Paris - March 9 - 16, 2003

We were told we were crazy to be intending to continue with our plans to visit Paris, during the height of French displeasure of the US decision to invade Iraq.  But we felt it was important for us as travel agents to continue forward to fully understand how realistic our Headline CNN news was.  Well, as expected, the average person on the street in France really didn't give a darn and they ignored us in the manner which tourists have become accustomed too over the years.

We never felt any hatred or displeasure, no one threw tomatoes at us, and we were served in all restaurants.  There were no protests at McDonalds or shredding of Levis, and our hotel did not lose our reservations.  In fact, our US dollars were widely accepted, although at a falling Euro rate.  The city was pleasantly uncrowded, at least pleasant for us, but the tour operators were feeling the losses already. No line ups for the Eiffel Tower or the Louve, an unusual sight for spring break.

March is a wonderful time to visit Paris, as the weather is getting very pleasant, not to hot and sticky yet, but past the worst of winter.  Things are still a little grey though, as the flowers have not yet bloomed.  But that didn't matter, Paris was surprisingly clean, from the walls of the buildings to the gutters of the street.  (Later we learned of the system for cleaning the party of the previous night, but if you don't get up to early, you never see the trash.)

The popularity of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours is stretching to most European Cities, and Paris has a ticket that covers three major routes.  This is such a great way to get around to all the attractions, at the pace you want to set for yourself.  The three zone ticket is good for 48 hours.  If you don't think you have the time, or have previously been to a number of the sights, you can purchase the ticket for each selective zone.

From the Eiffel Tower, to the steps of the Cathedral of Montmatre, Ray and I keep our pace up.  We feel we have thoroughly seen the city this time around, and enjoyed every outdoor cafe and carafe of wine along the route.

Practical Information:

We took the underground from Charles du Galle Airport to the closest station to our hotel.  Our Hotel was the Tour du Notre Dame located on the left bank.  We personally love the left bank for the smaller streets and ethnic restaurants.  And although our hotel was well located, it was on a noisy street, but that is part of Paris.  If the windows are closed it's great.

A warning about hotels in Paris, just as in Rome, you don't get much for $150 - $200 per night, hard that it is to imagine.  If you want to be well located for this price, you will find yourself with about a 3-star quality.  They are clean, private bathrooms,  however, the rooms are small, and the definition of air-conditioning is totally different that that of Houston's.  And the decor is distinctly 3-star.  Some interior decorate really became popular with the idea to have the walls covered in fabric in the same design as the curtains and the bedspread.  Plays havoc with general 50 watt bulb lighting. 

If you can afford the 4-star, you get such an jump in quality of hotel, but a jump in the price as well.  Unless you are really well traveled and can go with the flow, I suggest you plan on making more room in the budget, as Americans will be greatly surprised at what $200 gets you in a city such as Paris, IF you feel that location to most attractions is the most important reason in your selection of hotels.  If you don't mind dealing with the subway everyday, then $200 will get you a terrific hotel at the airport.  And beware when your friends tell you about the "best deal" they found.  They won't admit it was a tiny, one color room.

For more specifics Call or