Is that a dragon in your castle?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Or are you just glad to see me?

It's official, CP and I have booked our flight, and half of our hotel accomodations. We're going to Paris!

3 nights the resort, where we've booked a Montana Room at Sequoia Lodge. 4 nights in Paris, where we have yet to book a hotel. We're flying out on October 22, returning October 30, so we'll be there for the spectacular Halloween festivities.

We scored big time on the fligh. Nonstop from LAX to Charles De Gaulle on Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui-usa.com) for under $600 a ticket. For less than prices on standard carriers for flight with not only stops but plane changes, we're going to be on a premium airline with pleasantly decorated cabins in near brand new planes, nonstop.

We're ridiculously excited. Since our honeyoon 3 years ago, we haven't taken any sort of real vacation. It's bee nothing more than weekends in Vegas, or San Diego. The closest has been a trip to Seattle, but that was with family to see family, hardly a real vacation. So it's about bloody time.

This will also be the first time the two of us have really been completely left to our own devices on a major trip. Our last two internaional trips, Italy and Mexico, were with a tour group and a cruise respectively. There, so much of the logistics is taken care of for you, and there's always someone around who speaks the language. This will be my 4th time to Europe, and every other time I've been with someone who speaks the language. Not that we expect to have any difficulty, especially in Paris where such a large percentage of people do speak English. And it's not like we were handheld through Italy, we spent a large chunk of it away from the tour group on our own. But it will still be a new experience to not have that safety net to fall back on, and not have all of our transportation, lodging, and much of our meals taken care of in advance. Exciting!

I don't know which portion of the trip (DLRP or Paris) I'm more excited about.

[Prudence]

I am so jealous! Just last weekend when we were on the patio at the Cheesecake Factory I was trying my best to pretend that Bellevue was Paris, and that we were under a red and white striped awning watching the city go by.

Are you renting a car? Because lane markings are merely a suggestion. At one point our tour bus was passed on the sidewalk. By a jeep.

The metro is very convenient -- unless it's on strike. Seriously, if they're on strike, just stay within walking distance. It's sometimes hard to find metro stops. Unlike London, there didn't seem to be many signs. Maybe this has changed. (It *has* been mumble-mumble years...) But I remember just looking for stairs into the earth.

You *must* eat in a cafe. And visit a patisserie. And get lost in the Louvre (you think it won't happen to you, but it always does!) And eat crepes from a sidewalk vendor. And visit the most beautiful co-ed bathroom I've ever seen (in the Galleries Lafayette.) And walk down the Champs Elysee at night. (Bonus points if you sing the song!)

Oh, and in Paris no one wants to hear Americans try to speak French anyhow. Seriously. Even your cafe waiter speaks English.

Oooh! You're going to have a blast!

[€uroMeinke]

Ditto on the Champs at night

Find some good dining tips form your cafe waiter - even if it's showing the suggestions from a tour book, they can quickly tell you what's really worth seeing

The Metro is increadibly convenient - you'll have to get yourself oriented in your first trip or two, but after that, you'll be metroing around Paris like a pro.

Make a long list of possible things to do - weather and mood will change your plans daily. We've been twice and still haven't gotten through our "must do" list.

Sometimes the real joy of being in Paris is finding some park or cafe and just sitting down and taking it in.

Go to Virgin or FNAC on the Champs (I've a list of French music for you to pick up for me)

[Not Afraid]

God! I LOVE this city!

As far as the language goes, most people speak English, but be polite and at least say Bonjour. Smile a lot. Do NOT expect them to speak English - you will just look like an ugly American. But, with some small effort on your part, and a respect for the French, you will have few problems. We never encountered attitude issues......or I just smiled through them.

If it is warm enough, the Gardens are beautiful in Paris. I could've spend days in the gardens alone. I may be too cold for Ice Cream, but have it if you can. The most incredibly interesting and immense flavors I've ever had.

North African cuisine is a good bet in Paris, as is Vietmanese (but, we have loads of that here).

We LIVED by the Lonley Planet Condensed Guide and liked the Virgin Paris guide for cool stuff.

Have a drink or a meal at Man Ray (http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/paris/man-ray-paris.htm) - the bar/restaurant that is owned by Johnny Depp, John Malkovich and others. It is right off the Champs and is tres swank. My VERY hip hairdresser knew about Man Ray. The site I linked to also has other great suggestions.

There is so much to see and do in Paris, but remember to take a bit of time to simply experience the magic of the city. Whether that is done lounging in a cafe, a park, by the Siene, wherever......just make sure you have a moment to experience why Pariasians love this city.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've still got a good picture in my head of the city and the metro system from my visit 11 years ago, so I don't expect much difficulty finding our way around. We won't be renting a car. 1) Who the hell needs one in a city the size of a postage stamp, 2) I remember being nearly run over as a car turned to park on the sidewalk in front of us. No thanks. It will probably limit us from going beyond zone 5 of the Metro/RER system, but lord knows there's enough to do in those confines for 3 days.

I'm really not worried about the language. Thanks to my Spanish knowledge, I can actually read French suprisingly well, and I have a small library of the usual useful phrases which I will be expanding over the next few months. That was more than enough to get us by in Italy. It's more just excitement at the complete freedom and ability to dictate our entire schedule...as long as we don't get ourselves stuck sleeping in the moonlit shadow of Notre Dame ;)

I've got a mental list already of things I saw last time that I absolutely have to see again (Luxembourg Gardens, Dali Museum come to mind), and things I missed last time that I'd like to get to this time (Pere Lachaise, Muse d'Orsay, Rodin Museum). And I'm going to make a big effort to find interesting things that are off the beaten path. Those hidden treasures that every city has that most guide books either don't have or gloss over. We made that effort in Italy, and it just made the trip so much more special, not just a series of tourist traps.

[Not Afraid]

The catacombs were pretty cool, but entirerly creepy. I loved them. And, they are not a huge tourist trap like the Louvre.

[UvaGirl]

Awesome - how exciting!

I'm considering Air Tahiti Nui for getting to LA in Nov - they have some great deals at the moment, including Anaheim accommodation, airport transfers, etc. I've just never flown with them before. They look good though.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've just never flown with them before. They look good though.Nor have I, but the reviews I've read are good. For instance...
http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/air_tahiti_nui.htm

[Prudence]

The catacombs were pretty cool, but entirerly creepy. I loved them. And, they are not a huge tourist trap like the Louvre.


Hey! There are some parts of the Louvre that are REALLY cool. When I was there, they were starting to excavate on the lower levels -- revealing the original fort walls. From the website, it looks like they've opened up a larger area, although it's only available on Mondays. I would really like to see that part again.

[Not Afraid]

Oh! I love the Louvre! It's just that that is one of THE tourist spots in Paris. The catacombs are fascinating, odd, spooky and wonderful.

[blueerica]

Hey Jealousy....

Sounds like you two will have an amazing time!

Next year will have the fun trips! Next year!

[Not Afraid]

OOOOH! I remembered the market at Les Halles that has not only vegetables and flowers but Animals/Pets. Personally, I was fascinated by the odd chickens, the chipmunks, the song birds, and other finery for sale at the market. Check the guide books, it happens either one or two days a week.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oooh, thanks for that, I LOVE markets like that.

[Moonliner]

OOOOH! I remembered the market at Les Halles that has not only vegetables and flowers but Animals/Pets. Personally, I was fascinated by the odd chickens, the chipmunks, the song birds, and other finery for sale at the market. Check the guide books, it happens either one or two days a week.

Ummm, are you sure those were pets at the market?

[Moonliner]

And don't forget while in France, the TGV (http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/tgv/) can really help you bust a move if you want to see more of the country. I beleive you can get some good discounts (http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/passes/france_italy_youthpass.htm) if you buy before you leave.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I'm way, way excited. I have only a short list of "must sees", and the rest is up to my more-traveled husband. All these ideas and tips are wonderfully helpful. We'll be over at the NA/€ homestead to steal all of your guidebooks really soon. ;)

Life is good.

Go to Virgin or FNAC on the Champs (I've a list of French music for you to pick up for me)Weren't you just there? :p Actually, finding the items on your list would be a fun challenge.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Okay, one definite possibility...

http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/segway-tour/ (http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/segway-tour/)

My first thought was that at 4-5 hours, it seems like a huge chunk of the day to spend just zipping by stuff not going in, especially with only 3 full days. BUT, we'll be arriving in Paris from the resort in the afternoon. I'm thinking doing the night tour that evening would be the perfect. It would get us familiar with the city and be a great way to start the mental list of things we want to go back and explore in depth. Mmmmm, 5 hours on a Segway.

[mousepod]

Just be careful not to roll over any dog poop on hour one... would make for a stinky tour through the city of lights.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wait a minute, the evening tour was at 6:30, correct? So we'd be on them until 11:30pm? Hmmm.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Welcome to Paris. Dinner hour in Paris usually isn't until 9 or 10PM. It's not called the City of Lights for nothing, it's a late night town.

[Not Afraid]

We never finished eating until at least Midnight.

And, MP is right. Merde du Chien est PU.

[Matterhorn Fan]

And walk down the Champs Elysee at night. (Bonus points if you sing the song!)Thank you so very much for reminding me of this song, my high school french play, and giving me something to keep stuck in my head for extended periods of time.

[Moonliner]

Okay, one definite possibility...

http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/segway-tour/ (http://www.citysegwaytours.com/paris/segway-tour/)

My first thought was that at 4-5 hours, it seems like a huge chunk of the day to spend just zipping by stuff not going in, especially with only 3 full days. BUT, we'll be arriving in Paris from the resort in the afternoon. I'm thinking doing the night tour that evening would be the perfect. It would get us familiar with the city and be a great way to start the mental list of things we want to go back and explore in depth. Mmmmm, 5 hours on a Segway.

A segway tour, how swank. Ya I'd vote you have to do that one. Like the website you linked to says, they are "appropriate for virtually anyone 12 and older (http://www.livingstreets.com/portfolio/bush_segway_idiotproof.jpg)."

[€uroMeinke]

Weren't you just there? :p Actually, finding the items on your list would be a fun challenge.

There is always more music - check out the Buddah Bar or Hotel Costes and pick up some of their DJ CDs (alternative CD buying activity)

[Not Afraid]

We have at least one Hotel Costas CD (there's more to own). We also have one from Man Ray. Buddah Bar has about 6 or 7, I think and I don't think we have any.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Segway tour of Paris...booked and paid for :D

Hotel (http://hotels.parishotels.com/hotel_details.php?type=name&lang=en&hotel_name=montpensier&id=1056&page=1&fromPage=search&sort_by=%20hh.adresse_rue%20DESC) in Paris...booked. It ain't the fanciest of places, but when I say "in Paris", I mean in Paris. This place is just 100 meters from the Louvre, and it's only €81 ($100) a night! I keep trying to figure out what's wrong with it, but tripadvisor.com has a litany of great reviews (that all say basically the same thing...it ain't fancy, but it's clean, the people are friendly, it's cheap, and holy crap what a location!). So, umm, score.

Next items to take care of, getting the Paris Visite pass (public transportation pass) and Paris Museum pass (being 100 meters from the Louvre, I suspect we might be using that...). Geez, with nearly 4 months until we leave, if I keep this up by the time we get there, everything will be prepaid!

[Not Afraid]

You can get the Paris Visite pass at the train station in DLRP. No need to have another thing to keep track of and it's the same price.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yeah, I was just noticing that. Since we'll have a couple days at the resort with no transportation need, we can take our time and make the necessary decissions while we're there. I also see that Versailles is in zone 5 (same zone as DLRP), so that makes a day trip out there very possible. Yay!

[Prudence]

Oh! *DO* see Versailles if possible! And make sure you check out Marie-Antoinette's little village where she frolicked with perfumed sheep.

[Not Afraid]

Hey! I've got a really great, if a bit dry, biography of Marie Antoinette that I finished a few months ago. Sophia Copola is making a film out of the bio, which is what led me to it in the first place. The book is a great snapshot of of the period leading up to the revolution. MUCH more interesting than the American version IMHO. Anyways, Chris isn't reading it yet if you're interested.

[Drince88]

We scored big time on the fligh. Nonstop from LAX to Charles De Gaulle on Air Tahiti Nui (www.airtahitinui-usa.com) for under $600 a ticket. For less than prices on standard carriers for flight with not only stops but plane changes, we're going to be on a premium airline with pleasantly decorated cabins in near brand new planes, nonstop.

Some of the people I met while on vacation in December had flown Air Tahiti Nui (and Air Tahiti, but not Nui is the only way to island-hop) from LAX to Tahiti and had no complaints about it. If they fly the same route as Air France, good luck getting off in LA and not 'deciding' to stay on the plane to continue on to Tahiti! (Air France does Paris - LAX - Tahiti and back)

[mhrc4]

just wanted to pop in and say congrats, its a wonderful trip, were there 7 days like you, and its hard to see everything. Have fun, take lots of pictures..

[Ghoulish Delight]

Gah! 2 weeks away!!!

In the spirit of people reviving old threads...I'm reviving an old thread :D

So I just thought of something to ask about that we probably should have been looking into a while ago. Dining at the resort. What's good, what's not so good, what's quick and good, what will we need/want reservations for, and are we too late for reservations?

I'm sure most of our meals will be of the quick, easy, and as inexpensive (hah!) as we can get variety while we're at the resort. But, I'm also sure that we'll want one high calibur Disney dining experience. So, what's the one can't be missed dining experience?

Discuss.

[Prudence]

It's all my fault! First I kill threads, then I utterly derail them with as much carnage as possible, then I ressurect them from the dead! Mwahahahaha!

I have no Disney Paris recommendations. But just the thought of Disney + Parisian chefs has me super jealous. If I was going, I'd want to check out "Auberge de Cendrillon" and their Pirates restaurant. And March Hare Refreshments.

[Not Afraid]

California Grill at the DLH. It is the absolute best restaurant at the resort. It is neither Californian nor particularry grill-like. It is just incredibly presented and delicious neuvo French food. Yum

The Fish and Chips at Toad Hall are great.

Popcorn is yummy.

Ice Cream on MS in flavors such as Apple is a must have

I've eaten at a bunch of others, but don't want to review them all. Let me know if there is anything you are particularly interested in and I'll let you know how it was.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I've eaten at a bunch of others, but don't want to review them all. Let me know if there is anything you are particularly interested in and I'll let you know how it was.Too bad we don't have GSM cell phones. We could call you to consult before very meal. :D

[Not Afraid]

Ummmmmm, I might be sleeping when you do and then I'd just be pissed and send you to the worst place I could think of. :evil:

Oh, and GSM phones were a GODSEND on our trip. When we split up, I'd just call ISM and hook back up with them. I also could talk VERY LOUDLY on the Metro.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Have a wonderful, swonderful time, you two!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yeah, we'll be "roughing it" sans cell phone. We survived it in Italy. Of course, when we went to Italy we had never owned a cell to begin with, so we weren't missing anything. But still, with just the two of us, we won't be donig much splitting up. I'll have my laptop and our hotel in Paris has wireless, so we'll have state-side communication that way.

[€uroMeinke]

California Grill is definately an extravagant treat - though you can skip the €300 Bottle Champagne to cut a corner or two ;). Great view of the castle at night, elegant dining, yeah.

I'd also recommend at least checking out Walt's in the park, the themed dining rooms (to each of the DLP lands) is something you'll want to see.

You absolutely need reservations. There are kiosks in the park where you can make them, it should be one of your first tasks. If you don't you'll be waiting long into the night to get something to eat - and that includes counter service. Meals are long a liesurely, accept that, relax, and enjoy your dinners.

[Not Afraid]

Walts! How could I have forgotten? They are open for Lunch Only and, if you get the last seating you will be able to view the parade from above - which is cool but should NOT be your only time viewing the Parade. That Parade KICKS.

Yes, prepare for leisurely meals. If possible, choose the prixfixe meal at Cal Grill. It is like 5 or 7 courses - including a cheese course. It is extravagant but well worth it. I chose that route and didn't have alcohol and my meals was less. Take that, bottle of champagne. ;)

Oh, and our other favorite is in Montmartre. It's called Soleil Gourmand and is near Metro Abbesses. The address is 10 rue Ravignan. Tel 01 42 51 00 50. This place has the best french savory tarts and country French cooking I've ever tasted, not to mention Rose Petal Ice Cream. We ate there 3 times!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Thanks for all the great tips.

So, reservations asap once we get there? Is calling, say, now overkill? Kiosks in the park only, or can we do it at our hotel?

[Not Afraid]

The hotel has a reservation desk. You're staying Sequoia, right? The Concierge is across the lobby from the check-in area. Also, when you check in, get your breakfast vouchers/tickets for the entire stay if you can.

And, bring me back a chocolate croissant. ;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

w00t, we've got at least one night of entertainment planned in Paris. I searched for "Paris nightlife" in google, clicked a couple links, and came across Batofar (http://www.batofar.org). The awesome website was a good sign, and then I found this description of their Thursday night act (translation courtesy Google)

Thanks to the fusion of new technologies and environments roots jamaicaines, the dub irradiating and smoking of Dub Wiser takes on board us in an urban and métissée adventure where the cultural crossings are required: dub, reggae, hip-hop, jungle, musics electronic, traditional, industrial. One evening exceptional organized by the Hammerbass label with famous Sound System Dub Action and a special guest: DJ Bass Reprodukktor of the sound system Joint Venture, Sound system dub of reference in Poland.Whoo boy, international Drumb and Bass!

A quick cross reference with our "Let's Go" guide showed this barge turned club is one of their thumbs up recommendations. Works for me! I've done that twice now, found something online that turned out to be a "Let's Go" recommendation. So...freaking...excited.

[Morrigoon]

Hey, do you guys wanna borrow my Rick Steves Guide? It's a couple years old, but most of the information won't change. He's got some great walking tours laid out in there as well as restaurant suggestions. I'd be happy to loan it to you.

[AllyOops!]

I'm poppin' in kind of late here!

You guys will post your pictures, right? I can't wait to see them!

I missed my trip to London & Paris almost 2 years ago when I gave up my ticket in order to stay home and care for my dying grandfather. It's a decision I certainly don't regret, especially when I saw how touched my Grandpa was. :)

However, I ALWAYS love to see photos, since I didn't get to visit- yet, that is. ;) However, I still have my airline credit. I have until November to use it, although I'm sure I won't have the chance. :(

Have a wonderful time! I can't wait to see your pictures and hear your vacation stories when you get back! Have a safe flight & a wonderful time! :) <-- (He doubles as a little french, rather, parisian smiley!)

[Gemini Cricket]

Green with envy. Have a gret trip, y'all! And don't think too much about the dragon. It'll be much more fun to forget about it and then stumble upon it like so many do. But now that I've said that, you're probably thinking about it now...
Oh well.
:)

[€uroMeinke]

It is 'alloween - there will be plenty for them to stumble upon - or to stumble upon them ;)

[€uroMeinke]

As you're about to embark on your trip to Paris, I have one more suggestion:

Try to spend at least one day pretending you are Parisian - buy some cheese in a local market, take a strole in one of the parks (weather permitting) or dodge the rain as you make your way to some out of the way cafe, where you talk about Art, Philosophy, and L'amour. Walk tall and proud and enjoy a late liesurly dinner that takes you to midnight and wake up the next morning with a strong coffee and crusty bread. Maybe even bum a cigarette...

Then come home and tell me all about it.