Klarinet Archive - Posting 000298.txt from 2002/07

From: "Chuck" <cwilltie@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Paris!
Date: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 01:12:39 -0400

I lived there for a while in the late '80's, and went back about five years
ago. Most of this info should still be timely.

When you get there, buy a Plan de Paris, a chunky little map book that has
detailed maps of each arrondissement (district), a subway map, Métro stops
for all points of interest, etc. About $15 American, and worth it. You can
buy them in the train stations, among other places.

In addition to what you listed, musts include the Bateaux Mouches tour of
the city (along the Seine in open-air double-decker boat), the Luxembourg
Gardens (go on a sunny day and take a sack lunch,), climb to top of Arc de
Triomphe for great city view, and Eiffel Tower (approach Eiffel Tower by
taking Métro to Place du Trocadero, walk up to the street level and go
around to the large terrace outside the Palais de Chaillot; Eiffel looms
right in front of you!); also worth a trip (elevator) to the top for great
view.

As for churches, see Notre Dame, of course; and Sacré Coeur (the outside, at
least!), best accessed by climbing up the streets of Montmartre and going
through the Place du Tertre. Also Sainte Chapelle, on a very sunny morning,
because the light coming through the windows is incredible; best view ca. 10
a.m., as I recall. I can also highly recommend the cathedral at Chartres,
less than an hour from Paris.

Museums: definitely the Musée d'Orsay, Rodin Museum (nice gardens, also),
Cluny Museum (if interested in medieval art/artifacts; really very
interesting), Picasso Museum (almost overwhelming, but fascinating).
Another interesting thing I did: walk through Père Lachaise cemetery (huge),
where people such as Chopin, Bizet, Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar
Wilde are buried. Try and get a map of it so you don't wander aimlessly for
hours! The headstones/monuments are incredible.

(Double-check the following for up-to-date accuracy/locations): best place
to buy CD's is FNAC (best one is FNAC Étoile-Wagram, on Ave. Wagram just
down from the Arc de Triomphe). Best place for sheet music is La Flûte de
Pan, right at the top of the Europe Métro stop. Also try the Leduc store at
175 rue Saint-Honoré; normal-sized versions of all that over-sized French
music! If you want to do anything at the Vandoren factory, best to call for
an appointment first (they seemed pretty accommodating when I lived there).

Bon voyage!

Chuck

----- Original Message -----
From: "Audrey Travis" <vsofan@-----.ca>
Subject: [kl] Paris!

> Dear Fellow Members
> I'm going to be in Paris from August 15th to the 26th and would just
> love to meet and visit with any of you who live in/near Paris or who are
> planning to be there too. Perhaps for dinner or a drink or...?
>
> Also, if anyone has great suggestions of things to do or see in Paris,
> please fill me in. I am planning obvious visits like the Louvre, Musee
> D'Orsay, Arc de Triomphe - all the biggies in the tour books as well as
> Giverny and Versailles. I am also planning on contacting Buffet and
> perhaps going out there to pick up some keys I've had on order for at
> least 6 months and take a tour of the factory. What about some ideas of
> fine sheet music stores or museums - I understand there is a Music Museum.
>
> Looking forward to meeting you and to hearing some great ideas!
>
> Thanks,
> Audrey
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
>

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