Something Special In Paris
 

We are off in August for a 5 week trip r-t-w.It will be our first trip outside Australia and New Zealand.We will be in Paris for my 40 something birthday.Any suggestions for something special.Remember we are Aussies who get $US 0.60 for every one of our dollars.Thanks.

A few cost-conscious suggestions for your Paris trip. You don't say how long you are staying, or whether you are looking for sights, restaurants, gift suggestions, etc., so I will give you some of my favorites. For a great dinner experience (and considerably less than Tour d'Argent, make a reservation at La Bucherie, on Rue de la Bucherie, on the left bank, across from Notre Dame. Ask for a window table, after dark, and watch the tour boats go by and illuminate the cathedral. A good meal, reasonably priced, and a great dining experience. For a great tour, take the train out to Chartres, and get the English tour of the cathedral by Malcolm Miller. Fantastic. And spend the afternoon in the town. A great place. For a taste of the best in Paris, try the chocolate shop on the corner of Rue de Castiglione and Rue de Faubourg St. Honore, near the Ritz and the Place Vendome. Can't remember the name, but fantastic chocolates.

Djlawman

How long will you be in Paris?

One of the best things to do for the first couple of days is to get a two-day pass on the Yellow bus. It has English narration, three routes and about 49 stops so you can get on and off whenever and wherever you like. It is a great way to get an overview of the city and get a feel for all the sights that interest you. Then you can go back and enjoy at your leisure.

Of course, for us, nothing beats walking in Paris and stopping at sidewalk cafes when the spirit moves us. I believe I could happily walk around Paris for weeks without ever becoming even slightly bored. The subway is also a terrific way to get from one area of the city to another to indulge in your walking, exploration expeditions. We also took the train from the airport into the city and that was fun as well.

Rudi is the expert on where to eat your special 40th meal. I am sure he will post a wonderful (not too expensive) place sooner or later.

Take your most comfortable shoes and you can't miss. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks Punki and DjLawman.We will be in Paris for 3days.Too little time and too much to see but one has to try.

i am sure u have heard this before, but i just cant tell people enough, because it happened to me twice...
watch out for the pick pockets, they r true professional, one time i wore my bag with a clasped diagonally in front of me and my wallet inside (with $$$S and all my cards) was stolen while i was walking down champs-elysees... and i had been to paris gazillion times!!!
but, i still love paris, and would move there in a heartbeat if i could.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Have a safe and fun trip!

[This message has been edited by belle3388 (edited 07-01-2000).]

Belle3388,Thank you for your advice.I dont always lock my doors at night.So you can see security is not a priority.We will have to have new habbits.Thanks again.

grr

(eating) recommendations will follow, but please post first what your meal-preferences are and what you don't like.

And an idea about where you will stay (which quarter) would also be helpful.

While La Tour D'Argent is hideously expensive for dinner, most people don't know that it is open for lunch and the have a prix fixe menue at that meal. I was there for lunch with my wife about 2 years ago and I seem to remember paying about $150US total, including a bottle of wine. The food was fabulous and worth every penny. We did call a few days in advance a requested a window table and did receive one.
Another possibliity, also with prix fixe menue is the restaurant Le Ciel de Paris on the top floor of the Montparnasse tower. You can also rserve tables for two right on the window for a fabulous view of Paris by night. I haven't been there in about 5 years so I'm not sure its still there. Food is not fabulous (still OK), but the price is reasonable and the view superb.

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited 07-02-2000).]

Paris is probably my favorite big city these days, but you sure don't get a lot for your birthday-celebration buck there. If the weather is nice, put yourself together a romantic picnic, find a nice spot along the Seine, and kiss a lot. See if you can outdo the French in this popular sport.

There's a lot of great take-out food along Rue de Sevres - quiche, rotisserie chicken, all kinds of pastry, plenty of wine. Lots of other neighborhoods have these kind of shops too, but you might not find them without guidance. There's quite a bit of concrete along the Seine too, so someone should help you pick the ideal picnic spot.

Visit Paris for the romance. Defer your celebration dollars until you get to Los Angeles. They'll go a lot farther here.