Paris - done the 'grown-up' way

[GrumpyOldHorsewoman]

DH and I are (probably optimistically) entertaining the notion of spending a child-free weekend in Paris. I have several requirements -

1. How good is the Eurostar? Much better (or worse) than flying?
2. Would like a yummy, boutique-y hotel for a couple of nights, must be fairly central.
3. Good places to eat. We don't do mega - dress-up-for-dinner dining, but want good food, good atmosphere, not uber expensive.
4. I want to buy my Royal Ascot outfits. Not high-end designer, nor flouncy, fancy shit. Don't need to buy bargain basement, so would like to know where I would best find smart with a modern twist (bit like L K Bennett, but perhaps slightly more individual).

See, that's not much to ask, is it? Any suggestions?

Mmmmm. Confit of Duck. (slaver)

Very reasonable prices - wasn't expecting that! 15.50? for starter and main!

Whoops - sorry - I mistyped it!

BistroT du Sommelier, not in Bordeaux and sadly quite a bit more expensive!

OMG, what a fabulous menu! I'm drooling all over my keyboard. That's more the sort of price I was expecting - still fairly reasonable though, especially when compared to London. You'd pay that in a Berni Inn in Croydon (Do they still have Berni Inns?)

LOL, showing your age

It was really great, we had the menu prestige I think - you get a wine flight as well, and you're supposed to guess what each wine is - I'm vaguely trained in wine tasting (which is why DH picked the restaurant) and I failed abysmally to guess any of them .

Twas lovely though.

1. Eurostar infinitely preferable to flying (much less tiring, much more reliable)
2. Hotel Verneuil in the 7th
3. How many lunches / dinners? Do you want French food or other?
4. Le Bon Marché

Yes I do

I want good food - regardless of origin. Luurve French food, generally. Still pre-occupied with the menu at Bistrot du Sommelier....
Bon Marche rather than Galeries Lafayette?

My partner grew up in Passy and his parents still live there, so we aren't personally particular in love with that quartier . I live in the 17th near Parc Monceau which is full of young families and there are lots of mixed nationality couples because of the bilingual school (which has over 60 nationalities) where my daughter goes.

Shopping is really fantastic in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Avenue Montaigne if you want designer clothes.

Oh yes, Bon Marché every time

If you were to stay at Hôtel Verneuil there are lots of lovely restaurants not far away. You might like Chez René on boulevard Saint-Germain, or Le Cherche-Midi on rue du Cherche-Midi; le Bistrot de Paris on rue de l'Université

Just Googled Hotel Verneuil.

Very nice.

Just had to burst in and say I can't wait to go to Paris on Monday. Just me and teenage ds.
Yay!

Have fun, mumblechum

If you go on the first weekend of the month all the museums are free. Love Paris!