Can you recommend an aparment rental company?

I have just started researching accommodations for a family of 4. I have seen that apartment rentals may be the way to go. Can you recommend a company? Do you know anything about www.vacationinparis.com ?

Thanks.

|||

Hi

There are a number of organizations managing short term holiday apartments in Paris. I have used www.parisholidayapts.com on 2 occasions and been very happy with the service I received and the apartments themselves. There were 11 apartments when I last looked and John Knutsen, the owner, is very easy to work with. He requires a 25% booking deposit and NO security deposit. He will also try to accommodate flexible rental periods, as short as 3 days and also early occupancy to cater for flight arrival times. The 2 bedroom Pont Neuf is a well equiped, comfortable apartment with a queen and 2 single beds.

I am aware of extensive listings by others such as www.vacationinparis.com, www.vrbo.com, www.nyhabitat.com but have not used these companies.

|||

We used www.rentalfrance.com and got a very-well-located, postage-stamp-sized apartment steps from Notre Dame in the Latin Quarter. I started looking on www.vrbo.com, but booked through Rental France. Pascal is the manager and he was great to work with. Our apartment was adequate, but not luxurious at all. I didn%26#39;t want to spend too much, but location was important, so I was OK with the level of quality - a little worn, not the most beautiful decor, but clean and comfortable. Also, only one floor up.

If you%26#39;re fussy, research carefully, to be sure the unit will be up to your standards.

|||

Yes. We have used Just France several times. They are very knowledgeable and very honest. I would use them again in a minute. justfrance.com

|||

We have used Parisian Flat with great success. Modern kitchens, baths and furnishing. Sophie and Phillipe are great to work with...we have rented Casimir, Rue Madame (noisy during school days - recess time), Rue Vavin and Rue Vaugirard with Rue Vaugirard being our favorite. Not sure what your budget is...they range from $250-400 Euros per night.

We are returning to spend Christmas in Paris and will rent from them again.

www.parisianflat.com

Others rave about Paris Perfect.

Cheers,

M

|||

parisbestlodgeahs been good for us

|||

As I speak I am staying in a great rental in the Marais courtesy of frenchforrrent. They are suberb and even helped me (via email) pack. I am so happt to recommend them.

|||

pcgmom, I%26#39;ve used vacationinparis.com four or five times with great success. I recommend them highly. The thing is, their transactions are in USD, which is a great advantage with the dollar so weak in Europe. They have a flat $150 security deposit, which I%26#39;ve always received back within THREE business days of my return. I%26#39;m using them again in November. Go for it!

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 8:20 pm, September 20, 2009

restaurant advice with mum aged 82 in Latin Quarter

Hi,

I%26#39;m taking my mother to Paris in May as she needs to have something to look forward to having lost her husband ( my father ) a couple of months ago. Can anyone recommend restaurants in the area around Hotel Henry 1V Rive Gauche, which is where we are staying. We are looking around the £ 30-35 max and would be grateful for any recommendations, otherwise we will just have to try local ones out.

Thankyou for any advice given as it is much appreciated.

Jojo

|||

I have just been reading some past comments on restaurants and I have found Le Pre Verre and Le Petit Zinc recommended. Can anyone tell me the rough price of a meal in both and where Le Petit Zinc is situated. I know where Le Pre Verre is situated.

Thankyou

Jojo

|||

I am sure that you and your mum will enjoy the Jardin d%26#39;Ivy on rue Mouffetard. Another of my favourites is L%26#39;Époque on rue du Cardinal-Lemoine.

They both serve excellent traditional cuisine within your stated budget with friendly service and are within easy distance from your hotel.

Bon apetit!

|||

I%26#39;d recommend Le Reminet, very near your hotel, although more expensive than you hope (around 50 euros or so).

It%26#39;s excellent food and atmosphere.

As far as your other ideas, I would say when I go there I spend about 50 euros at each, including wine. I believe Le Petit Zinc has a fixed menu at around 30 euros or so. But be warned it is not close to your hotel, it%26#39;s either a long walk or a few metro stops away, at St. Germain des Pres.

If you don%26#39;t drink wine, it is easy to find a place for about 35 euros. Lots of fixed price menus are at that price.

|||

I second Les%26#39; suggestion of Le Reminet. It%26#39;s quite small and very popular, so do stop in and make a reservation or have the concierge at the hotel do it for you. It%26#39;s a very easy walk from your hotel. Also, please be sure to avoid eating in the r. St Severin/r. de la Huchette area, which is almost directly across from your hotel, next to the St. Severin church. It is a fun, lively area for walking and people watching at night, but do avoid eating there.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 12:20 am, September 21, 2009

Chamonix - trips to Mt Blanc etc

Hi. We are planning to spend a day in Chamonix at the end of June and would like to take a trip on the rack and pinion railway and cable car up Mt Blanc. As time is going to be very tight - we will be travelling on by car towards Northern France that day - I wondered how much time I would need to go up to the Aiguille du Midi and then into Italy and back to Chamonix by coach. Also, how busy does it get at that time of year - Ive read that normally unless you get there by 9am it gets very crowded. Many thanks for any advice.

|||

You will not have timew to do the railway (Montenvers) and the Aguile du Midi + Helbrunner gondola.

You are quite correct it will be busy after 9am but you can reserve a lift time online.

Go to www.compagniedumontblanc.com or www.chamonix.com

|||

thanks for the information. The other option is leaving our hotel in Briancon and arriving at Chamonix at about 10.30 /11.00 am. If we did that could we do the proposed trip in a day, and if not what could we do, do you think?

|||

You could do one or the other but not both. Well at least in my opinion.

My choice would be the Aguile du Midiand try to reserve a timeslot.

Failing that go to either Le Brevente (other side of the valley) or Les Grands Montet in Argentiere.

This has by far, my opinion only, the best views of all.

if you go to Argentiere grab a meal at Chez Anais or Le Dahu.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:16 am, September 21, 2009

Places to Eat out

Looking for both a cheapish and then a little more expensive place to eat out in Val d%26#39;isere.

Any suggestions

|||

Our two favourites have always been Perdrix Blanche and La Grande Ourse. Worth checking to see if they fit your budget.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 6:20 am, September 21, 2009

Opening hrs of shops and attractions in Dec

Hi everyone,

I am thinking of going to Paris in mid-Dec for my honeymoon.

May I know what time the shops and attractions close in Dec? Does it get dark very early?

Thanks!

|||

Still most everything opens at 10. some open at 930 but plan on a cup of coffee and pastry breakfast. Store typically close at 7. The good thing about December, most everything is open on Sundays for the Christmas shopping.

The sun sets about 5, 515 but then it makes for a whole new Paris to explore. No shopping but the cafes and brasseries are usually open until 11, few until 2.

Happy honeymooning!

|||

Thanks for the information! Looking forward to visit Paris.

|||

We were in Paris last Dec just prior to Christmas. It was wonderful, minimal crowds anywhere so all of Paris was as our feet as they say. Highly recommend it. Weather was chilly--40-50 F and sunny for all 5 days we were there. Picnicing was do-able in the sunshine on park benches, we liked Champs du Mars the best even though the gypsies were pesky wanting money or food. We%26#39;ve done March, October, and December and probably like December the best. Maybe it%26#39;s because one always likes the most recent Paris trip the best...

Where will you obtain a winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves, in tropical Singapore, also one of our favorite cities?

oprah44

|||

Hi Oprah44

We have shops in Singapore selling winter wear. Actually we intend to buy when we are in Paris as we heard that the designs are nicer and more variety. Is it true?

I am worried about exploring the city at night as it gets dark pretty early. Did you encounter anything unpleasant while you were there last year?

Anything that we should avoid?

|||

You will need some winter clothing upon arrival but you are absolutely correct, the styles and selections will be beyond your expectations in so many shops. Others here on TA can advise you where best to shop.

We have never had any problems after dark in Paris. We frequent the restaurants, clubs, and other attractions, mainly in the heart of the city. In fact, after dark in Paris, the City of Lights, is stunning. We took the Seine boat ride from the Eiffel Tower and marveled at all of the beauty, from the bridges to the lighted monuments. La Tour Eiffel was our favorite.

oprah44

|||

Rene, you will have a wonderful time in Paris on your honeymoon. Paris is one of the safest cities I know. Many females on this forum, myself included, have traveled there alone numerous times and walk all over the city after dark quite safely. You%26#39;ll have no problem, especially with your new husband by your side :). I was there this past Dec. Christmastime in Paris is wonderful. The city is all dressed up. The shop windows are so clever! It%26#39;s just magical, really.

|||

Thanks a lot for your reassurance, oprah44 %26amp; HappyGoin!

Am starting to prepare my itinerary for my Paris HM in Dec. Can%26#39;t wait to visit Paris!

Thanks again.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 2:18 am, September 21, 2009

HOTEL BRITANNIQUE vs hotels on Ile Saint Louis or Île Cite

Please help me on whether or not to stay on the islands or somewhere like Hotel Britannique? Any suggestions? Med range, great location, lots of charm.

|||

My preference is access to stuff I need/want, exactly when I need/want it. The problem with the islands is the lack of immediate access to the Metro and the lack of places to buy food, wine, toiletries, etc. without having to cross the river, especially at odd hours.

I like the Britannique. It%26#39;s got charm, it%26#39;s in the best possible place in Paris transportation-wise, it%26#39;s close to an endless selection of food, supermarkets and restos. As far as that class of hotel goes, I%26#39;d pick it over anything in the area in that price range.

|||

Ditto what metromole says. The metro is at your doorstep and you can walk to all the same places as you could on the islands.

The Ile st louis is romantic and beautiful and all, but it%26#39;s not as practical as the Britannique.

Plus, the Britannique is a beautiful hotel and SPOTLESS...

Les

|||

Thanks you guys. This is a big help to us. I can not wait to go on this trip. I work a high stress job... and just thinking about strolling the streets of Paris, seeing all the sights, and eating great food seems so refreshing and relaxing.

Is it an easy to rent bicycles in Paris?

Thanks again.

|||

Another vote for the Britannique. I found it to be perfect as far as location is concerned and a delightful hotel to stay in.

|||

Yes, very easy to rent bikes.

If you speak French, you can read the Velib web site:

http://www.velib.paris.fr/

|||

I should have paid attention to my French class back in 8th grade. I think I will try to learn alittle before we go. I hear there are many bikes available throughout Paris, I will check out the website

As far as air, I think it%26#39;s too early to book for October, I%26#39;m hoping deals will pop up to France. Non-stop flights.

|||

Staying on Ile Saint Louis was very convenient personally. There%26#39;s a metro stop, Pont Marie and it%26#39;s highly accessible for walking to the Latin Quarter, St. Germain, and up to the Louvre/Concorde/Tuileries areas as well. I found it to be a great location.

|||

I, too, have stayed on Ile St. Louis and loved it. It%26#39;s located between the Marais and Latin Quarter and is convenient both walking or Metro (Pont marie, Cite, St. Michel). You can find apt. rentals on the Ile for less than Britannique%26#39;s cost if you stay for at least a week

|||

I loved staying on Ile St. Louis. You are in the middle of everything. The Island is only 3 blocks long and just off the Island at each end are Metro stations. Even the Parisiens I met were jealous I was staying on Ile St. Louis. It is a very coveted location. At night the place is teeming with tourists and it is so much fun to come downstairs from your hotel/apartment because you feel like you are the one who lives there and everyone else is %26quot;just visiting.%26quot; That is even more true of an apartment than a hotel, I imagine. It was a great experience.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:19 am, September 21, 2009

1st Visitor - Hotel Advice Please

I%26#39;m taking my wife to Paris for the long Valentines Weekend as a thank you for looking after me recently (I%26#39;ve had cancer).

I%26#39;m part paying with AirMiles, so I%26#39;ve got down to a few hotels but can%26#39;t decide what area (and therefore hotel) is best.

The options are...

DE L%26#39;ODEON - 13 Rue Saint Sulpice, Paris, 75006

MERCURE TERMINUS NORD - 12 Boulevard Denain, Paris, 75010

OBSERVATOIRE LUXEMBOURG - 107 Boulevard St Michel, Paris, 75005

AMARANTE QUAL ARC DE TRIOMPHE - 25 Rue Theodore-de-Banville, Paris, 75017

We just want the standard Paris Experience, the usual tourist sites.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Craig

|||

Going by your list, I would choose:

De L%26#39;Odeon

Observatoire Luxembourg

Amarante

Mercure

Would you like more choices? If so let us know.

Les

|||

Hotel de l%26#39;Odeon is certainly the most central, and check the reviews - it should be quite acceptable.

|||

Hi Craig,

Did you go to Paris for the Valentines weekend in the end? If so, hope you can help me. I%26#39;m planning to take my boyfrined to Paris during Easter break and, because I%26#39;m travelling with Airmiles too, I thought to ask you if you chose one of the hotels from their website and what was your experience?

Many thanks,

Magda

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 1:25 am, September 21, 2009

Going Thursday

Im going to dlp this Thursday with my 10 year old son. Ive got the park hopper tickets with my holiday but would like to know if there are any atractions with extra costs . He would live to see the stunt show with the cars.

I would like to get an idea of how much money to take to cover everything that we would like to see and do. We have already booked Buffalo Bills online with Disney.

Any tips appriciated.

Rachel

|||

The Stunt show (and other Disney shows) are included in your park hopper ticket. We saw this last year and it was excellent. Basically you only need money for refreshments and souveniers in the parks.

Buffalo Bills is in the Disney Village and is charged, but is well worth the money. You both should enjoy it.

|||

We really enjoy lunch at the Pirates of the Caribean restaurant, a lovely location with a good childs menu and a relaxing break from the park (despite overlooking the ride).

A little expensive, but worth a visit.

|||

Thanks for replying. I will try the Pirates of the Carribean resturant, I think my son would really enjoy that too.

We will be having 2 full days in the parks and think we will go to the Studios first. We are not really into big rides. This might be a silly question but are the times of the parades easy to find out whilst there ? Sorry for all the questions but i want to get the most out of our time there. Im a little nervous as its just me and him going ! .

Rachel .

|||

Hello , we came home yesterday afternoon.

When entrance the studios or disneyland park, grab a program and map,

There You will find out when and where the different shows and parades is, in studio it was 13.30 in Park 16.00, and then the is the Express train, in park on main street , and the candelcelebration in the evening. Shows Lions king, Mickey and friends in Winter wonderland, Eat at lucky nuggets 30 euro for adults and 20 for child or less, There you have the caracters. Donald Duck show in studio, every hole hour I think hope this is ok.

I wish You a very good trip.

Mutter

|||

It is a good idea to reserve your lunch table at the information booth close to the opening of the park, and then just turn up at the allotted time. This will save either a long wait or disappointment.

In addition to the program%26#39;s available at the entrance (make sure you pick up a UK version) there are also some display boards with this information.

Some of the attractions will be in English at allotted times, this will be in the program, otherwise the language will be French.

Make sure that you get %26quot;Fast Passes%26quot; for any rides that are on your %26quot;to do%26quot; list to avoid long queues.

Have a great trip!

|||

Parade times and also character interactions here just select your dates

http://www.dlrpmagic.com/calendar/?m=20080225

Details of fastpass here

dlrpmagic.com/guides/…

|||

Thank You everyone. Thats very usefull.

I will write my review when i get back.

I might have some more questions before i go though like how to handle an excited child who hasnt even got there yet !!! .

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 1:27 am, September 21, 2009

vacationinparis.com

anybody used this agent.have already paid deposit for apartment but find the idea of recieving keys in the post a bit daunting.thanks for any help,

|||

We used them and were very happy with the experience. We liked having a key when we arrived, and not having to worry about meeting someone to be let in.

|||

They are great! I was a also a bit worried about the key situation esp since I was leaving home to travel a month before I was arriving in Paris.

I got the keys and detailed instructions, and there were no probs at all...and they happily sent them to me in Australia.

I%26#39;m not sure what other companies od re: keys, but having them in your hand means you can arrive whenever you like, so no need to stress about meeting someone.

Mez

|||

Used them in Oct. Reserved a different apt for Aug. Having the key when you arrive is great. Our apt. had extra key waiting inside so our party of 4 could come and go at different times

|||

Btw, the keys are delivered with a packet of information specific to the apartment you%26#39;ve rented. You%26#39;ll have no problem.

|||

I just received my keys for my March vacation. Like others have said before, it came with a packet specific for the apartment and local contact numbers in case of any trouble.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:17 am, September 21, 2009

i want to travel to lloret in spain from perpignan

Hi. i want to visit some friends who are staying in Lloret de mar spain. Whilst staying in Perpignan France.

is there any form of bus or train service from Perpignan to Lloret...

if any one has done this trip could they please post details for me.

i want to go early in the morning returning as late as possible on the same day

it would cost £120 to rent a car.. is there public transport i could use

Thanks in advance

|||

You would have to take a train or a bus from Perpignan to Girona or Barcelona and ask on the Spanish board if there are buses to Lloret de Mar.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:17 am, September 21, 2009

3 days...3 teenagers...Loire Valley or Dordogne Valley?

I only have 3 days left to plan for our France trip in August...which area would you suggest? We will have a rental car.

|||

We much preferred the Dordogne. Great cliff top villages, Sarlat has a superb market, and river canoeing and rope climbing parks nearby for the more active. We have holidayed there twice with our teenagers and had great holidays.

|||

Are you starting from Paris?

If your three empty days start in Paris (and you are flying from Paris, as I%26#39;m guessing), then go to the Loire.

The Dordogne is gorgeous, but it%26#39;s 6 hours%26#39; driving time -- way too far for only 3 days.

|||

Yes, depends om where you are coming from, but I still also vote for Dordogne ,, so much more fun for kids and teens, canoeing ,the prehistoric caves, medieval castles ( as opposed to more %26quot;palace%26quot; like Chateaus of the Loire Valley) , I do love the Loire Valley.

PS Book now as August is busy.

|||

Hi,

Ditto on the distance from Paris, but my kids (son 15, daughter, 17) really enjoyed the Dordogne more than the Loire, I%26#39;d say. The chateaux I oohed and ahhed over were a big yawn to them. You can see what we did in our 3 nights in the Dordogne on my trip report - sorry, it%26#39;s too long, but just read the Dordogne parts...

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187070-i12-k15375…

If you want to see authentic polychrome (colored)cave paintings, call soon and book an English tour in the Grotte de Font du Gaume. My kids also liked Roque St. Christophe - a whole village built into the side of a rock, with lots of areas recreated to look as they did in medieval times. My son liked Castelnaud, with the siege weapons and arms displays. We all loved the canoe trip.

|||

Spent 2 weeks in the Loire Valley last June/July in Parc de Fierbois (camping). Rained for 13 days of the 14.

I was told on my return home by a veteran French holidaymaker that it %26#39;always rains in the Loire Valley%26#39;.

This year we%26#39;re off to Nice where hopefully the sun will shine!!!

On that note - any good campsites near Nice that anyone can recommend?

OF5

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:20 am, September 21, 2009

Christmas/New Year in London or Paris

Hi,

Looking for some advise. We are an Aussie couple living in London and we have family friends wishing to visit us in London over the Christmas period.

Our friends have 2 children 13 and 11.

What would be better.... Christmas in London and New Year in Paris OR Christmas in Paris and New Year in London??

We have expereinced New Year in London and are aware how good the fireworks are off the London Eye. What Fireworks happen in Paris?? And what do you think a family would enjoy more London or Paris??

thanks so much

Lisa

|||

Christmas in London is a lot more Christmassy than in Paris. We used to travel to Paris to escape the Christmas cr@p.

New years even i cant comment on because it isnt something I do -dcertainly not in public. (having said that, I did one do new years even in london and it was rubbish)

|||

Generally, you%26#39;ll find more of the Anglo-saxon idea of %26quot;Christmas and New Year%26quot; in London than in Paris, where you may be disappointed.

Christmas in France is primarily a family affair, with no tradition of outdoor events like caroll singing, bell ringing, etc lots. Lots of people move in and out.

New Years is generally spent indoors with friends. Outside the ambience is so-so - unruly crowds on the Champs Elysees, some bottle-throwing, NO FIREWORKS...

|||

We%26#39;ve been to Trafalger Square and Big Ben for New Year%26#39;s Eve, and we%26#39;ve been to the Arc De Truimphe for the holiday as well. Both were crazy fun. Paris was a little %26#39;safer%26#39; though. While at Big Ben the crowds were HUGE and pushing back and forth, and if you got knocked to the ground, there was a good chance you%26#39;de be trampled. When we were in Paris, we had a late dinner then went to the Arc around 11:00 or 11:30 with a small bottle of champagne to toast the new year. And it was a ton of fun. There wasn%26#39;t as much pushing and everyone was gathered to welcome in the new year together. There was traffic around the arc, and it was fun to see the car loads of people yelling and screaming and waiving flags and stopping to kiss girls in the crowd as they circled the arc. We stood at a point in front of the arc where we could see the Eiffel Tower in the background. What%26#39;s better than that? And from where we were, we did see some fireworks. Nothing great but... welcomging the new year while looking at the Arc and the Tower was just perfect. IMHO.

If I had to chose one to do again, I would chose Paris. And I think my wife would agree with me.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 4:22 am, September 21, 2009

Security at Train Station

I will be taking the Thalys from Gare Nord. Is there a security check at the station? How early before my train leaves should I arrive at the station? Thanks.

|||

No, there is no security check.

You can arrive within minutes of the train leaving (not that I would recommend this). Most often your train isn%26#39;t even at its quai until just before departure anyway.

I usually arrive about one hour before departure, so I can familiarize myself with where the train will be, and where my seat is in that train.

|||

The track for each train is posted 20 minutes before the scheduled departure. If you%26#39;re there 30 min before, you can find the Thalys area and have time to buy a magazine or a bottle of water for the trip.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 6:17 am, September 21, 2009

Rue Cler or St Germain- des -Pres

My wife and I intend to walk all over Paris and are tossing up between Hotels in either of these both very recommended locations. I don%26#39;t suppose anyone has stayed in both these areas to compare. Anyone prepared to tip the scales?

|||

Hi BeHappy,

I vote for St. Germain-des-Prés, it is much more central to all you will want to see and do, and you will be able to walk all over Paris from there.

I am puzzled by the attraction to rue Cler, it is a nice shopping street, but just one of many such streets in Paris, and we find the 6th to be much more vibrant, especially at night, than the 7th.

The last time I was in the 7th most of the people I passed on the streets were speaking English. The 6th is full of tourists also, but you will hear many languages being spoken, not just English.

Slowpoke

|||

The attraction to Rue Cler is due (alas) to Rick Steeves.

|||

The 7th gets dissed because of Rick Steves and %26quot;lots of Americans stay there%26quot; but it is a quiet ,convenient place to stay. We had an apt. 2 blocks off Rue Cler . Ate at few places on r.cler-French owner,Greek owner,Asian takeout. The Metro is handy-line 8 plus if you are walkers nothing is that far. We even walked to Louvre because of strike

If you want Nightlife this is probably not the area

|||

The 7th is fine, BUT, it is NOT particularily central, the 6th is much more so, and , it is quiet at night, as in dead ( except for RS road)

I stayed in serveral arrondissmonts and the 6th ( St Germain ) is definately a favorite of mine.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 6:20 am, September 21, 2009

Euros or ATM'S

Hi

We are spending a couple of days in Paris than 10 more days in the Provence, everyone says don%26#39;t carry alot of euro%26#39;s but get what you need at the atm%26#39;s located all over Paris, Are there lots of atm machines located in Provence, and the southern region of France? I want to make sure I have $$$ and not caught short.

Thanks in advanced

|||

ATMs are easy to find in bigger cities. In tiny little hamlets along tertiary roads, you%26#39;re probably out of luck.

Why not use a credit card, whenever you can, so that you%26#39;re not so dependent on cash? Just make arrangements with the bank so that the card gets paid off automatically on time, so that if you%26#39;re out-of-town when the bill is due, you%26#39;ll have no worries about balances and charges. If you have time, you%26#39;ll want to find a good credit card, with a low foreign transaction fee of about 1% or less. Credit Unions usually have these. Most other cards charge 3+%.

Maybe a debit card works, but I%26#39;m not sure. I%26#39;ve used a debit card only once in my life but don%26#39;t know anything else about them.

|||

ATM%26#39;s are the most convenient way to get cash since even in the smaller villages tthroughout Provence there is almost always at least one bank with an ATM - and, if you use banks within your home bank%26#39;s network there will probably be no fee for the transaction. Let your bank know that you will be in France so they do not think that your card has been stolen and check with them as to whether there is a maximum withdrawal amount allowed per 24 hours.

Of course you can use you credit cards for purchases, but be advised that many shops and restaurants do not accept AMEX. Also, you should keep in mind that there is sometimes a rather hefty charge by some US banks for these types of charges.

Hope this input is useful.

|||

Most large supermarkets have ATMs. Best advice os to find out what the maximum withdrawal is and do it when necessary.

This will keep the fees as low as possible

|||

Hi

Just a word of warning. If you are staying in chambre d%26#39;hotes, many of us do not accept credit cards.

The others are quite right. There are ATM machines everywhere here, even in the villages so you can always draw out money if you need it Just make sure you check your daily limits with your bank before you leave, usually they are around 300 - 350 euros/ day.

Have a great trip

ESCARGOT

Les Carmes

|||

Hello

Thanks to everyone who answered this question, there are 6 of us traveling together, so with your imput it really helped us. We leave March 12 for our trip and we are sooo excited.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 6:21 am, September 21, 2009

Beauvais Airport to Valenciennes

Am travelling to Beauvais Airport on Sunday late afternoon and want to know best way to travel to Valenciennes. Am not that keen to drive. Can anyone help please?

|||

If you do not wish to drive then you will need to head into Paris (Gare du Nord) and take a train to Lille and change there.

|||

Thanks for that - much appreciated!

Good Restaurants near the Crazy Horse

Believe its on George V. Price range of 100-130 euros for 2. Thanks alot.

|||

bump

Angers to Amboise by car?(Diz /Stu)

We are reviewing are itinerary and are planning to stay overnight in Angers and (by car) to travel the following day to the Amboise area. Two questions.(1) is this an arduous journey (bearing in mind that we are pensioners) and (2)suggestions please as to an interesting place where we may stop en route to break the journey.

|||

It%26#39;s about 2 Hours on a an Autoroute, until you get to within 15 miles or so of Amboise. It%26#39;snot at all ardous, as its mainly new roads, and most people are still using the free routes..........

Unfortunately, none of the map sites show the new Autoroute past Tours in the direction of Amboise (the E604), so they arent much use to you.

|||

Thanks Wizardoaus for your prompt reply.We plan to come off at junction 18 on the A10 heading towards accommodation in the Limeray area which is situated on the opposite side of the river to Amboise which may add a little more to your estimated journey time.It will probably mean us having to come off the autoroute for a break after about an hours drive.Thanks again. Barcroft.

|||

In that case...

I would come off the A85 at junction 8 (you leave the paying section of the of the Autoroute, cross the Loire and it%26#39;s the first exit) and have lunch at Villandry. It should be about an hour into the drive.

Then rejoin the A85 at the same junction, take the Paris direction at the intersection with the D37 And the same again at the A10.

Be careful at the A10 intersection though. It%26#39;s too easy to head off to Poitiers by mistake. I have come close to making this error more than once.

|||

Barcroft, I%26#39;ve spent some time in the area around Tours, and I can do online research, but in this case, the Wizard is your man! As a pensioner, I%26#39;d recommend a stroll round the gardens at Villandry though ;-)

|||

Diz

believe it or not, I have only ever done this twice - and in the opposite direction. I discovered that Villandry was close when my father misread the map (his eyes arent what they used to be :( )

I have, however, come close to taking the road to Poitiers by mistake 3 times out of the 6 I did that intersection last year heading to the airport...

Doesnt matter how many times I do that roundabout now, I fret!

|||

Thanks again lads for your input.I will try to avoid the Poitiers connection or I am likely to be singing %26quot;Lost in France%26quot; for the rest of the holiday!!

|||

%26lt;%26lt;believe it or not, I have only ever done this twice%26gt;%26gt; which is twice more than me! When I was a student way back when, I got around the region by hitch-hiking .... which doesn%26#39;t get suggested very often on TA. I%26#39;ve been back occasionally since then, but travelling as a pensioner on wheels is much more civilised ;-)

|||

Just an update. I did the intersection entering the A10 on Wednesday and didnt even look like taking the wrong turning.

There%26#39;s hope for all of us!

|||

Thanks for your update Wizardofaus it seems that practice makes perfect!!However I will have no such luxury asI will have to try and get it right first time.Incidently thanks for your information on boat trips it was very helpfull and something we intend doing as a change from chateaus and castles.Do you have any information on interesting gardens in the Limeray/Amboise area? Thanks again: Barcroft

|||

http://tinyurl.com/2hy9nj

and

http://www.jardins-de-france.com/

are good for finding gardens. I cant vouch for any garedens except chenonceaux, which is OK, but I wouldnt rave about it.

If yorue asking about garden CENTRES, however.........

:)

RER fares

Is there a website where you can determine RER fares? I%26#39;ve tried the RATP site but couldn%26#39;t find it (doesn%26#39;t mean it isn%26#39;t there). From what I understand, RER fares tend to be specific for each departure/destination combination, rather than by zone (as the Metro is).

Thanks.

Also, can I confirm that if I do determine the RER fare, it includes the use of the Metro to get to the RER station?

|||

There is a section on the RATP site where you can find out the fare for a journey from Paris to a particular station in the suburbs or vice versa. (I assume this is what you are looking for (as opposed to a journey from one suburb to another) since you ask about using the Metro to get to the RER station.

I think it is only available on the French language version of the site so make sure you are on that. Point to the %26#39;Titres et tarifs%26#39; header and follow the menu down to %26#39;Tous les Tarifs%26#39; and CLICK on it. Note CLICK, do NOT follow the arrow over to the next menu. When you scroll down you should see a box where you can enter the name of the station in the suburbs that you want to price a journey for. It will then give you the full and half price fares for a single ticket and for a carnet of tickets. And, yes, these will include transfer to/from the metro line.

Laura

|||

Thanks! I kept going over the arrow to the drop-down menu and couldn%26#39;t find what I needed.

|||

Try this one..

www.transport-idf.com/frontal…

|||

Travelnutty,

Thanks so much for posting that website! So useful- I will definitely be using it when in Paris for the first time.

C.

|||

Thanks Travelnutty - I had looked at that site, but hadn%26#39;t realised that the route planner would give me costs (I had been using the RATP route planner).

|||

The trickiest part is using the correct term for the locations.... for instance, departure point:

I tried %26#39;charles de gaulle%26#39;, %26#39;airport%26#39; etc until I tried %26#39;CDG%26#39; it wouldn%26#39;t recognize what I wanted.. for that, there is a choice Roissy-en-Brie or Roissy-en-France, so you have to know which one of those is correct...So bit of trial-and-error.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 11:17 pm, September 18, 2009

TGV timetable from CDG to Haute Picarde - need help

I can only find online websites for a TGV timetable in French, and I cannot work out when the trains run between Aeroport CDG TGV and TGV Haute Picardie

I need the different times on a Sunday evening and for Wednesday and Thursday, plus if possible the times of the bus shuttle from TGV Haute Picardie to Amiens

Thank you in advance

|||

Plenty.

Example : departure CDG 8h47 (am) arrival 9h14 bus leaves at 9h24 arrives amiens 9h59

then 10h54 form cdg arrival amiens 12h11

then 12h42 arrival 2h00 pm

then 4:09 pm arrival amiens 5:27 pmI hope this links works but i%26#39;m not sure

I checked on wednesdays, thursdays would be the same though, but not the we.

|||

It is always sensible to check time with the German railway website, it is much more user friendly and covers everywhere in Europe, often in greater detail than the countries own website.

www.bahn.de, select English to make it even easier

|||

I have just seen the directions suggested above. It would be profitable to wait for a direct train and enjoy a 27 minute journey rather than the 3 hour jaunt via Paris and Amiens

|||

The directions I suggested all go thru TGV haute Picardie.

27%26#39; ride + the bus ride into Amiens

|||

I understand now, apologies I did not read carefully.

When I checked SNCF one itinerary suggested heading to Amiens first to return to Haute Picardie

|||

You%26#39;re right on two counts :

1. the web site suggests going through paris

2. it is an absolutely unncesseary pain in the neck.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:22 am, September 19, 2009

nice restaurants

My husband %26amp; I are staying at the Austins Arts et Metiers Hotel in Paris next week for 4 nights. I wonder could anyone recommend any nice restaurants in the area near the hotel. It is our 30th wedding anniversary %26amp; my birthday!!

|||

This might help:

www.parismarais.com/selected-restaurants.htm

and don%26#39;t forget:

http://www.bestrestaurantsparis.com/en//en/

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 4:20 am, September 19, 2009

Beauvais airport

We are flying to Dublin from the above airport on a Sunday in July. What is the best way to get there?

|||

BVA SHUTTLE--

www.aeroportbeauvais.com/bus.php?lang=eng

|||

You%26#39;ll have to take a taxi or metro to Porte Maillot in Paris. That%26#39;s where the Ryanair shuttle bus will pick you up. You need to arrive at Porte Maillot 3 hours and 15 minutes prior to your flight since Beauvais is about an hour away and you need to check in about 2 hours early. The shuttle is easy and inexpensive. You%26#39;ll just buy the tickets right on the bus.

Have fun!

Vicki

|||

How often do the buses go? Are they on the hour or every 15 minutes etc.

|||

%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;How often do the buses go? Are they on the hour or every 15 minutes etc.%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

The %26#39;..schedule..%26#39; for the BVA Shuttle is predicated on the times of Arriving and Departing flights at BVA

BVA Airport--

www.aeroportbeauvais.com/index.php?lang=eng

Navigate through the site--

%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; TIMETABLE %26gt;%26gt;%26gt; Flights Timetable %26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

As noted previously, Departures from The BVA Shuttle pick-up point near Port Maillot, tend to be three(3) hours prior to your scheduled flight%26#39;s departure time.

|||

So even if you check in online you have to go on the shuttle that leaves that early?

|||

Well, theoretically you don%26#39;t have to. If you want to make your way to Beauvais yourself. The shuttles are timed with Ryanair flights. And the shuttle leaves Porte Maillot in Paris 3 hours prior. The next shuttle likely won%26#39;t be leaving Paris until 3 hours before the next flight, which is likely several hours later. Does that make sense? You could always make alternate arrangements to Beauvais if you don%26#39;t want to take the shuttle.

|||

%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;So even if you check in online you have to go on the shuttle that leaves that early?%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

In practice...NO...you can take a later shuttle. But since there is no fixed schedule (as in 1-every 15-30-minutes) it would depend on the schedules of departing flights.

You also need to bear in mind that the average driving time out to BVA is approx 70 mins....and though BVA is a much smaller and less frequented airport, it won%26#39;t be as prone to airline check-in and security delays.

BUT...YOU and YOU ALONE...are responsible for getting to the airport with sufficient time in hand to clear airport departure formalities. Arrive at BVA late(r), for whatever reason, and the burden is all on YOU. It%26#39;s best NOT to get %26#39;..cute..%26#39; with later departures from Paris.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 1:22 am, September 20, 2009

Good Restaurants off of rue Pasquier

It is in the 8th just below the galerie Lafayette and Pritemps (Blvd Hausseman). Prices up to 125 euros for 2 but if there are cheaper places that are great pease fell free to share them as well. Thanks.

|||

These are further over by Grands Boulevards metro, but reputed to be good restaurants:

Gallopin - 30, Rue Notre Dame des Victoires

www.brasseriegallopin.com

Au Petit Riche - 25, Rue Le Peletier 75009

www.aupetitriche.com

Restaurant Julien - 16, Rue Faubourg Saint Denis 75010

www.julienparis.com

|||

thanks alot

|||

Just did a quick Google map search - I see:

Senderens - 9, Place Madeleine, 75008

http://www.lucascarton.com/

Tante Louise - 41, Rue Boissy d%26#39;anglas, 75008

bernard-loiseau.com/fr/paris/tante_louise/…

L%26#39;Ecluse wine bar - 15, Place Madeleine, 75008

www.bordeaux-tourisme.fr/us/baravin_4.cgf

Buddha Bar for drinks - 8, Rue Boissy d%26#39;Anglas, 75008

http://www.buddha-bar.com/

Laduree (lunch or dessert) - 16, Rue Royale, 75008

http://www.laduree.fr/index_en.htm

Hédiard (gourmet goodies) - 21, Place Madeleine, 75008

http://www.hediard.fr/

Lavinia wine store - 3, boulevard de la Madeleine, 75001

http://www.lavinia.fr/

|||

I have a fairly extensive list. Was wondering what your impressions or experiences with any of them might be. Thanks for the list.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 8:18 am, September 21, 2009

Sunday morning in Paris

Hi everyone.

My partner and I are arriving at 05.30 at Gare d%26#39;Austerlitz on Easter Sunday. Our Eurostar leaves from Gare du Nord at around 2pm. Any ideas how we can fill our time? We can leave our luggage at the station, like walking and outdoor sightseeing, love pavement cafes and people-watching. Not much for museums and art galleries, we just want to have a relaxing morning pottering about, but no idea where we could get to in the time available.

Thanks for reading!

Linden

|||

Hi

With the limited time that you have you might consider getting on the RER C line going 1 stop to St Michel and walk around from there. You will be right at Notre Dame. Visit the cathedral making sure you walk behind then perhaps over the the Ile de St Louis. If time permits from there you may want to walk up to the Pantheon then back to ST Michel.

|||

Hi Again;

I just realized your arrival time of 5:30am is going to get you in before much is open. You may find an early brasserie but then again you may not find anything open until near 7am.

But if it%26#39;s quiet roaming that you want being on the quais around St Michel and Notre Dame as it%26#39;s getting light on an Easter morning may be just the thing...

|||

Ile Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cite are wonderful places to stroll, especially along the river, on a Sunday. Usually, most places are open Sundays, but don%26#39;t know about Easter Sunday.

|||

Thanks so much for taking the trouble to reply, I will print out your suggestions and take them with me.

Happy travelling!

Linden

|||

If there are clear skies on Easter Sunday morning, why not watch the sunrise, from the steps of Sacre Cour?

|||

There will also be a Les CONSIGNES--Left Luggage--facility at GARE du NORD---lower level..near the TAXI rank...Opens at approx. 06:15 AM---where you may leave your bags while out %26#39;n about.

|||

Would the markets be open on Easter? If so, the Sunday marche at place Bastille is wonderful (but gets going around 9) or the bio market on Blvd Raspail. I%26#39;m a sucker for markets whereever I go, however.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 8:20 am, September 21, 2009

august and september

Im plannning on going to corsica in the last week of august and first week of september. will it be VERY CROWDED?

Thx

|||

We went at that time last year and I did not find it too crowded. Plenty of space on the beach and we had no problems getting into restaurants but reserved at the ones that we particularly wanted to go to. E

And by the first week of September when a lot of the families went back it was noticably quieter.

|||

You should be fine. French mainland schools will be restarting before the end of August and the same is true of other countries. If you want high summer and some sense of everything being open then end-Aug and early Sept is absolutely the best time to go.

|||

Thanks a lot!

|||

How will the weather be like at the beginning of September?

|||

Weather should still be hot, say 28 degrees and strong sun. Of course weather is unpredictable these days - some people posted that there was a lot of rain on Corsica last August.

Our recent travels to Corsica have been 1st week September - 1st week of October, and the temperature drops from about 28 deg. to around 22-24 say early October.

If you want to be sure of very hot sun and no rain I suppose you should be heading off to Greece or similar.

|||

Last week of August may be a bit crowded, but the island should start emptying because summer holidays will be over in most in European countries.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 8:21 am, September 21, 2009

Ferry from Nice

Hi! Does anybody know if we can go by to different companies each way f ex Corsica ferries to Corsica and another company back? Or do we have to book a roundtrip? I can%26#39;t find any information on the companies websites.

Kind regards

Kjeeri

|||

Hi Kjeeri, Yes you can do single journeys with both ferry companies. When you are putting in your dates the return date should be optional so just leave it blank. You%26#39;ll find it%26#39;s more expensive though than doing both journeys with the same company.

|||

Can anyone tell me if the ticket you buy for the Corsica Ferry between Nice and Bastia is good for a couple of days? Or is it time and date specific?

Thanks

Lottel

|||

Hi, when you buy a ticket it%26#39;s for a particular time, date and journey. Certain jackpot/special offer tickets can%26#39;t be changed, others can but there is no doubt a supplement, not sure on exact details. You should check the relevant ferry websites for full booking info.

|||

Kjeeri, you don%26#39;t have to book a roundtrip.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 9:21 am, September 21, 2009

hotel needed near airport

Hi im looking for a hotel to accomade 2 adults and 2 children 4 1 night near nice airport

|||

ETAP Hotel Nice Aeroport should do the trick unless you want something fancy. You can see it from the airport it is that close.Ideal for your family for a 1 night stopover. And if you have time for a quick trip into Nice there is a regular public bus service to and from the airport terminals.

|||

Hi

Unless you have a really early flight the following day I wouldnt stay in a hotel next to the airport. There is nothing there and the centre is only 20 minutes away from the airport.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 9:22 am, September 21, 2009

"A Good Year" movie venue

Can anyone tell me the name of the town where Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard watch the outdoor movie?

|||

It%26#39;s the village of Cucuron. Spent 2 weeks based there last May. There was no movie, but there was %26quot;jousting%26quot; in the pond.

…flickr.com/2041/2269164029_695371d208_b.jpg

A lovely village. They have their market day around the the pond every Tuesday.

Brian

|||

Hi yes it is Cucuron, but unfortunatley it looks very different to in the film.....but is still a nice village. The restaurant where she worked in the film is in Gordes and is very much worth a visit

|||

Hi yes it is Cucuron, but unfortunatley it looks very different to in the film.....but is still a nice village. The restaurant where she worked in the film is in Gordes and is very much worth a visit

|||

Thanks for the info. Maxmayo, can you tell me the name of the restaurant?

|||

No, I am not sure of the name but if you are travelling by car up to Gordes, there is a car park on your left before you get in to the village. if you park there and walk up to the village (about 5 mins) and not too steep, there is a Hotel on your right which we think was used as the Notaires Office in the film when he went to hear his Uncles will.

Carry on walking up to the little roundabout and there is a restaurant with lots of flower boxes outside which overlooks the roundabout on the left. Walk to the right of the roundabout and down a little slope and there is a raised up Square on your left with the restaurant with outside tables and that we think is the one used in the film.

Gordes is a great place to visit and there is a bar on your right as you walk round off the roundabout which from the front doesnt look exciting but walk to the back and they have a very small terrace with fab views, lovely for a aperitif.

Hope this helps

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 7:20 am, September 21, 2009

tips for upcoming easter weekend

Hi, we couple and nine year old son arrive the morning of Good Friday staying in apt. Rue du Temple in 4th/3rd for a week. Their first time, my third.

Any tips for what to do on first few days with holidays on etc. Just read on %26#39;wish you hadn%26#39;t done%26#39; topic someone wished they hadn%26#39;t gone to Notre Dame on Easter Sunday due to stampeding crowds. Hence this post as that was what I was planning on doing!

Are there special things on over Easter that will not involve huge crowds? I read somewhere there is some sort of parade. We like casual eating, shopping, watching, browsing and nine year old would like occasional opportunites to socialise with other English speaking kids too so thinking of one short tour perhaps maybe the bike one.

And what to do Good Friday? Are all the usual markets open over Easter?

Any suggestions welcome. Kate

|||

Good Friday is not a holiday in Paris, Easter Monday is.

Easter week end is always busy with tourists esp. Europeans who have a few days of. Paris is a large city however so if you stay away from Eiffel Tower, Place du Tertre and Notre Dame at rush hour (11 to 5)you should be ok. On Easter Sunday, take a cruise on river if weather is nice and visit the parks like Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries.

|||

ooh thanks I thought good friday was a holiday for sure

|||

ooh thanks I thought good friday was a holiday for sure

|||

We went to Notre Dame on Easter Sunday in 2001. We started out by waiting in a line, but it turned into absolute chaos as we got closer to the entrance. We literally weren%26#39;t moving of our own free will, we were swept along by the crowds. My sister was 14 at the time, she%26#39;s a little on the small side, and she was scared. Add in umbrellas because it was raining, and it was really not a good scene. By the time I made it inside, I was so overwhelmed from the experience of getting in that all I wanted to do was leave. It%26#39;s much more enjoyable when you can walk inside normally.

|||

If you%26#39;re there for several days see if there are any special evening events going on at Notre Dame. When I was there during the day I picked up a flyer in the back of the cathedral (where there were annoucements about mass times, etc) for an evening performance that was going on a couple of days later.

My French is non-existent (I speak decent Spanish so can only sort-of read French) so I had no idea what the performance was about, but it was a totally different experience to be in the cathedral at night! Very beautiful!

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 8:18 am, September 21, 2009

Short term (less than a week) rental in Paris?

Bonjour Everyone!

I%26#39;m trying to look into lodging options for 7 people for 4 nights in Paris in early June. I%26#39;ve started to look at hotels, but thought an apartment might work out better.

I%26#39;ve checked out some of the rental sites (Vacation in Paris, Rental France, Paris Attitude, Paris Perfect, etc...) but it looks like most of them (other than Vacation in Paris) only offer weekly rentals where I only need 4 nights.

Anyone have any other apartment rental site suggestions that do nightly rather than weekly?

Actually, any other lodging suggestions for 7 would be GREATLY appreciated :) Oh, and as far as the details...would love it to be in a central tourist friendly location (safe, good location, stuff around the place, easy access to public transport, the usual...)

Thanks so much in advance. You all never fail me :)

|||

Bump--I have this same question.

|||

This has been covered many many times. There are many that allow nightly bookings. Try to do a search with the subject of apartments by the night or short term, less than a week apartments. You should come up with quite a few threads where folks have named them.

Here is one that I%26#39;ve used:

www.centreparis.com

|||

Try www.parisholidayapts.com. There are 13 apartments for periods starting from 4 days. I have stayed in these on 2 occasions and been very happy with the service and the apartments. You may need to take 2 apartments to accommodate 7 people, but 2 of the apartments are suitable for up to 7 persons. They are all in central locations, close to the tourist spots.

|||

vacationinparis.com has a few apartments in the same building. It would mean two separate apartments, but then, that means more bathrooms :) Try looking at the Garden Apt and Eiffel Hideaway.

|||

Try them I booked a apartment with them for 4 nights for 1st week of May they seem very professional

www.residences-paris.com

|||

The 2 apts. HappyGoing suggested would be great for 7 .Eiffel Hideway has 1 1/2 baths and space for 4 to sleep. We enjoyed the apt and location. Add the downstairs apt and you would have great set up. Metro is convenient and groceries are 1 block away.

|||

We booked 2 apartments for 5 days at the Citadines St. Germaine des Pres. These have kitchenettes (not full kitchens) but were fine. The one-bedrooms have 1 queen (or 2 twin) beds, and pull-out sofas which separate into 2 twins (much better than american sleeper-sofas.) There are Citadine locations all over the city, but it is hard to beat this location--right at the St. Michel metro, and near millions of resto%26#39;s, the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc. They%26#39;re %26quot;apart-hotels%26quot; since they come with a frontdesk and a few more services than just apartments. Check their website.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 4:22 am, September 21, 2009

Pick your brains please

Can someone recommend a good fish restaurant in central Paris? I%26#39;d like to eat a rascasse while I%26#39;m there, prefer not to pay more than 30 euro.

Additionally, which is the best chocolatier for buying Easter somethings for my niece? Will need flowers and ribbons and lots of foil and cellophone, natch. Single-estate snob chocolate shops need not apply.

Finally, small scruffy bar in Montmartre backstreets with no other tourists where I can get coffee and croissant in the morning for four euro or less?

Gratefully yours . . .

|||

Chantal,

Regarding chocolates for your niece...

The “Grande Epicerie” at Bon Marché any time of year is a delight for the senses. Plus, for the holidays they usually have lots of seasonal items. I’m sure you’d find something original and beautifully packaged there for your niece.

Closer to where you are staying is “A La Petite Fabrique”. This is a family-owned, handmade chocolate shop. Always with cute moulds for Easter. 12 rue Saint-Sabin. 75011.

Joséphine Vannier (4 rue Pas de la Mule 75004) has artsy chocolate designs and is near my shop. If you’re in the neighborhood, go and admire her window and then do come by Tumbleweed to say hello.

In France you won’t find so many chocolate bunnies. Fish and bells and hens are more traditional.

|||

It%26#39;s interesting this divide between northern Europe where they do bunnies and southern europe where it%26#39;s fish.

|||

In France Easter eggs are traditional.

|||

I had Rascasse at Le Comptoir on Rue Montorgueil, unfortunately it was the daily special, absolutely delicious. Even if it is not on I would recommend eating whatever is on daily special, I have never been dissapointed

About 5 doors down there is a big chocolatier, cant remember the name, it has a wide assortment of chocolate eggs, bunnies and fish.

|||

It is Stohrer.

|||

It may be too snobby, but Maison du Chocolat blew me away a few years ago... Seven locations in Paris.

www.lamaisonduchocolat.com/en/address/shops

I%26#39;m dying to go back for this 2 euro cookie I had there... wish I knew what it was called.

|||

normalguy, not snobby at all. Maison du Chocolat is hands down my favorite place in Paris to buy chocolate ANYTHING. The original store at 225 r. Faubourg St. Honore is as beautiful as a jewelry store and it smells like heaven.

|||

Just reaching for notebook here . . . still looking for that bar in Montmartre to have breakfast in . . .

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 12:21 pm, September 20, 2009

Paris to Nice -- best way to get there and time?

If you are traveling from Paris to Nice--what is the best mode of transportation and how long does it take? Train? Bus? Plane?

Thanks!

|||

I would fly, if you want the best way. The flight is very short (around 1.5 - 2 hours but of course you have to include wait time, etc.) and you can get cheap flights on Air France%26#39;s web site.

The train is a nice experience, but once you hit the south of France you go much slower, so it takes a while, around 6 hours. Check schedules on the TGV web site.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 3:19 pm, September 20, 2009

Lille town centre layout help please!

Hello,

I%26#39;m in the early stages of planning a trip to Lille, I have read quite a lot about the %26#39;old%26#39; town and the %26#39;new%26#39;.

This is where my problem is - does anyone know of a map online (or got a city centre %26#39;tourist%26#39; type map with town/attractions etc they would be willing to mail to me) which shows the layout of the town, locations of attractions etc.

If not is there a %26#39;main street%26#39; or square that runs through the old and new district so I can try find them.

Any other tips or info for a 1st time Lille visitor greatfully welcomed

Thanks in advance!!

Joanne

|||

ibl.fr/plugins/…grand_plan_lille.jpg

Really the only tourist attraction in Lille apart from street scenes is the Palais des Beaux Arts

|||

there is (of course) a main square in lille - the old town lies off one quarter of the square

a main street coming off the adjacent quarter takes you down to the railway station - about 5-10 minute stroll

from there it is about another 5 minutes to the new euro shopping centre

we arrived by eurostar and never felt the need for a car - we stayed in a hotel that backed onto the square and found everywher e was 5-10 minutes walk

just go into google maps and keep clicking on lille till you get teh right scale - the square is the grand place and to the right you will see the commercial eurolille shopping area

you want to be around that central area

|||

Joanne, my husband and I have just returned from a long weekend in Lille, we stayed at the Carlton which is right in the middle of the old part next to the Opera House. We had a brilliant weekend, we went by Eurostar which was so quick and efficient, a 10 minute easy walk to the hotel and then everything is on the doorstep. We did not use any taxis or public transport but walked around the city. There is a metro and tram system so if you wanted to go further it is possible. The market at Wazemme is worth, lots of bargains and beautiful flowers and some very interesting people to watch.We loved it brilliant food, friendly people and even the sun shone for us, we will be going back. Hope you enjoy your trip.

|||

thanks all!

looking forwards to the trip and your help is greatfully recieved, thanks again!

Joanne

|||

Lille is very compact, and you can reach the old part of town from the new part in about 15-20min, providing you do not stop at any shops along the way, which I find very difficult to do!

We%26#39;ll be taking my car for our trip later this month, as we shall stop at Calais on our way back to stock up on food and drink.

Have fun!

DK

|||

Joanne

I have been twice to Lille in 07 and loved it - very easy to get around and no need for a car. It has a meto if you want to go a bit further out. You will love it - very pretty old part and great shops and bars/restaurants. I have a map I can send you - already marked up with the sights etc, just let me know.

When will you be going? If we have time I can post some ideas on this forum but give me a few days = cheers

|||

You can download a Lille street map from the tourist office website - lilletourism.com. Click on links and then our brochures.

|||

Thanks for your help all!

If we decide to stay in Lille it will mean sacrificing a couple of days in paris, still undecided wether to try Lille, may just go for a %26#39;day trip%26#39; and head back to paris, the hotels in Lille are more expensive than the ones we usually stay at in paris.... mmmm...decisions decisions!

thanks again

joanne

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 4:19 pm, September 20, 2009

what time is it better to book when you are in Canada

We want to go in July but looking at the price to fly from Yellowknife ,Northwest Territories Canada, their is nothing under 2000$ each should we ait in May to book a flight will the price be lower .I think I will book the hotel separately we are a family of 3. Thanks i will be waiting for your advice guys!

|||

Cost of flights to Europe are always more expensive in summer season. Since you%26#39;re flying from Yellowknife, unfortunately, $2,000 per person may be the going rate. You%26#39;ll likely get better rates booking ahead rather than closer to your trip date, plus you get better selection of seats, considering the long distance flights.

We booked last Dec. for our flight in May. Air Canada had a seat sale at that time. Most of the seats for our flight are already booked and cost of remaining economy seats has increased by approx. $300.

|||

I believe the cheaper tickets get offered earlier, and therefore sell out earlier. Also, your problem is the limited choice of carrier in and out of Yellowknife.

Have you considered breaking your trip into 2.

Step 1: fly to Calgary, and then

Step 2: onto Paris.

Keep in mind this may mean having to stay in Calgary overnight in order to ensure flight connections, but if you have friends or family there it may be worth considering.

Have a look at www.kayak.com to see what fares are available.

|||

Last year, we investigated an airline call Condor when it looked like we would need to get from Europe to Whitehorse quickly and cheaply. We ended up not having to take that trip afterall, so I can%26#39;t provide any insight about the service, but I just checked their website and it looks like they fly out of Whitehorse, as well as locations in Alaska to a number of locations in Europe, including CDG for quite reasonable prices ($CAN) depending on dates. You might add them to your research. Web site is:

www.condor.com

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 2:15 am, September 21, 2009

I Need Advice!

My girlfriend and I are traveling to Munich, Prague, and Paris in late June. After Paris, my girlfriend is travelling with her mom for three more weeks and I will be on my own for 5 days before my flight leaves from London.

I%26#39;m thinking about travelling around belgium or visiting some cities near paris (but don%26#39;t want to stay in paris any longer).

Any advice on what to do and where to stay? Which would be better: staying near paris or visiting belgium?

A little about me that might be helpful: I am 23 years old and I want to see the the major sights, but I am more interested in trying new things, learning the culture, and making memories/stories to share than seeing museums and historic buildings. I will probably be financially exhausted by this time of my trip so I will be looking for CHEAP things to do and places to stay.

Thank you for your help.

|||

There are a lot of options. You could visit the Provence area of France. You would probably enjoy that. Alternatively, an intra-Europe flight to Amsterdam might well be very inexpensive, and you may enjoy Amsterdam.

You could also get a pretty inexpensive intra-Europe flight to Italy. The flight isn%26#39;t long at all. Look at Ryanair and Easyjet. Both fly from Paris to Italy and many other places and the fares are CHEAP!

Good luck!

Vicki

|||

I%26#39;ve heard Spain is quite cheap(in-laws visited 2 years ago), and the flights from Paris to Barcelona are approx. 40euros each way. I will be going to Rome from Paris this May, and the flights are 100euros return, but then I like ruins and museums.

|||

-:- Message from TripAdvisor staff -:-

This topic was inactive for 6 months and has been closed to new posts. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the TripAdvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 10:15 pm, September 20, 2009