This will be our 3rd trip to Paris but it's been 6 years since our last one. I'm trying to see what the best option would be for taking the Metro. We won't be there the days that a Carte Orange will work (we're there Thur-Tue). We would like to take the Metro with more flexibility than buying individual tickets but the cost of the Flex pass seems high. We do also walk a lot so is it better to buy the 10 ticket card? What would you recommend? Second Question: Has anyone found a great cafe/restaurant that isn't mentioned in the Rick Steve's book. Any hidden treasures? We found one one time on a dead end street near Rue Cler that was wonderful - tiny and full of residents. Same for over by Rue de Rivoli. I can't remember their names but it was full of locals which made us love them more. Any other great market streets besides Rue Cler. We love that area but would like to explore some others. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
I'd recommend the 10-ticket carnet. We also walk a lot, but generally take the Metro just about enough to make the pass worthwhile. Although, lately, we take the bus more and more, just to be above ground seeing the sights while traveling. I think the Carte Orange is no more.... others will have more detail, but isn't it all now the Pass Navigo? Not sure if Rick mentions the permanent market in Rue Mouffetard - but even if he does, it's very nice. It's in St. Germain-des-Pres. We also discovered a small non-permanent market behind Les Halles last time we were in Paris - charming! Wish I had more details - like day of the week. We've done basically this (http://outandaboutinparis.blogspot.com/2011/05/market-walk-near-les-halles-not-for.html) market walk. Recommended! Another perhaps-non-Rick suggestion is Au Petit Suisse. It's a lovely old (established in 1796, I think) brasserie right near Luxembourg Gardens. We got our recommendation from the night manager at the Highlander (adorable Scottish pub, 8 rue de Nevers, just off the Pont Neuf), and had a delightful, rather old school, Parisian meal. If you go, ask to sit upstairs. http://www.yelp.com/biz/au-petit-suisse-paris
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, United States
45 posts
Thanks Kira! Those are all great suggestions. We're staying in the Trocadero area but plan to go to all those neighborhoods you mentioned. I think there is also a market near Avenue du Presidente Wilson. We're open to a lot of cuisines so all suggestions are welcome.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
The 10-ticket deal is a carnet (car-nay) and is 10 separate tickets. The tix can be shared among people in your group.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
If you can't do the Mon-Sun pass, get a 10-ticket carnet. Day passes in Paris are unusually poor value for money and the Paris Visite cards are an outright tourist scam.
Posted by
Redlands, Ca, USA
358 posts
I would buy the 10 tickets and now most metro's you have to use the automated machine which has instructions in english. Good thing about the tickets is they never expire and can take them home and use on your next trip to Paris. Since I take 2 trips/year to Paris I like to keep a good supply on hand to avoid having to buy tickets on day one. Someday they will eliminate the tickets which some people throw on the ground after exiting the metro.
Posted by
Boston
380 posts
In 2004, we went to a street market near the Bastille metro stop. Marche Bastille on boulevard Richard Lenoir, open on Thursday and Saturday. I had a wonderful fresh roast chicken sandwich on bagette. For dessert, we bought crepes made on the spot. If you like grilled meats, try Rollet-Pradier, 6 rue de Bourgogne in the 7th, near the Rodin Museum. In 2004, there were no tourists. The menu is in French. The waitress spoke only French, but we managed. Street level is the patisserie, which is very good. This place was listed in a French pastry cookout that I bought. Upstairs is the restaurant. I had a delicious steak with mushroom sauce that I remember to this day. We are returning to Paris in 2012. I have been researching places to eat. A very good website is parisbymouth.com.
For something different, try Rosa Bonheur, 2 ave. de la Cascade in the 19th. Metro stop: Parc des Buttes Chaumut. They serve small plates (tapas). The place has a great view. Another new, trendy area is St. Martin Canal. Try Le Verre Vole, 6 run de Laucy in the 10th. It also serves small plates.
Posted by
Land of La
9230 posts
Definitely more street markets in Paris. http://www.theparistraveler.com/2007/06/ten-street-markets-in-paris/ As far as finding hidden gem restaurants reading online blogs offer great insights: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/, http://www.theparisblog.com/, http://pollyvousfrancais.blogspot.com/,
http://www.secretsofparis.com/
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Hi Maria... Yes a carnet of 10 metro tickets is great. Also remember to ask where you buy your tickets for a metro map.There are many outdoor markets . Our favorites are the President Wilson market, the Saxe Breteuil market and the Rue Mouffetard. Years ago someone gave me a coffee table book on the markets with recipes . It is called Paris in a Basket. Quite nice... and it has all the days and hours for all the markets and the metro to take. Let me know if you want directions.Also on the weekend is the wonderful flea market... Porte de Vanves. It is on Saturday and Sunday about 8 A.M. -1PM. Get there early. There are different vendors there each day. What a wonderful assortment of old french items. So neat and SO French.