Share your Paris secret... I won't tell
 

Some of the experienced Paris travelers must have a Paris secret to share with those of us who have never been. You must have a favorite cafe, a perfect boulangerie, a spot unspoiled by tourists, or other some neat activity - something not in the books. Come on. Share it with a first-timer. I won't tell a soul.

I have a fabulous secret or two. And I'm keeping them that way.

Robjame. Better post your email address for a direct reply because if they share it here it won't remain a secret for long.

Hi rob,

The reason that there still remain " a favorite cafe, a perfect boulangerie, a spot unspoiled by tourists" is because they are not shared except with close friends.

A secret shared is a secret no more.

Wouldn't it be more special to find your own secret in Paris?

i agree with the rest. part of the fun of traveling is to find that "secret" and then come back knowing you have a gem that you don't want to tell to another soul...you'll be suprised, just keep your eyes open and be receptive to trying something new.

Mine is not a secret, but a reminder and a warning.

BEWARE the Meteor Metro line, the one that runs from Madeleine to Bibliothek, line 14. The doors on both the exterior pre boarding barrier on the platform and the doors of the cars themselves will close on you like a vice, and they WILL NOT rebound! At least that was my experience. Had it not been for two strong Brits, I might not be writing this.

My wife was already on the car when the doors trapped me, but she alone was not strong enough to push the doors back. (My wife is no weakling; she can do 250 on a leg press machine.) The two British guys instantly responded.

It took all 3 of them to shove the door back. I was pinned by the shoulders and arms on both sides, so I was helplessly trapped.

The French people on the car just stood there and watched! Somehow, in retrospect, that is not too surprising!

One place to visit that is in the books, but remains relatively unknown is Hôtel de Soubise, 60 ruedes Francs-Bourgeois, Metro stop is Rambeteau. It is a beautiful, if extravagent, former abode of the rich. For that period in Paris history, rooms are tastefully elegant.

The day we were there the hall was virtually empty. So I don't think my discussing it here will cause the rooms to become overwhelmed with visitors.

All my "secret" places are in the 16th arrond and nobody on Fodors seems to want to go there (except maybe to see the Marmottan), so I don't think there's much point in sharing!

The absolutely best restaurant is at #16 rue de

I'm not a Paris "expert", but I really liked Picpus cemetary (where Lafayette is buried) once I could find it!

really excellent ice cream in the 16th
Le Glacier, 17 rue Bois-le-Vent

The bakery on rue claude decaen just off of place felix eboue in the 12th has some of the best croissants au beurre I have ever eaten.

Bob, the line 14 doesnt play around when it comes to people rushing through closing doors. The reason there are two sets of doors is to avoid jumpers and to keep the train from leaving with someone hanging out of the door. After giving you a good hard squeeze and keeping you that way for a bit the doors will open on their own. I think it is to dissuade people from trying to get on at the last minute as the line is totally automated unlike the other lines. French people dont follow rules well so i am sure they wanted the line 14 doors to hurt a bit and make you think twice before rushing into closing doors.

The french didnt react to your situation because the doors will open on their own anyway.

Considering that Ben Franklin spent so much time in Paris, I can't resist presenting his thoughts about secrets:

"If you want a secret kept, keep it."

"If you would keep your secret from an enemy, tell it not to a friend."

"Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead."

sorry, it's a secret. But think of the fun you'll have discovering your own.

Not much of a secret, but when I lived there we would often pick up some bread, cheese and wine and picnic on Champs du Mars, a park behind the tower. It was a great place to watch the sun go down and the tower at dusk.

We have done it a time or two since when visiting and it is just as much fun as it was 30 years ago . .

Rich

Once I posted my favorite hotel. Since that posting I have never been able to get a reservation. Coincidence, maybe.

The boulangerie-patisserie on the corner of rues Emilio Castelar and de Charenton (12th), not far from the Aligre market, has a beautiful facade and some wonderful breads and pastries (enjoyed a divine chocolae eclair).

I had a great chocolate macaron from a boulangerie at 136 rue de la roquette (11th) while walking down avenue Parmentier and blvd. Voltaire to Nation. No great monuments down there, just a Parisian residential neighbourhood which I enjoyed.

We had the best creme brule at #23 Rue des... ((b))

Thanks for the many great suggestions. One of the joys of traveling is sharing the neat experiences in the hopes that others will enjoy them.
I think Intrepid1 was having computer trouble but was trying to recommend A la Grande Bateliere at 16 rue de la Grand Bateliere. This is a fine cafe that has great prix-fixe and sells wines from small wine producers at very reasonable prices. This place is a favorite of the locals. Just don't tell them that I sent you....

La Flute Enchanté on Ave Mozart in the 16th (M° la muette) as the best croissants in Paris. Beware they are expensive and small but PERFECTION!