April in Paris...with a Side of Bordeaux
Apr 23rd, 2016, 10:25 AM
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April in Paris...with a Side of Bordeaux
You may call this a Bordeaux Sandwich Trip. A non-stop flight to Paris determined that I would sandwich some days in the Bordeaux area in the middle. As I have formatted in the past, there will be a short version with just the facts (ma'am) and a longer diary of each day.
The flight is a non-stop out of Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C. In the not too distant future, the metro should be running a line to it. That will be a huge advantage to D.C. travelers.
When I reserved at Hotel Le Clement, the second dates were not available. If I love it, I'll revisit as I like the immediate area.
25 - 28 April:
Hôtel Le Clément ** PARIS
Address 6 rue le Clément
Town/City Paris
Postcode 75006
Country France
Phone +33 (0)1 43 26 53 60
Fax +33 (0)1 44 07 06 83
Website http://www.hotel-clement-paris-saint-germain.com/
E-mail [email protected]
28 April - 2 May:
Hotel Majestic: Bordeaux
HÔTEL MAJESTIC
2 rue de Condé - 33000 Bordeaux - FRANCE
Tel. : 00 33 5 56 52 60 44 / Fax : 00 33 5 56 79 26 70
www.hotel-majestic.com / [email protected]
2 - 8 May:
Hôtel Waldorf Montparnasse *** PARIS
Address 17 rue du Départ
Town/City Paris
Postcode 75014
Country France
Phone 33(1) 43 20 64 79/Fax 33(1) 43 35 17 52
Website http://www.hotel-paris-waldorf.com/index_OLD.html
E-mail [email protected]
Come fly with me!
The flight is a non-stop out of Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C. In the not too distant future, the metro should be running a line to it. That will be a huge advantage to D.C. travelers.
When I reserved at Hotel Le Clement, the second dates were not available. If I love it, I'll revisit as I like the immediate area.
25 - 28 April:
Hôtel Le Clément ** PARIS
Address 6 rue le Clément
Town/City Paris
Postcode 75006
Country France
Phone +33 (0)1 43 26 53 60
Fax +33 (0)1 44 07 06 83
Website http://www.hotel-clement-paris-saint-germain.com/
E-mail [email protected]
28 April - 2 May:
Hotel Majestic: Bordeaux
HÔTEL MAJESTIC
2 rue de Condé - 33000 Bordeaux - FRANCE
Tel. : 00 33 5 56 52 60 44 / Fax : 00 33 5 56 79 26 70
www.hotel-majestic.com / [email protected]
2 - 8 May:
Hôtel Waldorf Montparnasse *** PARIS
Address 17 rue du Départ
Town/City Paris
Postcode 75014
Country France
Phone 33(1) 43 20 64 79/Fax 33(1) 43 35 17 52
Website http://www.hotel-paris-waldorf.com/index_OLD.html
E-mail [email protected]
Come fly with me!
Apr 23rd, 2016, 10:36 AM
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Forgot to say United Airlines. I don't plan to check my bag, and am enrolled in the Global Entry program. Oh, and there was an email offer a couple of days ago to move to better seats for $144. Since the plan showed at least 20 possible seats, I'm wondering if this flight isn't full. Will we be able to spread out anyhow?
Generally DH and I tried to leave as late as possible from the States so we weren't having to kill time before we got into our hotel. This is not the case and my flight is scheduled to arrive around 7 a.m.--watch for news about old lady asleep in front of the hotel. LOL.
The middle of the 'sandwich' will include a visit with Fodor's friends. More to come.
Generally DH and I tried to leave as late as possible from the States so we weren't having to kill time before we got into our hotel. This is not the case and my flight is scheduled to arrive around 7 a.m.--watch for news about old lady asleep in front of the hotel. LOL.
The middle of the 'sandwich' will include a visit with Fodor's friends. More to come.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 10:51 AM
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Looking forward to your TR. I was in Bordeaux following five wonderful days in Paris last Fall and while there did a marvelous cooking class at The Grand Bordeaux Hotel, then strolled around after, stopping at the Apple Store to check email. It was a sunny, warm October day - so memorable!
Hope your weather is as optimal.
Bon voyage!
Hope your weather is as optimal.
Bon voyage!
Apr 23rd, 2016, 11:21 AM
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Sounds good. I've stayed in the Majestic and really enjoyed it and that location. I highly recommend dining at the Brasserie d'Orleans which is just down the street and around the corner, facing the park. http://www.brasserie-lorleans.fr/
Of course your Paris hotel is perfect for going from CDG by Air France bus as it stops about right across the street, almost. But you may have planned it that way, also excellent for going to the train station to Bordeaux.
As for United, I like to fly them as the seat upgrade is a very reasonable price, as you noted (sometimes it is only about $100, it goes up closer to flight date). I don't see how you can spread out to those seats as they are in a different area. they will not allow you to move from an economy seat to an upgraded premium economy plus area if you don't have the right type of ticket, just like you can't just go sit in first class if there is an empty seat. Besides, those seats will probably be full by takeoff as people get upgrades for various reasons, and sometimes they get them at the airport if there are free ones. Those seats are totally worth $100 or so to me, especially on the flight over, as they give you extra legroom. I always buy them on flights that long if they cost less than $150.
Of course your Paris hotel is perfect for going from CDG by Air France bus as it stops about right across the street, almost. But you may have planned it that way, also excellent for going to the train station to Bordeaux.
As for United, I like to fly them as the seat upgrade is a very reasonable price, as you noted (sometimes it is only about $100, it goes up closer to flight date). I don't see how you can spread out to those seats as they are in a different area. they will not allow you to move from an economy seat to an upgraded premium economy plus area if you don't have the right type of ticket, just like you can't just go sit in first class if there is an empty seat. Besides, those seats will probably be full by takeoff as people get upgrades for various reasons, and sometimes they get them at the airport if there are free ones. Those seats are totally worth $100 or so to me, especially on the flight over, as they give you extra legroom. I always buy them on flights that long if they cost less than $150.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 11:35 AM
#5
Hi TD,
In Bordeaux I can thoroughly recommend the trams; we got day tickets which were very good value and mean that you can jump on and off at will. We also found that there was a concert in the Cathedral on the Saturday we were there which was very good.
And then there is the street of restaurants: I can't remember exactly where it is but I know that it was near the Cathedral.
Anyway you won't starve!
In Bordeaux I can thoroughly recommend the trams; we got day tickets which were very good value and mean that you can jump on and off at will. We also found that there was a concert in the Cathedral on the Saturday we were there which was very good.
And then there is the street of restaurants: I can't remember exactly where it is but I know that it was near the Cathedral.
Anyway you won't starve!
Apr 23rd, 2016, 12:25 PM
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Are you planning to visit St Emilion near Bordeaux? Charming village.
2 chocolate shops I recommend: Saunion @ 56, cours Georges Clemenceau & Cadiot-Badie @ 26 allées de Tourny.
Restaurants: La Brasserie Bordelaise @ 50 rue Saint Remi
Cheese: Jean D'Alos - several locations.
2 chocolate shops I recommend: Saunion @ 56, cours Georges Clemenceau & Cadiot-Badie @ 26 allées de Tourny.
Restaurants: La Brasserie Bordelaise @ 50 rue Saint Remi
Cheese: Jean D'Alos - several locations.
Apr 23rd, 2016, 12:27 PM
#7
Have a great trip! I'll look forward to following along.
Correct that E+ seats may fill up. A few years back UA changed their policy and us lowly silvers can't choose an E+ until check-in. In the meantime you can check online how full the plane is.
<i>In the not too distant future, the metro should be running a line to it. </i>
You are very optimistic!
Correct that E+ seats may fill up. A few years back UA changed their policy and us lowly silvers can't choose an E+ until check-in. In the meantime you can check online how full the plane is.
<i>In the not too distant future, the metro should be running a line to it. </i>
You are very optimistic!
Apr 23rd, 2016, 12:40 PM
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Agree about the trams in Bordeaux - they are wonderful and take you all over the city for nothing. Get a ticket at the Bordeaux train station for a whole day.
I probably wouldn't spend the extra $144 for the better seat, but I am a resigned traveler - I never get enough sleep on planes no matter what I pay, and I just get my old self up and running the next day in Paris with a coffee and a croissant and push my body forward.
See you next week! I hope you have allergy medicine if you need it, because it's hayfever season around here. Flo is going to scour your bedroom before your come for allergens, but we ARE in the middle of rural France, so I hope your asthma doesn't kick in. I've kept the bedroom windows open for the past few days, but is that a good thing or bad? Seems to have cleared up the air out there - I hope so.
I probably wouldn't spend the extra $144 for the better seat, but I am a resigned traveler - I never get enough sleep on planes no matter what I pay, and I just get my old self up and running the next day in Paris with a coffee and a croissant and push my body forward.
See you next week! I hope you have allergy medicine if you need it, because it's hayfever season around here. Flo is going to scour your bedroom before your come for allergens, but we ARE in the middle of rural France, so I hope your asthma doesn't kick in. I've kept the bedroom windows open for the past few days, but is that a good thing or bad? Seems to have cleared up the air out there - I hope so.
Apr 24th, 2016, 09:18 AM
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Thanks for all the info above.
StCirq, no worries, only outside allergy is to cats! Rest are to various meds food additives. Enjoy Paris!
The price to upgrade my seat dropped to $99 online last night.
Loong trip to gate.
Yes, gail, St E is planned.
TDuTwo (TDudette on kindle)
StCirq, no worries, only outside allergy is to cats! Rest are to various meds food additives. Enjoy Paris!
The price to upgrade my seat dropped to $99 online last night.
Loong trip to gate.
Yes, gail, St E is planned.
TDuTwo (TDudette on kindle)
Apr 25th, 2016, 12:13 AM
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Well, it took 2 hours to get here; one hour in long customs line, and one hour in taxi. Taxi took credit cards and had a charger. Flat rate 55 euros. Hotel is sweet but need 30 minutes for room. I am now finishing my 2nd cafe au lait while I wait.
Forgot to make this a TR but will do so upon return.
Bonjour Paris!
Forgot to make this a TR but will do so upon return.
Bonjour Paris!
Apr 25th, 2016, 06:20 AM
#14
I stayed at the Hotel Waldorf Montparnasse with my daughter over ten years ago. Enjoyed it at the time. La Cerisae is a small restaurant around the corner that was really excellent when I visited a couple of years ago. Tiny, so reservations required.
Have a great trip.
Have a great trip.
Apr 26th, 2016, 04:39 AM
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Days 1 and 2
80 in D.C.; 40 iN Paris
Sunday a.m. I left home at 10:15 and was on the shuttle from the economy parking lot at Dulles (IAD) at 11:50. TSA pre-check would have been a breeze if the one man in front of me kept setting off the alarm.
From there it took almost another hour to reach C Gate 27. Dulles is big and my gate was outer most? Flight was about 1/2 hour late leaving.
Flight not full and middle seat was empty. Dinner was a kind of chicken stew and earned a solid B in the ratings. Not much sleep even with my rain coat as an additional pillow.
Monday we arrived at 7:09 at CDG and it took almost another hour of walking and standing in line for customs. The moving sidewalks there replaced the escalators I am used to. If you are shaky at all, have a free hand on the railings.
At the taxi line, I asked for a cab that took credit cards. It was the 3rd in line. So can I suggest 1/3 of cabs do? It was a flat rate of 55 euros. Monday morning traffic was slow but "fluide" according to the peripherique sign.
At 9:15, we arrive hotel but not before passing Market Puce, a fair number of busineses, scads of building projects and finally the pretty streets around Blvd. Haussmann, Grand and Petit Palais and Blvd. St. Germain.
The hotel is perfect. Just the blend of shabby formal DH and I always enjoy. Photos to come. My room will be ready in 30 minutes says clerk Elabeth so I get 2 much needed cafe au laits. Kitchen open for breakfast until 10:30.
After dropping off stuff, my first goal is to find the street, Rue du Cherche Midi, where DH and spent a wonderful 2 weeks. It took longer than needed by my poor map reading and a map not detailed enough. It was not a problem as it was so nice to be back. (I did mentally berate the author of "April in Paris" though).
The general area has many cafes and restaurants. My first meal in Paris is:Confit de canard et pommes sautees et Mousse au chocolate. To drink, une verre de Cotes du Rhone AOC. 19.50 euros plus tip.
Back to room to crash.
80 in D.C.; 40 iN Paris
Sunday a.m. I left home at 10:15 and was on the shuttle from the economy parking lot at Dulles (IAD) at 11:50. TSA pre-check would have been a breeze if the one man in front of me kept setting off the alarm.
From there it took almost another hour to reach C Gate 27. Dulles is big and my gate was outer most? Flight was about 1/2 hour late leaving.
Flight not full and middle seat was empty. Dinner was a kind of chicken stew and earned a solid B in the ratings. Not much sleep even with my rain coat as an additional pillow.
Monday we arrived at 7:09 at CDG and it took almost another hour of walking and standing in line for customs. The moving sidewalks there replaced the escalators I am used to. If you are shaky at all, have a free hand on the railings.
At the taxi line, I asked for a cab that took credit cards. It was the 3rd in line. So can I suggest 1/3 of cabs do? It was a flat rate of 55 euros. Monday morning traffic was slow but "fluide" according to the peripherique sign.
At 9:15, we arrive hotel but not before passing Market Puce, a fair number of busineses, scads of building projects and finally the pretty streets around Blvd. Haussmann, Grand and Petit Palais and Blvd. St. Germain.
The hotel is perfect. Just the blend of shabby formal DH and I always enjoy. Photos to come. My room will be ready in 30 minutes says clerk Elabeth so I get 2 much needed cafe au laits. Kitchen open for breakfast until 10:30.
After dropping off stuff, my first goal is to find the street, Rue du Cherche Midi, where DH and spent a wonderful 2 weeks. It took longer than needed by my poor map reading and a map not detailed enough. It was not a problem as it was so nice to be back. (I did mentally berate the author of "April in Paris" though).
The general area has many cafes and restaurants. My first meal in Paris is:Confit de canard et pommes sautees et Mousse au chocolate. To drink, une verre de Cotes du Rhone AOC. 19.50 euros plus tip.
Back to room to crash.
Apr 26th, 2016, 05:01 AM
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TDude, I hope your raincoat has a liner. It's snowing here in the 20ème now, and we just got back from buying gloves and wool scarves. Can't decide whether to take a nap or brave going into town to someplace warm. But we did find a lovely café around the corner that had steaming bowls of lentils and sausage for 5.50 euros. Stay warm!
Apr 26th, 2016, 06:20 AM
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Amazing, StCirq! Thank goodness for online weather forecasts. I did bring my raincoat planning for the 60s but NOT for snow.
Are you in a higher elevation?
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunniest so far and I am going to try Giverny.
Are you in a higher elevation?
Tomorrow is supposed to be sunniest so far and I am going to try Giverny.
