Anyone Going to Paris in April???

[cincychef]

I didn't know about the pass! I'd love to do the Loire Valley one but that is SO expensive. We're already spending a lot more by staying two extra nights, so I don't think DH will go for that. I'm wondering what other tours might be available outside of this particular tour company or whatever. I may try to check it out on the Trip Advisor forums because I'd assume there's a Paris one. I'd love to do some type of wine or Champagne one!

Please let me know if you find oneI would love to do this, but I seem to get lost when trying to find things to do myself.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Very cool tidbit I foundOK, I just found the coolest excursion/activity that I REALLY want to do!! I was reading various reviews and forums about Paris on Trip Advisro and came across some reviews for "Cook'n with Class" which is a semi-private (6 ppl max) cooking class with French chefs!! I want to do it!! Here's the link of the reviews I've been reading: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d648464-r26829534-Cook_n_With_Class-Paris_Ile_de_France.html#TOPC


Here's a link to the place's website: http://www.cooknwithclass.com.

It's not cheap but everything I've read said it's worth every penny.

EVERY review I read is glowing. I HAVE to do this! Anyone want to join us? I need to look at the itinerary again and see where there is a day with nothing left to do. I saw many comments that said if you do the morning market/cooking session, you eat so much food, you really don't even need dinner that night. FUN!!!! I'm psyched.

 

[Mel5497]

OK, I just found the coolest excursion/activity that I REALLY want to do!! I was reading various reviews and forums about Paris on Trip Advisro and came across some reviews for "Cook'n with Class" which is a semi-private (6 ppl max) cooking class with French chefs!! I want to do it!! Here's the link of the reviews I've been reading: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d648464-r26829534-Cook_n_With_Class-Paris_Ile_de_France.html#TOPC


Here's a link to the place's website: http://www.cooknwithclass.com.

It's not cheap but everything I've read said it's worth every penny.

EVERY review I read is glowing. I HAVE to do this! Anyone want to join us? I need to look at the itinerary again and see where there is a day with nothing left to do. I saw many comments that said if you do the morning market/cooking session, you eat so much food, you really don't even need dinner that night. FUN!!!! I'm psyched.

This sounds fabulous Becky. Please post what you think of it when you get back. I took a week-long course in southern france a couple years ago and still consider it one of the best experiences I ever had.

 

[pamperedbecky]

I definitely will, Kris. I already heard back from Chef Eric and the date I was hoping for (Wednesday the 22nd) is already booked. I'm waiting to hear back about two other possible dates for us. I really hope it works! The date he did have open is Thursday, but that's the night of the big gala dinner and I've heard that you're SO full from this that you're not even hungry for dinner.


Oh, and Kris, I also saw a company that does the Champagne tour. That also isn't cheap (109 Euros each) but you can take the TGV which I'd love to experience. That sounds so cool! Let's hope DH goes for that too!

 

[Mel5497]

I'm not sure I'd recommend spending that much for the Champagne tour...although the TGV is cool, you'll get to see the gorgeous french countryside (and small villages), and the champagne is, well, champagne.

Hopefully the tour includes a sightseeing stop in Riems (most champagne tours include both Epernay, home of Moet et Chandon, and Reims). The Reims Cathedral dates from the 13th century and is one of the most famous in France (for centuries it was where French Kings were crowned.) It also figures prominantly in the history of Joan of Arc. The architecture is amazing.

Whatever your plans, have an absolute blast!!!!

(100 Euros each is a lot, but then on our honeymoon cruise to Alaska we spent over $100 each on a shore excursion to go hiking in the Yukon. It was way over-priced, but the memory for us really is priceless.)

 

[pamperedbecky]

I think it includes a couple stops at two different places where we'll taste champagne and have tours. It doesn't include lunch which is on our own and I don't think it includes the TGV tickets. I'm not sure how much those will be. Thanks for your input, Kris, because I have no idea what is reasonable. Things are adding up that's for sure!!

 

[Mel5497]

If it doesn't include lunch, then it probably does include Reims (champagne tours usually release folks to have lunch on their own there...lots and lots of cafes to choose from).

It is a chunk of change, but I guess it all comes down to how you will feel if you don't do it:
'well, it would have been fun, but we really enjoyed our time in Paris" vs "I really wish we had done it."

Again, I'm so excited for you!!!!!!

 

[gaddischef]

I looked up the foreign exchange rate and it is 1 euro = 1.32, so not as bad as it was....you can find the foreign exchange calculator by googling it....
The way I look at price is I may only have the opportunity to be there once in my life, so why not do what I really feel like doing. May get me in trouble when I get home though....LOL.....

 

[pamperedbecky]

I can't tell you how many hours I've spent on tripadvisor.com today on their Paris forum reading awesome reviews, tips, restaurant suggestions and just learning about everything Paris. It's such a great resource, so I highly recommend looking at it! Go to www.tripadvisor.com and type in Paris forum in the search box. I've found some great suggestions on restaurants and have found some I want to try. I'm still not sure what tours to do through the ones PC listed for us.

BUT I did reserve our spots to do the cookn with class class for April 25th. Now I'M really glad we're staying a couple extra nights! The only other openings they seemed to have were the days of our PC dinners and I don't think we'll be very hungry.

So, if any of you check out trip advisor, share what you find!!

 

[Mel5497]

Just fyi: the latest issue of Budget Travel features an article on several inexpensive cafes in Paris that are local favorites.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Just fyi: the latest issue of Budget Travel features an article on several inexpensive cafes in Paris that are local favorites.

Ooh cool-is that a magazine?? Or a travel guide?

 

[chefkathy]

Becky, I can't wait to hear about this cooking class.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Becky, I can't wait to hear about this cooking class.

I think that's going to be a HUGE highlight! I can't wait. It's going to be on our last full day there, so what a way to end the trip!! Crap, it's expensive, but oh well. I'll be taking LOTS of pictures.

 

[PampMomof3]

I think that's going to be a HUGE highlight! I can't wait. It's going to be on our last full day there, so what a way to end the trip!! Crap, it's expensive, but oh well. I'll be taking LOTS of pictures.

Please do!! I can't wait for you to go and share your tips to your "friends!!!"

 

[Mel5497]

Ooh cool-is that a magazine?? Or a travel guide?

It's a travel magazine.

 

[pamperedbecky]

It's a travel magazine.

Cool-I'm going to go look for it today or tomorrow. I LOVE doing research and finding things to do. I think I'd like being a travel agent, but not in this economy!

 

[fruit76loop]

Finally...Yes...Becky I finally looked on here like you told me to! LOL!! I just find when I get on here I am on here for hours checking everything out again! And yes, we were thinking of doing something like this, but we keep changing our minds! Guess it is getting a little late now to be changing our minds! But whatever we do will be fabulous I have no doubt!!

 

[gaddischef]

11 days now until Paris!! Wow -- time has flown by....I feel like I should be doing something more to get ready/prepared, but I'm so blown away/overwhelmed that I haven't done anything! What do I need to do -- help! Does anyone know the weight limits on suitcases etc.??? See you in Paris in less than 2 weeks!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Weight limits are the same I believe than any travel. Over 50 lbs you have to pay an extra charge. Check with whatever airline you're flying.

THe best way to prepare and see what's fun to do and all the ins and outs is to look at www.tripadvisor.com and their Paris forums. Just type in "paris forums" in the search line at that website. I've spent countless hours just reading the posts and getting a feel for what to expect. This is where I found some great ideas for tours, etc. That's what I"d suggest.

Did you sign up for any tours through the group PC is working with? I did go buy that travel magazine Kris mentioned, as well as another small-ish tour book that has the top 10 things to do in Paris in various categories. I don't know when I'll read that book though!:blushing:

I'm excited too!! I have so much I need to do, not to mention the two shows I have the two days before I leave. That's why I want to spend the next week getting so many other things all ready. Have fun researching!!

 

[gaddischef]

8 days to Paris!! I'm getting excited, nervous, stressed, everything! Hopefully going shopping tomorrow to find a few new things to wear!

 

[cincychef]

5 days until we fly out. I don't have enough clothes to pack. What are you bringing with you. I looked up the weather and saw that is is slightly warmer than Ohio is about mid 60s, so I was thinking pants and short sleeve. Hubby has no clothes to pack and I am afraid he will be running out Sat night to buy himself things. Its going to drive me nuts. I had to lug out all my maternity clothes last week and a bunch of my favorite things are missing and everyone who has borrowed them has no idea what I am talking about so I have to go shopping too!! Sorry to ramble, I am just excited and stressed.

 

[pamperedbecky]

5 days until we fly out. I don't have enough clothes to pack. What are you bringing with you. I looked up the weather and saw that is is slightly warmer than Ohio is about mid 60s, so I was thinking pants and short sleeve. Hubby has no clothes to pack and I am afraid he will be running out Sat night to buy himself things. Its going to drive me nuts. I had to lug out all my maternity clothes last week and a bunch of my favorite things are missing and everyone who has borrowed them has no idea what I am talking about so I have to go shopping too!! Sorry to ramble, I am just excited and stressed.

The weather looks quite a bit nicer than Chicago, so I'm glad. It sounds like it can be rainy though. I'm planning mostly on pants/capris and long sleeved things...some short sleeves. And layers. That's what I've heard mostly because it can start out pretty cool. It looks like lately the high is around low 60s, maybe if we're lucky it might get to be a high of mid 60s. I look at the weather every day!:blushing: I have been doing too much clothes shopping. I need some nice stuff anyway. I can use a lot of it at conference too. At least that's how I justify it. I have a nicer jean jacket type thing to do layers and long sleeve thin kind of sweater pieces. I have a shorter sleeve sweater too, but I'd wear a tank top under it. I'll probably bring a thicker sweater and even a sweatshirt just incase. We went to Disney a month ago and packed with way too "summery" clothes because it was a bit chilly there. I hate being cold! I wore my sweatshirt pretty much every day when we went to Disney. So, I may be erring on the side of not enough "summery" stuff, but maybe it's because 60s don't seem really really warm to me. I don't know! It's so hard to decide! Because I also don't want a heavy suitcase since I"m just bringing medium size one. My DH will bring a smaller suitcase and we'll use a garment bag together for the nicer clothes. I know we'll end up paying even more to check a 3rd bag but oh well.

I'm trying to decide about bringing my laptop. I mostly want it to maybe watch a movie on the plane. And use the free internet in the lobby from time to time. I just don't know though!

I want to try to have a very productive week because I have shows Fri and Sat and I leave Sunday afternoon. HOly cow, I'm in panic mode too!

 

[Koolotus]

Becky, check about the cost of luggage. I know on our flights since we were leaving the country we could check 2 bags no charge.
Have fun!!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Becky, check about the cost of luggage. I know on our flights since we were leaving the country we could check 2 bags no charge.
Have fun!!

Thanks, Cheryl. I think last time I checked, American had a charge for the first bag, but maybe that wasn't international. I'll double check though thanks!!

 

[gaddischef]

I went clothes shopping crazy too -- but had fun doing it! I am packing fewer pants that I can mix-n-match with tops; 1 dress; 1 jean jacket, 1 light sweater, 1 heavier jacket, umbrella, no laptop which is scary for me because I'm usually attached at the hip with my computer; now -- shoes is what I'm having trouble deciding on. I have so many, but do they match my outfits and will they be comfortable? Tonight is decision time so I can shop more tomorrow if I need to. I made copies of all travel documents today, got all snacks and reading materials ready, it seems like I need to do other things, .....hopefully not forgetting something really important!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Becky, check about the cost of luggage. I know on our flights since we were leaving the country we could check 2 bags no charge.
Have fun!!

Thanks for the advice. I did check and American lets international travelers check two pieces of baggage at no charge each. Yay! I must've been looking at domestic travel when I looked before.

 

[gaddischef]

ok -- tonight is Tuesday -- we're getting closer! So much to do now I feel like no time....I guess what gets done gets done. I need to learn to prioritize!

 

[cincychef]

Thats ok I still have shopping to do, phone calls to make, a show on Sat, and I spent all day today on taxes!!!! and no I don't like to do things at the last minute.

 

[pckelly]

Does our hotel have a pool? I've look online at their site, but can't find one listed an an ammenity.
Can't wait...we leave on Saturday! Only 3 more sleeps!

 

[pamperedbecky]

I haven't seen anything about a pool either. I don't think hotels in Paris are big on having pools because I havent seen any reviews or anything that mention pools.

I'm trying to figure out if they have irons. They say each room has a "trouser press" so I wonder if I can iron shirts with that. I wonder if it's just an iron but that's what they call it. Is anyone bringing a laptop? I'm trying to decide if I should. I wouldn'td mind having it to watch a movie on the plane or start entering my expenses in P3 for 2009 (wouldn't THAT be amazing!) but I also don't want to leave it in my room because people have warned me about that. There is free wireless in the lobby and you can lock things up at the front desk. I'm just trying to decide if I want the hassle.