Our BetterMost Community > Chez Tremblay
An American Girl in Paris
delalluvia:
OK, I'm going to start here. If Jess wants to move this to the right forum, more power to 'em.
It's getting close!!! In September, I'll be in Paris, France for the first time!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
After much research, since we're traveling very frugally, I think my sister and I have finally found a couple of hotels that aren't already booked and aren't on the corner of Crack and Addict or just across the street from it. We've read other traveler reviews of the hotels, paid close attention when adjectives such as 'quaint' and '19th' century were used, which usually means no elevator for a 5 story building.
Now, I'm looking for all kinds of advice and helpful hints and places I should absolutely not miss while there. I have several guidebooks, but by all means let me hear your experiences.
Like I mentioned in another thread a long time ago, I usually eat very little while traveling overseas simply due to my digestive issues and likes and dislikes - I'm gluten sensitive (protein found in grains e.g. bread/cereal foods), I'm lactose intolerant (all milk products except for sour cream and yogurt), am allergic to all tropical fruits and fruits such as peaches, grapes, plums; citrus fruits give me heart palpitations. Eating these foods give me very uncomfortable and inconvenient body reactions.
Trying to find a bathroom in a foreign city while walking to see the sights is a very bad experience I want to avoid. It happened to me in London (a side affect from airplane food) but I was with a London friend at the time and he directed me to a bathroom in his favorite pub and later (yes, another attack a few minutes later) to a bathroom in an art museum.
I spent the rest of my London trip eating mostly candy bars and diet Pepsi (the only diet soda sold in London apparently).
Sadly, I don't drink coffee nor wine unless it's a very expensive wine.
Yeah, seems like Paris is a wash for me as far as food is concerned. :(
So, I'm a salad, eggs and meat kinda girl, so if you guys can help me in the food area too, that would be great.
Ellemeno:
France has good yogurt. Also, meat stores whee the meat is cooked already is called a charcuterie, and you can get really yummy smoked meats there.
(Always carry your own toilet paper. Just since that's already been a topic.)
MaineWriter:
Someone suggested this to me, and it turned out to be good advice...
On the day you arrive, when you are battling jet lag, take a boat ride on the Seine. It is a good way to get a good overview of the city, see the famous bridges, and get a sense of where the major landmarks are. Since you are riding on a boat, you are not using a ton energy hiking around.
Personal safety warning: keep your purse, wallet, camera, etc., close to you. There are pickpockets!
L
belbbmfan:
Salad, meat and eggs? I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding something to your taste in Paris. Can I suggest fries instead of eggs? Then go to 'Le Relais de l'Entrecote' and have the best steak and fries you've ever had. There are two in Paris, Rue Marbeuf 15 and Rue Saint-Benoît 20. The one we visited was the Saint-Benoît one, it was in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. We had sunday lunch there, the place was packed with parisiens and they only serve one meal! We didn't know this going in but it turned out to be great. A mixed salad with excellent vinaigrette for starters and then a fantastic, succulent steak with french fries! We were a happy bunch! :)
I agree with Leslie, the boat ride on the Seine (with the 'bateau mouche' :)) is a great idea. We spent a couple of days in Paris last June with our kids and the boat ride was one of their favorites.
And you get a good view of the Eiffel Tower as it's right next to the Seine. (and pass Alma Bridge )
Not far from the Eiffel Tower is the Rodin Museum, don't miss that. It has a beautiful garden and of course 'The Kiss' by Rodin.
We really enjoyed Beaubourg, (a modern art complex) with all the crazy scuptures. A very nice relaxed atmosphere, lots of street performers and outside cafés.
Jeff Wrangler:
I can't offer any advice, but I can say I'm happy for you to have the opportunity to make the trip! :D
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