Yeah, it was quite an experience. I would not have believed the story if it hadn't really happened. Sometimes people bad mouth the French. When they do, I tell that story. Lots of the back and forth between French people and Americans results simply from a cultural misunderstanding. The French are much more formal than we are. They are that way to one another. Americans tend to be brash. In our own countries, our methods of dealing with people work, but when you get French and Americans together, much misunderstanding can result.

Obviously, I will remember that day for the rest of my life.

We (my wife and I) have been to both Epernay and Reims. If you want to go to a little larger city with a beautiful, historic (some war damage still showing) cathedral, Reims is your best choice. If you are going primarily for champagne tastings, I think Epernay is best. BTW, we traveled to both on the train, so that shouldn't be a factor in your decision. We ate in excellent restaurants in both cities, but my favorite was Royal Champagne ( a Relais et Chateau restaurant in Epernay.

We have also eaten dinner at Jules Verne and - if price is no object - this would be a wonderful present. Book ASAP and ask for a table next to the window!

Lunch at Jules Verne is wonderful because you can actually SEE Paris.

Ah! Pre Catalan and/or Lasserre. My dream restaurants in Paris---maybe someday.

lauren---I can see why you still remember the experience.

Take tea or snacks at the Cafe on top of the Monde Arable - wonderful views over Paris and real authentic Arabian atmosphere and food. And you can admire this Jean Nouvel inspired building of significant architecture both inside and out!

http://www.imarabe.org/restaurants

epernay's Champagne Houses are the most prestigious of all - most actually have houses in both Reims and Epernay but an epicurean Champagne aficionado should go to Epernay - a so-so - OK nice enough town with little to see and do besides the Champagne tours - Reims has the spectacular cathedral where kings and queens of France I believe were once crowned and also a thriving town center with wrought-iron open-air market redolent of Les Halles in Paris pulled down in the late 60s or so as well as the World War II Room in a former school where Allied brass plotted the final assault into Germany - name plaques and wall maps still left as they were. Right near the train station.

<<real authentic Arabian atmosphere and food>>

It's a great place for sure, but its not "Arabian." Arab, yes, Arabian, no. Big difference.

St-Cirq can you please enlighten me on the difference between Arab and Arabian - I fail to see the nuances please do explain.
Merci bien, bien sur!

Free Dictionary says:
A·ra·bi·an (-rb-n)
adj.
Of or concerning Arabia or the Arabs; Arab.
n.
1. A native or inhabitant of Arabia.
2. An Arabian horse.

Therefore I think my use of Arabian was correct and your reprimand wrong? Or am I and the Free Online Dictionary missing something?

I have eaten at Jules Verne but before it became such a big deal. It was lunch. Good choice for a special experience in Paris as well!

It's a great place for sure, but its not "Arabian." Arab, yes, Arabian, no. Big difference.>

seriously please explain what the 'big difference' is? I am very curious about that... thanks in advance. Cheers!

Well Paris also has some exotic Arabian or perhaps "Arab' food treats in its many Tunisian and Moroccan and mid-east pastry and snack shops that dot the city - showcasing their colorful and very sugary treats in windows - just pop in for a quick treat - many seem to be soaked in honey - like baklava - anyway try the Tunisian pastries as my French friends always entice me to do!

The Latin Quarter has a bevy of such places that could come right out of Beirut!