My three friends and I planned to meet at CDG and take the bus into the city together.  They were counting on me, a seasoned francophile who knows his way around Paris, to provide them with guidance and protection from the “arrogant Parisians” who, rumor has it, derive great pleasure in mocking and abusing Americans.  Travelling on three different US airlines, we arrived, you guessed it, at three separate terminals, including the Camembert.  Imagine the coordinating efforts I had to negotiate so we would all catch up in one place!

I arranged for a loft apartment on Avenue de Friedland, just a block off the Arc de Triomphe, a superb location at a bargain price, scarcely more than a 3 star hotel room for two.  Knowing the territory, the language and the ins and outs of the tourism industry, is a distinct advantage for uncovering a city’s hidden treasures.  The owner of our Paris residence couldn’t have been nicer, meeting us in front of the building (the Airport bus stop was just two blocks away) after my call alerting him to our arrival. The entrance of two massive doors with security locks, a retrofitted elevator (one person plus luggage max) to the sixth floor with one flight walk-up was easily handled, and we entered a charming, roomy apartment with living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and seperate toilet.  A staircase led to the upper loft with two and a half bedrooms with views of the Eiffel Tower, accommodating all of us very comfortably and privately.  Amenities included an entertainment center and computer with internet access, along with maps showing shops and restaurant in the area. We were ensconced right in the heart of Paris’ affluent 8^th district, with everything at our feet.

The luxury of a kitchen in Paris is essential to me for any stay beyond a few days.  Although an abundance of excellent restaurants serving multi course meals offers the greatest culinary indulgences in the world, France also is a chef’s dream of local markets. My friends and I enjoy cooking, and the aroma of freshly baked baguettes and a cornucopia of fresh vegetables, fruits and delicate morsels of pâté, meat and cheese from the morning markets enticed us to fill our larder with a variety of French specialties.  A simple meal of these delights with a choice bottle of wine is the perfect break from the rich fare of the restaurants, bistros and cafés.

One might think that renting your own wheels in Paris is sheer madness.   With one of the best Metro systems of any metropolis, a car is certainly pointless if one is staying within the city bounds.  But I always enjoy the option of exploring the surrounding countryside for a couple of days.  What could be more enchanting than a picnic along the Gardens of Versailles and a visit to Chartres Cathedral?  Driving out of the city may be a bit tricky at first, but Paris traffic is no worse than most US cities, providing one stays away from the Étoile and Place de la Concorde,the two gigantic roundabouts at either end of the Champs Éysées.  They are truly challenging to the novice.  Finding street parking spaces is surprisingly easy, just be prepared with the required prepaid meter cards for daytime hours, and overnight parking is free.