Paris in Chilly Month of May

[Danny]

Hi!

Arrived in Paris 8 am flew over Greenland and Iceland just skirting the volcano/ash - we were so far north that there was a constant red sunset/sunrise.

Took the metro from Charles De Gaulle - cheap and fast (8.5 eur)
Have visited Norte Dame and Latin Qtr. Hasn't broken 50 F yet, but as long as it doesn't snow...Here we are in the in Marais which we like a lot and are about to probably eat in the Marais tonight and then walk the streets and take in the lights, sights and the people. It's been since 2004 so we are not Parisian virgins but there is so much we don't know or remember.

If you have a favorite memory / restaurant / cafe / place / activity (that a 60year old is capable of) would appreciate your sharing.

[IndependentlyPoor]

Lots of folks overlook this jewel
Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, France
and the Musèe d'Orsay is a must see
Musee d'Orsay: Home

Have fun! Post photos!

[walkinwood]

Walk around at night. It is magical.
Galleries Lafayette department store Make sure you go up to the roof for a wonderful view.
There is a small ice-cream shop in Il de la citie that is very good. Always a line outside, so you won't miss it if you're walking around there.
In looking for the name of the department store above, I found this link

I second IP's recommendations.

ENJOY! I love that city, but it has been almost 10 years since my last visit.

[NeverBored]

One of my favorite places: the Musée Rodin. Lovely garden.

[WanderALot]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndependentlyPoor Lots of folks overlook this jewel Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, France

I second that, Sainte Chapelle is VERY nice! Totally wasn't expecting something that spectacular. IIRC, it's a quick walk from Notre Dame.

[DangerMouse]

I love Paris, that is where DH and I met. To me the magic of Paris is just strolling around and taking in the atmosphere. I enjoy looking at the architecture. Even people watching is a lot of fun in Paris, sitting on the Champs Elysee with a coffee watching people totter by. However, don't forget to look down every now and then to ensure you aren't stepping into any doggy-do-do.

Montmarte is a good place to stroll around, take in the view up by Sacre Coure. There are some good little restaurants if you can get off the main tourist tracks.

[CuppaJoe]

They are doing some renovations at the Musee d’Orsay:

Musée d'Orsay: Visiting the museum today

Part of their collection can be seen in San Francisco (where you once lived, Danny?) starting next week:

Masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay

[Meadbh]

I love the Musee d'Orsay and here are two pictures from my second visit in May 2007. Sorry, I can't rotate Degas' little dancer! There is a wonderful Art Deco collection and all the Impressionists you could ever want to see, and the building itself, an old railway station, is beautiful.

The middle pictures are of Monet's garden, which is in Brittany but can be visited from Paris in an afternoon. It had been raining before we arrived and the dewdrops are clearly visible on this orchid. The garden is exuberant and you will recognize all the spots where Monet painted; his house is full of colour and quite delightful.

The Cafe de Flore is where Simone de Beauvoir hung out with her literary pals, right in St. Germain. One simply must spend time at Paris cafes, preferably outside!

[Rambler]

Le Louvre is good to see but can take 3 days to see it all. Eiffel tower is of course a must see. Sitting in a sidewalk cafe as DangerMouse said is a nice pastime and a nice rest after walking around all day taking in the sights.

R

[Danny]

Thanks for links, tips and photos everyone.

Went last night to Robert & Louise in the Marais. Wow! I don't know when we had such great beef and so rare!
Had Cote du boeuf for 2, a very good bottle of Bordeaux, a Fromage plate of Brie de Meaux Saint Nectaire and Reblochon and espresso. Got there at 9. Filled with locals, shared a table, so nice and friendly to us. Place really started to burst at the seams at about 10. Rolled out of there at 11:30 and wandered around the right bank from Marais to the Louve enjoying the city at night streets and bars overflowing with people - always felt safe. Got back to the hotel at 2:30 - figured we walked 6 miles working that meal off.

Now it's time to venture out this morning get some fresh orange juice latte
bakery goodie try to get lost going towards Concorde the Champs and Rue Cler and coming back on the left bank. Not so many tourists right now.

We received the ultimate compliment last night - French couple asked us for directions.

[CuppaJoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadbh I love the Musee d'Orsay and here are two pictures from my second visit in May 2007. Sorry, I can't rotate Degas' little dancer! There is a wonderful Art Deco collection and all the Impressionists you could ever want to see, and the building itself, an old railway station, is beautiful....

Don't mean to be argumentative but I wouldn't want to do without the Impressionists in Chicago, D.C., even S.F., Tokyo and elsewhere.