Back from Paris!

[LukenDC]

I returned last night from a week-long vacation in Paris. This was my fourth visit to the City of Lights and, as usual, I had a great time. I'm not inclined to write a full trip report, but I will make some observations.

Air France---I flew roundtrip on Air France and their service continues to impress me. They offer, as part of the standard economy class service, an abundance of food and drink including wine and liquor at no extra charge. After meal service, they leave soda, juice, and bottled water in the galley for passengers to help themselves. Their inflight entertainment included recent blockbuster films, old sitcoms (Brady Bunch), documentaries, and video games.

The French---After five visits to France, I have yet to encounter the legendary rude French. The people I met on this trip were cordial and helpful. Not one discordant note, except from the security guard at the US Embassy who blew his whistle at me when I tried to take a picture of the main building. Oh well, security trumps souvenirs. I also did not encounter any anti-Americanism or see any signs of it in Paris.

The Hotel---For the second time I stayed at Hotel Beaubourg, a three star boutique hotel in the Marais district across from the Pompidou Centre. The room was comfortable, but modest. I appreciated the large bathroom and the friendly service. The location is outstanding.

Any other questions, just ask!

 

[LakeAriel]

I am trying to plan this for next year, using DVC points for two rooms in Disneyland Paris..Just to use as our base. I am thinking the Newport Bay. All tips appreciated!

 

[momrek06]

Welcome Home! We were there in Paris in JAN for New Year's Eve!! My first time there but DH and DS had both been there.

All I can say is I absolutely LOVE Paris!!!!!!!

I loved everything that we saw, Lourve, Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower and more and more....we cruised on the Seine River and walked in every store and restaurant possible in the Latin Quarter.

I WILL BE BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JoyG]

I'm so jealous. I've been wanting to go to Paris my whole life.

I took 5 years of French in school and I've never gotten a chance to test it out.

Sounds like you had a great trip! I'm glad you didn't experience any anti-americanism...that's something I've wondered about, esp. since the war in Iraq started.

 

[LukenDC]

I am trying to plan this for next year, using DVC points for two rooms in Disneyland Paris..Just to use as our base. I am thinking the Newport Bay. All tips appreciated!

I did a day trip to Disneyland Paris in 2005, so I cannot offer any suggestions about hotels. You'll have a great time.

 

[LukenDC]

Sounds like you had a great trip! I'm glad you didn't experience any anti-americanism...that's something I've wondered about, esp. since the war in Iraq started.

In 2004 I saw some graffiti that read "US citizens, drop Bush not bombs." That was it.

American culture and influence are ubiquitous in Paris. There are streets named after FDR, JFK, Benjamin Franklin (he even has a statue!), Eisenhower, New York, President Wilson, and the United States. There is an American hospital, church (given historic status by the French government), and library.

The French love American TV programs and movies. My friends kept raving about Heroes, Ugly Betty, and Desparate Housewives. Sometimes I worry that such programs give a negative or unrealistic image of the USA. In 2004 a French friend visited the United States for the first time and stayed with me in Washington. We were walking one day and he turned to me and said, "I have been in the USA for three days now and I'm surprised that I have not seen any crime." Hollywood is not always our best export.

 

[suzimar57]

sounds like you had a good time - we went to disneyland paris in '98 - unfortunately, the french weren't very nice to us then...

oh well!

 

[Patty3]

We traveled in France about 6 years ago and DH and I both loved it. I would love to go back someday.

 

[CarolA]

I was in Paris in 1998 and never had a problem. I was in Paris just after the start of the war in Iraq where supposedly we were "the enemy", once again no problem. It's a wonderful city. Like the OP I have been to Paris several times and never had any issues (besides rude Americans who should NOT be allowed to travel LOL! Here's a hint, they don't all speak English and SHOUTING will not make them suddenly understand English.... )

I would not recommend using DLP as a base to explore Paris. There are lots of very affordable nice hotels in Paris itself. Being able to see Paris at night for example is magical. I have stayed at DLP, it's not really that different from WDW or DL. (Although it is a beautiful park)

(I can do a week in Paris for less money then a week in Disney so lots of folks who say "I can't afford it" can infact afford it!)

 

[nbodyhome]

I am going back in a month for my 4th time in 5 years. I LOVE Paris, and keep finding new things about it (I am planning to go to the American Cemetary in Paris this time, I'd not even heard of it before). And I cannot wait to go back to Berthillon!

We stayed outside the main tourist area, and I'm going back to the same hotel this time too.

 

[LukenDC]

(I can do a week in Paris for less money then a week in Disney so lots of folks who say "I can't afford it" can infact afford it!)

Boy isn't that the truth! Paris is cheap compared to a week at WDW!

 

[nbodyhome]

Boy isn't that the truth! Paris is cheap compared to a week at WDW!

I agree! My room in Paris will be about the same price as the Pop Century in value season, (though the Pop also adds tax). It will be smaller, but I'll be able to walk to the markets, grocery store, etc. and eat very cheaply. The lovely Italian restaurant we went to a couple of doors down from the hotel barely cost us more than $30.00 US anytime we went (including 2 entrees, 2 drinks, one appetizer, and a shared dessert). Tax and tip is already included.
Often I'd get food over at the Monoprix - some cous cous, a baguette, a piece of fruit, a very cheap meal.

There are lovely parks, and the museum pass makes the museums very affordable. The Eifffel Tower isn't much more than $10.00 per person to visit.

The biggest expense to me is the airfare, and I'm going on FF miles this time. Flying into France (as opposed to London) because the taxes were cheaper.

I once stayed a week at DLP, and I regret that. The Sequoia Lodge was very nice, but staying in Paris is a whole other world.

 

[mommasita]

I would love to go to Paris.. Not for the french speaking, so to speak..Enough at home..

There is just so much history there..Maybe one day

 

[LakeAriel]

I was in Paris in 1998 and never had a problem. I was in Paris just after the start of the war in Iraq where supposedly we were "the enemy", once again no problem. It's a wonderful city. Like the OP I have been to Paris several times and never had any issues (besides rude Americans who should NOT be allowed to travel LOL! Here's a hint, they don't all speak English and SHOUTING will not make them suddenly understand English.... )

I would not recommend using DLP as a base to explore Paris. There are lots of very affordable nice hotels in Paris itself. Being able to see Paris at night for example is magical. I have stayed at DLP, it's not really that different from WDW or DL. (Although it is a beautiful park)

(I can do a week in Paris for less money then a week in Disney so lots of folks who say "I can't afford it" can infact afford it!)

What has worried me is if I book two rooms and can't go all those points would need to be used in another collection, which would really be costly..Maybe I should just rent out the points for cash and stay elsewhere. It would be my DD,DSIL,DGD,DGS in one room, the other room would be for myself, adult son and adult daughter. That room at least needs some separate bedding arrangements. To the OP or anyone else, what did a room cost in American dollars? TIA...

 

[LakeAriel]

I agree! My room in Paris will be about the same price as the Pop Century in value season, (though the Pop also adds tax). It will be smaller, but I'll be able to walk to the markets, grocery store, etc. and eat very cheaply. The lovely Italian restaurant we went to a couple of doors down from the hotel barely cost us more than $30.00 US anytime we went (including 2 entrees, 2 drinks, one appetizer, and a shared dessert). Tax and tip is already included.
Often I'd get food over at the Monoprix - some cous cous, a baguette, a piece of fruit, a very cheap meal.

There are lovely parks, and the museum pass makes the museums very affordable. The Eifffel Tower isn't much more than $10.00 per person to visit.

The biggest expense to me is the airfare, and I'm going on FF miles this time. Flying into France (as opposed to London) because the taxes were cheaper.

I once stayed a week at DLP, and I regret that. The Sequoia Lodge was very nice, but staying in Paris is a whole other world.

You posted this while I was typing, I guess that seals the deal! I am also going to Ireland so according to what you wrote, it is better to fly into France and do that part of the trip first? and save taxes?

 

[Amlee]

Ok let me ask you French tourist a few questions!

I am doing a 10 day British Isle/W. Europe cruise in Sept. I have a stop in Le Hauve(sp), France which is on the Normandy side. It's about a 3 hour bus ride to Paris. I will have about 4 to 5 hours in Paris. I know I can't do it all and I'm not looking to do it all. But is it worth the 6 hour round trip bus ride for such a short time? If not has anyone been to the Le Hauve area and can give me some ideas as what to do in that area?

 

[CarolA]

The hotel I stay in only has triples. The Triple is around 100 Euros a night. However, doubles are in the 80 Euro range.

If you really want some ideas I recommend the Europe board on www.fodors.com (Click on talk and then Europe, you can search on it, there must be THOUSANDS of posts on Paris hotels LOL!)

 

[CarolA]

Ok let me ask you French tourist a few questions!

I am doing a 10 day British Isle/W. Europe cruise in Sept. I have a stop in Le Hauve(sp), France which is on the Normandy side. It's about a 3 hour bus ride to Paris. I will have about 4 to 5 hours in Paris. I know I can't do it all and I'm not looking to do it all. But is it worth the 6 hour round trip bus ride for such a short time? If not has anyone been to the Le Hauve area and can give me some ideas as what to do in that area?

I would not make that trip. I would do the Normandy D-Day beaches if I were in that area. I am sure there are tours from your port. The beaches, musuems and graveyards were very inspiring....

 

[Amlee]

Most of the tours being offered are for the D-Day beaches, grave yards, and musuems. But they are ALL day long. I wouldn't mind taking one of those if they broke it up with free time in the afternoon, but that isn't the case. I'm leaning more and more into visting one of the smaller towns, by either bus or train.

Paris isn't a must for me on this trip, as I know I'll be back. Just didn't know if it was worth that long trip for such a short time.

 

[Kycha]

DH and I are talking about a possible trip to Paris in a few years. I had 3 years of French in high school(20+ years ago). So, did you have any problems with the language barrier? Should I bone up on some French phrases?