Your favorite things about Paris
Nov 17th, 2003, 02:52 PM
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Your favorite things about Paris
My apologies to traveller212, who started a similar thread on Venice. I hope you don't mind my "borrowing" the topic--those replies were wonderful.
I've been studying feverishly since learning of our trip to Paris, but have only 5 weeks to prepare, 10 days of which we'll be on another trip. Have read volumes here, bought Fodors <u>Paris</u> (a help but tooo much info to cull in this brief period), Frommers <u>Memorable Walks in Paris</u>, Streetwise Paris map to help coordinate (thank you Scarlett!) all the wannados and mustsees.
I've read the negatives about pickpockets, poop, p*ssy streets and attitudes, pouring Dec rain, and hopefully have everything in proper perspective so as not to let them dampen the trip. They won't as long as I'm ready for them, and I believe I am.
3 museums are planned--probably will only have time for the Louvre (select portions), Musee d'Orsay, and Rodin, as well as definite plans for the 2 obvious monuments. Hope to take in Christmas Eve Mass at Notre Dame and tour it as well later.
Now what I'd really love to hear are <i>your</i> favorite things about Paris...what you feel are the most picturesque neighborhoods and walks, your favorite buildings, and the cafes and restaurants you loved (the little guys and not so little). Between all these resources I really think we can pull this off in 5 weeks and have a fabulous Christmas trip.
I've been studying feverishly since learning of our trip to Paris, but have only 5 weeks to prepare, 10 days of which we'll be on another trip. Have read volumes here, bought Fodors <u>Paris</u> (a help but tooo much info to cull in this brief period), Frommers <u>Memorable Walks in Paris</u>, Streetwise Paris map to help coordinate (thank you Scarlett!) all the wannados and mustsees.
I've read the negatives about pickpockets, poop, p*ssy streets and attitudes, pouring Dec rain, and hopefully have everything in proper perspective so as not to let them dampen the trip. They won't as long as I'm ready for them, and I believe I am.
3 museums are planned--probably will only have time for the Louvre (select portions), Musee d'Orsay, and Rodin, as well as definite plans for the 2 obvious monuments. Hope to take in Christmas Eve Mass at Notre Dame and tour it as well later.
Now what I'd really love to hear are <i>your</i> favorite things about Paris...what you feel are the most picturesque neighborhoods and walks, your favorite buildings, and the cafes and restaurants you loved (the little guys and not so little). Between all these resources I really think we can pull this off in 5 weeks and have a fabulous Christmas trip.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:06 PM
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Pickpockets: If you follow recommended advice for securing your valuables, you'll have no pickpocket concerns.
Puppy Poop: Having read and heard all about this, we "watched" where we walked for the first few days, whereupon we realized we hadn't seen any dog poop anywhere whatseover, or any of the splendid scenery (except for the pavements) all about.
Attitude: Many American visitors believe they possess good manners, when, in fact, they do not. Example: A gent (not really) marched up to the front desk of our hotel, pushing aside those already there, leaned over, and declared "I NEED A TAXI TO THE AIRPORT". He was completely ignored by the three ladies on duty, despite several repetitions, whereupon he stormed off shouting, "Well, I guess the French are as rude as everyone says."
Another hilarious observation: Buses (many routes utilize the same stops) do not stop unless someone happens to be getting off there, or you wave to the driver. As we approached a bus stop one day, an American gent (not really) was screaming, "What we're not GOOD ENOUGH for them to pick us up!". (Well, shorts, huge brand new white sneakers, fanny pack... anyway...) Apparently, one bus after another had gone by without stopping. When I explained, his response was "Well, I just don't see why I need to flag one down." (Well, only if you want to get on.)
Then, there are all those who presume "everyone speaks English" everywhere you go. Actually, they do, but are not all that confident about it. If you do your best to start off in your very best attempt at French, they'll do their very best in English.
Here's another recommendation for a search within this Forum. You know, those of us with valuable tips, recommendations, and suggestions, acquired from experience, and not found in all the tour guides, would presume that those wishing to benefit from same, would expend a bit of effort.
Puppy Poop: Having read and heard all about this, we "watched" where we walked for the first few days, whereupon we realized we hadn't seen any dog poop anywhere whatseover, or any of the splendid scenery (except for the pavements) all about.
Attitude: Many American visitors believe they possess good manners, when, in fact, they do not. Example: A gent (not really) marched up to the front desk of our hotel, pushing aside those already there, leaned over, and declared "I NEED A TAXI TO THE AIRPORT". He was completely ignored by the three ladies on duty, despite several repetitions, whereupon he stormed off shouting, "Well, I guess the French are as rude as everyone says."
Another hilarious observation: Buses (many routes utilize the same stops) do not stop unless someone happens to be getting off there, or you wave to the driver. As we approached a bus stop one day, an American gent (not really) was screaming, "What we're not GOOD ENOUGH for them to pick us up!". (Well, shorts, huge brand new white sneakers, fanny pack... anyway...) Apparently, one bus after another had gone by without stopping. When I explained, his response was "Well, I just don't see why I need to flag one down." (Well, only if you want to get on.)
Then, there are all those who presume "everyone speaks English" everywhere you go. Actually, they do, but are not all that confident about it. If you do your best to start off in your very best attempt at French, they'll do their very best in English.
Here's another recommendation for a search within this Forum. You know, those of us with valuable tips, recommendations, and suggestions, acquired from experience, and not found in all the tour guides, would presume that those wishing to benefit from same, would expend a bit of effort.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:15 PM
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Those are hilarious observations!
Oh, hold on...they're not funny, and money says they're not true. Do you really expect us to believe that every American tourist that makes an impression is wearing brand new white tennies?
But please, tell more funny stories!
Oh, hold on...they're not funny, and money says they're not true. Do you really expect us to believe that every American tourist that makes an impression is wearing brand new white tennies?
But please, tell more funny stories!
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:24 PM
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OliveOyl how exciting! Have you never been ? Well, it's been some time for me but Place des Vosges was an amazing sight the first time I saw it (by accident). I really love the Picasso museum. Ironically I'm not a huge Picasso fan but this museum gave me a new perspective on him since it has a lot of his early work that we don't tend to see. It's like the Rodin in that it's in a beautiful building. The area around the museum always has great shopping.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:29 PM
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Wait a minute there, Dr. Travel. She's entirely correct on all counts:
-there is no dog poop anywhere in Paris whatsoever
- all American tourists come off as pushy and blithering idiots/clowns
- the French are perfect in every respect and virtually all of them bend over backwards to make tourists feel welcome
- Actually, everyone does indeed speak English
- Americans are the worst of all foreign visitors in any given country, France included
note: I could be wrong on one or two of these observations
-there is no dog poop anywhere in Paris whatsoever
- all American tourists come off as pushy and blithering idiots/clowns
- the French are perfect in every respect and virtually all of them bend over backwards to make tourists feel welcome
- Actually, everyone does indeed speak English
- Americans are the worst of all foreign visitors in any given country, France included
note: I could be wrong on one or two of these observations
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:30 PM
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One of my favorite memories is being in the courtyard at the Louvre at night, there was a full moon, the buildings were lit, the fountains were on, and there was no one there but us. That was during our first visit. We were there a few weeks ago and noticed that the "fountains" were dry, I don't know if that was because it is getting colder or if they were doing some type of maintenance, however; if you can take a walk over there at night, it is beautiful, with or without the water!
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:32 PM
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The Marais area is lovely "old" Paris that includes the Place de Voges (sp)--a lovely park. Also in that area is the Carnivale (blanking--might not be exactly the name), which is the museum of Paris. Not too many tourists stop there so you have an opportunity to walk leisurely through rooms that are examples of Paris through the ages. Really beautiful.
We stayed in St. Germain and I would highly recommend a stroll through that area, including a stop at Ladurees for macaroons to eat as you stroll the Luxemburg Gardens.
The view of Paris from the top of the Samaritaine Department store is free and incredible.
Have a magical trip to this wonderful city!
P.S. Ask for cafe creme when dining--IMO the best way of fixing coffee in the world!
We stayed in St. Germain and I would highly recommend a stroll through that area, including a stop at Ladurees for macaroons to eat as you stroll the Luxemburg Gardens.
The view of Paris from the top of the Samaritaine Department store is free and incredible.
Have a magical trip to this wonderful city!
P.S. Ask for cafe creme when dining--IMO the best way of fixing coffee in the world!
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:32 PM
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If it's your first trip to Paris, I understand wanting to do the "biggie" museums..Louvre, D'Orsay. But the real joy of Paris is the smaller , often unvisited by many, museums. The Nissan de camondo, Jacquemart-Andre, Musee de Montmarte,Maillol,Marmatton,Guimet,the Maritime in the Palais de Chaillot are all worth more than a short glance. The Carnavelet is an especial favorite of mine. We especially wanted to see the Gauguin exhibit at the Grand Palais..but the line were 4 blocks long last trip..plan ahead if you are interested!
The Louvre overwhelms me, even if I am only going for a special exhibit. It can take an hour just to find your way to what you want to see!
Try to plan your day by neighborhoods or arrondisements...it saves walking and using transport. We did that this year on our 9th or 10th visit of 12 days and had the best time ever!And visit out of the way places. Passy , with Balzac museum, nice marche, great pedestrian area was most interesting. You get the feel of the city itself instead of the "tourist area". We spent an entire morning and early afternoon in Montemarte..doing a walk thru Sacre Coeur,Espace Dali, Musee de Montemarte, vineyards,Pigalle,Musee arts naive(naif), place de Tertre,and the shops and arkets..wonderful time.
The Louvre overwhelms me, even if I am only going for a special exhibit. It can take an hour just to find your way to what you want to see!
Try to plan your day by neighborhoods or arrondisements...it saves walking and using transport. We did that this year on our 9th or 10th visit of 12 days and had the best time ever!And visit out of the way places. Passy , with Balzac museum, nice marche, great pedestrian area was most interesting. You get the feel of the city itself instead of the "tourist area". We spent an entire morning and early afternoon in Montemarte..doing a walk thru Sacre Coeur,Espace Dali, Musee de Montemarte, vineyards,Pigalle,Musee arts naive(naif), place de Tertre,and the shops and arkets..wonderful time.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:39 PM
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Perhaps Americans are worst of all travellers to any country because...look out now, here comes a theory:
There are more of us that travel! Why? Because we have free market economies for the most part and are capitalists...not socialists. Can't hear that over the din of the tractors and semis blocking off your streets in protest of the price controls? Sorry.
There are more of us that travel! Why? Because we have free market economies for the most part and are capitalists...not socialists. Can't hear that over the din of the tractors and semis blocking off your streets in protest of the price controls? Sorry.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:50 PM
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In Europe, traveling from country to country is very similar to us traveling from state to state. Having said that, I'd much rather travel from one country to another in Europe than from one state to another in the US.
Kidding about the hairy Parisans.
Kidding about the hairy Parisans.
Nov 17th, 2003, 05:56 PM
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Hi Olive,
My favorite things at Christmas were walking down the Champse(etc. I can't spell it) just as the twinkle lights went on. So pretty. And so busy! And having lunch at Jules Verne (so much more affordable than dinner)
My favorite things at Christmas were walking down the Champse(etc. I can't spell it) just as the twinkle lights went on. So pretty. And so busy! And having lunch at Jules Verne (so much more affordable than dinner)
Nov 17th, 2003, 06:06 PM
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DH and I returned a week ago from Paris;
not our first time. We did not do a lot of planning but I had taken some info from here, Degas's walking tours were helpful.
Here are our favorite restaurants of our week; all in the 6th arrondissement except for la Truffiere
Restaurants: Le Christine 1 rue Christine
tel. 01 40 51 71 64
Average prices, nice atmosphere
La Rotisserie d'en Face
2 rue Christine tel. 01 43 26 40 98
Casual, excellent food, varied menu- midrange
www.jacques-cagna.com
L'Espadon Bleu
25 rue des GrandsAugustins 6ème arr.
tel 01 46 33 00 85
upscale fish and seafood;warm atmosphere
La Truffière
4 rue Blainville (Place de la Contrescarpe)
01 46 33 29 82
www.latruffiere.com (closed mondays)
upscale restaurant, all dishes made with truffle-
historical old location
Dress was relatively casual in all these restaurants, casual smart.
internet café: Access Academy 60 St. André des Arts
www.accessacademy.com
not our first time. We did not do a lot of planning but I had taken some info from here, Degas's walking tours were helpful.
Here are our favorite restaurants of our week; all in the 6th arrondissement except for la Truffiere
Restaurants: Le Christine 1 rue Christine
tel. 01 40 51 71 64
Average prices, nice atmosphere
La Rotisserie d'en Face
2 rue Christine tel. 01 43 26 40 98
Casual, excellent food, varied menu- midrange
www.jacques-cagna.com
L'Espadon Bleu
25 rue des GrandsAugustins 6ème arr.
tel 01 46 33 00 85
upscale fish and seafood;warm atmosphere
La Truffière
4 rue Blainville (Place de la Contrescarpe)
01 46 33 29 82
www.latruffiere.com (closed mondays)
upscale restaurant, all dishes made with truffle-
historical old location
Dress was relatively casual in all these restaurants, casual smart.
internet café: Access Academy 60 St. André des Arts
www.accessacademy.com
Nov 17th, 2003, 06:14 PM
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mitchdesj..you have named 2 of our favorites, L'espadon Bleu...if the have it next time you are there , try the gazpacho with mussels and shrimp, our new find on our last trip, and Rotisserie d'en face, especially the vacherin. We didn't try Le christine, but just a few doors up, we did go to Chez Fernand. It was so good we went back the second time. No English menu, but you should be able to figure out what is on offer if you are the least bit familiar with French menu. I had the best cochon du lait( suckling pig) and the veal kidneys were to die for! we've added it to our list of favorites..the waiters were also delightful!
Sorry Dr Travel if I misunderstood you.. You sounded too serious to be ironic or sarcastic! My Bad!
Sorry Dr Travel if I misunderstood you.. You sounded too serious to be ironic or sarcastic! My Bad!
Nov 18th, 2003, 05:03 AM
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Olive Oyl, how could I have missed this thread?? Nothing I love more than talking about things to do and see in Paris! And it is always special when you can say, Wow, Scarlett was right, this place is amazing! 
Of course, after this you will be saying that jody and grasshopper and mitchdesij and mclaurie,etc are right too!!
My favorite things(sounds like a musical)--sorry if I repeat others ~
The Place de Vosges, we always go there, have a bite at the cafe, sit in the park and watch the children play. As I have said here before, there is an Opera singer who lives in one of the buildings and on a Sunday you can usually hear her practicing.
Wandering the streets of the Marais, I always feel like I discovered something that no one else has! Great place to find small boutiques with lovely handmade sweaters , funky jewelry.
I agree with mclaurie, the Picasso is a fine home full of art..even if you are not crazy about him, there is his collection of art done by other artists.
We stay on the Left Bank, the Luxembourg Gardens are always a part of our stay-we like to have a light meal at the small cafe in the park (all windows, small, cozy, very charming especially on a cold day) or if the sun is warm enough, sit by the water and just people watch.
The Rodin and D'Orsay are my favorites.
Do have lunch in the upstairs restaurant of the D'Orsay and buy some souvenirs or gifts in the gift shop. Every trip we buy a calender so I can remember Paris all during the year.
I like stopping often in cafes, (Deux Magots for example) and taking a break and enjoying the people watching while having a wine/coffee/hot chocolate. I don't think I have ever had as much or better hot chocolate than when in Paris in winter!
French dogs are very cool and I can't wait for Pup to get to go meet them! They are well behaved, I have been one of the lucky ones to have missed the great amounts of poop spoken of here and amazingly, they understand French!!
I know you are looking for waterproof boots, but you still must shop at Galleries Lafayette and buy some shoes there, what an excellent shoe dept they have!
My favorite small neighborhood bistro is the Petit St Benoit. They will welcome you, seat you next to someone who will end up speaking perfect English or try to practice their limited English on you..always with good cheer. The food is basic delicious homecooking, the wine is always good.
Buy something for the house (kitchen) from one of the lovely Provencal shops, I have a small collection of green and yellow bowls.(rue Jacob is my fav)
I could go on and on, but I will spare everyone.
I must say this though, part of the fun of traveling for me and obviously for a lot of people is the talking about it. You get excited and learn when you talk about it before and you keep the glow of pleasure from it when you talk about it when you return.
So don't let anyone be a spoilsport and tell you to expend some effort and do your research..that is exactly what this is and it is fresh and new!
That is why it is called Travel TALK, so we can all keep Talking about it.
Of course, after this you will be saying that jody and grasshopper and mitchdesij and mclaurie,etc are right too!!
My favorite things(sounds like a musical)--sorry if I repeat others ~
The Place de Vosges, we always go there, have a bite at the cafe, sit in the park and watch the children play. As I have said here before, there is an Opera singer who lives in one of the buildings and on a Sunday you can usually hear her practicing.
Wandering the streets of the Marais, I always feel like I discovered something that no one else has! Great place to find small boutiques with lovely handmade sweaters , funky jewelry.
I agree with mclaurie, the Picasso is a fine home full of art..even if you are not crazy about him, there is his collection of art done by other artists.
We stay on the Left Bank, the Luxembourg Gardens are always a part of our stay-we like to have a light meal at the small cafe in the park (all windows, small, cozy, very charming especially on a cold day) or if the sun is warm enough, sit by the water and just people watch.
The Rodin and D'Orsay are my favorites.
Do have lunch in the upstairs restaurant of the D'Orsay and buy some souvenirs or gifts in the gift shop. Every trip we buy a calender so I can remember Paris all during the year.
I like stopping often in cafes, (Deux Magots for example) and taking a break and enjoying the people watching while having a wine/coffee/hot chocolate. I don't think I have ever had as much or better hot chocolate than when in Paris in winter!
French dogs are very cool and I can't wait for Pup to get to go meet them! They are well behaved, I have been one of the lucky ones to have missed the great amounts of poop spoken of here and amazingly, they understand French!!
I know you are looking for waterproof boots, but you still must shop at Galleries Lafayette and buy some shoes there, what an excellent shoe dept they have!
My favorite small neighborhood bistro is the Petit St Benoit. They will welcome you, seat you next to someone who will end up speaking perfect English or try to practice their limited English on you..always with good cheer. The food is basic delicious homecooking, the wine is always good.
Buy something for the house (kitchen) from one of the lovely Provencal shops, I have a small collection of green and yellow bowls.(rue Jacob is my fav)
I could go on and on, but I will spare everyone.
I must say this though, part of the fun of traveling for me and obviously for a lot of people is the talking about it. You get excited and learn when you talk about it before and you keep the glow of pleasure from it when you talk about it when you return.
So don't let anyone be a spoilsport and tell you to expend some effort and do your research..that is exactly what this is and it is fresh and new!
That is why it is called Travel TALK, so we can all keep Talking about it.
Nov 18th, 2003, 05:52 AM
#19
Don't miss the stained glass windows at Sainte Chapelle. They cover most of the walls, are a wonderful color, and are especially beautiful with the sun shining through them. This church is located in the middle of the complex which also houses the Paris courthouse. I overheard a tour guide telling people that the windows in a certain area are reproductions because at some point (between the time of the revolution and today) the court house was running out of storage space and there were files stored up against the walls and windows of Ste. Chapelle, damaging some of the lower windows. I have spent enough time in courthouses to have no trouble believing this story.
Nov 18th, 2003, 07:14 AM
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Some other thoughts, because, like Scarlett, I'm so excited for you...as I've said before here, I love Ile St Louis. It's a quiet oasis with lovely shops & restaurants (& gorgeous homes).
I haven't been, but I was quite taken by the views & the look of the rest. at the top of the Pompidou Center shown in the movie Le Divorce.
Speaking of movies, you might want to try to rent Camille Claudel before you go. She was Rodin's lover (& a great artist in her own right). I believe the house they live in in the movie is actually the Rodin museum (which was his house).
A bientot.
I haven't been, but I was quite taken by the views & the look of the rest. at the top of the Pompidou Center shown in the movie Le Divorce.
Speaking of movies, you might want to try to rent Camille Claudel before you go. She was Rodin's lover (& a great artist in her own right). I believe the house they live in in the movie is actually the Rodin museum (which was his house).
A bientot.
