Jocelyn_P

Wow! What a treat to come back to fodors and see all these great suggestions! Is it tacky for the grocery store to be the first attraction you visit in Paris? lol I'm going to print this out and take it with us.

dln, I hope I fall in love with Paris, too. It's probably a good thing I haven't had much time to prepare and fantasize. I spent over a year planning our trip to Venice, dreaming about it, just knowing it was my going to be my "magic place," but when I finally got there is was a bit of a letdown. Conversely, the city that had the greatest impact on me, Vienna, was the one I least prepared for. I left Vienna in tears!

marcy_

Jocelyn,
I don't think it's tacky at all to go the grocery first thing! On my next trip to Paris we're renting an apartment, and I've decided to not bring any toiletries from home, but to go out and buy them when I first get there.
So my first stops will be Monoprix and the parapharmacy.

I think your idea of not having too much of an itinerary and just soaking up the atmosphere of the city sounds great-- and I'll keep my fingers crossed for good weather for you. But you'll have a great time rain or shine!

whiskey

Jocelyn good for you to have finally settled on your hotel - I would be giddy too - now that you have your flight (great deal by the way - why can't we get these in Canada??) and your hotel out of the way you can relax and just look forward to what will be an unforgettable trip. Please do post about your trip when you return - so that I can live vicariously through you until I go back in May

But "walkers" from Socal?? - I thought that was an oxymoron Just kidding of course - but my boyfriend lives in LA and my god they love their cars there!

Awbaker, if I may ask, I am very curious about the pistachio oil you mentioned from J Leblanc - I assume this is an eating oil, not a cosmetic? How do you use this - in salads (ie in an oil and vinegar dressing). Sounds yummy! Oh dear I have to stop reading the Paris threads - they make me hungry!

Have a great time Jocelyn (and friend).

awbaker

whiskey -- Yes, the pistachio oil is edible! It is great on salads, and delicious drizzled over avocado. The hazelnut oil is also super yummy!

grantop

You are going to have a fantastic time!! Please write a report when you get back and takes notes regarding your hotel too. Have a macaroon for me!

marcy_

You can get walnut oil at the Monoprix for a very reasonable price, and it also makes delicious salad dressing.

Scarlett

Bon Voyage Jocelyn! and btwalt
Have a FAAABULOUS time and take lots of notes so we can hear all about it..
Bye~have fun~

Jocelyn_P

Merci to all the well-wishers!

Tomorrow's the big day! I hope I don't forget anything obvious...I've been very absent-minded today as I've been nervously getting the kids settled in with Nana.

Oh, and whiskey, yes, people do walk in SoCal, but they drive to the beach/park to do it. lol

marcy_

Jocelyn and Becky, have a great trip!
(and don't forget to tell us all about it when you get back!)

LoveItaly

Wishes to both of you for a beautiful visit in Paris. I am sure it will be. Take care, and have so much fun!

dln

We can't wait to hear about it when you return! Safe trip!

Jocelyn_P

One more quick question:

Do the grocery stores in Paris expect you to have your own bag? We've always been glad to have extra bags in Italy.

dln

Jocelyn, you don't need to bring bags to the grocery. Same plastic bags as you get here. Have a good trip!

minimn

Jocelyn,
You may have already departed and I wish you a fabulous trip but I wanted to tell you about the very heavy plastic bags that are sold at Monoprix. Very cheap but are great for carrying heavy things (wine bottles, etc) and I always end up carrying one on the plane, full of gifts to take home.

cigalechanta

Bon Voyage, Ladies. Virtual toast.

Jocelyn_P

Just a quick hello from Paris!!!

We are absolutely awe-struck by this beautiful city. We are having the time of our lives! I'll write a full trip report after we get home.