Bonjour

Bienvenue a my little stint on David's blog. In fact, it's not even a stint, really. It's just after I emerged as the lucky winner from David's splendid hat, he asked if I'd report back from my Eurostar jaunt with a post or two. It seems a small price to pay.

(There must be more to Paris than this. From Panoramio)

I also thought you lot probably know all manner of hidden Parisian gems that my wife Wendy and I could explore during our two days there. So I thought I'd ask for suggestions, and then report on them. Or at least one or two of them.

In fact, inspired by Ben, I've even grabbed the TypePad iPhone app, so may even blog from the locations themselves. Try to contain your excitement.

All I have at the moment is the Eurostar tickets. We're going to do the last-minute hotel thing (again, recommendations gratefully received), but the schedule for our two days is pretty much clear. We both want to go back to the Musée D'Orsay, because, well, why wouldn't you? But what else should we know about that's a bit more off the beaten track? Galleries, restaurants, shops, historic monuments, whatever. I don't know Paris all that well, and would love to hear your ideas.

All thoughts welcome in the comments, and thanks in advance for helping me enjoy my prize.

Comments

[Loïc]

I don’t know if you’ll have enough room to blog from this place, but it’s definitly worth checking:
http://www.designers-books.com/?p=179

Have a nice trip!

[Amandine]

There is the Shakespeare & Co Bookshop at 37 rue de la Bûcherie, near Place St. Michel and steps from the Seine River, not far from Notre Dame.
It's been a hub for the English language literay world in Paris for 50 years, (the Henry Miller crew and all that) it's a maze of books in the middle of which you could comme across a bed (as they often have guest staying in the actual book shop) or someone brushing their teeth in the sink next to the dictionnaries. Apparently more than 40,000 people have slept there at one time or another. All he asks is that you make your bed in the morning, help out in the shop, and read a book a day.
Really a nice weird place.
Don't check it too much on internet before hand to keep the surprise!

[intext pools]

The Eiffel Tower is still so beautiful

[Mike Reed]

Thanks for all the idea so far. And yes, the Eiffel Tower is still beautiful. You're quite right.

[Rish]

So just back; hear hear to the Eiffel Tower. Montmarte was where we were, so obviously Sacre Cour, for my favourite view of the city, plus the cafe/bar Un Zebre on the way up. We stayed at Pavillion de Paris, which is a v good townhouse hotel, and we had steaks at Relais de Venise. That lot should keep you busy...

[Mike Reed]

Indeed it should, Rishi. Thanks.