ParisByTrain.com

[Shaysct]

Ben, What a great site. I will printing beaucoup des pages prior to my trip. I'm just looking for a little validation on my proposed public transit plan for when I take my 18 year old niece to Paris this spring. She's never been out of the US so I want things to go smoothly. We are arriving on a Tuesday and leaving on a Monday. I would like to take her to Versaille while we are there. My thought is that the most economical and easy way to travel would be to get the Carte Orange Navigo Decouverte at CDG when we arrive and use that Tuesday through Sunday (33 euros each) and then buy a one way ticket to CDG for the return (8.40 euros each). We're renting an apartment and the owner has given us the metro directions so we're cool there. Your site has been very interesting for me to read - thank you for doing it. No need to rush an answer back to me - I know you are busy and we're not leaving until April (ahhhh, April in Paris). Thanks again. Susie

[ben]

Susie,

You're neice is super lucky! You'll have a great time.

Your plan is a solid, no-hassle Paris Metro/RER plan. If you went with Billets Ile-de-France for the Versailles & CDG inbound trips, you'd save only about 3€ vs. the 5 zone Carte Orange Navigo Découverte that you're already planning on. Thus, I'd totally go with your initial purchase plan, since I'd say the hassle of messing with tickets "costs" more than 3€.

Since I can't help offer any advice on trains, how about I make that up with some suggestions on great places/things to do in Paris:

• Lunch at Alcazar - really cool, modern expansive dining room tucked away north of St. Germain. Lunch menus at 19, 26 & 32€.
• Chausson aux pommes/tartelettes aux pommes at Poilane - famous bread maker is also the master of buttery, apple pastries. I love places that do nothing, but their specialty, which means they do that one thing very well. This place is one of them.
• JP Hévin Chocolatier - One of the master chocolate makers in Paris. A good variety of hand crafted chocolates to try and bars of chocolates from cocoa grown in specific places. Buy a few and do a chocolate tasting: you'll be amazed by the differences.
• Lunch at Benoit - classic French cuisine in a traditional bistro on busy pedestrian street just south of Centre Georges Pompidou. Michelin one-star. Dishes of note on the lunch menu: Petit Paté chaud de lapin sauce civet, Savarin au rhum creme fouettée (you'll be happy & warm after eating this cake ;^)

I've compiled the locations of the above on a Google Map: Ben's Paris Tour.

Have a great trip!

Ben

[Shaysct]

Meci beaucoup Ben. I've been to Alcazar and agree it would be a good place for a teenager. Do they still have the cigar "lady" there? Thanks a million. When we come back, I'll let you know how things went. Susie