That long awaited trip to Paris! Tired and somewhat groggy from the trans-ocean flight, you land at Charles de Gaul airport and…is it something in the air or that melodic language landing on your American ear? Suddenly you perk up and realize: you are an American in Paris!!!!
So much to do, so little time!! The Louvre, of course, and Napoleon’s Tomb. The Trocadero, with that spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower, then the Tower itself. Shopping, an aperitif at an outside café; tea or demitasse…maybe the waiter (garcon) is just as you imagined: long white apron, napkin placed at a jaunty angle on his arm…but the price of your little afternoon repast may be a bit of a shock. Get over it…you’re on vacation!
Let’s wonder over to the Left Bank (left of the River Seine) and the famous (infamous?) Latin Quarter (5th and 6th arrondissement). No, it’s not South American; it’s Latin as in the Language you didn’t study in high school. Why? Because the area you’re entering surrounds the Sorbonne and other colleges and universities; scholars and students of the Middle Ages gravitated here and they spoke Latin…the language of scholars and intellectuals and clergy. The University dates from the 13th century and the area which has grown over the centuries is rich with tradition: Roman ruins and world class museums, fine restaurants and great bistros.
A bit about bistros: they’re restaurants, usually rather small and not too fancy, but with classic, simple menus. It is thought that they evolved from the basement kitchens of rooming houses; the owners, desirous of more income, opened these kitchens to the public and served inexpensive meals. That was then, this is now…and you’ll have a great taste of France! Steak frites or coq au vin, a baguette and some table wine. How good is that?
Perhaps you want a little more glamour: Cabaret as you’ve always imagined it! Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin? Since your on the Left Bank go over to Paradis; Moulin Rouge is in the 18th Arrondissement (Pigalle). At the Paradis Latin you’ll find the oldest cabaret in town, started in 1803. Rebuilt in 1887, after having been destroyed by fire, to a design by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel). This is cabaret as you may have imagined it, though you may find it too touristy or you may find yourself seated in a seat behind a column with no sight lines. Be prepared to spend about $150.00 for the dinner and show. Scallops, loin of lamb, fillet of bass, duck a l’orange, Charteaubriand, and on and on. Champagne and wine, of course, and perhaps a “symphony of sorbets” or a gateau opera. Did you come for the meal or the show? Fantastic costumes, gorgeous girls, clever comics (brush up your French, so you’ll get the jokes) amazing acrobats and a bit of erotism (we are in Paris, right?) Makes for a fun evening.
