Your Travel Specialist On: Paris, France

By Maureen Jones (Star Patcher)

Once again, France is one of the top three destinations where people want to go to. I just spent a week in the South of France, and before taking the Eurostar train to London, I decided to spend a few days in Paris.

Two hours and 15 minutes city center to city center can’t be beat. A luxury train, smooth ride you go thru fields, then 11 minutes under the English Channel, then thru the green countryside of the south of England. No one should spend five hours hassling airports and taking a plane which is a lot more expensive than the train.

Years ago, I spent a lot of time in Paris since my younger sister went to the Sorbonne University and the family visited her every month. There is so much to do and see in the city, and even in chilly December, it was crowded. The Christmas market was crowded when I wandered around, and I did buy some unique items for Christmas presents. I looked in amazement at the queue to go into Notre Dame. There must have been five hundred people in line.

I stayed at one of our favorite hotels, San Regis on Rue Jean Goujon www.hotel-sanregis.fr.
Great location, family owned, and a member of the Signature Travel Network of preferred hotels. This means that our clients not only get an upgrade if available, but a free breakfast and other amenities.

It is in the heart of the Golden Triangle, offers discreet luxury and warmth of the Champs-Elysees. It is a l9th century private mansion, unique, with 32 elegant rooms and 11 suites all different with its own character. How romantic to have a glass of champagne on your own balcony and look at the Eiffel Tower. Perfect location for a honeymoon.

I had dinner with the owner’s charming daughter Sarah Georges in the lovely glass roof restaurant which was designed as a winter garden while we chatted about much the clients from All Horizons Travel love staying at the hotel. They have a superb concierge who can do anything for you such as opera or theatre tickets, exhibitions, personal shopping, a river cruise, or limousine transfers. They are working with a London hotel, St. Pancras, which I love to put together a package which is a great idea. A few days in London, the Eurostar train, and a few days at San Regis in Paris. The best of both worlds.

Sarah has established a partnership with selected boutiques on the Avenue Montaigne. With an appointment, our clients benefit from VIP welcome and best privileges. You can get a larger shopping choice at the Parisian department store Le Printemps providing our guest with special benefits and VIP welcome . From 3 nights minimum stay at the San Regis, the guests will be given a VIP

Card including the following benefits. Dedicated guest relation team, VIP welcome, hands free shopping, multilingual personal shopper, priority tax refund, and local free delivery. The tax benefits can be substantial.
There is a lot to be said for a visit to Paris in December. I love the Christmas illuminations on the Champs-Elysees and the elegant Avenue Montaigne just steps from the Hotel San Regis. These lights start on November 20th. I love wandering the neighborhoods and while having a coffee in a little bakery shop, I counted 48 different kinds of bread for sale. My husband grins and says a trip to Paris in December means I need an excuse to wear my mink coat which doesn’t get much wear in Los Altos.

You don’t need a car in Paris. I walk, or use the Metro.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Previous columns by Maureen:

• Abu Dhabi- A destination apart
• Mougins, Cote De A’zur, France
• HIGH FIVE: What Tops Your List in South Africa?
• Lima, Peru’s Crossroads of Past and Present
• Why Use A Travel Agent?
• Your Travel Specialist Maureen Jones: On Assignment in Europe.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• Scotland, The British Open 2015.
• Delectable Dining - Hawaii’s Farm Fresh Table Temptation.
• Themed River Cruises.
• Islay, A whisky lover’s delight!
• Your Local Travel Expert On: Different Perspectives of Australia.
• Exotic Cruises.
• The Kimberley, Cruising the Australian Outback.
• Tips for the perfect family vacation.
• Ciao Italy.
• Four countries in harmony.
• Latin Luxury.
• Adventure Travel - With a Difference.