| Paris and the Loire Valley: A snapshot of the trip with some free time, some organized visits, and meals.
I had not escorted our annual Paris trip for years; so this was the year for me to go again. Some of the group came a day early so 4 of us arranged to meet the first day for a walk and lunch. Charlene from VA had shopping errands at Galeries Lafayettes, the Bloomingdale’s of Paris, so we accompanied her. We stopped at Tarte Julie for quiche and tartes. Yes it is possible to eat in Paris for under $10 and if you go, order the chocolate filled apricot tarte. We usually recommend Galeries Lafayette or Printemps for: 10% rebate policy for tourists, efficient tax refunds and wonderful fashion shows held twice weekly. Both also have famous Tiffany style stained glass ceilings, marvelous groceries; great for foodie presents. By the way, the ceilings were taken down piece by piece during WW II. We returned via the Place Vendome which these days has sculpture shows within its exquisite ancient square-note the Ritz Hotel from where Princess Diana set out for her tragic ride.
The rest of the group arrived the next day and were transferred to the hotel, Castiglione on fashionable Rue du Faubourg St. Honore--.downstairs is Hermes. We met for the drive to our welcome dinner in the Bois de Bologne. We dined in a private room in a fairytale lakeside restaurant. Here we introduced ourselves formally over a glass of French wine…or rather several glasses.
Our sightseeing as a group was comprehensive, but we also split up during free time. After our visit to Notre Dame, some of us took a quick look at the new memorial to the deported French citizens behind the cathedral. Always something new: either thrilling or pensive but done traditionally Parisian style. We covered a lot of Paris together with our guide and bus driver.
In free time, I took Debbie from Ohio, Lynn from Chicago and Charlene from Virginia to the Louvre for an informal tour and lunch on one of the old balconies overlooking the IM Pei pyramid. Yes, we drank champagne with our sandwiches. We saw posters for free concerts at the Madeleine Church so some of us went; it was a memorial concert for the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Paris. We realized the older (mainly women) in the audience had probably been just where we were 50 years ago. Note: don’t miss the famous Laduree Tearoom on the Rue Royale after you visit the church. The modern designs in the window are actually made of colored macaroons Another night a group bought tickets to Ste. Chapelle for chamber music in this famous medieval church.
We found a charming square Le Marche Ste. Honore near our hotel; ringed by outdoor cafes and irresistible shops. It apparently was an outdoor food market in ancient times. Fauchon, the fantastic gourmet food, store was also nearby as was Minims (the baby of Maxims for a reasonable meal).
We saw a modern 'edible art' show at the Jeu de Palme and the traditional Orsay Museum with our guide. We walked throughout the old section Marais and ate it all back at the Le Grand Café with a 4 course lunch with wine. On to the Loire Valley……
Next year, we stay at the lovely Golden Tulip Ste. Honore: another great hotel and neighborhood with lots to explore, more free time in Paris – and we are adding a full day trip in the country to visit Chantilly and the Musee Conde. I am going again!
-phyllis stoller
www.galerieslafayette.com
www.printemps.com don’t miss their Café Flo Restaurant.
www.legrandcafe.com our 4-course lunch spot
Marche Ste. Honore walk down the Rue du Faubourg Ste. Honore, going East from the Place Vendome, it is on your left. Philippe Model has the most wonderful hats and shoes.
Cheap Eats in Paris: L’Amanquier (all over town), Au Poivrier (same), cafeteria in Galeries Lafayette (top floor), Tarte Julie, Chez Clement (all over town).
Cheap stuff: Monoprix, any Sunday street market for soap, herbal things, Inno Grocery Stores for foodie gifts at low prices, Reciproque for used clothing, Bourgeois for cheap quality cosmetics and Minellis for fashionable shoes. If you have time, stop by the football field sized Sephora hear the Etoile.
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