Paris
Dec 31, 2004 | 8:33 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: (not Montana. Nor is my name really Helena, nor am I female)
Programs: Delta, USAirways, Starwood, Priority Club, Marriott, Amex
Posts: 2,557
There are a couple of things to do in Paris that are often listed as "beyond the obvious," but I see them listed so frequently they may be more properly listed among the obvious now. At any rate, one of these is the tour of the catacombs cut under the streets of Paris -- an endless maze of tunnels occasionally filled with stacks of human bones, disassembled and stacked in neat patterns. There's a set route that's easy to follow, but if you wander off in an un-lit direction, you could be lost for a very long time.
Another is the tour of the sewers. I haven't tried this myself, as it seems a bit too much along the lines of "They're tourists. They'll buy anything." But people do tend to report that it's worth the effort. As I understand it, some of the "charm" is connected to the romance of the sewer-chase scene in Les Miserables.
And the third is the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where many famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison.
Aside from those rather commonly mentioned second (or third) tier attractions, have you considered any of these:
1) The Musee Marmottan (full of paintings by Monet beyond those you've probably already seen at the Musee d'Orsay).
2) The Orangerie -- just across the river from the Orsay, a relatively small museum that houses Monet's huge, panoramic water lilies paintings. If you've only seen his smaller paintings (the size you might be able to get into your house), you should not miss these.
3) The Rodin museum.
4) The museum of the history of Paris (I believe it's called the Carnavalet, or something similar) -- pretty interesting, but best if you can read French.
5) The base of the old Louvre fortress, accessible from the basement of the new Louvre museum
6) The Medieval museum, in the Latin Quarter
7) The Roman amphitheater, near the Medieval museum
8) The Eiffel Tower (oops, nevermind)
9) If your trip is in cold weather, go ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall, not a hotel)
10) On Sunday morning, attend 11:00 services at the St. Sulpice church, and stay for a 15-20 minute organ concert immediately following the service. This church is where Charles-Marie Widor was concertmaster, and the spirit of his music is retained in the sound of the organ and the selection of music played in these concerts (if you're not familiar with Widor, find someone who will lend you a recording of the Toccatta from his 5th symphony, commonly known as "The Widor Toccatta." And if you're asking your friends if they have a recording you can borrow, remember to pronounce "Widor" like "Veedore.")
11) The Conciergerie -- the prison that held many of those who were beheaded during the French Revolution(s), including Marie Antoinette's cell.
12) Any of several flea markets or the flower market or the bird market.
13) And if you want a tour of the Louvre and/or Orsay museums that will change the way you look at art forever, fly me over, with my wife, first class, all expenses paid, and I'll be happy to provide it.
Now, you also mentioned that you're looking at other parts of France. Most Americans, at least, first consider the Normandy beaches, Mont St. Michel, the Loire, and Provence when looking for French destinations besides Paris. But let me suggest you also consider the Dordogne region. The Dordogne is a river that runs from south central France westward to the Atlantic at Bordeaux (after becoming the Gironde River). The most captivating part of the region is in the river's middle section, where it flows through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills peppered with charming small towns and castles. The roads are all small and nothing moves fast in this region. During the Hundred Years War, the Dordogne sporadically formed the border between English and French lands, so there are medieval castles on every cliff and seemingly at every bend in the road. Many of the villages retain their medieval character, as well. At Les Eyzies, there's the famous Lascaux cave paintings. Many other examples of prehistoric art can also be visited in the region. Prices are quite moderate in the region for accommodations. It's wonderful to stay in a castle and spend the day in a canoe floating down the Dordogne, passing medieval towns and castles at every bend, stopping at a beach along the way for your "pique-nique" of a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and, well, whatever else pleases your fancy. And most of the Dordogne region is coincident with the Perigord, from which we get Perigord black truffles, foie gras, cassoulet, and other wonderful French "home cooking."
Does any of that sound appealing?
Another is the tour of the sewers. I haven't tried this myself, as it seems a bit too much along the lines of "They're tourists. They'll buy anything." But people do tend to report that it's worth the effort. As I understand it, some of the "charm" is connected to the romance of the sewer-chase scene in Les Miserables.
And the third is the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where many famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison.
Aside from those rather commonly mentioned second (or third) tier attractions, have you considered any of these:
1) The Musee Marmottan (full of paintings by Monet beyond those you've probably already seen at the Musee d'Orsay).
2) The Orangerie -- just across the river from the Orsay, a relatively small museum that houses Monet's huge, panoramic water lilies paintings. If you've only seen his smaller paintings (the size you might be able to get into your house), you should not miss these.
3) The Rodin museum.
4) The museum of the history of Paris (I believe it's called the Carnavalet, or something similar) -- pretty interesting, but best if you can read French.
5) The base of the old Louvre fortress, accessible from the basement of the new Louvre museum
6) The Medieval museum, in the Latin Quarter
7) The Roman amphitheater, near the Medieval museum
8) The Eiffel Tower (oops, nevermind)
9) If your trip is in cold weather, go ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall, not a hotel)
10) On Sunday morning, attend 11:00 services at the St. Sulpice church, and stay for a 15-20 minute organ concert immediately following the service. This church is where Charles-Marie Widor was concertmaster, and the spirit of his music is retained in the sound of the organ and the selection of music played in these concerts (if you're not familiar with Widor, find someone who will lend you a recording of the Toccatta from his 5th symphony, commonly known as "The Widor Toccatta." And if you're asking your friends if they have a recording you can borrow, remember to pronounce "Widor" like "Veedore.")
11) The Conciergerie -- the prison that held many of those who were beheaded during the French Revolution(s), including Marie Antoinette's cell.
12) Any of several flea markets or the flower market or the bird market.
13) And if you want a tour of the Louvre and/or Orsay museums that will change the way you look at art forever, fly me over, with my wife, first class, all expenses paid, and I'll be happy to provide it.
Now, you also mentioned that you're looking at other parts of France. Most Americans, at least, first consider the Normandy beaches, Mont St. Michel, the Loire, and Provence when looking for French destinations besides Paris. But let me suggest you also consider the Dordogne region. The Dordogne is a river that runs from south central France westward to the Atlantic at Bordeaux (after becoming the Gironde River). The most captivating part of the region is in the river's middle section, where it flows through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills peppered with charming small towns and castles. The roads are all small and nothing moves fast in this region. During the Hundred Years War, the Dordogne sporadically formed the border between English and French lands, so there are medieval castles on every cliff and seemingly at every bend in the road. Many of the villages retain their medieval character, as well. At Les Eyzies, there's the famous Lascaux cave paintings. Many other examples of prehistoric art can also be visited in the region. Prices are quite moderate in the region for accommodations. It's wonderful to stay in a castle and spend the day in a canoe floating down the Dordogne, passing medieval towns and castles at every bend, stopping at a beach along the way for your "pique-nique" of a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and, well, whatever else pleases your fancy. And most of the Dordogne region is coincident with the Perigord, from which we get Perigord black truffles, foie gras, cassoulet, and other wonderful French "home cooking."
Does any of that sound appealing?
Dec 31, 2004 | 9:19 am
#17
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS Titanium, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,583
Originally Posted by First_Class_Flyer
And your point? Many or a few, what is the difference. Many is 2 or 3. So no, I'm not confused at all about the number of times I've been to Paris. Thanks for you concern though.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384619
Dec 31, 2004 | 11:05 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peapack, New Jersey
Posts: 269
Originally Posted by Fredd
Are you confused about starting this thread over here within a few minutes of starting this thread?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384619
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384619
Like I said earlier in this thread, if you are still having a problem understanding what I am saying PM me instead of hijacking my thread.
Am I confused about starting this thread over here within a few minutes of starting this thread, no. End of conversation.
Dec 31, 2004 | 11:29 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peapack, New Jersey
Posts: 269
The Catacombs sound very interesting, my son would really enjoy that. The Musee Marmottan sound good as well. When I was there in the past, I did not get a chance to hit most of the museums. The history of Paris would be good. I can speak some French so I suppose it wouldn't be a bad idea. I have done the Louvre the past times I was there and did not go to that part so again that would be good. You mention the Eiffel Tower, I had only gone to the second level, my wife chickened out to go to the top. It would be also nice to go through their flee markets like you say, it sounds like a good experience. Would the tour of The Louvre or The Orsay be private? All of the places you suggested that are outside of Paris sound very nice. I'm still deciding whether or not I am going to go anywhere else beside Paris. It seems like I missed many great things. I really appreciate your suggestions, they are very helpful. Thankyou. Do you travel to France often? one more thing, I forgot to ask about the price. Do you think that I should be able to come under $7,500 for 7 nights and 8 days at a luxury hotel. I have in the past, but this year it seems that Paris is more expensive.
Originally Posted by Helena Handbaskets
There are a couple of things to do in Paris that are often listed as "beyond the obvious," but I see them listed so frequently they may be more properly listed among the obvious now. At any rate, one of these is the tour of the catacombs cut under the streets of Paris -- an endless maze of tunnels occasionally filled with stacks of human bones, disassembled and stacked in neat patterns. There's a set route that's easy to follow, but if you wander off in an un-lit direction, you could be lost for a very long time.
Another is the tour of the sewers. I haven't tried this myself, as it seems a bit too much along the lines of "They're tourists. They'll buy anything." But people do tend to report that it's worth the effort. As I understand it, some of the "charm" is connected to the romance of the sewer-chase scene in Les Miserables.
And the third is the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where many famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison.
Aside from those rather commonly mentioned second (or third) tier attractions, have you considered any of these:
1) The Musee Marmottan (full of paintings by Monet beyond those you've probably already seen at the Musee d'Orsay).
2) The Orangerie -- just across the river from the Orsay, a relatively small museum that houses Monet's huge, panoramic water lilies paintings. If you've only seen his smaller paintings (the size you might be able to get into your house), you should not miss these.
3) The Rodin museum.
4) The museum of the history of Paris (I believe it's called the Carnavalet, or something similar) -- pretty interesting, but best if you can read French.
5) The base of the old Louvre fortress, accessible from the basement of the new Louvre museum
6) The Medieval museum, in the Latin Quarter
7) The Roman amphitheater, near the Medieval museum
8) The Eiffel Tower (oops, nevermind)
9) If your trip is in cold weather, go ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall, not a hotel)
10) On Sunday morning, attend 11:00 services at the St. Sulpice church, and stay for a 15-20 minute organ concert immediately following the service. This church is where Charles-Marie Widor was concertmaster, and the spirit of his music is retained in the sound of the organ and the selection of music played in these concerts (if you're not familiar with Widor, find someone who will lend you a recording of the Toccatta from his 5th symphony, commonly known as "The Widor Toccatta." And if you're asking your friends if they have a recording you can borrow, remember to pronounce "Widor" like "Veedore.")
11) The Conciergerie -- the prison that held many of those who were beheaded during the French Revolution(s), including Marie Antoinette's cell.
12) Any of several flea markets or the flower market or the bird market.
13) And if you want a tour of the Louvre and/or Orsay museums that will change the way you look at art forever, fly me over, with my wife, first class, all expenses paid, and I'll be happy to provide it.
Now, you also mentioned that you're looking at other parts of France. Most Americans, at least, first consider the Normandy beaches, Mont St. Michel, the Loire, and Provence when looking for French destinations besides Paris. But let me suggest you also consider the Dordogne region. The Dordogne is a river that runs from south central France westward to the Atlantic at Bordeaux (after becoming the Gironde River). The most captivating part of the region is in the river's middle section, where it flows through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills peppered with charming small towns and castles. The roads are all small and nothing moves fast in this region. During the Hundred Years War, the Dordogne sporadically formed the border between English and French lands, so there are medieval castles on every cliff and seemingly at every bend in the road. Many of the villages retain their medieval character, as well. At Les Eyzies, there's the famous Lascaux cave paintings. Many other examples of prehistoric art can also be visited in the region. Prices are quite moderate in the region for accommodations. It's wonderful to stay in a castle and spend the day in a canoe floating down the Dordogne, passing medieval towns and castles at every bend, stopping at a beach along the way for your "pique-nique" of a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and, well, whatever else pleases your fancy. And most of the Dordogne region is coincident with the Perigord, from which we get Perigord black truffles, foie gras, cassoulet, and other wonderful French "home cooking."
Does any of that sound appealing?
Another is the tour of the sewers. I haven't tried this myself, as it seems a bit too much along the lines of "They're tourists. They'll buy anything." But people do tend to report that it's worth the effort. As I understand it, some of the "charm" is connected to the romance of the sewer-chase scene in Les Miserables.
And the third is the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where many famous people are buried, including Jim Morrison.
Aside from those rather commonly mentioned second (or third) tier attractions, have you considered any of these:
1) The Musee Marmottan (full of paintings by Monet beyond those you've probably already seen at the Musee d'Orsay).
2) The Orangerie -- just across the river from the Orsay, a relatively small museum that houses Monet's huge, panoramic water lilies paintings. If you've only seen his smaller paintings (the size you might be able to get into your house), you should not miss these.
3) The Rodin museum.
4) The museum of the history of Paris (I believe it's called the Carnavalet, or something similar) -- pretty interesting, but best if you can read French.
5) The base of the old Louvre fortress, accessible from the basement of the new Louvre museum
6) The Medieval museum, in the Latin Quarter
7) The Roman amphitheater, near the Medieval museum
8) The Eiffel Tower (oops, nevermind)
9) If your trip is in cold weather, go ice skating in front of the Hotel de Ville (town hall, not a hotel)
10) On Sunday morning, attend 11:00 services at the St. Sulpice church, and stay for a 15-20 minute organ concert immediately following the service. This church is where Charles-Marie Widor was concertmaster, and the spirit of his music is retained in the sound of the organ and the selection of music played in these concerts (if you're not familiar with Widor, find someone who will lend you a recording of the Toccatta from his 5th symphony, commonly known as "The Widor Toccatta." And if you're asking your friends if they have a recording you can borrow, remember to pronounce "Widor" like "Veedore.")
11) The Conciergerie -- the prison that held many of those who were beheaded during the French Revolution(s), including Marie Antoinette's cell.
12) Any of several flea markets or the flower market or the bird market.
13) And if you want a tour of the Louvre and/or Orsay museums that will change the way you look at art forever, fly me over, with my wife, first class, all expenses paid, and I'll be happy to provide it.
Now, you also mentioned that you're looking at other parts of France. Most Americans, at least, first consider the Normandy beaches, Mont St. Michel, the Loire, and Provence when looking for French destinations besides Paris. But let me suggest you also consider the Dordogne region. The Dordogne is a river that runs from south central France westward to the Atlantic at Bordeaux (after becoming the Gironde River). The most captivating part of the region is in the river's middle section, where it flows through a beautiful landscape of rolling hills peppered with charming small towns and castles. The roads are all small and nothing moves fast in this region. During the Hundred Years War, the Dordogne sporadically formed the border between English and French lands, so there are medieval castles on every cliff and seemingly at every bend in the road. Many of the villages retain their medieval character, as well. At Les Eyzies, there's the famous Lascaux cave paintings. Many other examples of prehistoric art can also be visited in the region. Prices are quite moderate in the region for accommodations. It's wonderful to stay in a castle and spend the day in a canoe floating down the Dordogne, passing medieval towns and castles at every bend, stopping at a beach along the way for your "pique-nique" of a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and, well, whatever else pleases your fancy. And most of the Dordogne region is coincident with the Perigord, from which we get Perigord black truffles, foie gras, cassoulet, and other wonderful French "home cooking."
Does any of that sound appealing?
Last edited by First_Class_Flyer; Dec 31, 2004 at 11:33 am
Dec 31, 2004 | 11:43 am
#20
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS Titanium, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,583
Spamming
Originally Posted by First_Class_Flyer
Like I said earlier in this thread, if you are still having a problem understanding what I am saying PM me instead of hijacking my thread.
Am I confused about starting this thread over here within a few minutes of starting this thread, no. End of conversation.
Am I confused about starting this thread over here within a few minutes of starting this thread, no. End of conversation.
Duplicate Posts
Duplicate posts take two forms:
Identical posts placed on more than one discussion thread. Many participants in our community are very frequent visitors and weeding through the same message in multiple locations can be frustrating, and downright annoying. Good online manners dictate that you don't post the same message more than once. The online word for posting the same message in multiple locations is "spamming." We don't allow that.
Accidental duplicate posts in a single discussion thread. We do understand that, due to occasional server lag, duplicate posts may not be your fault. To request that accidental duplicate posts be deleted, contact any TalkAssist member who will see that the duplicate post in question is cleaned up.
Dec 31, 2004 | 11:48 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peapack, New Jersey
Posts: 269
Originally Posted by Fredd
http://www.flyertalk.com/helpfr.shtml
Duplicate Posts
Duplicate posts take two forms:
Identical posts placed on more than one discussion thread. Many participants in our community are very frequent visitors and weeding through the same message in multiple locations can be frustrating, and downright annoying. Good online manners dictate that you don't post the same message more than once. The online word for posting the same message in multiple locations is "spamming." We don't allow that.
Accidental duplicate posts in a single discussion thread. We do understand that, due to occasional server lag, duplicate posts may not be your fault. To request that accidental duplicate posts be deleted, contact any TalkAssist member who will see that the duplicate post in question is cleaned up.
Duplicate Posts
Duplicate posts take two forms:
Identical posts placed on more than one discussion thread. Many participants in our community are very frequent visitors and weeding through the same message in multiple locations can be frustrating, and downright annoying. Good online manners dictate that you don't post the same message more than once. The online word for posting the same message in multiple locations is "spamming." We don't allow that.
Accidental duplicate posts in a single discussion thread. We do understand that, due to occasional server lag, duplicate posts may not be your fault. To request that accidental duplicate posts be deleted, contact any TalkAssist member who will see that the duplicate post in question is cleaned up.
As you probably know, I'm not the only one that has done this. Yes, it was wrong, but several people are also guilty of this.
Dec 31, 2004 | 12:10 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: From and of Boston.
Posts: 4,973
FlyerTalk contains a great deal of advice, and Paris is one of the most-discussed places, for both on- and off- the beaten path sites. It's not at all clear to me that the OP has taken the time to read such advice, as he certainly seemed to have no specific questions.
I'd also thank Fredd for his/her efforts in helping the rest of us evaluate the reliability of the OP, and the extent to which any of us might be willing to go to provide assistance.
I'd also thank Fredd for his/her efforts in helping the rest of us evaluate the reliability of the OP, and the extent to which any of us might be willing to go to provide assistance.
Dec 31, 2004 | 12:22 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Peapack, New Jersey
Posts: 269
Originally Posted by wideman
FlyerTalk contains a great deal of advice, and Paris is one of the most-discussed places, for both on- and off- the beaten path sites. It's not at all clear to me that the OP has taken the time to read such advice, as he certainly seemed to have no specific questions.
I'd also thank Fredd for his/her efforts in helping the rest of us evaluate the reliability of the OP, and the extent to which any of us might be willing to go to provide assistance.
I'd also thank Fredd for his/her efforts in helping the rest of us evaluate the reliability of the OP, and the extent to which any of us might be willing to go to provide assistance.
That's a round about way to say you think I'm not telling the truth.
Jan 5, 2005 | 9:57 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: AA ExPLT
Posts: 354
I'm thinking it could be tough to make that budget for a week in Paris. Have you thought about an apartment? Chezvous.com is a web site that lists properties and although I have not personally used it we do know people who have with good results. Also, if you go in warm weather don't miss a walk on the Ile St. Louis making sure to stop at the Bertillion shop for ice cream (lots of restaurants have the Bertillion sign indicating they sell it but go to the original for best selection of flavors). And I would recommend a visit to the Saint-Chapelle - preferably on a bright sunny day when the light coming through those wonderful stained glass windows just dazzles. If you're going to museums get the museum card if for no other reason than that it allows you to avoid the entry lines!