Thanks to all for the suggestions, especially pippen, cur.ve, FB, and TISNF (repped). Some of those places were already on my radar (steak and frites, falafel and ice cream) but others not so much. It is interesting how even a world renown restaurant like Le Chateaubriand can get mixed reviews .... Dans le Noir sounds like a trip (channeling Deckard here ) Not sure I will try it, but definitely intriguing. Will definitely be checking out Jardin des Plantes and Buttes Chamont. And the chocolate tour is tempting ..... there is so much to do, but we will try to not do too much, just walk and see what is lurking around the corner. Will report back after my return.
+1 on Berthillon for ice cream. Go to the actual shop. Pierre Hermes for macarons and other sweets. Les fines Gueules is a nice little bar/restaurant. Won't knock your socks off but overall a good experience and is open late. Kunitoraya was also solid of you want some udon.
Being from Bordeaux (born in Arcachon, 30km off of Bordeaux) and living now in Paris, I think I should be able to be of a little help. Though a lot has been mentionned already. Paris: Butte Chaumont (19e) is a nice place to visit. Another park is le Jardin de Luxembourg (6e) and le parc Monceau (17e). You can also rent à bike (called velib) for a few hours to stroll through Paris. There are Terminals all through-out the city. A walk that I also like very much doing is la Coulée verte (12e) which is the old train path which was used to transport merchandise in Paris. It has since been transformed in a walking trail that runs through buildings of the city. In the 19e you can also go see le Père Lachaise, the largest cemetery in Paris where a buried a few well know persons such as Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde or Jim Morrison. Near Opera, there's a street with traditional Japanese restaurants called Rue Sainte Anne. I often go to one called Iruma. Bordeaux the downtown is articulated around 2 pedestrian street : Rue Porte Dijeaux, leaving from Gambetta square, and Rue Sainte Catherine, which is the longest commercial street of Europe. At the end you will find Place de la Victoire, where you'll find all the bars to take a drink at night. Be sure to visit Quartier Saint Pierre, where you can feel all the atmosphere of the city, and don't miss Pey Berland, one of the largest pedisterian square in Europe. The pride of the city is Place des Quinconces with it's well known Statue des Girondins. If you're there around diner time, don't hesitate to take a table at the restaurant L'Entrecote next to the Opera. There's a little wait but you won't regret it. And of course, if you make your way out of the city, be sure to visit the bay of Arcachon and the Dune du Pilat, one of the largest sand hill in Europe. Other than that have fun tasting the large selection of wine in the région. :grin:
Protip: Parisians are much more open and friendly if you TRY a little French at first, then ask in French if they know English (if you aren't very good at French). You get credit for trying and not assuming that they speak English (even though most Parisians in touristy areas speak English pretty well). Protip: If you are going to the museums, buy the Paris Museum Pass. Gets you in most of the major museums for a discounted price and you usually get to go to the "fast lane" line. Protip: The Paris Visite: bus/metro pass for unlimited rides in a decent amount of time. Paris has one of the best metros in the world, once you learn the maps/lingo. Remember...its all in French! Protip: Many of the luxury goods at the high level stores have set world retail prices, that are adjusted for USD, GBP, and the Euro on the price tag. Depending on the conversion rate and relative strength of the dollar, sometimes the retail price adjustment is greater than the strength of the Euro, letting you actually buy stuff at a discount. Add to the fact you can claim VAT back (ask for the forms), you can often actually save money on high end items. Protip: Touristy parts of Paris have some of the scammiest scammers around. Never accept that "gold" ring that the girl says you dropped, the deaf kid isn't actually deaf, the bent over one legged gypsy isn't actually a bent over one legged gypsy.
