Longtime clients Linda, Fred, Marcia and Bill had a fabulous trip planned to Paris and London … and then the Paris and Brussels terror attacks made them question their plans. We talked about the pros/cons of postponing their “escape”, and I am so glad that they decided to forge ahead. As you can see, they had an amazing time!
Hi Ann — another fantastic trip!
Paris was fabulous. The hotel staff (Hotel Edouard 7) was extremely helpful in giving us restaurant suggestions and reservations. Hop on hop tour off was about 3 blocks from the hotel, and the Champs-Elysee was within walking distance, along with shopping and Notre Dame. We used the bus for 3 days — we were very late arriving on the first day (plane delayed for 3 hours) so by the time we got on the bus they gave us an additional day. Ate in some great restaurants — Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower, the boat cruise was fabulous, lot of cafes – the food everywhere was wonderful. The last night we ate in a traditional small French restaurant close to the Eiffel Tower suggested by the hotel, and it was awesome. Bill and Marcia had not seen the Eiffel Tower at night when the lights blink, so when we got out of the restaurant we were just in time to see the light. Then we went to the Champs-Elysee for chocolate crepes (MMMM!!!)
Another great place was the Capucine Café on Rue de Capucine. We had fabulous onion soup and good wine too!
In case you weren’t aware the lights on the Eiffel Tower blink for 5 minutes starting at 9 pm ( the first night was 10 pm) it is an awesome sight to see. If you want any more specifics of the trip would be happy to provide them for you. The guide at the Louvre was unbelievable; he was so knowledgeable in history and art, and with a great sense of humor. He was amazing. For us the half day tour in Versailles was enough, and was very beautiful.
FYI — for the boat cruise we dressed up but there were people in jeans sneakers and shorts – we were happy to dress up though. It made it more special and it just seemed appropriate. Our Parisian haircuts were a very interesting and fun experience (we did not come out with punk pink haircuts)
There was a lot of security around – military and police walking the streets and also around the attractions – security was evident at all attractions, with bag checks and some metal detectors. At first it was a little unsettling, but then it was somewhat reassuring that they were around. The only place I felt a little uncomfortable was the Eiffel Tower. There were just so many people around and the security walking around seemed to be more focused.
The Chunnel was a nice trip – but a little confusing finding our way in the train station as the signs were not always pointing you in the right direction. We decided on the Tube after we got to London because of the marathon – we found our way just fine, however it was not an easy trek with 4 suitcases and 4 carry-ons and no escalators up and down. The stairs were a real task.
Again, the hotel (St Ermins) was perfectly situated, a 5 minute walk from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. We rode the London Eye, took a boat down the Thames ( hop on hop off) again found some great pubs and ended our London trip with a traditional pub for fish and chips. We ate at a great steakhouse called Hawksmoor in Langley. It was amazing — highly recommend it.
Our transfers were always there on time and waiting for us. Unfortunately the weather was not as cooperative. It was very cold the entire time in London (had so many layers I looked like the Pillsbury dough boy). It even snowed in London on our last day. The first few days in Paris were beautiful but the last day got cold there as well.
Thank you again for another fabulous vacation with wonderful memories.Linda
