Hi tod, thank you so much for your report and for sharing your photos. I loved reading about these different areas of Paris. I wanted to get to Belleville on my trip last year but ran out of time- it's on the top of my list for next time. I'm also noting down your book recommendations. Thanks again!

Thank you both! There is much in Belleville to be explored.
We only scratched the surface.
At the moment I am halfway through a delightful little 'French romance' by an author who lives in Belleville!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT: A little addition to our departure from Paris:
We caught the 74 - Not long into the journey The INSPECTORS boarded the bus. Just ahead of us were two very early 20's something girls, laden with suitcases and whatever. I saw them jump up out of their seats and sit down immediately before I realised what was happening.
You guessed it! - they had tickets which I saw them show one of THREE inspectors but it was no use - they got fined!

This is how you cannot escape: When the bus stops ALL EXITS and ENTRANCES are beseiged by the authorities. They won't let you off unless you hand over your ticket and as these poor young things tried to do was exit apon seeing one of the inspectors then soon realised all three doors were blocked.
I have no idea of the fine but saw one of the girls handing the other some money.

I have often wondered how so many people get away without paying - it's called 'taking a chance!'

Very enjoyable report tod. Where to next?

Hey tod -
In all our journeys we were checked once - as we walked down one of the corridors between two metro stations (and we were very excited to be able to show our valid tickets!)

Why did the girls in your story get fined if they had tickets?

Canada_V - I don't know if the tickets they produced were valid or if they had not been put into the ticket machine or what was wrong with the tickets, but we were delighted to produce our Navigo cards! This was the one and only time we encountered Inspectors.

TDudette - Thanks for the thumbs-up! Next? Well, next year I have plans to go to Canada. I now have to work out the best way to do this as I am in South Africa. I do not enjoy flying within the USA so may opt to go via Paris - heck why not!!!

TDudette - Sorry I forgot to tell you that my Paris Trip Report was the end of 3+ weeks on holiday and I have now just started my Trip Report on Ireland, which came first!

I have enjoyed all of it and look forward to the Ireland report. Thanks, tod. And many thanks again for the Nelson Mandela stamps, something I truly treasure.

Expect you are glad you ended up in Paris?

Why don't you like air travel in US (just curious-I'm not wild about it either!). DH and I think that travel in France and Italy is less "fraught" than in US. Do you feel the same? Plus I'm hugely annoyed at paying extra for food so we avoid US airlines except for US Airways-they always just served nuts (har har).

Hi, I have flown US Airways to Atlanta and back about 17 years ago when they used to come to South Africa. That soon came to an end. I can see why - the plane was only a quarter full there and back. The hostesses were elderley ( 40's at least) compared to the young 20 somethings we have nowadays.

Other than that I have flown with United & AA and recall almost everytime people were overbooked and a lot of 'bumping' had to take place. Too harum-scarum for my liking and not suited to an enjoyable holiday experience.
Admittedly I have not flown to the USA for about 10 years now so maybe things are different??!

I'd say they are getting worse.

Tod, thank you for writing up such a wonderful report. I am heading to Paris for my first visit in Sept, and will definitely be back for a re-read. I loved your story about the Willow tree.

Kerouac - that's sealed it! I am going to look into flying either out of Paris or a neighbouring country like Germany or Switzerland, directly to a city in Canada. From there rail or bus connections can be made to our final destination.

rr2035 - You will Paris in September. I will be looking out for a Trip Report !

rr2035 - That was meant to be: You will enjoy Paris in September ! If I can't go in Springtime that month is my next choice.

We flew a so-called partners in the sky Delta/al Italia to Venice several years ago. Each airline had different flight numbers and one didn't have our counterpart number. DH walked the 1/4 mile between the 2 airlines' counters at least 3 times to get it straight before leaving USA.

Air France has partnered with KLM and we checked out in Paris at the old alItalia desk-it all worked out though.

Keep hoping for the Star Trek's transporter SOON! Spock, beam me to Paris!

We have what they call 'Star Alliance' Partners to S A A.
These are numerous airlines including Lufthansa, Quantas,and others. The problem is: they, that's our Star Alliance partners, refuse to upgrade your seat. I am therefore stuck with flying our local airline only!
What's the use of having "partners"? They are of no use at all.

Our lovely holiday ended on a high note:

http://tinyurl.com/mvml7q

More nice shots, tod.

I'm bookmarking this for some great ideas for Paris!

Tod has always written wonderful reports.