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France/Questions Answered by Expert Patrick Robichaud
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Loire 3 days | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: I am traveling to France by myself (the last minute my French speaking friend refused to go). I am ... A: Elena – If you’re looking for architecture, I’d definitely look at Blois rather than Tours. It’s ... | |
| Paris end of August | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: We'll be in Paris for 4 days end of August. Are many neighborhood restaurants and shops still ... A: While a good many places may be closed, there is enough open to keep one occupied. There will most ... | |
| Shuttle bus Montpellier airport | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: Hey Patrick. Do you know how far it is from Montpellier Airport to Montpellier trainstation? And is ... A: There are plenty of Buses/ Trams into and around Montpellier. Take a look at the following websites ... | |
| travel from CDG to Bercy station | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are flying to Paris CDG and have train tickets for our onward journey from Paris ... A: Take the RER B to Gare du Nord. Transfer to the RER D and take it to Gare de Lyon. Transfer to Metro ... | |
| France at the end of October | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I am traveling to Paris with three female friends at the end of October this year for 5 days only. I ... A: Jacqui - Sorry for the delay. I am having some family emergencies and was called out of town. I'm ... | |
| France at the end of October | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I am traveling to Paris with three female friends at the end of October this year for 5 days only. I ... A: Lovely time to be in Paris. I will be there about a month before you. Where are you staying? What is ... | |
| travel from CDG to Bercy station | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I are flying to Paris CDG and have train tickets for our onward journey from Paris ... A: I was out of town and just getting back. Easiest is to take a taxi which would cost around 50 ... | |
| fashion | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: Do you think fashionably ripped jeans (say from Hollister or American Eagle) would be okay in France ... A: If you want to be assured you won't stick out, I would not wear ripped jeans in France. From my ... | |
| 9 hour Layover in Paris | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: My daughter and I will have a 9 hour 40 minute layover in Paris (CDG) on 12 July - arriving near ... A: I cannot vouch for the traffic or any issues with striking workers and the Metro, but you can get in ... | |
| suggested location in France | 6/10/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are fairly active and pushing 60. We've been to Europe a number of times and my ... A: Sounds like a lovely trip. I am a big fan of the Normandy area. I have spent a few really great ... | |
| Travel to France | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are travelling to France for the first time. We are planning a good 18 days in the ... A: Chew Thanks for letting me know where you’ll be in Champagne. In the last email, we talked about ... | |
| Paris | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: I just stumbled across this wonderful site and want to thank you for sharing. I am going to Paris ... A: You are staying in my favorite part of the city. I also rent an apartment in the Marais each year. ... | |
| Travel to France | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are travelling to France for the first time. We are planning a good 18 days in the ... A: You've asked a lot of questions, so I'll be taking some time to answer everything...I have some ... | |
| train travel from dijon to paris cdg | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: I will be flying out of paris on 6/15 - flight departs @ 1:40 p.m. Is there reliable train service ... A: Margaret - I apologize that my answer did not meet your expectations. Looking at TGV, yes there is ... | |
| christmas in paris | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: i read your reply to a question from a woman who was travelling to paris with her husband and 17 ... A: Here you go: Divellec - Around 70 euros/person Le dome du marais - starts around 27.50 euro for ... | |
| christmas in paris | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: i read your reply to a question from a woman who was travelling to paris with her husband and 17 ... A: Yes, Karaoke is becoming more and more popular in Paris. Here are some of the more popular Karaoke ... | |
| christmas in paris | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: i read your reply to a question from a woman who was travelling to paris with her husband and 17 ... A: Let's start at the beginning. In what part of the city will you be staying. That will help me ... | |
| Restaurants in Paris open on Christmas | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: Patrick: During your recent trip to Paris did you identify any restaurants that will be open on ... A: It may have been one of those nights, but it was simply not good. La Coupole, on the other hand, I ... | |
| Restaurants in Paris open on Christmas | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: Patrick: During your recent trip to Paris did you identify any restaurants that will be open on ... A: Yes, I did. I have a number of them for you....hopefully in all types of price ranges. First, for ... | |
| paris fashion | 11/30/2007 |
| Q: I'll be going to Paris for my honeymoon in mid January and I don't want to be totally out of place ... A: I will tell you, having just returned from Paris, people know how to dress there!! Depends upon ... | |
| southern france | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: Patrick Hello! My son and 3 friends will be flying from US to AMsterdam on 12-26. They will spend ... A: Steve - That gives them a really great ability to see just about anything in the South. As I said, ... | |
| southern france | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: Patrick Hello! My son and 3 friends will be flying from US to AMsterdam on 12-26. They will spend ... A: What parts of Southern France are they planning on visiting? I would HIGHLY recommend Carcassonne, ... | |
| Christmas Dining | 11/1/2007 |
| Q: We are an English couple in our 60's who will be in Paris from 22nd to 27th December staying in an ... A: Martin - There are a few options to get from the Airport to Gare du Lyon. One of the cheapest is ... | |
| Christmas Dining | 10/29/2007 |
| Q: We are an English couple in our 60's who will be in Paris from 22nd to 27th December staying in an ... A: Lovely time to be in Paris. There are many great reasonable restaurants in the Marais/Ile St Louis ... | |
| carry-on bags and pills | 10/20/2007 |
| Q: Can I take a few different kinds of pills and powder medication in my carry-on bag on the plane as I ... A: You should be able to carry on. The issue is with gels and liquids, which are limited to no more ... | |
| From Marseilles to Rome | 10/15/2007 |
| Q: I am on a 12 day visit to france.But I would like to spent 2 days in Rome too. Is their any train ... A: Rakhi - Yes. It appears you can travel from Marseille, via Nice to Rome. Here is the information ... | |
| several--travel in Provence, New year's Eve in Paris | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: We are traveling to France Dec. 22 thru Jan.2. My son has been studying in Aix so that is where we ... A: Yllen Eiffel has some great reviews. Sounds like a wonderful place...and there's a Metro right next ... | |
| several--travel in Provence, New year's Eve in Paris | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: We are traveling to France Dec. 22 thru Jan.2. My son has been studying in Aix so that is where we ... A: If you were going in July or August, I would definitely say bus, as most areas have high traffic and ... | |
| French countryside; farmlands | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: Egide, of French-Canadian extraction who has been, basically, nowhere and hates cities pretty much. ... A: What is surprising to me is how much country side there is outside of Paris. One great trip for me ... | |
| train or bus | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: Is there a way by public transport from either Nimes or Montpellier Airport to Millau? The Ryanair ... A: Yes, there is a bus from Montpellier to Millau. Here is some information: ... | |
| Trip to France: Weather & suggested agenda | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: I'm planning a holiday to France with my husband in November. We're looking at a 10 day trip. Your ... A: Bina – Apologies for the delay. I had an emergency in another state, so was unavailable. First ... | |
| visiting in 2 weeks: tickets and plans | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: Bonjour, Patrick. So glad you're back! I hope your vacation was a good one! We are arriving Sun 30 ... A: FOLLOW UP: Found the Theatre du Chatelet and they have some concerts going on: ... | |
| visiting in 2 weeks: tickets and plans | 9/17/2007 |
| Q: Bonjour, Patrick. So glad you're back! I hope your vacation was a good one! We are arriving Sun 30 ... A: !! Always great to hear from you! WOW. I'm so impressed with your agenda. As far as ballets and ... | |
| Staying in Paris only 3 nights | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: Salut! I will be leading my family on a 10 day tour of Northern France in June 2008. There will be ... A: In terms of hotels, I like the Hotel Jeanne d'arc and the Hotel Castix, Hotel Sevigne and ... | |
| paris | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: I am trying to plan a trip to Italy with my sister next year, one of my dreams is to see Paris, but ... A: I politely disagree with your sister. I think Paris is one of the most incredible cities in the ... | |
| France & Italy in 7 Days?! Is it possible? | 7/19/2007 |
| Q: I received a reply saying that you had already responded to this question before, but this is the ... A: KW - It's going to be tough, but you'll be able to do it. Here's my suggestion. On Tuesday, walk ... | |
| Resturants open on Christmas? | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: My boss is going on a personal trip to Paris and will be there over Christmas. He put me in charge ... A: That's quite a tall order. Christmas is a tough time to find a restaurant that is open...but there ... | |
| arrondissements | 7/13/2007 |
| Q: Bon soir. You have already given me so much helpful information. At the suggestion of a friend, I am ... A: Glad you found some great apartments. Honestly, I'd go for the one on Ile St. Louis. It's truly ... | |
| arrondissements | 7/11/2007 |
| Q: Bon soir. You have already given me so much helpful information. At the suggestion of a friend, I am ... A: Marcia - All of these look great. The one on Vielle du Temple says it faces the courtyard. That's ... | |
| arrondissements | 7/10/2007 |
| Q: Bon soir. You have already given me so much helpful information. At the suggestion of a friend, I am ... A: Marcia - The one on Ile Ste Louis (103818) looks wonderful. If you can swing it, definitely worth ... | |
| arrondissements | 7/10/2007 |
| Q: Bon soir. You have already given me so much helpful information. At the suggestion of a friend, I am ... A: The listing looks great, but I have to say, I'm concerned about where it actually is. It says near ... | |
| Fuel and parking in Paris | 7/9/2007 |
| Q: ! Three friends and I are planning to visit France and Spain for the first time. We ... A: What fun! Good luck driving in Paris! Public parking is scarce and expensive in Paris. It can ... | |
| arrondissements | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: Bon soir. You have already given me so much helpful information. At the suggestion of a friend, I am ... A: I, personally, love the Marais, as it is very lively and there is a lot to do in this area. It's ... | |
| paris apartments | 7/7/2007 |
| Q: We are 2 families( 4 adults & 4 children aged 11-13 years ) planning to stay in Paris for 6 nights ... A: I think apartments are definitely the way to go, especially when traveling with families. You get ... | |
| France & Italy in 7 Days?! Is it possible? | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: I received a reply saying that you had already responded to this question before, but this is the ... A: KW - I love France, so I think there is a lot to do there. I would highly recommend Paris. It's ... | |
| France & Italy in 7 Days?! Is it possible? | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: I received a reply saying that you had already responded to this question before, but this is the ... A: KW - My apologies. I hit an automated answer by mistake earlier...and there is not way to retract, ... | |
| Breakfast around L'Arc de Triomphe | 7/3/2007 |
| Q: My son and I are staying at the Splendid Etoile at 1 Avenue Carnot in mid-July. Do you know of ... A: !! Laduree is a fantastic place for breakfast. It is consistently excellent. I've also had a very ... | |
| France in september | 6/29/2007 |
| Q: Me, my wife and our 6 mos daughter are planning a relatively short trip to France for 7 days / 6 ... A: Moby - Sounds like a great itinerary. With regards to getting from London to France, it depends ... | |
| Seasons in Paris | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: When do you believe the weather is best in Paris? A: I believe the answer is all relative. I prefer the fall due to the decent weather and the absence of ... | |
| Local Law | 5/29/2007 |
| Q: In my preparations for traveling to Paris, everything I come across tells me to become accustomed ... A: There are certain laws in France by which you should abide. Things like, always carrying your ... | |
| restaurants | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: This is a followup to your wonderful information from before. We will be staying at the Hotel ... A: Then for those of us who still eat foie gras, La Petite Scierie is a must do! The tradition is I ... | |
| restaurants | 5/26/2007 |
| Q: This is a followup to your wonderful information from before. We will be staying at the Hotel ... A: a lot of the restaurants I have listed are in close walking distance to the 11th. I did some ... | |
| Paris/Hotels | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: My wife and I are planning a trip to Paris with our sixteen year old granddaughter. This is the ... A: Peter - Have you considered an apartment? I don't know for how long you are going, but I usually ... | |
| visiting Paris | 5/10/2007 |
| Q: I guess my last question was outside Paris. This one is about visiting Paris in October. We would ... A: I had a GREAT time at the Cordon Bleu in 2000. I took a 1/2 day class called Cooking for Friends and ... | |
| visiting Paris | 5/9/2007 |
| Q: I guess my last question was outside Paris. This one is about visiting Paris in October. We would ... A: October is lovely in Paris. (Actually, it's lovely anytime!!). I don't think 7 days is too long, as ... | |
| Paris in July | 5/6/2007 |
| Q: I'm taking a two week vacation to France in July. My first visit to France and I speak practically ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering. I have been out of town unexpectedly. Without knowing the dates ... | |
| Paris | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: I have three days in Paris with no car. I love markets, quaint hotels, art, etc. Can you make ... A: Where to begin!!! Let's talk art first. Paris has so many incredible places to see art. My top picks ... | |
| Paris Budget | 4/8/2007 |
| Q: I am planning a trip to Paris for myself and girlfriend for late August, early Sep. The plan is to ... A: James - Normally, I stay in the 3rd, 4th or 11th. However, I go for 12 days and usually rent an ... | |
| Paris Budget | 4/8/2007 |
| Q: I am planning a trip to Paris for myself and girlfriend for late August, early Sep. The plan is to ... A: That's a great question. The way I usually budget is try and keep breakfast down to 10 Euros a day, ... | |
| FOLLOW UP - paris to barcelona driving | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: my husband and i will be in paris on july 6th. we will spend 5 days there and then rent a car and ... A: FOLLOW UP Wendy - Sorry I did not meet your ideal needs. As I stated, I am unfamiliar with ... | |
| St. Emilion compared to Mont Saint Michel | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: Do you know how these two places compare? We like shopping and great restaurants and really enjoyed ... A: Mont St. Michel is a VERY touristy spot. I was there about three years ago and found the abbey at ... | |
| Shopping in France | 4/4/2007 |
| Q: I'm planning a 1-2 day shopping trip to Paris (my first time there), I'm looking for good shops ... A: Paris is so wonderful. I've included some of the places that are terrific. Please let me know if ... | |
| First time in France | 4/2/2007 |
| Q: We are planning our first visit to France, from LA to Paris and then going south and over to ... A: I'm very envious of your itinerary. Where are you going in the South? Without knowing your stopping ... | |
| Paris in July - Follow up list | 3/31/2007 |
| Q: My husband & I are going to take our daughter to Paris for her 16th birthday. We have never been ... A: Jet - Here is a list of some of favorites in Paris, sites, restaurants etc., along with some hints ... | |
| summer trip to Paris | 2/1/2007 |
| Q: I am planning a trip this August to Paris from Canada with my daughter and my mother. None of us ... A: Michelle. How exciting! Getting to Saintes from Paris shouldn't be too difficult. I don't know if ... | |
| Shopping in France in February | 1/9/2007 |
| Q: I've an eye for bargains especially in designer goods and so I'd really like to know if you could ... A: I apologize for the delay in responding...I was out of town unexpectedly. Here are some great ... | |
| Restaurants | 1/3/2007 |
| Q: Can you recommend three or four Marais restaurants for E35 including wine A: I would have to say there are a number of great little restaurants and cafes in the Marais that I ... | |
| Christmas Eve - Restaurant in Opera area recommendations | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: Bonjour Patrick, We were able to get reservations at the Opera Bastille on Christmas Eve during the ... A: Bonjour Kurt - Congratulations on the Opera Bastille. Enjoy!!! If you want to eat within walking ... | |
| Opera & Hotel | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: We have a question regarding a hotel. You have been most helpful with your information. I was ... A: I have not personally heard of this hotel, however, I did a quick search and found some reviews on ... | |
| Christmas in Paris 2006 | 12/10/2006 |
| Q: we were able to all discuss your information yesterday and have some follow-up questions. 1. Is ... A: There should be lots open Christmas Eve day. Christmas DAY is another story. There won't be a lot ... | |
| Xmas and New Year's in Paris | 12/6/2006 |
| Q: Patrick. Your advice sounds very useful (and tasty!). Any ideas for the unscheduled 3 days (Dec ... A: I would highly recommend a side trip to Chatres. It's only about 90 minutes from Paris (Montparnasse ... | |
| Xmas and New Year's in Paris | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: My wife and I (33 and 29 years old) will be in Paris from December 23 through January 4. We plan on ... A: Paris and Brugges...my two favorite cities! I'm very envious. Some of my favorite places in Paris ... | |
| Christmas in Paris 2006 | 12/5/2006 |
| Q: my husband is taking me and our 17 yr old son to Paris, France for 6 nights (arriving 23Dec 11:30 am ... A: What a great time to be in Paris. I am including a few notes and some website URLs. The best sources ... | |
| Ahh! Paris! | 11/19/2006 |
| Q: "Hello! My husband and I (in our early 30's) are planning a 3 week trip and the MUST sees are ... A: I can speak for Paris, so I'm hoping that will at least get you started. Paris is an amazingly ... | |
| travelling to Nice from Barcelona | 11/4/2006 |
| Q: I am trying to get to Nice after a cruise which docks back into Barcelona. Can you advise me please ... A: I hope you get some time in Barcelona. It is a beautiful city. How quickly would you like to get ... | |
| Next summer, I want to go France by myself,but... | 10/27/2006 |
| Q: I can not speak French.And,I can not speak English,sufficientry. What'smore,usually,the French tend ... A: First, let me emphasize that the French do not dislike English. The French dislike when someone ... | |
| evening meal | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: Next month I am taking ten of my friends to Paris for the weekend to celebrate my big ... A: What a great way to spend your 50th birthday. I am very envious. One real treat is Balajo at 9 rue ... | |
| Visiting Paris in Februrary? | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: My name is Tamara. My daughter, mother and I are looking to visit France the last week of February. ... A: Tamara - If you could give me a few more details, I would be happy to help. Are you flying to ... | |
| Connaître and naître | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: What, if any, is the connection between the verbs connaître and naître? A: Erik - I'm sorry for the delay. I could swear I sent an answer to this. Connaitre is to know or be ... | |
| Christmas in Paris | 10/12/2006 |
| Q: Have you even been to Paris for Christmas? Me & my boyfriend are thinking of driving there from ... A: Yes, I have been to Paris at Christmas. It's really lovely and romantic...and it's still considered ... | |
| driving distance in france | 8/13/2006 |
| Q: What is the distance between avignon and frejus in miles? A: Since there were no specific addresses mentioned, I will provide city to city distance (and driving ... | |
| Clothing in Paris - Suit | 8/5/2006 |
| Q: I'm moving back to Paris for work. Do you have any tips on where to get suits for an affordable ... A: I have to say I'm envious that you're moving to Paris. With regard to suits, it depends on how ... | |
| Travelling in France | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: My fiancee and I are planning a driving holiday across France for our honeymoon in April 2007. We ... A: Congratulations on your marriage! What a great place to spend a honeymoon. I have not driven from ... | |
| climate (not weather) | 6/24/2006 |
| Q: Do you know of a web site or book that will give me climate data on France (or the whole world)in ... A: A very good resource for weather in France is the following website: ... | |
France
Answers by Expert:
Patrick Robichaud
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I travel to Paris each year and I'm well acquainted with restaurants, shops, hotels and the general layout of the arrondissements. I frequently create itineraries for my friends, including what to pack, how to travel, etc. I also frequent many out of the way places that are not in a lot of tour books, but that should NOT be missed.
Experience
I visit France each March and stay for two weeks, living in an apartment. I frequent most non-tourist restaurants, bars and socialize with a lot of locals. I have very honest opinions...because I love this city and wish to dispell the misinformation that is out there regarding Paris and its citizens
Publications
Overland Park Sun Newspaper, Kansas City Star, The Pitch
Education/Credentials
French degree. Currently work as Marketing manager in a Fortune 100 Telecommunications company
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