DaveMM

We are “all in.” Today I booked the flights for our trip of a lifetime to celebrate our 30th anniversary in France. I was fortunate to use miles and save about $1,800.

Thank you so much to those who have posted questions and to those who graciously answered the questions. The Fodor’s threads are such a rich source of wisdom that I haven’t had to ask a single question. All of my questions have already been answered. All I had to do is search and read. I have bookmarked over 20 threads that I will go back to as I fill in the details of our trip. I also peruse the France Forum daily for interesting posts.

As a result of Fordorites’ suggestions here is what we have absolutely decided:

-- Time of trip – late April to early May 2011
-- We will use Shuttle Inter for transportation from CDG to our apartment.
-- 7 Days in Paris Perfect’s Champaign apartment located in the 7th Arr.
-- 4 Days in either Dordogne or Loire

I know that looks like a ridiculously small number of decisions but in order to decide on the apartment we learned so much about Paris. For example, we learned about the various arrondissements, the location of great restaurants, how the various transportation systems work (love the Velib), what sites/museums we want to see and where they are located, areas of the city we want to visit that are a little off the beaten path (thanks especially to kerouac and FrenchMystiqueTours), and finally…that our planned but relaxed travel style will work well in Paris. There is no way we will see everything and that is okay. Our trip will be filled with wonderful memories even if we miss someone else’s “must see.”

The decision between Dordogne and Loire will take a while. Just reading and digesting Stu Dudley’s 21 page Dordogne itinerary is quite a task. ;-)

Thanks again.

DaveMM

annhig

hi, Dave,

I can't claim any credit for your brilliant planning, so well done. looks a great plan.

that time of year, either the Dordogne or the Loire will be fine. what do you like doing? will you have a car?

djkbooks

You'll be thrilled to know that there's a Velib station right on the corner. Be advised, however, that you'll need an American Express card to use them (assuming you have no chip/pin cards).

sap

"All in." Ha, yes, booking the flights suddenly turns theory into commitment, huh? It's almost scary to push that final purchase button.

>>The decision between Dordogne and Loire will take a while. <<

I had a hard time making that decision myself, Dave, so I wish you luck on that and am looking forward to hearing how it turns out either way. (BTW, after reading Stu's amazing notes, I decided on the Dordogne.) Looks like we'll be leaving a month after you get home.

It's great you've booked your flights now. I would like to do that soon, but DH is holding me back until Jan/Feb. It's so hard to predict when to do it. Did you have to go for it sooner b/cause of FF mile restrictions?

LuLu

Just returned from a week in Paris and 3 items I discovered from people on this site were outstanding. Number One is a tour with Michael Osman (email: [email protected]) is not to be missed!! You will learn so much more than going it on your own and exta information and places you wouldn't go to on your own. He charges $100 for the day (two of us went from 9:00am to 7:00pm) plus his museum entry fees and lunch. It was worth twice the price. He is lots of fun.

Shuttle-inter, that you have already booked, was there waiting for me with my name on a placard. The driver was very professional and helpful.

Our best meal was at Cafe Constant and coming from San Francisco, I am very critical on restaurants. I can't wait to go back to this restaurant and I was sorry we didn't have time to try his others but certainly will on my next trip to Paris.

I have some shopping tips from this site should you need them.


A bientot

Lulu

sap

Lulu: Are you maybe (pretty please) thinking about doing a trip report?

LuLu

I would but my husband ended up in the hospital at home (I was with a girlfriend) and my mind was not totally in Paris but I plan to go again and then will write a trip report.

I was just trying to find the name of the restaurant where we had lunch at Place de Vosges. Some one said it was new but I never did know the name just saw the salads as we walked by the tables. The next day we went there for lunch and it was excellent. Paid cash so I don't have a receipt.

Anyone know which one I am describing??

mamcalice

Dave,

I am so envious! A trip to Paris and a difficult choice between two incredible destinations - the Loire and Dordogne. We love both. The only suggestion I have is that with only 4 days, the Loire is a bit easier to manage. We spent 8 days in the Dordogne and must go back as we didn't have a chance to see everything we planned. We spent 4 days in the Loire and were able to visit much of what we intended. Whatever you decide will be great - and you can always go back!

DaveMM

Amazing...I post at 5:09PM CDT and you folks are all over it.

First...thanks for not correcting me. I should have referred to the regions as "the Dordogne" and "the Loire." ;-)

annhig: Because I need to research the regions to understand what they have to offer…I can’t in good conscience ask for advice on where to go. I can barely remember how to spell “Dordogne” never mind know what is there. But...since you asked...we will take the TGV out of Paris and rent a car for the four days. What we like...architecture, churches, chateaux, strolling though villages, stopping the car to take pictures, good food, long dinners, staring into each other's eyes...wait I am getting personal.

As you can see...we like to do a lot and at this point we would probably enjoy both regions. I will be sure to post our plans when I figure out what they are.

djkbooks: when we were looking at the Champaign apartment I strolled through the neighborhood on Google Maps' Street View and found the Velib station. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are stations all over the city. I don’t leave home without my Amex card so I am set.

sap: I booked the flights using American Express points through Continental and ending up on their partners…United out and Air Canada back. I had been scoping out the flights and found Continental to have the best deal (55,000 points R/T per person) and the most FF flights. I also know that miles seats go very, very fast since airlines have reduced their seat inventory. So I booked the flights on the first available day I could. The date we are coming home opened up and BAM I was all over it.

Lulu: Christian Constant’s restaurants are on our list especially since they are very close to our apartment. Thanks for confirming what I have read and for the Michael Osman suggestion.

mamcalice: Thanks for the insight. That is something to consider.

DaveMM

SuzChicago

Married for 30 years and staring into one another's eyes. Dave, your wife is a lucky woman! I wish you all the best -- we are leaving this Friday for a trip planned for a year. Anticipation was much of the fun.

DaveMM

Suz...enjoy your trip. I will be on the same year-long road you have traveled. I should have also said that DW and I are hopeless romantics.

FrenchMystiqueTours

Thank you Dave. I'm honored to have been mentioned as providing you with assistance. I'll be posting another trip report, probably tomorrow, about a region I visited just outside Paris (think Giverny). Your plate sounds like it is full already but if you want, give it a look.

DaveMM

FrenchMystiqueTours: Actually...our plate is almost wide open for the 7 days we are in Paris. We are still in the "list making" phase. I am sure your trip report will be on my list.

Thanks.

DaveMM