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in 1996, right before my husband took the plunge and opened his own business. We didn't have a lot of money so we did Paris on the cheap on package from Sabena Airlines that took us to Brussels and then onto Paris between Christmas and New Year's. We stayed at an Ibis so far outside the center that I was sure we were no longer in Paris. Although I like being able to walk to the sights from our hotel, my husband really enjoyed the neighborhood feel and I loved the little bakery next door. In our case the only problem we ran into was getting back into Paris on New Year's Eve with the metro piled so full of people that by the time we reached Champs Elysses their arms were sticking out of the train, I had someone sitting in my lap and the stroke of midnight was celebrated just as we were all pouring out of the metro station.
We found during our stay that there was plenty to be done cheaply from grabbing lunch at the supermarket, buying discounted tickets for the metro and the fabulous museum pass. Even now, our favorite foods are from street vendors or grocery stores, warm nutella and banana crepes, the inexpensive Middle Eastern fare found in the Latin Quarter or fresh baguettes with salami and cheese.
Since our first visit in 1996, we've returned several times to this magical city combining it with London and the Loire Valley in 1999, Belgium/Lille/Normandy in 2000, both times staying at the lovely Hotel Muguet, another trip between Christmas and New Year's in 2003 staying in the Latin Quarter, a birthday trip in August 2008 staying in the 7th, my niece's 1st trip to Europe in July 2011 staying in the 11th and a VT Paris meet for a few days in September 2011 staying in the 5th.
make sure you check out the museum pass . This is the best tip I can give anyone, especially a first time visitor, going to this city that is filled with fabulous museums and sights, most of which are included on this pass. If you go at a busy time, it will also help you cut the queues!
- Cons:Having to leave
- In a nutshell:J'adore Paris!
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Comments (42)
Hi Kristi, I’ve just been looking through your updates and new tips since July 26. Good that the French still say non to one-stop shopping, at least some of them. I enjoyed meeting you (albeit briefly) at the VT meetings in Paris in September.
Glad you enjoyed the resto.. I just got back from Pamplona & Bordeaux and I don't think there was a meal I didn't like. Arteries are probably clogged, but much vino to clean them out. Best, Karl
I hope to visit Paris next year; for Pedro's meeting. Ciao!
Best ever hot chocolate - worth every cent and calorie!!! Just a pity the service ain't so friendly... but, don't be put off - just enjoy!!!
Outstanding updates. Welcome home! I had not seen your Paris pages since 2004 so I caught up.Lots of excellent, useful tips. Food tips were practical and helpful. You certainly gave lots of choices for activities. Look forward to more.
Nice foodie tips...It seems Paris is synonymous with banana et nutella crepes as well as Angelina's hot chocolate. If I ever get a chance to visit, I am also after the French macaroons. I heard they're just out of this world:))
Ah, Kristi, I just had another visit to Paris here. Thanks, it was wonderful. BTW the Muguet is now our hotel of choice. You should have seen my granddaughters go after the hot chocolate at Angelina's!
What a truly great way to spend your birthday! You even got an extra hour. Smart lady!
WOW!! That one's great! I can imagine the artist laughing to himself as he designed and carved that one. Yummm... Buttertarts! ...Think I'll go buy one. ;)
I'm going to have to come back to check out your Paris, London & Warwick pages, Kristi! :)
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