If you need to recuperate from the exhaustion of summer with the kids and you are able to find a charitable soul to watch them, Paris is the place to go. The fares are lower and the dollar is stronger: time to pack (lightly PLEASE!) and take off.
Our favorite part of town is Saint Germain des Pres, the 6th arrondissement. It is touristy but it is also home to an array of casual and a young cool crowd. Wonderful art galleries and antique shops can be found here as well as famous name brands and unique fashion labels. Do not expect your hotel to have a large room. Most hotels in this neighborhood have tiny spaces but in the end it doesn’t matter: you are supposed to be out and about. If you are staying more than a week I strongly suggest you rent an apartment. It is a good excuse for you to shop like a Parisian: choose a great wine, visit a cheese shop and indulge in fantastic charcuteries. My husband and I have been doing this for the last 9 years. Do your research online and pay with your American Express. There are a number of wonderful sites. We happened to use parisaddresses.com we were very happy.
Next on our list is to download Patricia Wells app Food Lovers. It can pinpoint where you are and it recommends the best eating places around you. After all, you do not want to be caught in a tourist trap…
As a tourist one of the things I enjoyed the most was the Seine boat ride at night. All the monuments and bridges are lit and the city is one big magic scenario. Don’t miss it!
The Louis Vuitton Foundation designed by our Frank Gehry is spectacular. I highly recommend. Book your ticket on line to avoid a long wait to get in. They have a very nice restaurant where you can have lunch. It is located on the Bois de Boulogne which is a beautiful park that you can also visit.
Avoid the Ralph Lauren restaurant but do go into the gorgeous store. A testament that not only the French can be outstanding in fashion, it occupies a magnificent building on the Boulevard Saint Germain.
I will be posting tips as my stay here progresses. I hope to be able to convince you to log in to Expedia and drive to the airport!