what their perspective was on something hundreds of years ago( you do see a pattern here, LOL ) .
Any outdoor cafe,, with wine or a cafe creme, just people watching( and listening to the many languages around me, Italian, Spanish, German , Dutch , etc etc. , everyone loves Paris!
Feb 17th, 2008, 08:54 PM
#37
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1. Watching young Parisians having a Thursday night picnic on le Pont Des Arts (I think) with gorgeous tarts and bread and cheese etc. Plus of course, a bottle of wine.
2. Apple Tart from Poilane on Rue du Cherche Midi in the 6th.
3. The Marais
4. The food hall in Le Bon Marche.
5. Strolling the Champs Elysee and the view from the top of the Arc de Triumphe.
6. The gorgeous architecture!!
Oops, sorry that's six!
Have now decided this post is a not so subtle form of torture!!
2. Apple Tart from Poilane on Rue du Cherche Midi in the 6th.
3. The Marais
4. The food hall in Le Bon Marche.
5. Strolling the Champs Elysee and the view from the top of the Arc de Triumphe.
6. The gorgeous architecture!!
Oops, sorry that's six!
Have now decided this post is a not so subtle form of torture!!
Feb 17th, 2008, 10:19 PM
#38
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Very difficult to list only five:
1) Strolling by the Seine any time of day or night
2) Hanging out at the Louvre
3) Champagne at the Ritz
4) The food, the food, the food
5) Making new "friends"
1) Strolling by the Seine any time of day or night
2) Hanging out at the Louvre
3) Champagne at the Ritz
4) The food, the food, the food
5) Making new "friends"
Feb 20th, 2008, 10:10 AM
#39
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1.) The chocolate! Laduree macaroons (you HAVE to get some)! A wonderful chocolate cake called le gateau moelleux au chocolat.
2.) Mass at Notre Dame (and I'm not even Catholic). We were just looking around and Mass started. We had always wanted to attend Mass and our first was at Notre Dame. So serendipitous!
3.) Ste. Chappelle. Don't rush through the first floor. It is amazing too. I wish I had spent more time looking at it but we couldn't wait to get to those beautiful windows.
4.)The amazing architecture!
5.) Shopping especially during the "soldes" or sales seasons. Even the "tourist" street vendors are fun. I love telling stories of how I bought my scarf on the streets of Paris! (Even if my cousin bought the same one three years earlier!)
Enjoy your trip.
2.) Mass at Notre Dame (and I'm not even Catholic). We were just looking around and Mass started. We had always wanted to attend Mass and our first was at Notre Dame. So serendipitous!
3.) Ste. Chappelle. Don't rush through the first floor. It is amazing too. I wish I had spent more time looking at it but we couldn't wait to get to those beautiful windows.
4.)The amazing architecture!
5.) Shopping especially during the "soldes" or sales seasons. Even the "tourist" street vendors are fun. I love telling stories of how I bought my scarf on the streets of Paris! (Even if my cousin bought the same one three years earlier!)
Enjoy your trip.
