Paris Suggestions

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 10:33am

Hello All,

I'm off to Paris in a few days for a week's holiday. Although I have been there in the past, it has been several years. I'd appreciate any suggestions you might have for bars (gay or otherwise), restaurants, shops, etc. Also, I'd like to pick up some cute flea market threads, so if you know of a good one that has clothing, please let me know.

I will be visiting Le Cafe Pure, which served as a setting for the film "Before Sunset." I'll also make a stop at Diptyque to pick up some amazing candles, which are half the cost over there.

Anything else?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 11:25am

Lucky you. Paris is one of my favorite cities. Stop by Lauduree for some wonderful pastries.

Where are you staying? I stayed at a quaint hotel: Hôtel Sèvres Azur Saint-Germain.

Have fun.

Updated On: 8/30/05 at 11:25 AM

Posted: 8/30/05 at 11:27am

I loved before sunset!!

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 1:22pm

Before Sunset is a flawless little gem. It's why I have to visit that very cafe.

Dottie- I've already marked down Laduree and its pistachio macarons!

(We're staying in Le Marais.)

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 1:52pm

You must try the cannelle; they're divine. I went to Lauduree every morning for these and by the end of the trip the salespeople knew me and would greet me with, "we've been waiting for you!!" The macarons are wonderful as well. Try the caramel ones. I didn't hit one museum while I was there, but I could tell you where all the good pastry shops are!!!

Updated On: 8/30/05 at 01:52 PM

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:01pm

I'll definitely try the cannelle- thanks.

I've done the museums, etc. so all I plan on doing is walking around absorbing the atmosphere, eating, and drinking.

I won't want to come home!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:04pm

I took myself for my birthday. It's the best birthday present I've ever had.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:13pm

You really must visit Sainte Chappelle. Many people skip it because it's behind Notre Dam. Sainete Chappelle is the absolutely stunning chapel that Louis XIV had built to house some sacred relics (or what he thought were sacred relics). It's an incredible mixture os stained glass and gothic styling that creates a real jewel box. Be sure to visit the crypt as well as the chapel. You won't regret it.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:17pm

This is a matter of taste:

DisneyLand Paris offers some really elaborate attractions. The Pirates of the Caribbean has at least 12 working waterfalls in it and two flume rides. However the park isn't maintained as well as the ones in Orlando.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:35pm

I've definitely got Sainte Chappelle on the list. I've heard some consider it the most beautiful cathedral in the world.

I will, however, be skipping Disneyland. I can't stand Disneyland in the US let alone Paris. Actually, I just don't like theme parks, period.

I was thinking if a trip to Bois de Boulogne or Chantilly.

[bongoboy]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:37pm

Musee D'Orsay, The Marais District, Place Des Vosges

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:42pm

How could I forget the Palace of Versailles? It's only a short trip from the heart of Paris.

As far as Disneyland, I can understand your feelings. It's just that I'm in Paris for a few days every summer and this year I finally gave in and went to Disney.

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:48pm

I've seen Versailles, so I'm sending my friends there while I take a small trip alone elsewhere.

Paris every summer? Lucky lucky!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 2:52pm

Love4Cheno, Don't forget Patricia Wells' Guide to Paris (though it could use some updating).

I also have a walking tour book with some great drawings. I'll write back with the title tonight. It was most helpful since it was my first visit. But since you've been there before, you probably don't need it.

Oh, I so want to go to Paris (as I listen to Light in the Piazza on my CD player)!

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 3:27pm

Thanks, Dottie!

I've been listening to the Paris cast recording of Les Miz, and it's really getting me in the mood (when I can pry Piazza out of my stereo!).

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 3:32pm

A friend of mine is from Paris and said the touring co. of Les Miz failed miserably there.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 3:48pm

Yes, that's the irony -- Paris is the only place where LES MIZ lost money.

I'm going to Paris in September, too: where is Lauduree and how expensive are its pastries?

I'm staying at a hostel near la Place de la Republique -- is this a nice neighbourhood? I'm thinking of switching hostels to one in Montmartre, but the one near la Place de la Republique is so convenient because of the metro lines.

How much is the train to Versailles? And I guess Sainte Chappelle really doesn't hold Jesus' Crown of Thorns, does it?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 3:52pm

oh my... so much to add. I promise to keep it simple.

You MUST see Sainte Chappalle. If you can get to one of the afternoon chamber concerts you should try to go. It is simply exquisite!

The Musee d'Orsay is a MUST. If you are limited for time, start on the top floor where the Impressionist and post-Impressionist collections are housed. The museum, itself, is fascinating. The interior of the 1st Parisian train station to have electric power was designed by Gae Aulenti. The art collection is primarily from the former Musee Jeu de Paume.

You should also see the Musee Rodin and the Picasso museum. If you are in a museum mood... I love the sculpture garden of the Rodin. (The Thinker, The Kiss...)

A little-known, but fascinating place to visit is the Musée Jacquemart-André. It is a magnificent mansion in the heart of Paris built to bring together one of the most important private collections of paintings, and offers a glimpse of how Parisian society in the 19th century lived.

There are SO many restaurants to recommend, but one of my favorites in the world is Restaurant 404. It will transport you to Morocco. The food is delicious and the decor is rich. The address is 69, rue des Gravilliers. You need a reservation.

I also love the Cafe Voltaire, 12 Rue de l'Odéon. It's small, and generally filled with Parisians. The lamb is extraordinary.

Oh...there are SO, SO many suggestions I could give you.

What activities are you interested in? (I should have asked you first!) Shopping? Srolling? Chocolate? Let me know!

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 3:58pm

Addy- magnifique! Merci mille fois.

Activities I'm interested in (in random order): shopping/flea markets, red wine, boys, coffee, chocolate, moules frites, Diptyque candles, Pastis, Hotel Costes, and um, shopping.

Is it worth going to La Defense? I was there years ago, but not sure anymore...

Blue Wizard- There are a few outposts of Laduree, but the first one listed in my book is at 16 rue Royale, 8eme arrondissement. Metro: Madeleine (off of Champs Elysee).

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:00pm

Blue Wizard:

Just go to: www.laduree.com

I've been spelling it wrong all this time, my apologies.

The website lists their addresses, history, etc.

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:06pm

I can 2nd Addy's recommendation on 404 -- she told me about it in Jaunary and we have gone on our 3 trips this year...it is wonderful...

A great day trip is out to Chartes -- great little town with a BIG OLD cathedral...the tour of the crypts is wonderful!

I found the Picasso musuem to be a great morning -- I can easily get museum "burn out" -- this is a perfect sized musuem and goes through his life chronologically and I believe is his "personal" collection...

But your plan of strolling and walking is the best part! Enjoy!

[Love4Cheno]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:15pm

Is 404 pronounced:

Quatre-cent Quatre
Quatre Zero Quatre
or
Four Oh Four

???

[wink]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:31pm

I'm going to Paris for the first time myself in November. Probably not the ideal time in terms of weather, but it's my only vacation left for this year.

Besides the usual tourist attractions, I plan to take a bus to Normandy.

Dollypop, do you recommend any cabarets or theaters?

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:36pm

Is 404 pronounced:

The first one you listed, "quatre-cent quatre"

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/30/05 at 4:55pm

I've decided I'll be stowing away in someone's luggage. Just make sure I don't get lost in transit.