Recommendations (and places to avoid) for Paris, Provence, and Cote d'Azur

Thank you very much. This is very helpful.

I love Chez Gabrielle and when I find a person who likes a place that I like, I get very happy and willing to try other places that they suggest. So, I thank you for this very helpful list.

Re the balloon ride refund: I'm not surprised as credit card services for the French are archaic, unwieldy, and impossible. We have French bank accounts and one tiny-value card we avoid using. Many transactions are by bank transfer but the US doesn't participate in the same way. It's very different from the smooth service we have with our US cards, which we prefer to use here in France. So, if you can have the funds transfered to your bank or to a currency account you set up with a company like Wise or Money Corp, that would work but probably cost you a tiny bit. But with the € cheaper now, that might cover the cost of the charge. Your recourse could indeed be the nuclear option, a charge back in order to get the full value as currency fluctuates.

We also loved Lou Pistou in Nice. Glad you found it. Thanks for such a detailed report.

Thank you! This is very helpful. I bookmarked several of the restaurants.

In addition to Bets's comment, I've seen quite a few other positive reports on the forum about Wise (formerly TransferWise). Generally folks were using it to send money to Europe at a much lower cost than what a US bank would charge, but I imagine the fees are also reasonable for inbound transfers.

Thanks for the comprehensive recommendations.

Sorry to hear about the balloon debacle. People often misuse the chargeback option, but it sounds like you are using it very appropriately. You tried to solve the problem with the merchant. The merchant would only offer you a refund through a wire to your bank account (concerns of giving out personal financial info and of incoming wire charge from your bank). The chargeback options seems very reasonable.

Don't forget to give feedback to RS on the guidebook recommendation: https://www.ricksteves.com/forms/guidebook-feedback-form

Here’s a bit more detail.
Europeans are used to sharing the IBAN and account numbers and that’s how they pay rent, utilities, insurance, taxes. Germany doesn’t even issue checks. You should ask your bank if they would charge you for an incoming wire. Also, be sure your bank gives you a good rate—which they usually don’t.

Second, you can call the Money Corp 800- number and ask them how it would work to receive funds. I have sent money, but use money brokers only for large important purchases. It’s very difficult to reach a human at Wise.

As for refunds, I have no trouble getting refunds for small amounts to my US cards at Monoprix. But I still suspect that a small merchant could get dinged for a 450€ refund he owes, which is his responsibility.
Finally, use the charge back. Keep everything in writing for proof of his failure to provide service.

Thank you for posting so many good recommendations. Sorry about the hot air balloon debacle. I would be surprised if your credit card company didn't take your side.

If you are a veteran wine estate visitor and you have seen more than your fair share of wine-making cellars, I will tailor the tour accordingly. Now that is a man after my heart!

Thanks so much @Bets for the explanation. I've already submitted to my credit card company (Chase) along with documentation of emails, payment receipt, and confirmation of reservation. They've responded that they are reviewing and will get back to me. I have a Sapphire Preferred card through Chase which includes a fairly generous purchase protection policy as a cardholder benefit so they should be able to assist me (fingers crossed).

So glad you all find benefit in the referrals, I like throwing business their way as much as possible. I heard from multiple people about the difficulties of this past year and how glad they are to see tourists coming back.

Bookmarking! Thank you for the recommendations. We'll be in Paris and Nice next year, so I'm making notes.

With some additional info, here’s another “thumbs up” for Restaurant Lou Pistou in Nice. It was run by a couple (he in the kitchen, she waiting tables) for years, and was bought by a team of two men in just the last few years. I’m following them now on facebook, as they announce special happenings at the restaurant.

In June 2001, we’d just stumbled into town, and a big, staged event was coming up that evening downtown, drawing a huge crowd. It appeared we couldn’t get in for dinner anywhere. Stopping in at random at the original Lou Pistou, they set up a 2-top table and squeezed us in with their packed house. Incomparable hospitality, great food, and unforgettable. Strolling in Nice 15 years later at night, I amazingly walked right to their door, as if I knew their location like the back of my hand. I hadn’t expected to eat there then, and that was the day they were closed. Went back 2 nights later, and while the interior had been redesigned over the years, the same couple were still hard at work. We bought 3 jars of their homemade jams, in addition to a great dinner.

Two years later, the young men had taken the place over, and while the menu was a bit different, and it was clearly a different restaurant but with the same name and location, it remained a great place to eat in Nice. I’ll be back next time I’m in Nice!

We too had a wonderful meal at Lou Pistou. Yes, I remember how tiny it was inside and I was so glad we made. reservation!

Also in Nice, we had an excellent meal at Bistrot Chaud Vin, in case anyone is looking for another great place.