So, I want to go to France....

[teenagebambam]

...in about eight months (mid-May) with my partner, stay mainly in Paris with a couple of side trips (Chartres, Versailles) and see everything that needs to be seen (I've been before, partner hasn't).

Here's the catch - we're poor as church mice and are likely to remain that way for the forseeable future (we're both college professors).

Any hints as to where I can start, to find reasonable travel and accommodations?

[Ellen Forradalom]

1. Start making friends :-)

Don't know what to advise besides that, except don't overlook the humble hostel. If you don't mind some noisy youth, that is.

Where are you flying from? If you are departing from the West Coast, Air Tahiti Nui LAX-CDG is a good deal.

[ccpup]

2. surprisingly

it isn't as expensive to stay in Paris as one might think. Or at least I don't find it is. You can rent apartments that are centrally located (Luxembourg Gardens, the 6éme, etc.) by the week for around 1,000Euros which is close to what you'd pay for two or three days in a centrally located hotel. Plus you have a kitchen where you can cook your own daytime meals -- purchased at open air markets nearby --, leaving room in your account for dinners out, if you like. And take advantage of restaurant's prix-fixe offers. A great deal of delicious food for great prices.

Also, as far as travel goes, buying the tickets early may save some money, but also scout the internet for specials that cover the dates you want to travel. May, being part of the high season, might be more difficult than, say, December or February, but I still think there are deals to be had.

Purchase a carnet of metro tickets when you first get there. Cheaper, I believe, than buying them every day, especially if you anticipate traveling around a great deal.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Est-ce que les diners sont plus chers que les dejeuners en France?

Peut-etre que j'y vais l'année prochaine.

[Bassic]

5. En général oui.

Le dîner, le repas du soir, est généralement plus cher que le déjeuner (repas du midi)

Au Québec, le dîner est lui aussi plus cher que déjeuner, mais ce sont respectivement le repas du midi et celui du matin. :)

[GoneOffShore]

4. If you haven't checked it out already go to

VRBO.com

vacation rental by owner - Great selection of flats - and you're sure to find something within your budget. As you're college professors network around the academic community. You'll be surprised at how many people do own flats in Paris.

Air transport - check out Kayak.com

For transport to and from CDG don't use the RER unless you really enjoy humping luggage around. Take the Cars de Air France - buses running between CDG - Gare de Lyon - Montparnasse and Orly. If you're going to splurge on airport transfers use Blue Van or Airport Connection - they pick you up at the airport and take you to your Paris destination. Pick you up when you leave. You can book online and they give you a discount for round trips.

For transportation in Paris - Don't buy the Paris Visite Card - Get the daily Mobilis Pass - Check the RATP.com web site (They'll try to sell you the Paris Visite but don't fall for it) You can, if you bring passport sized pictures with you, buy the Navigo Decouverte - And you only need Zones 1-2. This is the weekly pass that is good from Monday to Sunday - only works if you're there in that time period - not worth it otherwise.

Unless you're jonesing to see the Mona Lisa avoid the Louvre - go to the Orsay or the Branly. Take the train from the Gare de Nord and go out to Chantilly. It's a great day trip.

You've been to Paris so you probably know but my advice for first timers is: Don't try to do or see too much. Enjoy the city for what it is. Walk in the Luxembourg Gardens, Walk along the Seine. Explore the Isle St. Louis - have a drink at the Relais de L'isle and watch the Parisians and the tourists and listen to the surprisingly good American jazz band that plays on the bridge there. Explore the Place des Vosges and see Victor Hugo's apartment. Have lunch in the Marche Enfant Rouge at L'Estaminet and share a table with Parisians.

Hope the trip works out. Have a great time. And if you want some more places to go, let me know.