If you want to know all the ins and outs of Paris, well you found the wrong page.  Go look it up in a travel guide - there are thousands on this city, and to be honest, we couldn't do it justice.  Our favorite, naturally, is the Michelin Guide. We did visit a number of places in Paris, and I would recommend all of them if you are ever there with time to spend.

Paris is a beautiful city, and well worth a visit or two. It is an easy city to get around in, thanks to the metro, and relatively safe as well.

We were in Paris for the first time for three days in February, 2000, and were lucky enough that one of our travel friends had visited this city before and were good travel guides. 

So pay attention, for based on our experience we have a few recommendations and tips that might help your stay in this city.  If that doesn't interest you, than at least the photos are pretty good.  And you get to see Garbo in action.  What more is there in life?

We must also say that we love Paris, the French, and France in general. Despite the horrible stereotypes that most Americans have for the French, the people have been nothing but warm, friendly, and fun.

This brings up one of our favorite travel tips - keep an open mind! try new things! Smile! You're on holiday - if you want to be miserable and grumpy than stay home.

A smile and a positive attitude can do you wonders when overseas!

We stayed in the Cirque du Armee National, or the French officer's quarters. Rates were $65.00 a night, with a great location, about 10 blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees, and there was  metro stock within two blocks.  You do need to be an active duty member to use this hotel, but if you are, we would recommend it. Otherwise there are a number of good hotels throughout Paris, many at reasonable rates.

We located a great restaurant called Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, not too far from Notre Dame.  We enjoyed the sampler menu, 600 franks for two people (around $50.00 a head) which consisted of 8 courses and took 4 hours to complete. Food was fantastic, and the wines too, as they let us into their wine cellar where we were able to locate some nice vintages. If you go there ask for Frederic.