Watch for the fanatic

My husband is an unusual watch fanatic...meaning he likes the unusual watches (large face/dual time/etc.), and is a collector of them. His mission is to buy a watch from as many countries in Europe as he can before we go back to the states. He doesn%26#39;t necessarily need a %26quot;typical%26quot; name-brand and it need not be outrageously priced. I read another thread that was posted a few months ago and it said there are French name-brand watches that are just that--you can%26#39;t find them anywhere but France. Can anyone tell me some shops/stores to check out that might have these or unusual watches in general?

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A typical French watch brand is LIP - not easy to find outside France. I%26#39;m not even sure the factory still produces watches (don%26#39;t think so) but you should be able to find their watches, second hand or even new, in Paris. The brand has an interesting history, starting in 1867, with workers (or unions?) taking over the factory, the police %26quot;conquering%26quot; the factory, etc.

They make/made all kinds of watches, ranging from very classic designs to modern design classics - like the ones designed by Roger Tallon in the seventies; still very modern today (%26quot;Mach 2000%26quot;)

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Thanks JanToo. Do you know of any shops that are more likely to carry them, than others? It sounds like a really interesting story that goes with them.

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LIP, the actual, the quintessential one, sadly went bankrupt in 1975 after a long, deep, extremely interesting struggle that raised lots of hope among workers and was seen, at the time, as the seed of a new form of %26quot;self-managing socialism%26quot;. This is now, for many reasons, long due and history of the working class.

Now, back to the watches. LIP produced neat but simple movements (the license thereof was sold to the USSR %26quot;Poljot%26quot; factory). Then LIP kinda invented the electric watch, followed by the quartz watch in 1971. However, innovation wasn%26#39;t really successful - not in technical terms, since early LIP quartz chronometers rank amongst the finest of the time, but commercially, simply because they weren%26#39;t aware enough of the Asian competition.

Most famous models include the %26quot;President%26quot; : a square, simple, elegant men%26#39;s watch designed for the French President of the Republic, the %26quot;Skeleton%26quot; - one of the few skeleton electric watches, and, the superlative Lip Talon, by the famous French designer.

Totally seventies, big, futuristic, colourful.

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When I saw the title of this post, I thought it was about some radical group planning something in Paris (LOL!) So glad I was wrong- but at least the post got my attention! I am a watch fanatic myself, but like cheap ones in all kinds of bright colors and patterns! Hope you find what you%26#39;re looking for!

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It seems you can still lay your hands on a (new) Lip - try www.lip.fr and you will be redirected to a site that sells Lips (MGH-watches.com). They claim that they are assembled in France with Swiss timepieces.

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In the eighties/nineties you could still find them in any watch shop, including Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Possibly, there are old stocks - just ask around.

I%26#39;ve seen older Lips at flea markets in Paris, you could look there.You could also look at the %26quot;Passage du Grand Cerf%26quot; (2nd arr.) where you%26#39;ll find several shops specialising in second hand design articles. Happy hunting!

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Lulutoo - I had a similar thought when I saw the title of this thread. I also love watches, and I have quite a few.

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Calicobaby-This forum must be avoided by my husband as well he is a watch,clock, tick tock fanatic. He has so many watches and clocks around the house its insane. We are going to Paris in March and he already advised me %26quot;I want a watch or watches%26quot; Oh boy!! Anyway have a great time in Paris and try to avoid Bvulgari, Cartier, ect. Hehehe!!! I know I will!!!! :-)

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Look also for Louis Pion : a chain selling wide known brands but also the chain%26#39;s own brand : those watches are on the cheap side but you don%26#39;t find them much outside France , there are several addresses in Paris

http://www.louis-pion.fr/louis-pion.htm

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And in Printemps and Galeries Lafayettes, you can find what was LIP%26#39;s concurrent in the seventies : Kelton (they are made by TIMEX but sold nealy only in France) - they were discontinued between 1987 and 2000 but are back

Thermes/Thermal water

Any places close to Chamonix with natural thermal water?

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St Gervais is the nearest, about 20 minutes away

www.thermes-st-gervais.com/index_uk.htm

or there is one that looks great in Switzerland, about an hour away

http://www.lavey-les-bains.ch/index_fr.htm

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Removed on: 12:17 pm, August 22, 2009

Back from Paris - Some Travel Tips

I traveled to Paris with two friends in October- one her first time out of the US, and briefly wanted to share a few travel tips and experiences:

Jim Haynes Dinner Party - A unique experience - don%26#39;t miss it if you are in Paris on a Sunday night. Its a dinner party with around 90 other travelers from around the world. I talked to people from Sweden, Paris, Germany, British ex-pats, students at the Sorbonne, and Jim himself - who oozes charm. If you%26#39;re shy - no worries - Jim will introduce you around. 20 euros at the door - covers a 3-course meal with all the wine, beer, soda you can drink. Website: http://www.jim-haynes.com/

O%26#39;Chateau wine tasting - I%26#39;ve attended quite a few wine tastings, and this one really stood out. Olivier was fun, informative, the atmosphere was relaxed and the wines we tasted were very reasonably priced at around 10-12 euros/bottle.. All, the tastings were in English. Website: http://www.o-chateau.com/en/main/

Le Vieux Bistro - This was My %26quot;first-time Paris%26quot; friend favorite restaurant of the trip. My meal was Fantastic! I ordered all the house specialties - pate, beef bourgignon, and tarte tartine for dessert. My friends ordered a la carte and their meals were excellent, but we agreed that the way to go was to order the specialties of the house. Make sure that you read the history on the back of the menu. 14 rue du Cloîture Notre Dame, 4e - across from the Notre Dame.

L%26#39;Orangerie Museum - If you love Monet, this is a must-see. I bought my tickets via the FNAC website, picked them up at the bottom floor in the FNAC at Les Halles, and by-passed dozens of people in line outside and at the ticket line inside. It was so easy..I will definitely use the FNAC website to buy tickets for future trips.

Things that went wrong - It felt like we went through a technological black hole when we arrived at CDG. I%26#39;ve never had any problems with ATM cards, credit cards, cell phones, wi-fi connections, i-pods, etc. except on this trip. Nothing seemed to work, however we resolved most problems. I write up my problems/solutions on my website for future reference here if you%26#39;d like to %26quot;expect the unexpected%26quot; before your next trip.

www.parisescapes.com/paris_worst_case.html

I hope that you find these tips helpful - C

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%26gt;%26gt;http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_worst_case.html%26lt;%26lt;

Interesting website - lots of good tips. I am planning my 5th trip to Paris, but still found some tips I could use - thanks!

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You have an awesome website. I love the detail of the information provided. The Do%26#39;s and Don%26#39;t%26#39;s are definitely helpful. Thank you.

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Interesting web site indeed. Two little factual mistakes though:

- It is not illegal to hail a taxi (unless there is a taxi stand less than 50 m around). Lots of people do it all the time... if there is one around! Gas is expensive in France, so taxis can%26#39;t afford to drive around all day like they do in NYC. Hence their propensity to congregate at taxi stands.

- The night bus network is not called %26quot;Noctobus%26quot; (actually it was %26quot;Noctambus%26quot;) any more, but %26quot;Noctilien%26quot;. It has been seriously upgraded, which, given the absence of taxis on week-end nights, is a blessing, not to say virtually the only way to get home if you live too far away to walk there.

Otherwise, I have already said it in another thread, but, starting some time this December, the last métro will be one hour later on Saturday nights, ie 1h30am.

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Thanks for the good and interesting trip report!

Also thanks for the information %26quot;Jim Haynes Dinner Party - A unique experience%26quot; I have only read one %26quot;local review%26quot; of it! I was thinking about going but wondered how a lone person would be welcomed.

Taking time for sharing all this is so nice of you!

My problems on my past trip to Paris had to do with watches! My watch stopped two weeks before my hubby came I tried to buy a battery for it.... but the watch repair would have charged me 43 Euros (!) for the water proof battery ( $7.99 back home installed in 5 minutes!) and wanted three days to install the battery ( they had to send it out!) . We had problems with his watch stopping also on the plane over!

Unless one wants to buy an overpriced French watch or battery make sure your watch has a new battery!

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Hi

Thanks for great report.

I am very excited about the Jim Haynes dinner and plan to attend one next summer. Thanks !

Have read about %26quot;Le Vieux Bistro%26quot; before - but have only had drinks on the terrace (if it was at that bistro, but I think so). I thought it to be very touristy. Love your website ! The %26quot;Dans le noir%26quot;-dinner sounds extraordinary, to say the least !! Did you ever go there ?

I also plan to go to the Baccarat Crystal Museum on Place des Etats-Unis - should be beautiful, if you love glass.

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Great trip report!

I have never heard about the Sunday night dinner, it seems really interesting. I will be traveling by myself in the fall and this seems like a great way to meet some people!

Also the website you posted is very informative!

~Anna

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That Jim Haynes dinner party must have really been a unique experience. It sounds like a good way to socialize and have a good dinner at the same time.

Discover - I always travel with 2 watches (I own many different kinds)because I know that batteries can go at any time without warning. I pay less than $4 here for a battery, so I certainly wouldn%26#39;t want to have to replace one abroad. Besides, I wouldn%26#39;t want to waste precious time looking for a place that replaces batteries.

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Thanks everyone for your kind messages regarding my web site. You made my day! I%26#39;m glad that you found it helpful.

Bob - Thanks for your comments regarding taxis and the night buses. I%26#39;ll update my site to reflect this info.

Discover and Willow - I think that you will have a great time if you attend the Jim Haynes dinner party. At the party I attended, there were dozens of people that came as %26quot;singles%26quot;. It was very easy to strike up a conversation and talk to people from all over the world. Ages ranged from 20 - 70+.

Happy travels - C

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Removed on: 3:27 am, August 25, 2009

Barging inFrance

I wonder if anyone can help. I have spent hours researching what Barge to take my family on. The confusion is that there are so many and they range drastically in price! Obviously you pay for what you get but I would really appreciate a rating on them and wish there was a review as there is with the hotels. The ones I am looking at are hugely expensive usd 4000 per person all gourmet meals and all drinks - but with no reduction for children(who dont drink alcohol and dont eat much) I dont want to book one of the cheaper ones and end up in a dump. Any recommendations would be welcomed.

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While the barges are certainly wonderful and easy, they are very expensive and I am unaware of any which are family oriented. You may want to consider being your own captain and renting a boat yourself. This is a wonderful family activity and a great way to see France. There are plenty of restaurants along the way and all sorts of activities and places to explore. Try any of the following companies:

http://www.connoisseurafloat.com/

http://www.nicols.com/

http://www.crownblueline.com/

http://www.locaboat.com/

All of these companies (there are even several more) offer rentals throughout France, le Midi being perhaps the most popular region. I have been on virtually all of the French waterways and should be happy to answer any questions. Prices vary but a good rule of thumb is $125/night for each cabin on the boat you rent. For example, plan about $1700 per week for a boat with 2 sleeping cabins, great for a family of 4.

Good Luck

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I have rented from locaboat for a week to do the Canal du Midi from just outside Toulouse to Narbonne. It is a great trip. Stayed three nights at the marina in Carcassonne--it is very well equipped--and visited the historic (very,very)Cathar castle. Stopped at vineyards for wine tasting enroute, and there were a multitude of very fine restaurants available next to the canal.

Rented the 9 meter boat--small diesel engine, top speed approx 5 km/hour. Easily accomodated two adults and up to 3 children. The boats are easy to %26quot;drive%26quot;--no previous experience required. The firm offers a car shuttle service. (I returned my rental car to Toulouse--caught a train--walked approx a mile to the boat launch site and picked up another car in Narbonne. Rented bikes from locaboat so the kids could bike along the canal, explore and meet us at the next lock. Very safe environment and very laid back relaxing time.

Good laundry facilities at the marina in Carcassonne. Laundromat within easy walking distance of the dockage in Castlenaudry. Met lots of great people. Lack of French not a problem.

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I%26#39;m thinking of %26quot;barging%26quot; from Bordeaux towards Toulouse. 2 Couples, self driven boat, in Sept/Oct 2007. Any suggestions, comments, etc...Floridasailor

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Floridasailor

Here are several points which may be of interest for traveling from Bordeaux to Toulouse.

1. The first 54 kilometers follow the river Garonne. Rental boats are prohibited from navigating the river. Both the tides and currents can be hazardous to the uninitiated.

2. The lateral canal starts at Castets-en-Dorthe which is approximately 193 kilometers and 53 locks from Toulouse.

3. I know of no commercial boat renting companies that operate along this route (but these things constantly change). There are individuals who privately rent their boats, but for insurance purposes they virtually all require a French Permis Fluvial (interior waterways license).

You do not say if you have previously traveled the French canals but if you have not, may I suggest you check into the Canal du Midi, a wonderful location for exploring southern France.

I should be happy to address any additional questions which you may have and I hope this information has been helpful.

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Removed on: 2:16 pm, August 12, 2009

Hotel Chopin

Hello! I have read some wonderful reviews about the Hotel Chopin in Paris. I wanted to make a reservation, but they do not have a website. Has anyone stayed here? Might you know an easy way to book a room here? Thanks, in advance!

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Here is their website

http://www.hotelchopin.fr/

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You%26#39;re awesome. Thank you! By the way... have you stayed there? If so, how did you get from the airport to the hotel (if you used the airplane route, at all). Thanks, again!

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We%26#39;ve never stayed at the--

HÔTEL CHOPIN (2-star) 10 Blvd. Montmartre (within Passage Jouffroy arcade) 75009, Metro: Grands Boulevards--

http://www.hotelchopin.fr/

but we have stopped in on a couple of occasions over the years to check it out and been shown vacant rooms. It%26#39;s worth noting that their Catégorie 1 room, on the lower floors won%26#39;t have much of a view out the windows beyond the air shaft between surrounding buildings and have a tendency to seem dark and somewhat %26#39;..claustraphobic..%26#39;. Their Catégorie 2 rooms on the upper floors (4th %26amp; 5th floors) will have some views of the rooftops of Paris and will be brighter and seem largers (though there isn%26#39;t much or any difference in room sizes). But all-in-all, the Hôtel Chopin is a lovely little Parisian 2-star...and what ya%26#39; see in the photos will be pretty much what ya%26#39; get.

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We stay at the **Hotel Vivienne, which is half a block away.

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Hello Francophool! Tell me about the hotel that you stay in. Not sure if I can get a reservation at the Hotel Chopin. Crazy question... how do you make an international call to Paris, France? I ordered international calling and still can%26#39;t figure it out. Do I always need to go through the operator? Please assist. Thanks!

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You call Anywhere in france by calling 011 33 1 47 70 58 10. If you were to call the same number while in France you would call 01 47 70 58 10. 011 is the country code for France. To call the U.S from France you would dial 001 then area code and number.

http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/detailed-results.php?CallTo=France%26amp;From=United+States%26amp;CityInfo=Paris%26amp;CitySubmit=Submit

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Removed on: 5:24 am, August 23, 2009

Paris Flea Markets

I%26#39;m taking my 18 year old daughter to Pais in June for her high school graduation. Can anyone suggest the best flea markets to visit. We want the ones with antiques and ephemera and lots of smalls......not the stuff with clothing and shoes and other such modern stuff. I am a book artist and want things I can incorporate into my art.

Thanks.....

Dana Smith

Fredericksburg, VA

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hi I think porte de vanves has a flea market for the things u talking about ,so what u vcan do go to google search for marche au puces porte de vanves ,i hope this is helpfull for you

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I%26#39;m not sure that the week-end maché a puce at VANVES is %26quot;..the best..%26#39; but it would seem to be one that fulfills your criteria--

MARCHÉ AUX PUCES de la PORTE de VANVES--

located at Ave. de la Porte de Vanves %26amp; rue Marc Sangnier...Open: Saturday %26amp;Sunday 7:00 AM to 7.30 PM

Metro: PORTE de VANVES

http://www.pucesdevanves.typepad.com/

It%26#39;s also worth noting that there is also a %26#39;..concentration..%26#39; of Depôt-Ventes (consignment shops) and %26#39;..Stock..%26#39; shops (close-out %26amp; over-stocks) down in this general vicinity....located along the rue d%26#39;Alesia, between the ALESIA and PLAISANCE Metro stations.

There%26#39;s are a couple of depot-ventes in particular for second-hand furniture, accessories and odds %26#39;n ends that might interest you--

SALLES des VENTES du PARTICULIER-- 117 rue d%26#39;Alesia, 75014, Metro: Alesia

http://www.depotventealesia.com/

SALLE des VENTES ALESIA--123 rue d%26#39;Alesia, 75014, Metro: Alesia

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whatever you do, stay away from the one called %26quot;Clingnacourt%26quot; It used to be good, but now it is a combo of very overpriced goods in the center, and surrounded on the perimeter by horrible trash sold by dangerous looking characters. I%26#39;ve never been to the one called %26quot;Vanves%26quot; sp? which was recommended by the 1st couple of posters but I%26#39;ve heard that is the really good one

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Removed on: 7:51 am, December 01, 2006


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KDK,

Have you been the to depôt-ventes on Alésia? They aren%26#39;t worthwhile except for furniture. There aren%26#39;t enough smalls of any quality to merit a visit.

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I%26#39;ve stopped going to Clignancourt because I don%26#39;t like having to navigate the gauntlet of aggressive peddlers in the stalls on the streets leading up to the market. Truffaut, they are people of all different colors and I have never felt comfortable going there alone, so I%26#39;ve stopped going unless I have someone with me. The previous poster%26#39;s delivery may not have been the best, but most of what they said is true, albeit blunt. I also didn%26#39;t read anything that was posted by them which singled out any racial or ethnic group either.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;Have you been the to depôt-ventes on Alésia? They aren%26#39;t worthwhile except for furniture. There aren%26#39;t enough smalls of any quality to merit a visit.%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Yeah...actually we have....and like all such places what is %26#39;..worthwhile..%26#39; will be in they eye of the beholder and what %26#39;..stock..%26#39; these shops happen to have on-hand, on any given day in any given week. But in addition to large furniture, there are also all sizes and shapes of other %26#39;..stuff..%26#39;. Among this, there will be both trash and potential treasure. Ya%26#39; never know.

We %26#39;..discovered..%26#39; (never been sure whether we were the 9,895,716th or -17th to make this %26#39;discovery%26#39;??...unlike ducks at La Tour d%26#39;Argent, they don%26#39;t pass out numbers) this market and the rue rue d%26#39;Alesia shops on the recommendation of a young, Parisian acquaintance, who visited the area regularly in the process of trying to furnish and accessorize a new apartment (this girl %26#39;..worked..%26#39; the flea markets and brocantes every week)...and dress well on a limited budget (she always looked like a photo spread from a stylish fashion mag).

It%26#39;s also worth noting that though the original poster didn%26#39;t express an interest in clothing or accessories, there are also other depôt-ventes and Stock shops along this stretch of rue d%26#39;Alesia which tend toward women%26#39;s clothing and accessories. If they happen to already be down in the general neighborhood, rue d%26#39;Alesia is an option. They can detour up there...or not...they can skim through the neighborhood on their way to the Metro...or stay to shop. Options are always a good thing. Better to be able to say, %26quot;...Nah...let%26#39;s do somethin%26#39; else insead...%26quot; then...than find yourself sayin%26#39;, %26quot;..Damn...if we%26#39;d only known??..%26quot; later.

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I do go alone to %26quot;Clignancourt%26quot; because I love a couple of vendors there. I avoid the stalls of junk that I am not interested in. There are just miles of stalls of items.

There are four vender type stores that I love! :

One is a metal merchandise hardware type store with lots of artistic metal items.

One is a button- sewing accessory type store.

One has vintage postcards ( the owner knows me well and I sit for a couple of hours there and he get me old postcards of every village I ask him for! Pretty cheap there!)

One has antique linens and fabrics etc.

I also like one of the restaruant there that has a really %26quot;delish%26quot; huge cheese salads. I can%26#39;t remember the name. Also I like the luggage and shoe stores right after the metro across from the KFC store. They have some good prices.

Just an aside: I do watched the shell game and laugh at the people still thinking they can win! I saw one couple lose over 400 Euros in about 3 minutes.

I have been to the%26quot; MARCHÉ AUX PUCES de la PORTE de VANVES%26quot; that %26quot;KDK...%26quot; talks about. I only found one item that I wanted this last time. It all depends on what vendors shows up for sales there.

I went to a clothing %26quot;marche%26quot; but I can not remember the name... I bought new books and some baby items new. It had many stalls of all kinds of new and second hand stuff. They had some designer clothing but one has to get there early . I will ask the name from my friend...... or maybe someone else knows. (One takes the Metro and walks across the perrifique ( sp?).)

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Hi, Aminephily %26amp; Discover mentioned this little weekend market and I really like the bric a brac market at Porte de Vanves on both days of the weekend. It has all sorts of odds and ends and definitely is a place for %26quot;smalls%26quot; if you mean small items of goodness knows what. It is a relaxed market but be warned - dont leave it until late in the day as many stalls are starting to pack up by noon

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Well I do beg to differ with Saturday.

Clingancourt are great puces. I was there last Saturday and the one before and even if it is only for the pleasure of looking at an incredible accumulation of heteroclite stuff, do not hesitate to go.

The prices are normal and go according to the quality of the items. I really do not consider it overprice specially after a few minutes of conversation and dealing in order to obtain a prix marchand.

Et pour remettre les pendules à l’heure !

The so called “ aggressive peddlers in the stalls on the streets leading up to the market” can be easy managed by simply walking on the other side of the street leading to the real antiques market. But try as I may I can not remember any dangerous characters, just a few young men selling fake DG belts and fake perfumes, which we just ignored on our way to the bus.

Bon voyage.

Leaving Tomorrow!!

A little nervous, but I feel like I am prepared for our trip thanks to everyone here. One problem though--

I am alergic to shirimp--can someone tell me how to say that? I can%26#39;t believe that I didn%26#39;t look into this before now!!

Thank you!!

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How exciting - have a great time!

I have a translator on my computer and this is how %26quot;I am allergic to shrimp%26quot; translated:

Je suis alergic au shirimp

Perhaps you could write it down to show the waiter. Better safe than in the hospital!

Bon Voyage!

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LOL BJL what kind of translator do you have??

I am allergic to shrimps = je suis allergique aux crevettes (note that %26quot;aux%26quot; is pronounced %26quot;oh%26quot;)

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Thanks for the translation.

It%26#39;s on a note card and packed away.

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Apparently not a very good one, Woofy68! I have a Mac G5 and the translator is part of the Dashboard tools (dictionary, currency converter, metric to feet, etc) I sure won%26#39;t trust it from now on!

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Try this site for pronunciatuion help:

http://www.research.att.com/~ttsweb/tts/demo.php

It works pretty well with phrases and sentences. Less reliable with single words though...

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Thanks - I think this one is pretty good as well - better than my on-computer one! The website trnslated the shrimp line almost exactly as Woofy68 did.

http://translation.paralink.com

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Have a GREAT trip ob2 ! Good thing you are leaving from Boston and not Chicago/O%26#39;Hare. Most flights in and out of O%26#39;Hare are cancelled........blizzard conditions here today. We are buried in snow here in Chicago area. Bon Voyage!

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ob2...great weather for flying here in Boston, no? A taste of spring. May it be as warm in Paris. Have a wonderful time!

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BJL -

The AT%26amp;T site I posted isn%26#39;t a translation site. It is strictly a pronunciation site. Automatic translation sites produce mediocre results at best with anything except very simple sentences — and are not always reliable then.

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Ah, thank you, Irish - good to know!

Paris to Rome

I%26#39;ll be travelling to Rome from Paris on Dec.29. Havn%26#39;t booked train tickets yet. I wanted to take the riviera train during the day for the scenery.

I%26#39;m 25, should I get a youth pass?

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The direct Paris-Rome train :

1) Is a night train

2) Doesn%26#39;t take the Riviera route, but goes through the Alps and Milan

If you want to see the French Riviera, you%26#39;ll have to take a train (6 hours) or a plane (1 hour, low cost flight available, about €100) to Nice, then a train to Rome (10 hours) or blu-express, a low cost carrier (€60).

easyJet flies Paris Orly to Rome Ciampino. On Dec 29, the morning flight is €100, the afternoon one €140, all taxes included.

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Most day-time trains, if you book straight through, will also go through Switzerland and Milan, and as Bob_S says, they are not direct. Actually I prefer the scenery on this route to the less direct route via Nice and the coast, but IMO it takes too long for a comfortable one day journey, as would the trip via Nice. A few day-time trains will take you via Chambéry and Milano, avoiding Switzerland.

No, buying a youth pass is not worthwhile if this is the only significant journey you will be taking by train. Book your tickets up to 90 days ahead direct at www.voyages-sncf.com (or www.trenitalia.it for the Italian network) and take advantage of the advance purchase discounts. Read this page by MorganB for more info: http://tinyurl.com/qpdef

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Thanks for the great info guys. I didn%26#39;t know it was so inexpensive to fly.

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Removed on: 10:20 am, August 15, 2009

Multiple train trip question - France and Italy

My wife and I will arrive in Paris for a week in late May 2007. We%26#39;ll then spend some time in Aix-en-Provence. Then we go to Cortona, It for a week, and then finish in Venice for a few days and a flight home.

We%26#39;d like all of our travel between cities to be by train. Paris-Avignon, then I%26#39;m thinking Marseilles-Cortona,(is it smarter to fly this leg?) and then finally Cortona-Venice. We%26#39;ll be in Europe for 3 weeks.

Are there any recommendations and tips that can point us to best way to plan and reserve our train travel with this itinery?

TIA

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Wow! That%26#39;s challenging... but fun! First, like bad students, let%26#39;s do the easy part: if you are going to Aix-en-Provence, no need now to go to Avignon or Marseille. Thanks to the advent of the TGV Méditerranée in 2001, our Aixois friends now have their own brand new station (well, actually a bit in the middle of nowhere outside Aix, but still). There are plenty of direct TGVs every day between Paris and Aix, about 3 hours.

Now, the thorny part: Marseille-Cortona. I%26#39;ve looked it up on bahn.de (actual station: Camucia-Cortona apparently), and you CAN go there by train, but it%26#39;s a real ordeal, between 14 and 19 hours on the way, with multiple changes in Nice, Ventimiglia, Milan, etc. Actually, the most cost-effective way would be to take Ryanair from Marseille to Rome Ciampino (dirt cheap: €36 all included for early June, but it%26#39;s an early flight: 6h35), then go to central Rome and catch a train to Camucia ex Tiburtini or Termini station: they are quite frequent and take between 2 or 3 hours.

As for the last leg, it%26#39;s feasible by train, just under 5 hours. People on the Italian forum might be able to tell you whether there are any low cost flight connections, but my research hasn%26#39;t found any.

And now, I am going to lay down for a rest...

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Because of the timing of the Ryanair flight you might prefer to take the train to Nice and fly to Rome FCO with Blu-Express.

I don%26#39;t think you will find any low-cost flights to Venice from anywhere closer to Cortona than Rome.

For your train travel in France significant advance purchase discounts are available if you book up to 90 days ahead direct on the SNCF (French rail) site www.voyages-sncf.com. This page by MorganB will help you navigate the not always user-friendly system: http://tinyurl.com/qpdef

Advance purchase discounts are less common on the Trenitalia (Italian rail) network but they do exist. Try www.trenitalia.it. I think you can only book up to 60 days ahead with Trenitalia.

In both cases early booking will give you the best chance of scoring a low fare — as with the airlines.

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Thanks Bob and Irish for the courtesy of your time and helpful information.

Phil

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Removed on: 1:19 am, August 17, 2009

VSM Internet Cafe and Grocery

Does VSM have an internet cafe? Or a grocery store?

Thanks!

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There is good range of food shops, including five small supermarkets. The excellent bakery in Place de la Paix is the only one where I have never been given %26#39;incorrect%26#39; change or burnt goods reserved for foreigners. There is a bar behind the Wecome Hotel with internet access but it was closed every time I tried to use it recently. There is also a bar immediately beside the traffic lights on the main road but their equipment looks to be at least a hundred years old (old for computers I know) and was awaiting repair on my last visit.The nearest reliable internet access I know of is in Beaulieu, about a mile and a half from Villefranche.

There are dozens of internet cafes in Nice (seven minutes by train) including at least six within a few minutes walk of the rail station and one right beside the bus station.

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Yes definitely there is a great internet cafe behind Hotel Welcome and they are open at different times so just check it out. They also play tons of futbol (soccer) and speak English and serve great beers.

Great grocery store is right on the corner across from the Tourist Office, not exactly sure of the name, but it has tons of foods, wines, etc.

Best,

Christian

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The best internet access in VSM is behind the Hotel Welcome at an internet café and sports bar called Chez Net. It is owned and run by Australians and has several %26quot;English keyboard%26quot; computers. The charge is approximately 3 euros per half hour. Chez Betty a bit further up the hill also has one computer available, but is a bit more expensive. Chez Net is closed on Mondays and opens at about 5:00 pm on Tuesday through Sunday.

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Removed on: 7:18 pm, August 24, 2009

Christmas trading hours Sephora Paris

Hi, Does anyone know what times the Sephora shop on the Champs Elysee open and close the week up to Christmas. Also is there a Sephora shop in Nice or Cannes? Thanks

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Sephora

Nice TNL

15 boulevard du Général Delfino

06300 NICE

Tel: 04.92.00.25.60

Fax: 04.92.00.06.83

Monday - Saturday 9h - 20h30

Sephora

24 à 38 avenue Jean Médecin

06000 NICE

Tel: 04.93.62.75.10

Fax: 04.93.62.75.13

Monday - Saturday 10h - 19h30

Sephora

Avenue Jean Médecin

8bis, Aveunue Jean Médecin

06000 NICE

Tel: 04.93.85.42.84

Fax: 04.93.92.92.21

Monday - Saturday 10h - 19h30

Summer: Monday - Saturday 10h - 20h

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ephora

53, rue d%26#39;antibes

06400 CANNES

Tel: 04.92.99.67.70

Fax: 04.92.99.67.71

Monday 10h - 19h30

Tuesday - Saturday 9h30 - 19h30

Sephora Institut

Le jardin Florian

90 /94 rue d%26#39;Antibes

06400 CANNES

Tel: 04.93.94.83.20/04.93.94.83.22

Fax: 04.93.94.83.21

Monday 10h - 19h30

Tuesday - Saturday 9h30 - 19h30

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And here is the one for Champs-Elysees

Sephora

70-72 avenue des Champs-Elysées

75008 PARIS

Tel: 01.53.93.22.50

Fax: 01.53.93.22.51

Monday - Saturday 10h - 24h

Sunday and Holidays 10h - 24h

This is not the only Sephora in Paris

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uh, hello...? www.sephora.com

why did you make someone look all that up for you..!?

;)

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Removed on: 5:27 am, August 16, 2009

help...choice of 4 hotels

I need somebody who is familiar with the hotels to rank each of these in terms of best location and quality: hotel millenium opera, victoires opera, kk hotel cayre and the waldorf madelaine. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Hi Dallywall,

It%26#39;s a shame nobody was able to respond to your request. Did you stay in one of those hotels, and if so could you let me know which one and what your opinion of it was?

Regards ...

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Removed on: 2:21 am, August 17, 2009

Student museum pass question

We are coming to Paris in June and we are bringing our 3 teenagers. My daughter heard from a teacher in school this week that all the museums in Paris and in London are free with their student ID. Can anyone verify if this is true in Paris? I was going to buy them all museum passes, but now I don%26#39;t know??

Thank you in advance!

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Student ID, Teacher%26#39;s ID and handicap ID ( with a letter from a Doctor saying the person is 100 % handicap according to USA standards) allows free, reduced or in some cases student discounts to many museums.

They can avoid the line if you buy the museum pass for yourself and they enter thru the pass line with you.

Do you know what museums you plan to visit? How old are your children?

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The kids will be 17, 18 and 21 (not so young there) My husband and I planned to get the museum pass... have done so before and it works out great. We were going to do this for the kids also, but it looks like there is almost everything free for my daughter that will be 17 and reduced fares for the other two. So, if you possess the Museum pass, they can go through the same line with you?

We plan to see the Louvre, Musee D%26#39;Orsay, the Cluny (missed that last time and was disappointed) and the Rodin.... We plan to do the Fat Tire Bike Tour of Versaille, so the entrance into that really isn%26#39;t an issue since it comes with the tour... St. Chapelle if there is NO line! Last time my husband and I waited in line for over 2 hours (no by-passing the line here with a museum pass) and it ended up making the experience just OK. We are,of the few, that prefer Notre Dame. The kids may be interested in seeing St. Chapelle though, if not... we have been.

Thanks again for any information...

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; Student ID, Teacher%26#39;s ID and handicap ID ( with a letter from a Doctor saying the person is 100 % handicap according to USA standards) allows free, reduced or in some cases student discounts to many museums. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Ummm, no, I don%26#39;t think that quite covers it. Let%26#39;s leave aside the handicap issue about which Discover will know more than I do and that is presumably not relevant in any case.

First for the Sainte Chapelle there is no free or reduced admission for anyone. (PLEASE can we stop calling it the %26quot;St. Chapelle%26quot;? There is NO St. or Ste. Chapelle. There is a Holy Chapel, in French Sainte Chapelle.) For the Louvre, d%26#39;Orsay, Rodin and Cluny anyone UNDER 18 is admitted free of charge. For the older children they will be admitted free to the Louvre if they can document their standing as (broadly speaking) art or art history teachers or practising artists. If they can document their status as teachers of any kind they will be admitted free to the Rodin. For the Cluny anyone under 25 is admitted at a reduced price. Any teacher with documentation is admitted free.

Yes it%26#39;s bizarre and a pain, but that%26#39;s how it is.

Incidentally you can skip the lines at all these places EXCEPT the Sainte Chapelle without buying a museum pass

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Many.....but not all Paris museums are either free or free to those under-18. Usually all that is required to prove age is the Information page of your passport. In the case of your two oldest--18 %26amp; 21--neither will qualify for this. US student ID%26#39;s used to be regularly accepted at many museums that allowed free entry for students...but this is not the case any longer for other than French school IDs for free admission. To the best of my lnowledge, museums which provide discounted / reduced admission fees for students will accept any student ID.

As an example, your two eldest children would not qualify for any free student or under-18 admission to Musée du Louvre...nor will there be free admission for them at Musée d%26#39;Orsay or Cluny

If you decide to purchase PARIS MUSEUM PASSES, the younger child, would be allowed to accompany PARIS MUSEUM PASS holders at those covered museums proving free-under-18 admission. As noted some popular museums and monuments are notable exceptions--Sainte-Chapelle and Invalides (free under-12)

PARIS MUSEUM AGE INFO %26amp; LINKS--

tripadvisor.com/…1960806

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IrishRover: %26quot;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; Student ID, Teacher%26#39;s ID and handicap ID ( with a letter from a Doctor saying the person is 100 % handicap according to USA standards) allows free, reduced or in some cases student discounts to many museums. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;%26quot;

I wrote this generalized statement and requested the ages of the teens and also asked which museums they were interested in seeing.

That is why I could not be specific and..... you could.

Also if the students have to pay a reduced fee they must stand in the ticket line which I guess they then could use their tickets to go stand in line with the museum pass holder but that would not make much sense.

Sorry if I upset you by my post I just did not have all the information...

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Ah, I%26#39;m sorry, Discover. No your post did not upset me at all. And I%26#39;m sorry that you thought it might have and if mine upset you. I think I did misunderstand your post and didn%26#39;t realize that it was really just a broad general statement. in any case, yes, you are correct. I was responding to information you did not have and did not acknowledge that. My apologies to you.

As far as I can tell, for most museums and in most cases, and specifically for the museums Hylasgirl is interested in, a Student ID is irrelevant, whether it is French (per KDK) or foreign. It seems that age is all that matters. As with your statement about the Handicap ID, the Teacher ID also does not seem to be enough by itself. It seems that more documentation is required, especially in the case of the Louvre for example. I think some kind of official letter on the institution%26#39;s letterhead and signed by an appropriate person is also needed these days. I do recall not so many years ago when a teacher or student ID, French or foreign, would open a lot of doors. I think too many people were wandering round Europe with somewhat bogus credentials and the requirements are therefore more strict now.

Just to add to the complication, anyone under 26 is admitted free to the Louvre (except the Napoleon gallery) after 18:00 on Fridays. And students of recognized art schools, French or foreign and under 26, are also admitted free with proper documentation at all times. And then there is the fact that admission to the Musée d%26#39;Orsay is reduced after whatever time it is every day and some other time on Thursdays when the museum is open late. And then there are different rules for special exhibitions. It all just gets WAY too complicated...

There are also certain non-tourist categories who are entiltled to free admission such as the unemployed.

One other note to the OP. Most major London museums are free to people of all ages. (Now isn%26#39;t that nice — and simple?)

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Hey Irish, just to clarify, Sainte Chappelle, is no longer a holy chapel. It was %26quot;vider de son ame%26quot; and made secular in the late 1700%26#39;s. It is a national monument, which is why it is one of the few churches that one must pay to enter.

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Irishrover:

Last May, June and July and August I was able to get into most all museums ( Paris and outside of Paris too) with my Offical State Handicap ID card with my photo on it. I only had two problems one was with Sainte Chapelle who also requested my letter from my doctor stating I am 100% handicapped according to USA standards. My husband had my doctor write one and e-mailed it to me I then could get in no problem.

The other problem place was at Les Invalids which had let me in the day beforewith all the ID -- no problem. The next day as I had not had time to finish all the museums, I went back and this ticket taker would not let me in saying I needed an International Handicap ID. I asked for the manager and he could not tell me where I could get that. He looked at all my paperwork and he let me in.

I saw many people including children in wheelchairs and walkers who would stand in long lines not knowing that they do not have to wait they can go to the front of the lines.

My husband used his Teacher ID Photo ID and was allowed reduced student prices in many museums and in most of the others he was allowed to accompany me free since I am handicapped. He had no problem at all for the entire time he was there!

Years ago we had gotten our two children International Student ID cards which got them in free or reduced prices. I do not know if the International Student ID cards are still in use any more. Many other posters are saying to use the passports for the age information. We did not do that.

I just want handicap people who %26quot;search%26quot; for information to know that they may bring their Official Handicap ID and the doctor%26#39;s letter and the Handicap Parking Place card to use in France too. Some cities let one with the place cards use reserved spaces but one still has to pay to park it all depends on the town. We just found a policeman and asked and asked sometimes in the tourist office.

I asked questions of the poster to post correct information not just the generalized information but it looks like you and %26quot;KDK...%26quot; have it covered!

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We travelled in July this year with our 18 year old son. His International Student Card did not get him any concessions as it only applies to residents of EEC countries.

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I think we paid $20.00 a piece for those it is good to know they don%26#39;t work any more! Thanks for the post.

Recent Travelers/Local Experts

Hello

I%26#39;ve looked on the RATP website and I%26#39;ve seen prices for Paris Visite and Carnet tickets listed as:

Paris Visite Adult 2-day (zones 1-3): €13.70

Carnet: €10.90

The problem is that the website says these prices are valid from 2004. Are these prices still current?

Thanks.

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Sounds right for the carnet .

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The carnet price is current. I%26#39;m not sure where you are finding the PV price, but it should be 13€95.

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I recommend the Carnet, one does usually not take the metro more than 2 or three times a day!

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Incidentally, a one-day Zone 1-2 Mobilis pass costs 5€50, or 11€ for two days. Less expensive than the PV, unless you plan to use any of the %26quot;fringe benefits%26quot; that come with the PV.

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And I agree with Kasthor. One walks in Paris!

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exactement!

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Irish- what%26#39;s this Mobilis pass and where do you buy it? (will be handy for next time!)

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Thanks for all the responses. Like Steve I%26#39;m interested in finding out more about the Mobilis. Does it work just like Paris Visite?

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You can get a Mobilis pass at any full-service window at the Métro stations. You can get them for various numbers of zones, but for nearly any tourist, 2 zones will be enough (doesn%26#39;t allow for travel to airports, Versailles, Disney). They allow unlimited use of métro, bus and funiculaire for a full day. You can buy all you need at one time, because the expiration countdown doesn%26#39;t start until the first time you put it in a turnstile. You must put them in the Métro turnstiles, but NEVER in the bus turnstiles (just show them to the bus driver).

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Mobilis can come in handy if you%26#39;re planning on using a Navigo or Carte Orange, but are arriving at an inconvenient time. We usually arrive on Friday, for example. If needed, we each buy two Mobilis passes for use on Saturday and Sunday, and then use our Navigo for the following week.

TGV from Roissy CDG to Normandy direct?

I didn%26#39;t think there was a direct TGV from Roissy to Normandy, but I think I recall reading posters here mentioning it. If that route exists, could someone fill me in?

Thanks!

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Hi Les -

There are a FEW direct TGVs from CDG to Rennes but getting voyages-sncf.com to divulge any info about them is painfully difficult. Perhaps someone else has the timetable readily available. If not, and if you are having difficulty finding them, give another shout and I%26#39;ll see what I can find for you.

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I have one of my French friends from Brittany trying to figure it out as well...insane! She swears she has taken the train to Brittany from CDG but can%26#39;t remember how.

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These are the trains departing CDG arriving Rennes according to bahn.de:

08:40 arr. 11:33 TGV5209

13:38 arr. 16:26 TGV5226

15:42 arr. 1836 TGV5232

18:24 arr. 21:25 TGV5236

Another way to finesse this and avoid Montparnasse would be to take the RER B out to Massy-Palaiseau in Zone 4 (beyond Antony) and then take a TGV from Massy to Rennes. I know this is possible but I don%26#39;t know how well it would work in practice.

Hah!!! I just figured out how to get SNCF to divulge this timetable! You MUST use AEROPORT CDG 2 TGV as your departure station exactly as I typed it. If you use ROISSY you will not find these trains. Incidentally PREMs fares to Rennes are 25€ in 2nd, 45€-52€ in 1st; full fare in 2nd is 55€70.

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Thank you Irish! Just what I needed! And thanks for the tip, too!!

Les

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There are no direct trains from CDG to Normandy. They leave from St Lazare station. Easiest way from CDG to St Lazare is by Roissybus to Auber. If you don%26#39;t have much luggage you can walk it it 5 minutes, otherwise it%26#39;s 2 stops by bus. But where do yo want to go in Normandy? Rennes is in Brittany, not Normandy.

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Tradeform

you amaze me...........I must have imagined the train I took from CDG to Le Mans, which continues to Rennes, which is as close to Normandy as the TGV goes :)

The SNCF site has had yet another redesign, but I can get it to show the 5 trains a day that Irish mentioned. I can%26#39;t get it to show the times though.

Irish

isnt the DB site great? when you have a really slow day, see if you can find a journey you CANT take.........

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The SNCF site showed them for me. I put Roissy as my departure, rennes as my destination and selected the direct travel tick box. Showed me all 4 trains right away.

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Tradeform,

I teach college French and lived for many years in France, so no worries, I know the difference between Brittany and Normandy. I was simply inquiring about trains that go from CDG to Normandy, and maybe even Brittany since it%26#39;s close.

Thanks for everyone else%26#39;s input.

Les

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Removed on: 9:18 am, August 17, 2009

Christmas Market, Rain or Shine?

Quick question to everyone here- I am headed to Strasbourg in the next week or so to partake in some of the ambiance of the area and enjoy the famour Christmas market.

My question is this, the weather looks as though its going to be a little damp and I was wondering, how are these markets set up? Is it open air setup, and regardless of the setup or will they be open rain or shine?

Thanks for the help!

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They are open rain or shine. It is open air however most of the booths are covered. There are some areas that are completely open air. Stay warm with the hot wine. Last year there was a Christmas Concert at the Cathedral that was absolutely wonderful.

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Most important : avoid visiting the market on a Saturday or Sunday because of the huge crowd on these days, especially from mid-afternoons onwards . On %26#39;normal%26#39; days, the market is most enjoyable on evenings, with all the lights on ...

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Removed on: 4:17 am, August 18, 2009

Trip report and thank you!

I just wanted to convey my many thanks to all of you for the invaluable information posted, and a special thanks to dmjwineworks (Dewey). My trip to Bordeaux for four days at the end of October was incredibly fun, relaxing, romantic, and enlightening!

We stayed at the bucolic and beautiful Sources de Caudalie (review posted for more details), and visited the following:

Ch. Margaux, Ch. Palmer, Ch. Haut Brion, Ch. d%26#39;Yquem, Ch. Mouton Rothschild, Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte, Ch. Angelus... (some appointments were made with the help of the hotel, and others I made on-line).

In the city, we walked from the beginning to the end of Rue Saint Catherine and had dinner at the amazing La Tupina (a must, if you want authentic and dee-lish food and atmoshere). We spent a day in St. Emilion (small, picturesque town drenched in history, character, and exquisite beauty... obviously another must-see, in my book).

I must stop writing about it because it%26#39;s making me long to go back! Thanks again for all your help and comments!

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I loved the day we spent in St. Emillion too!

A few years ago we stayed in Bordeaux so this time we stayed outside and took day trips and had a nice hotel with a pool! 1/2 pension was good too!

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I%26#39;m glad to hear that your time in Bordeaux was a good one. You were pretty lucky with the weather this year, as there was less rain, higher temperatures and a string of beautifully sunny days than is usual for late October. I was taking a group around many of the same châteaux last week, so I know that you had the benefit of leisurely and informative visits since the tourist season ended several weeks ago and the guides had more time to spend with you.

By all means, plan a return visit--there are a whole lot more châteaux to see....

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Removed on: 8:18 am, August 17, 2009

getting to Orly airport?

We will be returning to Paris via train comming into the Montparness station and then need to get to Orly. Can someone tell me the best way to do this? Will we have to take a cab or is there another way?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

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The AF bus stops to Orly stops at Montparnasse. Be careful: so does the bus to CDG, so don%26#39;t get on the wrong bus! It%26#39;s €9 per adult, half price for under 11s. Meaning that taking a cab would only cost you €10 more if you are a couple, even less if you are at least 3.

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Thank you Bob,

We are four so if I understand you correctly we would be better off taking a cab or two?

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Yes, you will definitely be better off financially, not to mention the extra comfort! Just something you should know: a normal sedan cab will not accommodate the four of you + luggage, but nowadays in Paris about every taxi in three or four is of the %26quot;minivan/ people carrier%26quot; type (in France: Picasso, Scénic, etc. ). So just stand in line normally, and when your turn comes, let the people behind get ahead of you until such a vehicle comes up, you should be fine.

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Removed on: 1:16 pm, August 18, 2009

nightlife

I will be in antibes for a month over the summer. Whats fun to do at night? I am young so i am interested in places that lots of people go and ones with cheap drinks. thanks!

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Lots of pubs open till early hours around the harbour and just inside town walls.

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Removed on: 1:19 pm, August 18, 2009

Questions on things I saw in Paris

I posted my trip report earlier this week, but I also had a couple of questions for next time:

1. What exactly is a %26quot;formule%26quot; ?

At a place we stopped for lunch, this was on the chalkboard menu under a few selections for entrees and main dishes -- but there was no description of what the %26quot;formule%26quot; was, so I interpreted this to mean that we could choose one from each of the sections.

Our waitress did not speak any english and while my french is limited, I thought I was able to confirm this. Needless to say, my boyfriend and I got an appetizer and (much later) sandwiches, that were charged at the regular price on the menu.

No big deal, but I would like to know for next time!!

2. Cafe Creme%26#39;s

Is it just me or is 2.50 euros an awful lot for a cup of coffee? My last 4-5 trips overseas have been to Italy, where a cappucino never seemed to be over 2 euros....

3. Crowded cafes with all the little chairs/tables out front

Are you supposed to just take a seat or ask to be seated? It looked like a lot of fun, but I wasn%26#39;t sure how to join in (correctly).

Thanks -- I am definitely looking forward to my next trip to Paris.

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1. formule is like a menu, i mean for ex you have a formule which will be entree + main or another one main + dessert, and normally its cheaper than if you take the main and dessert separately. often you have to choose with what they propose in the formule, or sometimes you can choose from the whole menu.

2. dont know hate cafe ;)

3. you can seat by yourself in cafes, but it doesnt cost anything to ask, but in restaurant you can%26#39;t you have to wait to be seated.

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There must have been either an error or a miscommunication. a %26#39;..formule..%26#39; is usually a limited, prix fixe menu.....but in most instances, there are no deviations from this %26#39;..formule..%26#39; or %26#39;..substitutions..%26#39;.

The price of a cup of coffee at a Parisian café will vary significantly from one café to another....and where you sit (an outside table will cost more than standing at the bar inside). You will pay more at %26#39;..grand cafés..%26#39; and cafés in prime locations, than you will at the local café on the corner. As an example, a café crème outside at Café Les Deux Magots will be 5 €....while the same café créme at the Café Mondrian, a couple of blocks away at rue de Seine will be 3,50€....and might be 2,50€ at a little local café tucked away on a side street....or 2 € at a local tobac. It%26#39;s not what you%26#39;re drinking....but rather where you drink it...that determines price.

At most cafés you may seat yourself at an unoccupied table outrside....UNLESS....the tables at %26#39;..set..%26#39; for service. In this case, %26#39;..set..%26#39; tables (linens, silver/glassware) will be for those ordering food, so you wait to be seated at these.....un-%26#39;..set..%26#39; tables will be simply for bar service; so you can usually just take one that is vacant. But as previously noted, it%26#39;s never a bad idea to wait to be seated....or ask.

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Alex%26#39;s explanation on the %26quot;formule%26quot; is right but could get confusing because she uses two English words with a French meaning:

- She writes %26quot;menu%26quot; (for an American what the French would call %26quot;la carte%26quot;) when an American would have written %26quot;prix fixe%26quot; (even though such a phrase has never been pronounced in a French restaurant since the Fourth Republic!, but that%26#39;s the niceties of cross-cultural misunderstandings)

- and of course the textbook example: %26quot;entrée%26quot;, in the French meaning of appetizer, not the American acception of %26quot;main course%26quot;.

As for café crème... how much does your Starbuck charge for a %26quot;latte%26quot;, which would be the closest equivalent, tax included? And, as many posters have stressed it, you are not paying for a certain quantity of coffee poured into a styrofoam to be consumed hastily, probably somewhere else: you are renting 1 square meter of Parisian real estate for as long as you want to watch the world go by.

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kdksail, no there is no error from me thanks. i know what a formule means, and it is not always a limited menu! its prix fixe like you say it (but like bob said no french would use this word), but in lots of restaurants (maybe you havent been to those but well..there are thousands of restaurants in paris you know), you can choose from ALL the menu, the card, whatever you call it.

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A %26quot;Formule%26quot; is a set price meal, of two or three courses that may even include drinks. There is either no choice or limited choice for each course. So you will see, for example, %26quot;Plat du jour + Dessert du jour + 1/4 vin 12€%26quot;.

Many restaurants also offer Menus at various prices - these will offer some choices for each of the three courses.

Ordering %26quot;A la carte%26quot; means that each dish is individually priced.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; There is either no choice or limited choice for each course. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Bob_S and Alex have already pointed out that the choice on a %26quot;formule%26quot; is not necessarily restricted. There are plenty of places where you can choose your entrée, your plat and/or your dessert from any item on the relevant section of the menu.

As for the price of a cup of coffee, you will find exactly the same thing in Italy. A cappucino at the terrace of the Caffè Rivoire on the Piazza della Signoria in Florence for example will cost you a lot more than 2€. I%26#39;m not even sure that 5€ would cover it...

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I was charged 2- 2,50 Euros for coffee in France and I think that is a pretty good price for most places there.

I think %26quot; MikyD%26quot; was cheaper.

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My latte this morning cost $3.40. About the sameprice as a cafe creme, but nowhere near as good!

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;kdksail, no there is no error from me thanks. i know what a formule means, and it is not always a limited menu! its prix fixe like you say it %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

If you return to the original text of my response, %26quot;...There must have been either an error or a miscommunication...%26quot; clearly refered to the original question...and neither you nor your response was cited or eevn referenced (as is my usual practice) The intent of the comment was that an %26quot;..error or miscommunication..%26quot; probably occured between the patron (the original poster) and the server (the restaurant). Frankly, until you drew my attention to it, I don%26#39;t think that I even read your response....responding instead directly to the original question(s).

Though one might quibble about semantics, I%26#39;m not sure that there is any substantive difference in content or in the %26#39;..intent..%26#39; of either description---

alexth82----%26quot;....often you have to choose with what they propose in the formule, or sometimes you can choose from the whole menu...%26quot;

KDKSAIL---%26quot;...a %26#39;..formule..%26#39; is usually a limited, prix fixe menu.....but in most instances, there are no deviations from this %26#39;..formule..%26#39; or %26#39;..substitutions..%26#39;...%26quot;.

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Removed on: 6:17 am, August 18, 2009

taxi drivers at disney resort

we travelled to disney land paris earlier this year, myself my husband and ourt wo children age 2 and 6. we stayed at the holiday inn at disney, the hotel was fine and we had a good stay.

the only compalints we have are the awful train stations in paris that have no signs to help tourists to get to their destintions. if you have kids, stay away.

the icing on the cake was our last day, our flight was early morning and we did not want to take the children on the train. we booked a taxi the evening before and agreed a price with the taxi driver, of 75 euros averge price is up tp 90 euros.

the driver that arrived was not the one we talked to, but he sent his friend and when we got to the airport he said he wanted 105 euros, when we reminded him the card said 7 5euros

he got aggresive and took our lugage from us in front of our children. he then ried to drive away, we got the attention of some police officers nearby who came out and told us they could not do anything. so we took the matter to security in side the airport who said we had to pay the taxi driver what ever he requested.

we paid in the end so as not to upset our children further, but the service and general attitude was disgusting, there are no rules and regulations.

if you are travelling to paris try and get transfers arranged with your hotel.

the french authorities have no regard for others and they have no issue about displaying it.

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I%26#39;m not sure what you mean by %26quot;..no signs..%26#39; but every Paris RER or Metro station I%26#39;ve ever been in had more than ample signage, numbered and color-coded diagrams and system-wide maps (prominently located at station entrances, at junctions along the way from turnstiles to platforms, on station platforms and in each train car). The system is relatively easy to navigate (even at lare, sprawling stations like Chatelet-Les Halles) knowing little more than two(2) terms in French--SORTIE--for passageways to Exits and CORRESPONDENCE--for Transfer passageway between lignes.

As for the problem with the taxi, there was little that either the police of airport security could do. Taxi fares are supposed to be metered. When you work out a separate %26#39;..deal..%26#39; with a private driver, that %26#39;deal%26#39; is between you and the driver. If the %26#39;deal%26#39; changes (in the absence of an amount on the meter...or some outrageously excessive amount charged) then it%26#39;s between you and the driver....and becomes a question of %26#39;..he said / I said..%26#39;. Your %26#39;deal%26#39; was with the original driver that you telephoned. If a different driver showed up...then it was up to you to re-confirm the terms of the %26#39;deal%26#39;...arrive at a new %26#39;deal%26#39;...or choose another taxi. It is unfortunate for you that this substitute driver reneged on the %26#39;deal%26#39; you made with the original driver but, %26#39;.. that%26#39;s life in the big city..%26#39;. Perhaps the authorities could have been more understanding.... but just because a tourist demands instant %26#39;..justice..%26#39; in a dispute of this nature...there really isn%26#39;t a lot that the authorities can do to resolve it.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;the only compalints we have are the awful train stations in paris that have no signs to help tourists to get to their destintions. if you have kids, stay away.%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Heaven forbid the train stations should be designed for locals and not unprepared tourists who don%26#39;t know where they%26#39;re going!!

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Hi Saniya, Sorry to hear of your taxi experience: not a nice souvenir of the great city. Hope this trip hasn%26#39;t put you off visiting in future.

Personally I%26#39;ve never had a problem with signage in metro / RER stations: out of curiosity, which stations did you use?

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Removed on: 5:25 am, August 18, 2009

New Years in Paris!

Hi Wife %26amp; I are visiting Paris for the 1st time on New years eve, can anyone suggest a nice resturant to take in the festivities..

Thanks

Chris

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Which district will you be staying? How much is your dining budget? New Year%26#39;s Eve menus are much more expensive than normal.

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Hi there we are staying at the Novotel which I believe is in the 7th District. Not sure on budget nothing to over the top i guess.

Question about tours

Hi, I am going to Paris very soon with my 8-year old who is great but has short legs and can%26#39;t walk forever. I would like a tour that will go to the Eiffel tower (go all the way up) Arc de Triumphe, Notre Dame (go in and get a tour inside), St. Chappelle, Conciergerie, Latin Quarter, maybe a peak at some of the more famous works at the Louve (we will do a separate tour on our own later), and maybe take a Seine river tour. Is there any one tour that will accomplish all of this, or maybe one plus separate Seine river tour? I have seen open top bus tours, thinking the top would be unbearable this time of year, maybe they don%26#39;t run those now. Any advice appreciated.

Merci, Lisa

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The open top bus tours are definitely much better when the weather is pleasant. Otherwise, you would want to be dressed so as to be comfortable, and it will be very windy up there! In the winter, you could probably taxi to those places you wish to %26quot;hop off%26quot; more economically.

I do not know of any tour that includes going to the top of the Eiffel Tower or includes a tour inside Notre Dame (though some will stop and allow time for an inside visit). No bus tours include a tour of the Louvre.

I would highly recommend that you e-mail Michael Osman (parisfind@aol.com) and see if he is available for one or two days of your visit. He is outstanding and can ensure that you accomplish all this, with him and/or on your own.

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Plenty of options here, including most of the places you are interested in: www.parisvision.com/en,4-Paris-by-day.htm

More here: grayline.com/Grayline/…paris.go

The L%26#39;Open Bus has an enclosed lower deck IIRC.

http://www.paris-opentour.com/index_eng.htm

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Removed on: 4:16 pm, August 18, 2009

Travel from Nice Airport to St. Raphael

I have a family travelling to Nice Airport and renting an apartment in St. Raphael. Anyone able to advise approx. costs of rail travel/taxi. They are travelling in May and arriving mid morning, not sure of departure time yet.

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Hi Cypriotpal,

Nice airport%26#39;s web site provides some information on taxi and Bus fares from Airport to St Raphael.

Taxi%26#39;s fares:

…aeroport.fr/acces_stationnement_en/taxi/def…

Buse%26#39;s fares:

…aeroport.fr/acces_stationnement/…

You have also the possibility to take a bus (line 200 - 4 minutes) up to Saint Laurent du var train station and then take the train up to Saint Raphael.

Bus 200: schedules and fares (1.3€/pers)

…aeroport.fr/acces_stationnement_en/…

Train: schedules and fares (8.9€/adult):

voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/…

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Removed on: 7:16 pm, August 17, 2009

Quaint Hotels

Can anyone recommend a quaint hotel, preferrably in a cute French

neighborhood. I would like to be away from the tourist spots, but close to the metro. It would be great to walk out of my quaint hotel onto a street of nearby cafes. I hope this exists! I want to experience the true culture during my short stay in Paris. Any assistance would be appreciated.

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a great deal depends on how much money you want to spend...

But Hotel de l%26#39;Abbaye sounds like what you are looking for:

http://www.hotel-abbaye.com

Les

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To be %26quot;away from the tourist spots%26quot;, you need to stay in a less central location... such as the 11th, 12th,13th, lower 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th arrs. All of these have perfectly nice small hotels in real neighborhoods, and the metro (and buses) are well-represented.

Some nice areas are, for instance, around the metro stop Villiers (17th), Gobelins (13th), Alesia or Pernety/Plaisance (14th)....

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Hi Horseshoe, Travelnutty mentioned the 12th as a possible non-touristy area and other posts have mentioned the Hotel de la Porte Doree there. In her recent trip report, nbodyhome gave an account of that hotel and the area nearby, which might interest you.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k85355…

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Thanks. I will have to copy this info. and read it in bed tonight:)

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I would recommend the Hotel Muguet in the 7th. It is close to two metro stops, and it is a more residential neighborhood and very quiet and peaceful at nighttime.

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I like staying in the 5th. in the area around the Sorbonne. It is handy for the main tourist attractions yet still has the ambience of the real Paris - with the locals going about their day to day business, lots of small cafes and shops and great food markets. My favourite small hotel in the neighbourhood is the Résidence Monge on rue Monge - the metro stop is only a minute%26#39;s walk and there are many cafes nearby.

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horseshoe007,

The most charming hotel in the 5th that I have stayed in

is Hotel des Grandes Ecoles.

Tranquil, idyllic, flower garden courtyard

so bright and cheerfully decorated.

Check it out at: www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com

Best Wishes

heck it out at www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com

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Removed on: 3:17 am, August 17, 2009