I would appreciate any suggestions on where to shop for vintage accessories: scarves, hats, evening bags, costume jewelry? Open air markets/flea markets are great, plan to go to several , however, am more interested in actual storefront shops, antique shops, etc. Also any suggestions on where to find advertising tins, advertising posters, kitchen towels from Provence, for that matter any little treasure trove of goodies. Will be in Paris in the fall Thank you very much.

http://littlebookroom.com/france.html

Thanks, zeppole. I have a couple of the books you suggested.

They have expensive antique shops in St Germain and the Marais. They tend to specialize, though, what kind of antiques are you looking for? Furniture is different from jewelry or books, for example. They have some of those shops selling Provencal fabric and things in the Marais, also, I've noticed, they are just chains. There are a couple in St Germain on rue de Seine, although they have other outlets (Olivades and Souleiado). Rue de Seine has some of antique book shops, also, I think, and probably some with posters, as does the quai Voltaire.

Thank you. I have had a recent dose of reality, between the weak dollar and related issues, need to be practical rather than shopping for antique evening bags. Question 1. Is the week long Carte L'Orange Pass a pass of the past? I haven't been to Paris for a couple of years, found that card to be cheaper than a carnet. Question 2. What is the French word for "half and half", yes, I'm refering to cream for coffee.

There are some interest shops in the Palais Royale arcade. Not cheap but interesting.

BKnight - Carte Orange has been replaced by the Navigo Decouverte pass. Instead of the little plastic wallet and ID card with photo accompanied by a paper ticket valid for a Monday through Sunday period you now purchase a ND pass (still need a small photo) which is a plastic electronic card onto which you load a weekly pass (same validity period of Monday through Sunday.) Instead of slipping the CO paper ticket into the turnstile you just tap your electronic card against the reader on the turnstile. The relative value versus buying carnets of individual tickets depends on your usage - I think the break even point is something like three metro trips a day for a week. An additional advantage is that he ND also works on buses. If you have not previously used the bus in Paris, consider it - lots less steps and you get to see things that you miss underground. With a pass it is easy to hop off when something strikes your fancy and then continue yoiur journey when your curiosity has been satisfied.

Much good info here.

Shops in Paris tend to cluster. We stayed last week in a n apartment on the Rue de Beaux Arts, a street with a lot of art galleries, esp those specializing in primitive art. Like Big Box stores, find one, find lots.

We used carnets this trip for the first time in years, but we were staying in St Germain and could walk to many of the places we would ordinarily take the bus to (yes, strongly recommend buses over Metro when possible) so we did a little better than breaking even on cost. If we stayed in the 7th or 3rd, the decision would have been different.

Seamus,
Thanks very much for the information. I tend to hit the ground like an exocet missile, really go a lot of places so several Metro trips per day are not unusual at all. Yes, I do like to take the bus, it all depends on the time of day/weather/etc/. In past years the Carte Orange was just so easy. I will be in Paris for two weeks soon, staying in an apartment in the Marais. Ackislander, I love Rue de Beaux Arts, have a weakness for primitive/outsider art. Thanks to all for your suggestions. Keep them coming. I'm in the countdown for the trip. Had to miss Paris in 07 & 08 and am now counting the seconds.

BK, here are some links for you that you may find helpful in your quest.

http://gridskipper.com/archives/entries/060/60330.php

http://www.paris-consignment-store.com/

http://www.cstn.org/reports/europe/f...resale_05.html

Pick up the book,"Where to wear". Happy Travels!

BK if you liked the CO you'll love the ND - even easier to use as there is no paper ticket to keep track of when dashing about Paris. I carried mine in an outside flap pocket of a day bag and didn't even have to take it out to use - just slapped the flap against the reader and it registered.

Google "Didier Ludot" to read about the most fantastic and pricey vintage store in Paris located at Palais Royale. Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Rachel Zoe (stylist)and countless other celebs shop there.

Reese Witherspoon accepted her Oscar for "Walk the Line" wearing a vintage dress purchased from Monsieur Ludot. He frankly scares the shit out of me but I can't resist viewing the goods. I feel like a kid trying to get into a bar with a fake ID when I go with the thought I may be turned away at the door.

He also has another store in Palais Royale, all little black dresses, some vintage, some new but based on vintage. The lady that works there is only slightly less scary and reminds me of Cruella Deville. I get a strange rush from the mix of fear and excitement I feel at these stores.

Here are a couple of tidbits to whet your appetite.
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/so...ry03_16_06.php
http://dazeddigital.com/Fashion/arti...man_Yousefzada

Margaret,

Thanks for sites. Some I have been to a few years back..some new to me. Will have fun.

RE: Navigo Decouverte. It is great. I never take it out of my bag..just pass it by on bus/metro. I rarely use the metro anymore after discovering how great the buses are! Can walk when you want and/or hop on/off the bus whenever. No up and down steps..great service!

Joan

We have used the metro on our last 5 trips to Paris,I would love to try the bus when we return in May.Is there anything special I need to know or look for>Where can I find the bus routes?
Elaine
We will be staying in the 11th this time

There are maps of exactly where a bus goes and its stop on every bus stop itself. Aside from that, you can get PDF files to print of each route on www.ratp.fr You can also buy a small paperbook of all routes at places in Paris, like bookshops or some news kiosques.

I don't know about anything special, but I'm used to riding buses where I live so it seems pretty normal for a bus. You have to either compost your single ticket or show the driver some pass you have upon entry, of course. If you have a Mobilis ticket, it actually says on it you should compost it, but I don't know why as it is unlimited. Probably as it could be your first trip and it marks the first time you use it. I almost always compost them, anyway, even if not my first trip of the day, it's no problem and doesn't harm the ticket in any way, in case the driver is looking to see if you compost a ticket. Sometimes I haven't bothered if I'm too far away from the machine and it's difficult, as I know if asked I could produce a valid ticket.

lainie,

Many of us buy the Le Petit Parisien, 3 plans by l'Indispensable. The 3 plans ..map, bus and metro. You can find it in most tabacs. It is dark blue with red and white..easy to spot. Carry it all the time, slong with one of the metro/bus maps you can pick up at any metro station. You can also print the routes out like this:http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/bus_paris/24.gif you just change the 24 to whatever bus number you want.
The buses are great..you will not use the metro much after becoming acquainted with the buses.

Joan

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