We took one morning at St. Remy to visit Van Gogh’s hospital and see his garden and room.....had no idea I would enjoy that so. The setting is inspirational-you can certainly see why he painted so many settings there.
We took the train to Paris on Friday despite the strike and it was fine. We stayed at the Westin Vendome which was a different spot in Paris...had been there twice before and it was fun being in a completly different neighborhood. Let me add that I cannot figure out the answer to this next statement I am going to make but want to say it anyway- we just did not seem to be as bothered on this trip with pickpockets, clipboard kids, etc as we usually are. Is it because we are finally savvy travelers? Are there not as many around anymore? This trip we made a point to walk everywhere to help balance our croissant consumption so maybe that is why. We avoided the metro! It made for a very pleasant visit! An art show was in the gardens of Notre Dame and I did notice that the director of it was very upset with the kids and clipboards wandering into the painting setups-he berated them and drove them away as we watched. Seems Paris is more watchful of this- still saw some refugees sleeping in doorways but just not as many as before.
Paris was as delightful as always. Two shop owners in the Marais on Rue St Paul are always as kind to me as possible and I love seeing them every time I go. Walked to Montmartre and it was incredibly crowded that Saturday but still full of charm. We attended 2 concerts while there-an organ one in Notre Dame and a violin group in Saint Chapelle- both so worth our euros and time! Once again Paris did not disappoint and we had a fantastic trip. I love that we have been to Paris three times and because of where we stayed each trip has been totally different! Go- its an amazing country!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6289 posts
Jane, funny, but we were in Paris just a few weeks ago, and it seemed there were kids with clipboards everywhere! I hadn't noticed them on previous visits. One of our group was pickpocketed, but I don't remember if it was in a Métro or not.
And I agree with your final comment: Go! We're hoping to return next year to France, and spend three weeks or so.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
I have noticed on visits to Paris over the last couple of years that the aggressive begging by organised groups that used to be annoying at Gare du Nord seems to have been suppressed.
Posted by
Folsom
2701 posts
Great report and makes me yearn to return. We spent a delightful week in Lourmarin years back seeing most of the towns you did. Many fond memories and the smell of lavender always awakens them (and reading a fine post like yours!).
Posted by
Paris
9550 posts
Jane, you might want to take this posting and copy and paste it as a reply to your first post about Provence so they won't end up separated . . .
It seems that you prepared well and had a wonderful time - your enthusiasm shines through, I'm sure that and your kindness is why people respond so well to you!
Kim
Posted by
13 posts
Loved reading this! How did you find out about the concerts? I'd love to see a few next time I visit...
Inspiring to post my own trip report, thanks! ;)
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
Thanks for the trip report Jane! I'm starting to plan a trip to Paris and Provence (I think) and this is great to read. Since you have been 3 times, which hotel was your favorite? I am going to have to decide which area I want to stay and I don't know how to decide! I also loved your Provence post!