I like Montsouris very much, also, but I also like Parc Batignolles, also -- it's not really that far from Monceau. I think most folks like Lux Gardens because it is close to where they are and about the only one they see other than Tuileries (which isn't that comfortable in many ways). I think you are allowed to sit on the grass at Batignolles, but might be remembering wrong.

Parks have signs when you aren't allowed on the grass, they are all over Lux. Gardens. (pelouse interdite)

What about drinking wine at parks? Can you in Paris?

we plan to have simple picnic of bread, cheese, and wine.

can we sit by boulle players at Lux and enjoy our picnic?

feasible to take RER st Michel and walk to Rue des Ecoles? Any picnic park nearby?
Lux but any smaller parks nearby?

- jetsetj, I would love the answer as well! I know folks have had wine on the Champs de Mars below the shadow of the Iron Lady, but when we attempted to drink a glass of wine in Rue Dequesne on the "porch" of the hotel we were not allowed to bring the wine bottle with us! Never understood that 'till this day. We were sitting down at a table , yet no wine bottle allowed! Sorry I know that is not a park question but I am very puzzled by the laws in Paris - maybe Kerouac has the answer?

I have taken wine to the Tuilleries and have never been questioned. Is it not allowed in some public park areas? Le Bon Marche good for picnic provisions? Any place for picnic along Canal Martin?

It is forbidden NOT to take wine to parks -- except two places, depending on the mood of the day: the Champ de Mars, which has had 'problems' with drunken teenage 'riots' and the Jardin des Halles, which is a main hobo hangout. The rules are rarely enforced, but they exist to be able to get rid of 'undesirables.'

Commercial establishments of course try to prevent people from doing a 'BYO'.

I have always found it amusing when going to the summer movies in the Parc de la Villette, which has a security check for that event. They will confiscate certain knives, but they will let through corkscrews and other very sharp knives if you happen to have a big salami in your bag and a half dozen bottles of wine or some other item of that ilk.

As for public drinking check out:http://www.theparisblog.com/public-drinking-ban

I just read this and thought id share...

In Paris they simply stared when I spoke to them in Fench;
I never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
~Mark Twain

It looks like we should pour wine into plastic pop bottles before we arrive at the LUX. No one will know the difference then. no harm.no foul.

HELP !!
I need everyones opinions here..

Ok here is the deal. I was prepared to spend $203.00 on a one hour carriage ride for DH and myself in Paris. Now I am having second thoughts.

I want something different that is memorable and romantic.
We plan on going on Seine cruise. I want something more.

If you had $200 and your sweetie, what would you do in Paris?

You're a much better judge of what your husband would find special and romantic but if I had set aside that money, I would go to the Ritz Bar (either the one right near the front door or the Hemingway Bar in back) and have a couple of glasses of champagne or a martini. That would eat up your $200 easy.

I have no idea though if that would be a memorable occasion for you. A carriage ride is something that doesn't appeal to me so this may not at all appeal to you.

Good luck in your search!

The Ritz Bar would not impress me visually, since there are so many bars that look the same. I have no sentimental attachment to such a place; it's not as though I was recalling wild nights I spent with Hemingway and Diana Spencer there.

Frankly, one of the things that I have found the best is a drink at sunset at the bar on top of the Concorde Lafayette Hotel at Porte Maillot. It's only about 30 floors, but the view of the Bois de Boulogne is very nice, and it is wonderful to watch Paris light up slowly.

anyone else with ideas for romantic time in Paris.

You are in Paris, EVERYTHING will be romantic! I find going to the grocery store, sharing a crepe (banana and nutella), romantic. Since you are going to be on the 7th, may I suggest one of Christian Contant restaurant? My personal favorite is Les Cocottes.

Have a great time!

i looked at Cafe Constant a few days ago.
what is the difference between that and les Cocottes?

thanks

Yikes, OMG! Data overload! I'll be arriving in Paris this Thursday (Aug. 27) to spend a week there; haven't been since 2001 April and am so looking forward to this trip. Staying near the Arc (previously I was always in more central locations) and looking forward to running (or speed-walking) in or near Parc Monceau while there. Most of the above comments which I've just read today (Tuesday) are intriguing, to say the least, and I'll probably print out some if not all, for reference.

Many thanks to all!

Who needs romance when you have Paris?

musicalb, hope you have a wonderful time. please give report when you can.

here are the 3 cafes/restaurants we are thinking of visiting.
Angelinas
Cafe Constant
Chez Nico

we will mostly eat in our apt.
Can anyone suggest names of good cheeses that can be sliced.

"The Parc de la Villette is massive and also has movies in the evening (in original version - often English) for 1€. Up to 10,000 people picnic under the stars as it gets dark. Lounge chairs may be rented, but you will fall asleep during the movie. (They use a giant inflatable screen.)"

Is this every night?

This year it was from 15 July to 16 August. Similar dates every year, every night except Monday.