A new American in Paris - Trip Report
Mar 31st, 2004, 03:00 AM
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A new American in Paris - Trip Report
My new husband and I had never been to Paris and it seemed like the most romantic place possible to go to celebrate our first aniversary - I am now addicted. Here are the highlights of our quick 5 days.
What style, grace and courtesy (never even experienced a hint of rudeness from the smallest crepe stand to the most deluxe resturant). We found with just a modicum of attempt on our part- most Parisiens were very willing to assist.
Here are my thoughts
1. I compare this to my trip to Ireland last spring, but the security in Newark over to Paris was INTENSE. Actually, both ways our flights were delayed several hours - many many soldiers, guns and dogs (maybe 10 soliders and dogs at the gate alone) - I'm a fan of high security - my only point here is leave extra extra time - I left at 6:30am for my 10:15am flight and felt flustered with all the delays.
2. See all the "popular" tourists sights if you have never done so - they are famous for a reason - we were continually delighted seeing things that we'd heard about all our lives- We were agog having the Eiffel Tower as our view from our hotel - it never got old. We both LOVED the Mona Lisa.
3. There are more resturants in a city block in Paris that probably exist in all of Philadelphia
finding something fabulous to eat that will appeal and be w/in your chosen budget will NOT be an issue.
4. A 5 day trip in Paris IS worth taking, period.
5. We are young and fit - we walked our feet off to the point of desperation - take taxis or learn the metro. Although, we loved exploring the neighborhoods - next time we'll choose our walks wisely.
6. I gave my husband the Segway Paris city tour as an aniverary gift (he's a techno nut) and was afraid I'd feel like a fool flitting about - DO IT - it was fabulous - never had more fun in my life - the only sort of attention we got was positive - EVERYONE wanted to see and know where they could try it (I tried explaining in Italian and Japanese - not easy) At 80E pp, it is not the least expensive tour going, but what a blast.
www.fattirebiketoursparis.com
7. If you need airport/hotel transportation Bee Shuttle was amazing - they could give lessons to the American counter part - Knew in advance about our flight delays - were right there waiting for us both ways. Aprox 30E r/t pp
www.bee-shuttle.com
8. Altitude 95 Resturant in the Eiffel Tower was very good - touristy, but not in a Disney way - food was great and only about 51E for our dinner for 2 - it was perfect for the night of our aniversary.
We ended up doing two nights each at the Crillon and the Plaza Athenee ( I am a travel planner and do a lot of work with both properties so they hosted my stay) Truly another world - I felt like a Princess. Rooms start at around 750E per night, but for those in the market for high end - WOW
Any specific questions - don't hesitate to ask....
Regards
Michelle
What style, grace and courtesy (never even experienced a hint of rudeness from the smallest crepe stand to the most deluxe resturant). We found with just a modicum of attempt on our part- most Parisiens were very willing to assist.
Here are my thoughts
1. I compare this to my trip to Ireland last spring, but the security in Newark over to Paris was INTENSE. Actually, both ways our flights were delayed several hours - many many soldiers, guns and dogs (maybe 10 soliders and dogs at the gate alone) - I'm a fan of high security - my only point here is leave extra extra time - I left at 6:30am for my 10:15am flight and felt flustered with all the delays.
2. See all the "popular" tourists sights if you have never done so - they are famous for a reason - we were continually delighted seeing things that we'd heard about all our lives- We were agog having the Eiffel Tower as our view from our hotel - it never got old. We both LOVED the Mona Lisa.
3. There are more resturants in a city block in Paris that probably exist in all of Philadelphia
finding something fabulous to eat that will appeal and be w/in your chosen budget will NOT be an issue.4. A 5 day trip in Paris IS worth taking, period.
5. We are young and fit - we walked our feet off to the point of desperation - take taxis or learn the metro. Although, we loved exploring the neighborhoods - next time we'll choose our walks wisely.
6. I gave my husband the Segway Paris city tour as an aniverary gift (he's a techno nut) and was afraid I'd feel like a fool flitting about - DO IT - it was fabulous - never had more fun in my life - the only sort of attention we got was positive - EVERYONE wanted to see and know where they could try it (I tried explaining in Italian and Japanese - not easy) At 80E pp, it is not the least expensive tour going, but what a blast.
www.fattirebiketoursparis.com
7. If you need airport/hotel transportation Bee Shuttle was amazing - they could give lessons to the American counter part - Knew in advance about our flight delays - were right there waiting for us both ways. Aprox 30E r/t pp
www.bee-shuttle.com
8. Altitude 95 Resturant in the Eiffel Tower was very good - touristy, but not in a Disney way - food was great and only about 51E for our dinner for 2 - it was perfect for the night of our aniversary.
We ended up doing two nights each at the Crillon and the Plaza Athenee ( I am a travel planner and do a lot of work with both properties so they hosted my stay) Truly another world - I felt like a Princess. Rooms start at around 750E per night, but for those in the market for high end - WOW
Any specific questions - don't hesitate to ask....
Regards
Michelle
Mar 31st, 2004, 03:34 AM
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Hi Michelle,
Welcome back. I could feel your enthusiasm for Paris as I read your report. You made things I've seen before come alive again like the first time. Looks like you'll be planning another Paris jaunt soon!
Welcome back. I could feel your enthusiasm for Paris as I read your report. You made things I've seen before come alive again like the first time. Looks like you'll be planning another Paris jaunt soon!
Mar 31st, 2004, 04:43 AM
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I am SO glad that you had such a nice time! Of course, the Plaza Athene and Crillon can make things much nicer~
Regarding walking and choosing your walks wisely, I agree! It can be so exhausting! and I never found a restaurant that I did not like
If you think of any details, do add them, it all sounds like it was a magical anniversary
Regarding walking and choosing your walks wisely, I agree! It can be so exhausting! and I never found a restaurant that I did not like
If you think of any details, do add them, it all sounds like it was a magical anniversary
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Mar 31st, 2004, 05:49 AM
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Michelle, thanks for posting about your trip! My husband and I are going to Paris and London on Sunday for a belated first anniversary trip. Do you remember any of the restaurants at which you ate? Did you do any shopping? Thanks!
Mar 31st, 2004, 07:46 AM
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Nice report, Michelle,
We stayed at the Plaza Athenee a few years ago and it was superb. When I visited Paris last month, I stayed at the Millennium Opera and had a good stay as well. I think that all hotels of a certain calibre in Europe offer wonderful guest service. They seem to know exactly how to do it!
We stayed at the Plaza Athenee a few years ago and it was superb. When I visited Paris last month, I stayed at the Millennium Opera and had a good stay as well. I think that all hotels of a certain calibre in Europe offer wonderful guest service. They seem to know exactly how to do it!
Mar 31st, 2004, 08:48 AM
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sxn675 - you are going to LOVE the food in Paris - it was a never ending pleasure - we ate so much that I"m still full. Unfortunately, with the exception of the Altitude 95 - I never really took note of names - we mostly walked till we found a resturant whose ambience or menue looked appealing and just walked in ....Sorry
