Getting There
Travel by Eurostar, especially in the more expensive seats is very comfortable .A light but sustaining meal is provided.All so much easier than enduring the nightmare that travelling through airports has become.
Where to stay
Our favourite hotel is the Hotel West -End in the Rue Clement Marot.This is a small, quiet hotel.The rooms vary in size and price, most have a balcony .The larger rooms such as 502, 302 are lovely.The hotel is well placed for sightseeing.There is a breakfast room but no restaurant.This is not a problem as there are dozens restaurants and bars nearby.Many hotels in France, including this one ,serve continental breakfast in your room at no extra charge.
Where to Eat
It is almost impossible to get a bad meal in France.If you want the big treat go for the restaurants with tablecloths and wine glasses, check the menu displayed outside to give an idea of what it will cost you and dive in.Our favourite is Andre's in the Rue Marbouef.Reserve a table in advance.
Cheaper meals and snacks can be had in the bars and cafes ( no table cloths and wine glasses ). Most places advertise a dish of the day or a set formule.This is generally a good choice and will be well priced.
Shopping
You have to buy something nice from one of the stores. Galeries Lafayette is lovely, the clothes can be very expensive.A bottle of good perfume is what I went for, the Dior and other outlets carry a full range and have a high turnover which means it is fresh.They expect you to test everything and take ages over making your choice.You will find your bag full of nice freebies and samples when you get home.
The Haute Couture stores are for window shopping only unless you have just won the lottery ( or are a banker of course).
Artists will like the Sennelier shop,3 Quai Voltaire, the range of exquisite pastels and papers are irresistable.
SightSeeing
The easiest way to see everything in one go is to take a boat ride on the Seine.The Bateaux Mouche are well known.
The art museums are endless, I find the Louvre a bit of a challenge, it is huge.The recently reopened Orangerie is displaying a number of works I have not seen before, enjoyed the Soutine gallery.If you want to take a trip outside the city Monet's house and garden at Giverny are a treat.Please be aware that Claude Monet has been dead for many years, a gentleman from Texas was disappointed to find this excursion did not include meeting the artist.
Final Warning
Take comfortable shoes, one smart outfit, a French-English phrase book,loads of money , Immodium.
Travel by Eurostar, especially in the more expensive seats is very comfortable .A light but sustaining meal is provided.All so much easier than enduring the nightmare that travelling through airports has become.
Where to stay
Our favourite hotel is the Hotel West -End in the Rue Clement Marot.This is a small, quiet hotel.The rooms vary in size and price, most have a balcony .The larger rooms such as 502, 302 are lovely.The hotel is well placed for sightseeing.There is a breakfast room but no restaurant.This is not a problem as there are dozens restaurants and bars nearby.Many hotels in France, including this one ,serve continental breakfast in your room at no extra charge.
Where to Eat
It is almost impossible to get a bad meal in France.If you want the big treat go for the restaurants with tablecloths and wine glasses, check the menu displayed outside to give an idea of what it will cost you and dive in.Our favourite is Andre's in the Rue Marbouef.Reserve a table in advance.
Cheaper meals and snacks can be had in the bars and cafes ( no table cloths and wine glasses ). Most places advertise a dish of the day or a set formule.This is generally a good choice and will be well priced.
Shopping
You have to buy something nice from one of the stores. Galeries Lafayette is lovely, the clothes can be very expensive.A bottle of good perfume is what I went for, the Dior and other outlets carry a full range and have a high turnover which means it is fresh.They expect you to test everything and take ages over making your choice.You will find your bag full of nice freebies and samples when you get home.
The Haute Couture stores are for window shopping only unless you have just won the lottery ( or are a banker of course).
Artists will like the Sennelier shop,3 Quai Voltaire, the range of exquisite pastels and papers are irresistable.
SightSeeing
The easiest way to see everything in one go is to take a boat ride on the Seine.The Bateaux Mouche are well known.
The art museums are endless, I find the Louvre a bit of a challenge, it is huge.The recently reopened Orangerie is displaying a number of works I have not seen before, enjoyed the Soutine gallery.If you want to take a trip outside the city Monet's house and garden at Giverny are a treat.Please be aware that Claude Monet has been dead for many years, a gentleman from Texas was disappointed to find this excursion did not include meeting the artist.
Final Warning
Take comfortable shoes, one smart outfit, a French-English phrase book,loads of money , Immodium.
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