GREETINGS FROM NOTRE DAME 06-27-08

Museum Pass We got our M.P 2 day at the Louve. There's a special room for it. Ask the Info desk for the Starbucks coffee. Its across from the gift shop and Starbucks. Down that same walkway is some mall. That mall had their own entrance to the Louve and you can even get tickets at the kiosk machine. Hardly anyone used that entrance.

Metro We were going to get the Carte Orange (now the Navigo??) but decided we were not sure if we'd use it that much. Since we've been here (6-22) we got the Carnet 10 metro and had to buy 2 packs, and there's 3 of us traveling. I've been thinking if I did the right thing, but the Carnet 10 at 11,10 euros is a good deal, and gives us a reason to walk more instead of hopping on the metro or bus.

ATM There's PLENTY of ATMs. I brought 2 cards: 1 from my credit union and 1 from BofA. BofA claims if I withdraw $ from the BNP bank, they'll waive the w/d fee. There's plenty of BNP's around, and I've had no problem finding a cash machine to spend my weak dollar.

Internet My hubby brought his laptop since our apartment has free internet. Theres plenty of Starbucks around town, and offer free wifi if you bring your registered starbucks gift card. There's also PLENTY of internet cafes. 1 euro = 1 hour computer time.

OH LADIES.... THE SALES HAVE STARTED!!!
June 25 was supposedly the first day of the sales. Everry store in town is having a sales. Zora?? department store had people lining up at 8 am ready for the doors to open. People were walking the streets with packages in their hands like the stuff was free. Even Disneyland has their stuff on sale. My niece got a bunch of Nightmare b4 Xmas stuff for as low as 2 euros-- talk about great souvenirs!

Hope I was able to help you out.

Michelle - thanks for taking the time to post while you're on vacation! It's so nice to hear from someone who's actually in Paris - hope you have a great time!

Thanks so much Michelle! I really appreciate all the great info. I'd love it if you keep posting! We're leaving home July 4th for 7 wks in Europe and we'll be in Paris for a week in August (hot! I know) so any and all info from you would be so great! Keep having fun!

It's so helpful to hear this kind of first hand info! Thank you, Michelle! A quick question: does the Starbucks Card actually work at the FR stores for the free wifi? I thought it was only good for the wifi here? And can you use the cards (as payment for coffee) as we do here in the US?

Starbucks? Even a mention in the context of travel is an abomination.

Michelle, so glad to hear from you, and to hear your feedback on clothes. Maybe this will help others to feel more relaxed about what to wear.

I got a fabulous picture of the Gypsies at rest, no joke. There were about 7 of them. It thrilled me no end. May you find your own! LOL

Sounds like you're having a terrific time! Do people carry water bottles (like Nalgene) around like they do here?

And for the person above who asked about paying with your Starbucks card, I'm pretty sure it only works in the currency in which you purchased the card, but maybe Michelle has firsthand experience with that.

Starbucks fan here -- my favorite souvenir is a Starbucks Paris mug – I use it every day and it reminds me of my wonderful trip.

A Starbucks Paris mug is a Great idea! Thanks Donna :) Where is the Starbucks in Paris? I'd guess there's more than one...
Michelle, what restaurant did you eat at for that price? We'll be staying on Ile St. Louis so if it's nearby I'd love to try it. Thanks!

Please continue to post these mini-reports while you are there, so long as it doesn't interfere with the good times. Thanks for taking the time.

Susan - there are 34 locations in Paris - mine came from the Louvre.

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/locator/ViewAll.aspx?StateID=2476&CountryID=84&FC=RETAIL

I wish they had Tim Hortons in Paris, LOL, you are either a Starbucks person or a Tim Hortons person.. LOL

Michelle- Thanks so much for taking the time to do a trip report onsite. Glad you got your window seat at Altitude 95. Lots of great tips! Keep 'em coming...and have a blast! Oh, if you get a chance...try our new favorite restaurant Lescure, 7 rue Mondovi- 23 Euros/choice of 3 course menu and comes with a a half bottle of wine each...just a block North of the Tuluries off rue de Rivoli, not too far from you; really friendly and delicious.

Ahhh... today is my last day. Thanks Nancy for the tip... I should have checked in earlier. Oh well!

i will post a new topic on my 2 days in the Normandie region. Ohhh... so much fun!! I stayed at a chateau there and stayed in the actual room of the person's grandmother's room!

Back to Paris...
According to hubby,when he tried the starbucks the touristy areas, he could not use his card. However, the guy next to us was visiting from NYC and said he got wifi from starbucks. Whether it was from using his card or the store gave free wifi, that is something you may have to find out on your own.

Today is my last day and I feel terrible. NO GYPSIES! Maybe I am blessed but I really wanted to see one.

The sales are still going full swing. My niece is in shopping heaven. Unfortunately she's on a tight budget so she is not able to shop to her hearts content.

Teresa: People do carry water bottles in their packs, but I am guessing they are probably tourists. If you go to any grocery store, you can get water for cheap. Actually the bigger the bottle, the cheaper it is. I got a litre of spring water for 25 cents!!

As for the restaurant, there are plenty that has inexpensive meals, as little as 10 euros. The one I got for dirt cheap was not a restaurant but a quick take away (Metroprix??) that you can get a 3 course meal (entree, dessert, drink) for 7 to 8 euros, and the food is actually good. The Paella wasn't like the time in Spain, but for fast food at the apartment, it was pretty good and filling. Hey, after a hard day... it tasted like 17 euros worth! LOL

Have fun everyone.... I know that we post a lot of our fears and worries about our upcoming trip, but if you're used to a big city, Paris is no different. Just keep your wits about you, keep a low profile, and make sure your valuables are close to your heart.

Back from my trip... I see Rebecca from Memphis is there now!!

Before I left, I posted about my 18 y.o. niece, as this was our gift to her for graduating high school.

Believe it or not, she did NOT like Paris (yes, drop jaw here).

She did like the shopping, and we gave her a cell phone 3 of our 10 days and allowed her "alone time" for a few hours on those 3 days.

On the other hand, my husband and I had a great time.
We tried our hand in speaking French, did our check list of "must do" and stayed in a great little apartment.

We can't wait to return (this time.. alone!)

You are a wonderful aunt!!