I took so many ideas from so many people on this forum that I wanted to report back. Returned yesterday after eight days. Had bundled airfare and hotels with expedia and worried that we would have bad room at the Westin Paris just off Rue de Rivoli. Great location, very good room, "heavenly bed", lovely buffet breakfast included, quiet on courtyard, recommend to anyone wanting to do museums and access to Metro.
First morning, with only eight hours of daylight and no French, instead of doing it on our own, we took Cityrama tour to Reims and Epanay for Champagne. Nice people on bus, chatted, good guide, who gave excellent background on history and countryside on the way out, very thorough tour of cathedral, then Piper Hendrick tour with tasting at end, (very disney with little cars and figures popping out like the haunted house, fun) and then lunch on own and then on to Moet Chandon where house's own guide took us for walk through cellars, tasting at end, time to wander through town, nice comfortable ride back as the darkness set in. Don't believe it's possible to do this easier at this time of year.
Next day to Chartres on our own by train. Very easy to handle this. Crypt tour only in French but nice Irishman taking tour with us was willing to translate and the guide was willing to pause after each sentence to allow him to translate. Only five people on tour which made this less awkward. Then Malcolm, whose name I only knew through this forum, showed up for noon tour and he is of course delightful and sorry we couldn't go back every day for an hour to hear more and more about the cathedral.
Back in Paris did many many museums and churches. Went to L'Ardoise, Le Souffle, Au Pied de Cochon (onion soup), all well worth a visit. Personal favorite of both of ours was La Rose de France on Dauphine Street between Notre Dame and the Louvre. On a little square, very romantic ambience, lovely people running it, excellent meal. Our last night in Paris and just perfect.
Thanks again for everyone's help. Our visit was so much better because of the forum.

Hi kd,

Happy to have helped (If I did).

Thanks for sharing.



FYI, You went to Epernay and visited Piper Heidsieck.

Thanks for the tip on La Rose de France on Dauphine street.
Glad to hear you had such a lovely time!

What was your weather like?

We stayed in a Westin at Mt. Tremblant during a ski trip and I will say that the Heavenly Bed is sooooooo comfortable! Good return destination after a day of walking all about Paris!

letour

Glad you had a nice trip. Your report reminded me of our visits to Reims and Chartes.

Woody

So strange to read a mention of "Le Soufflé"! Back when I was very very young, I was an English teacher for the waiters at that restaurant.