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Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 13 2008, 12:11 PM

So... I'll be in Frankfurt 3/11 through 3/14 and decided to take the bullet to Paris 3/15 and 3/16.

I'll get in around 10:00AM that Saturday and fly out Monday the 17th. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to put together "Two Perfect Days in Paris"

What the hell should I do, go, see, eat? Looking for advice from those who have been or are there.

I have my "pick" of hotels (insider connection):

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parld-renaissance-paris-hotel-la-defense/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parvd-renaissance-paris-vendome-hotel/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parsp-hotel-le-parc-trocadero-paris/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pardt-paris-marriott-hotel-champs-elysees/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parst-paris-marriott-rive-gauche-hotel-and-conference-center/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parcy-courtyard-paris-neuilly/
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/parap-courtyard-paris-charles-de-gaulle-airport/

Thoughts? Can "The Collective" put something together?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Posted by: Dr. Roger Feb 13 2008, 12:26 PM

first question... are you married? =)

Posted by: ruddyboys Feb 13 2008, 12:32 PM

I was in Paris Last May, It was beautiful. Stayed at the Paris Marriott Hotel Champs-Elysees, its the only hotel on the Champs-Elysees. There was an open double decker bus tour, that goes around the city, it was pretty cheap and you can get off and on as you like, we used it instead of a taxi. Also go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at night, all of Paris is lit up and there wasn't a line, if you want to see all of Paris in the daytime climb to the to of the Arch de Triumph.

Posted by: rebelmdot Feb 13 2008, 12:46 PM

Learn some French quick. They speak English, but will not speak it to you. If they sniff you are an American they will treat you like a prick. I have been to 35 countries, and the French were the most rude people I encountered. I lived in England and Greece for a while and I always go out of my way to be culturally friendly and speak the native language to the best of my ability. Tell them you are Canadian. Try and get to see a winery. The underground caverns filled with wine and champagne bottles are amazing.

Posted by: TeenerTim Feb 13 2008, 12:50 PM

You definitely want to stay on the Champs-Elysees. It's close to most everything and just walking up and down it is most enjoyable. I stayed at the http://www.crillon.com/crillon.html down the street from http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en. Plan to spend a whole day there if you're remotely interested. You can also take cruises on the Seine in glass covered boats to see the sites. See the L'Arc de Triumph and the many scupltures up and down the Champs-Elysees. It will probably be too early for the gardens to be in bloom. I didn't get a chance but you can visit http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/.

Get a French-English dictionary. I found the French to be very friendly if I at least tried to speak their language. Enjoy.

Posted by: purple Feb 13 2008, 12:53 PM

perfect 'parlay voo onglay' that will get you places....

anyway, i stay in hotel le royal on boulevard montparnasse. if you stay too close to the eiffel tower things get rediculous. that hotel i mentioned is between 150 to 250 euros a night. very nice place, nice desk staff. very close to 2 metro stations. dont rent a car there if you know what's good for you (they are CRAZY drivers) get an orange card for that week and you'll get unlimited rides on the metro.

try visiting the gallerie pompidou, a modern art museum that's a modern art masterpiece in itself. if you're into that kind of thing, i've seen some cool things there.

the louvre is of course cool. versailles really wasnt that great, so i wouldnt bother.


try notre dame, sacre cour. I havent had much time to actually enjoy the city, i tend to have to work there (in the suburbs, massy paliseau)

I'm sure others here can tell you other stuff

oh yeah, pigalle! that's a cool place, the moulin rouge is there, as well as more sex shops than you'd care to even look at. dont go there too late at night though, somewhat dangerous i've heard. you can also go shopping on the champs elysees but there isnt much there you cant find in the houston galleria (call me spoiled)

the toyota concept showroom is pretty friggen cool there. not a fan of those cars, but the concepts are neat!

have fun dude!

Posted by: ruddyboys Feb 13 2008, 01:10 PM

I agree with Tim, everyone I met was very friendly, most spoke a little to a lot of English (except for taxi drives, chamber maids ect.). You can easily spend a day at the Louvre, but there is so much more to see in the 2 days your there.

Posted by: shelby/914 Feb 13 2008, 01:27 PM

I would just stay in Germany, Austria or go to Holland. Sorry to our members in France but I never really had a good in Paris.

Posted by: Dr. Roger Feb 13 2008, 01:54 PM

the reference to single or married is because there are some seriously fine ladies there. At least at the youth hostel I was staying at.

Porsche is no stranger to hybrid technology. More than a century ago, Prof. Ferdinand Porsche, father of Dr. Ferdinand ‘Ferry’ Porsche and the founder of the car company we know today, developed the electric wheel-hub motor, a drive system he intended as an alternative to combustion engines on his early vehicles. Hailed as “the greatest invention of the age” by one trade journal, its debut at the World’s Fair in Paris on April 14, 1900 hurdled Ferdinand Porsche to worldwide fame overnight.

Posted by: brer Feb 13 2008, 02:10 PM

Bhudda Bar used to be fun.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 13 2008, 02:24 PM

Looks like I'm zeroing in on the Marriott on Champs-Elysees. Gibson Guitars may be setting us up with a translator/tour guide for the weekend...

Keep the suggestions coming.

Roger... the wife:

Posted by: crash914 Feb 13 2008, 03:16 PM

Never got to do it but try the sewer tour...visit the catacombs.

I stayed at hotel du Louvre. Nice but expensive. I have stayed a little further down the river and that was ok to. Get the cart Orange transit pass. its good for unlimited travel on the metro for I think 3 days. forget Euro disney. The Bastille is not there anymore so don't bother going there.

for dinner, almost everywhere will ask if you have a reservation. Use the hotel for this. I never did, it just put the waiters out...go figure. The food is great! You van go visit jim Morrison's grave...I can't remember the name of the cemetery. The Ledo is fun. lots of stuff by the Louvre...

easy to spend 2 days, lots to do. have fun...

Posted by: SirAndy Feb 13 2008, 03:31 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 13 2008, 10:11 AM)

Posted by: r_towle Feb 13 2008, 03:39 PM

If you are just with your wife, the Louve...at least a few hours...gotta do it.

Find the smallest out of the way local Crepe joint...small, neighborhood one. Way better than anything you get at the marriott.

The tower..gotta do it.
Do it in the evening, smaller line.
Not to late (high crime in that part of town after 8pm)
Get a hanging wallet....super high pickpocket city...seriously.

First thing you need to do is find a guy with a dog.
Walk up and in your best french accented english...
ask (does your dog bite)
If you have seen Peter Sellers in Pink Panther, you will get it.
My fatherinlaw joined me and the family in paris for a few day...he ran to the first guy he could find and asked that...he was in tears he was laughing so hard.

Versia (boring, not even worth spelling it right)
If you are with your daughter...Euro Disney is close, and special/different.

Crepes...wine, crepes...

Have fun.
Walk down some of the streets at night,,,straight, beautiful, laid out with style...some parts of town are famous for the layout of the streets and the views.

Rich

Posted by: TeenerTim Feb 13 2008, 03:57 PM

In order to have the most fun, I think you should leave your wife with me and take the trip alone. I'll look after her while you're gone.

Posted by: pete-stevers Feb 13 2008, 04:13 PM

eric i can do french lessons, but sorry not for you...
but seriously....don't walk,run to the nearest bakery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: ruddyboys Feb 13 2008, 04:48 PM

My favorite photo I took in Paris.




Attached thumbnail(s)

Posted by: TINCAN914 Feb 13 2008, 04:56 PM

I was watching the news last night and the British are trying to change the perspective of other countries, so they asked the general population to come up with a new slogo for te country. One was "The United Kingdom, at least were not french"

Posted by: JPB Feb 13 2008, 06:35 PM

First thing on the list, make passionate love to your beautiful wife in Paris. If she is not with you when you go, make passionate love with your wife in Paris on the phone.

Posted by: carr914 Feb 13 2008, 06:44 PM

Enjoy yourself Eric, never been off the continent, so no advise for except if you do anything naughty, I'll be glad to learn Portugeise and deal with your .... no just have a good time and behave.

all the best, T.C.

Posted by: okieflyr Feb 13 2008, 08:23 PM

My wife and I went to Paris for 2 days last May.
We used the www.Rick Steves.com info and it set us up very well.
LOT's of insight to opening times, and we used his condensed Louvre tour on our ipods. Our landing at the Norde train station was an experience from no supplied toilet paper in the restroom, to all the gypsys.
We spoke very little French, and had NO rude experiences with anybody(except the gypsys).
We stayed at the worn Hilton hotel, and had tower view from our balcony on our wedding aniversary.
Alot of the restaurants in the area had dual or translated menus, and we never had a bad meal, as they take pride in their food. (I never found the spit anyway).
Our second night we stayed by the rue Cler market (great for lunch).
They will inspect your bags for certain restricted items that are not allowed to go up the tower. Watch out for the pickpockets, and gypsys young and old.
We enjoyed it alot!

I got lots of night pics...

Posted by: ClayPerrine Feb 13 2008, 09:34 PM

Betty and I got married in 88, and we finally went on our honeymoon in 93. Paris was great, we spent a week there. Don't ride with a French taxi driver, all of them think that they should be driving Formula 1. Forget a car, ride the Metro, it will get you where ever you want to go in Paris.

The Lourve was great, but I spoiled it for Betty. We were looking at the Venus De Milo, and I leaned over and said "What does she do when her alarm clock goes off in the morning?". Betty started laughing, and so did the English couple behind us.


Loved the Tower. We did it in daylight, and the view was great. But beware the Pigeons that live below the tower... they are fearless and attack anyone who has food. Get the baugette with the hot dog inside. It was great for a walking around lunch.


Also, make sure you see the Arch... it is great looking down at the traffic.. no lane markers and everyone is changing lanes. Add the motorcycles and it is amazing they don't have more fatalities.


Oh.. and make sure to ask a Pretty French girl if you can see her "BoBos".

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 13 2008, 09:38 PM

BoBos... check. (Where's Betty and the frying pan when ya need her?)

All good stuff. Thanks gang! I have a feeling two days is going to go quickly. So far it's

Champs Marriott
Arc
Louvre
Tower

Posted by: mudfoot76 Feb 13 2008, 10:10 PM

Under no circumstance should you spend even one attosecond in fuchin' disney world. You only have two days in Paris - if you've never been before don't waste any time at Disney...

L'Arc during the day - watch the traffic below. Head towards the Tower near sunset and plan to stay up there until the lights turn on. If you're into art, there are too many museums to choose from - pick an artist or style and the hotel desk can tell you where to go. Most definitely ride the metro or walk - avoid the taxis. Find a sidewalk creperie and enjoy! Try to avoid anything that looks even remotely like a chain restaurant.

I had a wonderful time in Paris but that is not always the case, especially if you don't know any French. The small shop keepers don't always like people just wandering around, so you can ask "entre libre" and if they say 'oui' (yes) then it is OK to go in and browse.

Bon chance!

Posted by: PRS914-6 Feb 13 2008, 10:25 PM

Eric, go to a book store and get Rick Steve's Paris. Take his recommendations and you won't go wrong. Musee Jacquemart-andre is great. A walk on Rue Cler in the morning and a afternoon at Louver.

You can order direct from Rick Steve's as well. They are really fast at shipping. Order on line http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=13&id=54

Paris has mixed reviews on how they treat Americans but seems to be getting worse. The further you get away from Paris the better it gets.

Try to remember to first "attempt" to communicate in French despite how uncomfortable you are about it. By asking them first to speak English without a word of French from your mouth puts them in the discomfort zone since they won't want to sound wrong (second language) Once the ice is broken with your blunder, it should go better. I think Americans "expect" them to speak English which perpetuates the problem.

Posted by: r_towle Feb 13 2008, 11:23 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 13 2008, 10:38 PM)

BoBos... check. (Where's Betty and the frying pan when ya need her?)

All good stuff. Thanks gang! I have a feeling two days is going to go quickly. So far it's

Champs Marriott
Arc
Louvre
Tower

Posted by: jimtab Feb 14 2008, 12:04 AM

Stay in the City of light, wherever, La Louvre especially the Egyptian stuff...you can't begin to see it all in 2 days...Notre Dame from the outside at least, ice creme (glace) at Berthillon on Ile St-Louis, have lunch in the student district in the Latin Quarter, DRINK the best wine you can afford, particularly the Bourgone...you can't afford here what you can there, and vintages are prohibitive here, just expensive there...and a good champagne before bed if your sweetie is there....if not a nice Kir Royale. Bon Chance et Bon Voyage...I am very jealous...the French are wonderful folks.

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Feb 14 2008, 12:07 AM

You gotta know that we all expect and want pics of this trip, eh?
Paul

Posted by: bigkensteele Feb 14 2008, 12:09 AM

I lived in Holland for most of 1997 and went to Paris 3 or 4 times. Each and every time the people were rude, and the last time, my father's wallet was stolen within 30 minutes of our arrival. I was sure that I would never return.

However, my wife and I went back in 2004, and while on the train between London and Paris, we picked up as much of the fundamental French phrases as we could. It made all the difference in the world. Learn how to say "hello, do you speak english" and "thankyou", and you will have a much nicer time.

Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world, and there is much to do. I always go back to Jim Morrison's grave, but that is a hike from the center of the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Jim-Morrison_Pere_Lachaise_2.jpg

You have to go up the Eifel tower and the Arch. Go to Notre Damme.

You could spend two days just in the Louvre, but get a map beforehand and hit the things you want to see in 4 hours.

Take a boat ride on the Seine. We picked ours up basically right in front of the Eifle tower, and it was a nice two hours off our feet.

Get the one or two day subway pass and become familiar with the map and destinations before you go. Will save you lots of time.

I have always wanted to see the catacombes, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Depending on your idea of fun, Amsterdam is also amazing. The Dutch are very nice and fun people, and even if you aren't into dope and hookers, Amsterdam is an amazing city.

Have a great time - I wish I could get back sometime soon. Take some pictures and post when you return.

Ken

Posted by: roadster fan Feb 14 2008, 12:57 AM

Eric,

You can't go wrong with Rick Steeves' advice on Paris. I agree with attempting to converse in your best french, everyone seemed to appreciate the fact we did not expect them to speak english. Almost everyone did (better english than my french for sure) and were very friendly if we attempted our version of french first.

On my must do list:

Tower Eiffel
Musee' de Orsay, see the impressionist gallery, you need more time for the Louvre
Arch de Triomphe. climb the steps to the top and enjoy the chaos from above!
eat Pan au Chocolat
eat Apricot preserves
enjoy a prix fixe meal at a fine restaurant. I enjoyed a dinner in the Dordogne region with a different wine for each course. I think it cost about $6 million but I would do it again

These are my personal favorites. Do as much as you can, plan ahead, and definitely eat and drink the best they have. Never had a bad dining experience.

Oh, and I agree with SirAndy, do not order meat well done. My wife was convinced (first and possibly last time) by a waiter not to do so our last night in Paris. I think the waiter was afraid HE would be butchered if he returned to the kitchen with the order!

Jim

Posted by: Skaferlatine Feb 14 2008, 03:38 AM

HELLO Everyone,
I live in France and I am French but I am in the south of France.
I will be charmed to meet you if somebody came to make tourism in my area.
I don't have bilingual. I will make the effort.
to the wise.

Posted by: johannes Feb 14 2008, 09:10 AM

Hi ! I am french too ...

You are always welcome in my region (Alsace) in the east of France.

Watch this video :

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31x1a_video-alsace-terre-de-tresors

Once I will make a tour suggestion because in a 200 miles circle around Strasbourg we have a ton of great things to see. Especially for you all car enthousiasts.
Strasbourg is now 2 1/2 hours from Paris by Train (New TGV line)
So when in France, visit Paris then go to Strasbourg and rent a car.

Suggestions for your trip ...

Cars:

Porsche and Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart ( new Porsche Museum will open next year).
Peugeot Museum in Sauchaux
National Car Museum in Mulhouse (One of the largest in the world )

Cars + Planes and trains:

Technic Museum in Speyer and Sinsheim
Trains
National Train Museum in Mulhouse

Fun:

Europapark : Better than Disney
Autobahn ... You now ! no speed limit !
Nurburgring : Greatest track on earth ...
Vosges and Schwartzwald ... nice small roads

Culture:

Strasbourg and Colmar are some of the most beautifull towns and all around dozens of cute villages...
Haut Königsburg: Medieval Castle 3rd most visited monument in France

Food and Wine ... Well, it's France after all.

I have friends from California who stayed in Alsace last year for a few weeks...
They were so pleased they will come again this year ! ...

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 14 2008, 12:06 PM

Johannes,

Thanks for the info. I've already been to both the Mercedes and Porsche Museum. I'm happy to see they are finally getting something better than the "hallway" they've had.

I think two days in Paris is going to go fast. I'd like to come back for a week with the family and Alsace may be in the cards. Can you make it to Paris?

I guess I'll go dig into the Rick Steve's stuff.

I know a bit of Portuguese and a bit of German... I guess I'll spend the next 30 days learning a bit of French. Let's see; "BoBo", "BoBo", "BoBo" Got it.

Posted by: So.Cal.914 Feb 14 2008, 12:16 PM

Have a good time and be careful Eric...

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 14 2008, 03:49 PM

Posted by: bigkensteele Feb 15 2008, 12:59 AM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 14 2008, 01:49 PM)

QUOTE

You have to go up the Eifel tower and the Arch. Go to Notre Damme.

You could spend two days just in the Louvre, but get a map beforehand and hit the things you want to see in 4 hours.

Take a boat ride on the Seine. We picked ours up basically right in front of the Eifle tower, and it was a nice two hours off our feet.

Get the one or two day subway pass and become familiar with the map and destinations before you go. Will save you lots of time.

I have always wanted to see the catacombes, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

All good ideas... Wondering about the river cruise. Does it pick up and drop off in the same location? The reason I ask is; I liked the other suggestion of hitting the tower around dusk, so I'd like to do the river cruise before hand and have it drop me off there.

I wonder if I could fit the catacombes in a two day schedule...

Posted by: carreraguy Feb 15 2008, 01:41 AM

Eric:
My wife, son and I were in Paris about 5 years ago around Bastille Day - had a blast! We stayed at the Hotel Ceramic - not too far from the Arch d' Triumphe. I've heard the the "Rue Clerc" neighborhood near the Eiffel Tower is a great place to stay too - lots of flower vendors etc. in the area and very colorful. Never experienced anything but friendly French people. Some actually spoke English! ) However, you can tell they really like it if you at least try to speak French and you don't stick out as an "Ugly American". Don't over/under dress and be obviously American, try to blend in and be polite and not demanding and watch your wallet/purse. We all enjoyed the fantastic art museums such as the Orsay and the Louvre. No way you can spend more than a few hours at the Louvre considering your schedule; but you have to at least try to see the Mona Lisa and the "Winged Victory"! I especially remember the great Impressionist paintings we saw - hard to believe you could actually get nose to nose with Renoir, Degas, Manet, Monet and Van Gogh. We even saw "Whistler's Mother" at an exhibition on loan from the US! Try to get museum passes form the tourist office on the Champs Elysses - inexpensive and you get head of the line privileges! Highly recommend a sunset cruise on the Seine - very romantic with the wife, some French red (wine), and a great way to see the city. Take a double deck tour of the city and you can get off and on as much as you want all day. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower (can be a loooong wait to get to the top), the Left Bank, the Tuleries garden, Place de La Concorde, Les Invalides, climbing to the top of the Arch d' Triumphe, walking the Champs Elysses, all very memorable. You likely won't have the time, but we took a day trip to Caen by train to see the D-Day landing beaches and the American and German cemetaries; there is a very memorable D-Day museum in Caen that was definitely worth the time.
We crammed a lot of stuff into three days but it takes an early start. I highly recommend Rick Steve's paperback book on Paris - an invaluable resource. Sorry for the verbosity here -but it ll comes flowing back and it's nice reminiscing! Bon chance!

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 15 2008, 10:19 AM

Digging lots of nuggets from that. Thanks Tom.

I guess it pays to be a bit street-wise from the sound of things. Double decker bus may be the transportation of choice.

Yesterday I ordered Rick Steve's "Paris" and "French/English" dictionary. God Bless Amazon... whoppin $12.00 for both. Enough to make any CSOB teener owner blush.

Posted by: okieflyr Feb 15 2008, 10:41 AM

We took the glass boat tour from the Tower as it had been raining off and on. Some of the tour boats make stops along the way, to be hop on and off as needed like the tour buses. Our boat had a rear covered deck that we stayed on most of the time so we could see better. (the glass was wet from the rain). We struggled at times to find the right bus at times, but ALWAYS traveled on tera firma to see more of the city since we only had two days.
We used the early morning Metro to return to the Norde station for our departure.
By the way, the Tower has multiple entrances, so check others if the line is long.
Have fun!

Posted by: Ian Stott Feb 15 2008, 11:14 AM

Not a good idea to " pretend " you are Canadian, they will find out very quickly you are not and they will show you the definition of rude in a heartbeat. Rather than saying the french are arrogant I use the word proud, and they have excellant food, and many other things to be proud of, lived on the other side of the Rhine for 4 years and was in France quite often. Treat them with respect and you will most likely get the same, all above suggestions regarding your wallet, heed them! River cruise very romantic with your wife, ranks as one of the top 3 things to do every time.

Bon Chance

Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province and Moncton is an officially bilingual city, my oldest daughter was an exchange student in France for 6 month's. But I prefer German cars!!

Posted by: PThompson509 Feb 15 2008, 11:56 AM

Hiya,

I've been to Paris several times, and have almost always had a good time there. Just don't go in July or August.

I second the suggestion of the Musee D'orsay - amazing art in there.

For the food, try any Brasserie that does not have tourists in it, especially near the Notre Dame. When you do get a table, prepare to spend the night there...order the house red and you won't go wrong. Ask for suggestions from the waiter and then take them. Be prepared for food you have never tasted before...be adventerous.

For the hotel, try this one: http://www.selecthotel.fr/
It is a small hotel near La Sorbonne, and very near a Metro station. TONS of restaurants on Blvd Saint Germaine , walking distance to Notre Dame,e tc.

Learn some basic french phrases - Yes, No, Thank you, Please, Excuse me, I'm sorry, and Do you speak english? Those phrases alone will make your stay so much better.

If it matters, when people ask if I am American, I say I'm a Californian. It makes them smile.

Cheers!
Peter

Posted by: tdgray Feb 15 2008, 12:37 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 13 2008, 01:11 PM)

Posted by: mudfoot76 Feb 15 2008, 12:40 PM

QUOTE(PThompson509 @ Feb 15 2008, 12:56 PM)

Posted by: balljoint Feb 15 2008, 12:53 PM

If you see a pile of flowers at the entrance to a tunnel under the Seine, near the Eiffel Tower, that will be a shrine to Lady Di.


Remember this phrase: Je suis canadienne.

And it's not Voulez vous cochon avec moi ce soire. So don't get that phrase in your head.

Order some jambes de grenouilles.

When you need a clean public washroom head for McDonalds, there's one on the Champs D'Elysees.

Check out the book stalls along the Seine. They had had some great deals on 1960's issues of the France publication of Playboy. That's classic literature, even if you can't read french.

Posted by: PThompson509 Feb 15 2008, 12:55 PM

C'est Parfait! Merci mudfoot. I had to run off to a meeting, otherwise would have provided that guide. Really.

Oh, the metro is definitely the way to get around paris, unless it is strike season (listen for the phrase La Greve - means strike). The metro is my main means of transport in Paris, but I will use a taxi if I'm getting too tired.

Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame are both very nice cathedrals, but for amazing stained glass it is hard to beat St. Chapelle. http://www.paris.org/Monuments/Sainte.Chapelle/

If you want caffeine, but want to save a bit, order the cafe while standing at the bar. You pay a bit extra if you want a seat and table. Don't bother with cappucino or other such, the 'cafe' is nice and strong, and you can add sugar or real milk to flavor.

Oh man, I am somewhat jealous of you being there on vacation. I'll be there in April, but I'll be working.

Au bientot! (see you later) [o be yen to] :-D

Cheers,
Peter

Posted by: mudfoot76 Feb 15 2008, 02:30 PM

QUOTE(PThompson509 @ Feb 15 2008, 01:55 PM)

C'est Parfait! Merci mudfoot.

Posted by: johannes Feb 15 2008, 03:07 PM

Anyone tested "Paris tour in 2CV" ?

http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com

not a 914 but a convertible ...

I used to own a 1964 2CV AZAM ...

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 15 2008, 03:25 PM

Best mode of transportation from Nord station to hotel?

Best mode of transportation from hotel to Charles Degaulle?

Metro?

Posted by: jaminM3 Feb 15 2008, 04:18 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 13 2008, 11:11 AM)

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 15 2008, 04:57 PM

E49.00 per night.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 15 2008, 08:08 PM

Posted by: rebelmdot Feb 15 2008, 08:19 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 15 2008, 08:08 PM)

Posted by: PRS914-6 Feb 15 2008, 08:44 PM

I have been to a LOT of different countries. I also got to see Americans in action in most of them.....Not all but some would totally embarrass you. They expect everything to be like home and when it's not they get upset and make a scene....the ugly American! We are considered loud and somewhat obnoxious in many countries (especially in restaurants)

The joy of travel is to savor and enjoy another way of doing things. Be open minded and respectful and most of all enjoy the slower pace. Why are we always in a hurry? We don't always have the best way. In fact some things are much better in other countries. Not trying to preach it's just things I have observed while traveling. My biggest realization is Europe in general takes the time to smell the wine and enjoy the simpler things in life

I think Paris is unique in that it is almost like a country in a country. I think that in Paris the thinking is a little different than the rest of France but I would be interested in the thoughts of our French members.

I'm going to southern France (Dordogne Valley) in April so I am also trying to pick up information in this thread

Posted by: 356 Feb 16 2008, 12:25 AM

Ok, now that we know your married...is the wife going with you? Does she read the Board?

"I" would look up "joeaksa" on the bird board....tell him you know me and tell him the answer to the above questions.

He'll hook you up whether you are single married or acting single for the weekend...... Just don't try to surrender or anything...

Posted by: Mrs. K Feb 16 2008, 01:08 AM

Hi Eric!
I have a Doctor friend who has a french wife and he is semi retired and lives half the year in Paris and the other half in So Cal.
I emailed him about you and your lovely wifes trip and he sent me a ton of info for you!

Check your PM from me


Lisa

Posted by: ThinAir Feb 16 2008, 01:47 AM

I'm envious. I was in France for 3 weeks last March for our 35th anniversary and I can hardly wait to go back. We had 4 days in Paris. I discovered Paris on a trip in 2000 and have now been back twice. I've fallen in love with it and go every chance I can get.

The suggestions to get Rick Steves' stuff are spot on. He points out that the French are not rude in "refusing" to speak English, but they are very particular about language and unwilling to speak a language if they cannot speak it well. We have found this to be quite true and have found that the few phrases listed earlier are about all you need to get by. The big thing is to initiate a conversation with "Pardon, parlez vous anglais?". Pardon is important because you have asked permission to engage in conversation. Using what French you have is important because you've just built a cross-cultural bridge and shown that you recognize that you are a guest in their country and have invited them to make you feel welcome. Although we have found Parisians to be "ruder" than people in the countryside, it's really because it's the big city thing. Using this little bit of French has always opened every door we've needed.

On my last trip I picked up a handy phrase for ordering meat - awe pwan (that's a phonetic spelling - the last word has the "a" pronounced like pawn). It means you want your meat cooked "medium".

Being American has never been a problem and in fact we've been thanked for visiting France. Some French people may have a problem with our current government, but they are quite welcoming of Americans.

We've taken the Seine River cruise. There's one that leaves from Pont Neuf and returns to the same dock. It's fun to take at sunset when the lights are beginning to come on. There is also one called a Bato Boat that is like a water taxi that will drop you off up and down the Seine and your ticket gives you unlimited on/off privileges. We've never seen a need to take that since the Seine can be a good walk away from where we want to go from the stop if it's someplace away from central Paris.

Although going up the Eiffel Tower is a must, we prefer to do the Arc de Triomphe at Sunset because you can see the city well and see the Eiffel Tower as it lights up. We've found that going up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower is high enough to get a great view of the city without the extra expense of going to the top.

When we go to Paris we stay cheap at the Etap Hotel at Porte de Vincennes (49E per night). Our "commute" is to stop for breakfast at the patisserie (bakery) near the St. Mande metro station, then take the #1 line to Place St. Michel. We grab a coffee from the Columbus Cafe or Starbucks and wander off to whatever sights are on the list for that day. Everything in central Paris is pretty much within walking distance from that point. We get a "carne" (pronounced car-nay) of 10 metro tickets so that it's easy to take the metro to get to more distant places like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe. You can get the carne at a self-service station in the wall that will take your credit card or the ticket booth with "un carne, s'il vous plait".

My own list for a 2 day first visit would be:
Eiffel Tower
Crepes on Rue Clere for lunch with dessert from the patisserie
Notre Dame
Arc de Triomphe
Saint Chappelle
d'Orsay Museum
Louvre (just the highlights)
Baguette sandwich from the Paul cart near the Louvre
Seine river cruise
Eat dinner at a street cafe near Notre Dame
Walk between every site that you can and just soak in the city

Cautionary notes:
When around the Louvre watch for gypsies who will attempt to start a conversation with "Do you speak English?". Be rude and do not answer at all, just keep walking as if you did not understand them.

Same thing goes for the guys near Sacre Coeur who want you to stop and let them do some kind of string braid thing on your finger.

Wear a money belt that is inside your clothing. There are pick pockets on the Metro, but if you sit with your backpack on your lap and don't have your wallet in your back pocket, you'll probably do fine.

P.S. -
Buy the museum pass. It saves you from waiting in line to get in to places.

Enter the Louvre through the entrance on Rue de Rivoli. It's a kind of "back door" through an underground shopping area and is always quicker than going in through the pyramid.

Check out Samanta Brown's "Passport to Europe" shows on the Travel Channel. Her shows on Paris are pretty good and are repeated often.

Our library has Rick Steves' videos available for check-out. If your library has them, they are well worth viewing. His DVD on Germany includes his 3-part "travel skills" series which is highly recommended.

Posted by: hedfurst Feb 16 2008, 10:30 AM

Eric, 2 days is not much time for Paris. it is one of my favorite places.
Too much to see, too many places to eat.
It will still be chilly, not quite spring weather-but the parisians say the weather's always perfect in Paris.
It is an easy city to get around in, we like to walk or use the metro.
I would stay as centally located as possible--Hotel Vendome. The Rive Gauche Canference center would also be good but that's because I like the latin quarter. Good places for evening jazz and it's near my favorite restaurant.
http://restaurant-perraudin.com/
Quaint, small bistro chairs and checkered table cloths. Rather like I always imagined a french restaurant would be-about the turnof the century. Hardy french country fare for the most part--good fixed price selections.
Thinair has some good suggestions but you still need to pare it down some for a pleasant experience--don't want to be too rushed. I have a feeling you'll want to make a return trip with your lady anyway, it is a romantic place.
The Sacre Coeur is cool, the highest point in Paris-beautiful vantage point for viewing the city- "Paris at your feet." Second only to the view from the Tour Eiffel. But tourist traps abound. There is the Artists square behind the church but it has changed drastically since I 1st visited in the 80's. Very commercialized, more "scam-artists" than real artists.
Enjoy your trip.

Posted by: kwales Feb 16 2008, 06:48 PM

A perfect day in Paris is catching the flight out....

Wait til the Frenchies find yer ass is Americano. Then they will give you the room they keep the dog in.... You know, the one with the Fleas.

They also will wait til you have your hair soaped up and turn off the shower.

Happened to my family when I was a kid, and I have never forgot the courtesies extended to me and my family. F'in French

It's so bad the government has even installed a toll free number to call to place complaints.....

As for a German friend, she went there, ordered a bottle of expensive wine with dinner, got shafted with a cheap bottle of swill for the big money price, and when she complained, they called the cops and had her arrested. She spent the night in jail, had to make restitution for failing to pay for dinner (because she got arrested) and then had to pay a fine for her crime. She also paid for a lawyer and that's when she found out about the toll free numbers.

Go to France if you want, once was way more than enough for me.

I go to Spain, people are really friendly and treat you way better than the French.

Ken

Posted by: crash914 Feb 16 2008, 06:56 PM

I almost forgot... take a shower curtain....dont leave any clothes on the bathroom floor..

Posted by: 356 Feb 16 2008, 08:08 PM

QUOTE(kwales @ Feb 16 2008, 04:48 PM)

A perfect day in Paris is catching the flight out....

Wait til the Frenchies find yer ass is Americano. Then they will give you the room they keep the dog in.... You know, the one with the Fleas.

They also will wait til you have your hair soaped up and turn off the shower.

Happened to my family when I was a kid, and I have never forgot the courtesies extended to me and my family. F'in French

It's so bad the government has even installed a toll free number to call to place complaints.....

As for a German friend, she went there, ordered a bottle of expensive wine with dinner, got shafted with a cheap bottle of swill for the big money price, and when she complained, they called the cops and had her arrested. She spent the night in jail, had to make restitution for failing to pay for dinner (because she got arrested) and then had to pay a fine for her crime. She also paid for a lawyer and that's when she found out about the toll free numbers.

Go to France if you want, once was way more than enough for me.

I go to Spain, people are really friendly and treat you way better than the French.

Ken

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 16 2008, 08:13 PM

Wondering... is Savoir Faire really everywhere?

Posted by: SharonG Feb 16 2008, 09:06 PM

If you ever have the opportunity to visit south France, I highly recommend it... I visited Toulouse for work in 1997 and visited the sites I could drive to in a few hours and saw some really cool stuff. Carcassonne (rebuilt castle and surrounding stuff), while quite touristy, was worth the trip! The people I met were very cool, too.

Posted by: PRS914-6 Feb 21 2008, 11:25 AM

Well, luck of the draw.....I met a 35 year old French girl while skiing. We spent the last two days skiing and chatting about France. I came right out and asked her what sets the French off that can make them rude and what we should do to prevent it. She said the biggest thing is someone making absolutely no attempt at French, for instance walking up and saying "I want a coke".

She said the few phrases mentioned earlier will get you far with the French and open doors along the way. She said the French are rather reserved people in general and typically don't initiate conversation like Americans do. She couldn't believe how friendly everyone was on the chair lift and how everyone asked where she was from and were so sociable. She said in France that you might say hello to the other chairlift passengers but thats about it.

She told me "excusez moi, Je ne parle pas Francais......Parlez vous Angalai?" meaning excuse me I don't speak French....Do you speak english? will get you anywhere in France. She said most will jump to help you if you start like that. They know French is a difficult language.

Eric, I hope this helps you and others thinking about going.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 21 2008, 07:20 PM

OK... so no one got the 60's cat/mouse cartoon joke (or... it really wasn't funny "Lame-O")

Paul, big help. Where were you skiing because we have the "Greatest Snow on Earth"?

I'm on it. I have been pulling three phrases per day off a great French Tutorial 1 website... it even has an MP3 to listen to and compare.

I figure I will have over 60 basic phrases down before I hit the platform at Nord.

http://www.ielanguages.com/french1.html

Au revoir!

Posted by: PRS914-6 Feb 21 2008, 07:47 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Feb 21 2008, 05:20 PM)

Paul, big help. Where were you skiing because we have the "Greatest Snow on Earth"?

Posted by: Eric_Shea Mar 18 2008, 11:53 AM

Well... it turned out perfect.

Thanks for all your help. Enjoy the vicarious view:

Frankfurt (Romerburg)


Paris (various)

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Mar 18 2008, 12:04 PM

Very nice, but, the last two pics, standing in the middle of the road? Brave, crazy or drunk? Regardless, got more pics?

Paul

Posted by: ericread Mar 18 2008, 12:14 PM

This should be very helpful for understanding the local culture:


----
Vincent Vega: [Y]ou know what the funniest thing about Europe is?
Jules Winnfield: What?
Vincent Vega: It's the little differences. I mean they got the same shit over there that they got here, but it's just, just there it's a little different.
Jules Winnfield: Example.
Vincent Vega: Alright, well you can walk into a movie theater and buy a beer. And, I don't mean just like a paper cup, I'm talking about a glass of beer. And, in Paris, you can buy a beer in McDonald's. You know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
Jules Winnfield: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
Vincent Vega: No, man, they got the metric system, they don't know what the fu** a Quarter Pounder is.
Jules Winnfield: What do they call it?
Vincent Vega: They call it a Royal with Cheese.
Jules Winnfield: Royal with Cheese.
Vincent Vega: That's right.
Jules Winnfield: What do they call a Big Mac?
Vincent Vega: Big Mac's a Big Mac, but they call it Le Big Mac.
Jules Winnfield: Le Big Mac. What do they call a Whopper?
Vincent Vega: I don't know. I didn't go into Burger King.
-----

Posted by: Eric_Shea Mar 18 2008, 12:36 PM

Posted by: ConeDodger Mar 18 2008, 01:08 PM

Eric,
Get your butt home... Vanessa just found out you aren't in Des Moines!

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Mar 18 2008, 01:32 PM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Mar 18 2008, 10:36 AM)

Posted by: johannes Mar 18 2008, 02:28 PM

Very nice pictures ! ... We want more ! ...

Posted by: ThinAir Mar 18 2008, 09:38 PM

I'm glad to hear that you had a great visit. Your pictures make me really envious - you were in Paris and I wasn't, and you seem to take much better pictures than me! Oh well, post some more. I'll go for a vicarious visit!

Posted by: Eric_Shea Mar 18 2008, 09:59 PM

It's easy to take great pictures there... beautiful city.

Here's a few more:


Attached image(s)

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Mar 18 2008, 10:03 PM

Merci, but doesn't the last pic belong in the "Sandbox"?

Posted by: LarryR Mar 18 2008, 10:09 PM

I have only been there once 14 years ago. I flew out there to propose to my wife who was on a study abroad program. We spent 2 days in paris. We visited the louve, walked around the shopping area's, checked out the tower... Then we drove from there to Neice.

I liked paris but the small towns we stayed at between Paris and Neice were 10 x better than either.

I proposed under the Arch De Triumph after only dating for 6 months DOAH! I guess I did not make a mistake though since it we had our 14 year anniversary last december.

Posted by: Mrs. K Mar 21 2008, 02:55 PM

Awesome pics Eric!

I'd love to see more........if you wanna post em?

Any pics with you in them


Lisa

Posted by: Eric_Shea Mar 21 2008, 04:30 PM

Posted by: Beanie Boy Mar 21 2008, 04:38 PM

Posted by: Mrs. K Mar 22 2008, 01:39 AM

QUOTE(Eric_Shea @ Mar 21 2008, 03:30 PM)

QUOTE

Any pics with you in them

I'm almost as u-g-l-y as Z.

Posted by: Gint Mar 22 2008, 08:38 AM

Stop! This is making me...