Thanks to all prior posters whose advice was helpful for our trip.
Took Eurostar from St Pancras to Gare Du Nord (bought tickets in advance on UK website). Pleasant experience. Observed that the carnet of Metro tickets sold on the Eurostar was a few Euros more than buying it in a Metro station. Bought it anyway for the convenience, and that proved to be a good decision given the size of the lines at Gare Du Nord. Stayed 3 nights in the Marais at Hotel Sevigne-- found it to be accurately described in TA reviews and would stay there again. The weather took a turn during our visit, and we ended up really appreciating the air conditioning.
Enjoyed meals at Philosophe, Robert et Louise, Chez Janou, and Chez L%26#39;Ami Jean. Bear in mind that Paris restaurants are often more likely to be %26quot;dark%26quot; on a Monday-- so plan ahead.
We purposely avoided the most crowded places (i.e., the Louvre) because it%26#39;s summer and instead concenrated on seeing the city itself. Based on some friends%26#39; recent advice, we skipped Montparnasse as Montmartre as not what they used to be, or outright tourist traps. Other friends%26#39; advice about the hop-on-hop-off bus also proved accutate: we did it first thing for a quick overview; it was worth it and the tickets are good for two days, so it%26#39;s like prepaid travel. Took a night tour with Fat Tire Bike tours and would recommend it-- don%26#39;t worry, it%26#39;s so far from strenuous, it%26#39;s a joke (but hey, it was enjoyable!). Also took a boat from the Musee d%26#39;Orsay quay up the Seine, then up the canal to Port Villere (by the science museum). Unlike most tours these days, it had a live guide and a very relaxed vibe (not a cattle boat like Bateaux-Mouches).
Learn from our mistake: upon arrival in Paris, we should have proceeded straight to the Musee d%26#39;Orsay and gotten a reservation for one of the following days, thereby avoiding the same-day entry lines. The Cluny was well worth the money and time (old Roman baths and a huge Middle Ages collection).
A very nice place that we%26#39;ll visit again, off peak.
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Thanks for the report. If you could say more about the restaurants I would appreciate it. I am going with my sister to Paris in Oct. and I am looking for restaurants to eat at while there.
Great report.
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Philosophies is in the Marais, on Rue Vielle du Temple (a couple blocks north of Rue du Roi de Sicile.) It is a cafe- casual, we had lunch there. We enjoyed baguette sandwiches- one was Jambon (ham) the other was what we would call a country-style pate. The quality of the meat and baguette were the key.
Robert et Louise is, in my opinion, pretty special. We had dinner there. A great lamb chop special and a beef filet. The salad and veg were of very high quality with a subtle herb dressing. The creme brulee was perfect. I highly recommend this place. Also in the Marais, and also on Rue Vieille du Temple. You%26#39;ll be wanting to make a reservation.
I don%26#39;t have time now to write more. In summary, the places I listed, I%26#39;d visit again. None of them are considered %26quot;pricey%26quot; by big city or foodie standards.
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