My wife and I just got back from Paris and Barcelona and absolutely LOVED both cities! What a trip. Here is a quick trip report for Paris. I'll add Barcelona in the next day or so.

Arrived at CDG airport on September 4th around 9am. After taking a cab to our hotel (Relais Bosquet) in the 7th, we left our luggage and strolled around the city. Finally checked in around 1pm. Our room was very nice, yet quite small. We were very pleased with the location (right near the Rue Cler). The front desk was helpful for the most part, yet not over friendly. They always seemed to be quite busy and rushed. Free internet connection in the lobby was very convenient.

Highlights of the trip (in no particular order):
* Notre Dame
* Berthillon ice cream (so many times)
* Seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louve
* A night time cruise down the Seine
* Lunch at the Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower
* Lunches at multiple cafes (ham and cheese baguettes are wonderful)
* Day trip to Versailles
* Wonderful Metro system (felt safe and made me wish we had a subway system this well laid out)
* Very few experiences with rude people (everyone was quite pleasant)
* Dinner at Le Florimond near Metro Ecole Militare (I may post a separate review on this restaurant alone...it was phenomenal!)
* Felt very safe at all times (didn't see any pickpockets)
* Strolling the Champs Elysses
* Arc de Triomph
* Breads and pastries
* Gazing at the Eiffel Tower during the day and especially at night

Disappointments (if you can even call these disappointments):
* Gross CDG airport (was so dirty and old)
* Heavy cigarette smoke
* Price of sodas at restaurants
* Rue Cler wasn't all it was hyped up to be
* Baguettes were wonderful, but didn't seem to be much better than something you could find from a good bakery in the states

Overall, an absolutely wonderful experience! We were there for 4 nights and got just about everything done we wanted to, except for Sacre Couer. We hope to go back one day!

Hi by350! We just returned from Europe and spent five days in Paris, Sept. 2-7. It was pretty warm, huh?

I have to agree with your sentiments regarding CDG... not the best airport I've spent time in. Very congested and narrow and tough to navigate, we thought.

We also felt very safe in the city, and it was tough to come home to Chicago's subway/el system after using the Metro. It's wonderful--so many trains covering so much area! So many stops! Very little waiting time! It was a breeze to get around. Although I did miss the air conditioning.

Yes...quite hot and humid! Metro is wonderful! We were there at the same time...how funny.

Hi by350, Great report. We are on our way to both Paris +Barcelona and plan to stay also near Rue Cler, how much did you pay for your hotel may I ask ?
Hoping to read about Barcelona too.
Can you also tell me how much was your taxi since we are going to nearby hotels.
I am asking about the hotel because I feel I should be able to get a better rate in the neighborhood. Please tell me if it included breakfast or not.
I love that area and love to take back and forth the 80 bus, so convenient,
good for Montmartre so I recommend it for next time.

Another Florimond fan! It really is a great little place, isn't it?

Thanks for the report.

Thanks, by350, and welcome back and would like to hear more about that hotel.

Sounds like a very nice trip. I know what you mean about the baguettes--if you don't have them fresh out of the oven, it can be like eating cotton. I prefer <i>le pain complet</i>, which is more of a whole wheat.

Thanks for the report. Any more comments about the Relais Bosquet? I'm considering it for my next trip to Paris, as I've never stayed in the 7th, and thought I might like to next time.
I always pig out on croissants in France - breakfast and lunch! I can't seem to get enough of them.

Hi, I was wondering if you could also tell us more about your meal at Le Florimond, like what did you eat and how much per person was it. Thank you..

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you all. We paid 150 Euro/night for the Relais Bosquet. I think the rates should be a little bit lower now that shoulder season is coming to an end. We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, but I don't think it was anything special. Like I said...it was clean and a great location, but the front desk people weren't all that friendly and/or helpful. We never had breakfast there. There is a nice little bakery for pasteries in the morning right next door.

As for Le Florimond...what an excellent meal! My wife and I loved it. Service was great and the food to die for. I had the house specialty lobster ravioli's for my first course and the Beef Moutarde (sp?) for my second. Both were divine! I can't remember what we spent exactly, but it wasn't too bad. We both had dessert and a bottle of wine. I don't think it was over 100 Euro.

Sounds like a great trip!! Did you make reservations for Le Florimond in advance? I'm thinking that might be a nice dinner spot for us when we're in Paris in November...

You can usually get a reservation a few days ahead of time at Le Florimond, sometimes even the same day if you pop in in the morning and ask. It's very small, and very popular, but it's not like the 3* Michelins that want you to reserve weeks/months in advance. If you do want to call before you take off on your trip, the number is 01-45-55-40-38

Reading your log reminds me of my many wonderful visits....thanks for sharing! Next time you go, check out the Musee du Rodin; it's incredible. Even if you don't care to enter the museum, pay the one or two euro to wander through the gardens. It's well worth it!

Yes...we had our hotel setup our reservation a couple of days in advance. We didn't have any problems. The restaurant was full...be sure to make a reservation, this place is not to miss!

Thanks for the recap. Oh, how I love Paris..................... I always bring home baguettes and croissants in zip loc bags and after 3 trips figured out on the 4th how to get them home not squished. Blow air into the bag before closing. Due to the pressure in the plane it makes the croissants like pancakes but not with air blow in they stay just like you bought them in the morning.

Can you give me info on Barcelona? I am going next May to pick up a cruise and spending 2 days before in Barcelona. Already got Maribels Guide that I downloaded and have been reading up on each area.

Great report. We are planning our 3rd visit to Paris for May or June of next year. We went first in 2001, again this year and just can't get engough. We took my Mother-in-Law for her first trip this year and will take one of my daughter's friends next year. It is wonderful to bring someone new because it is like seeing it again for the first time (without getting so lost).