We rode the train from Paris to Reims on a cold winter Monday, found a taxi easily and dashed from the train station on a speedy cab to Les Crayeres to make up for the 20 minute delay in the train schedule. This delay caused us to arrive later than we had planned at the restaurant (1:45 p.m.). In spite of our late entrance, the staff were awaiting our arrival and welcomed us warmly.
A friend asked recently, after hearing our complaints about the cold weather in Paris, why we were there in winter. Summer, he reasoned, was warm and we wouldn’t need heating or cold weather clothes. Right he was. And yet, we enjoy the holiday spirit and seasonal foods available in Paris at the end of the year. People seem to be in good spirits and we make time to take advantage of the countless choices the City of Lights has to offer or just relax and enjoy being there. The 700 square-foot apartment on Rue des Ecoles enhanced our stay, providing a centrally located, pleasant, clean and comfortable corner to call our own for our month long sojourn.
We wound our way on foot from our nearby Latin Quarter rental apartment through the cobblestone street of one of the oldest parts of the city to meet friends for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, Jacques Cagna. Although it was a short walk and we found the restaurant easily, it was cold and by the time we reached Jacques Cagna we were ready to be in doors. Walking in from the freezing cold on a gray Parisian winter day we were thankful for the warm welcome and English friendly attitude.
We had heard so much about the famous horizontal first class seats, when we finally encountered them we didn’t know what to think. After four long flight segments on Air France first class, we say the seats alone are worth flying first class. There are other more subtle benefits such as the less crowded cabin (only 12-13 passenger capacity on our flights), less crowded first class lounge, in-flight loungewear, dedicated heads (bathrooms), extra legroom when the seat is in normal position, polite service attitude and guaranteed meal selections.
Our meal at Michel Rostang, a family business centered on the latest chef in a line of five generations of kitchen professionals, was like having a delicious lunch at an affluent friend’s house. The food was well prepared and beautifully presented, the dining room was cozy and featured a number of noteworthy decorative touches, the wine cellar was ample and diverse, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and client centered.
: We arrived after a plentiful lunch; rushed and tired from running errands and buying souvenirs. Inside the George V spa we entered a world of pampered luxury, escaping for a few hours from our cares. Small touches abounded to enchant the guest. The new looking facilities were immaculate. Subdued lighting, quiet ambiance, elegant and understated décor, comfortable furniture, delicious and refreshing complimentary beverages and plump and juicy dried fruit, guest centered staff, and a plethora of treatment options provided an irresistible combination.