16 Glorious Days for London & Paris, Looking for ideas
Nov 4th, 2015, 10:34 AM
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16 Glorious Days for London & Paris, Looking for ideas
Just booked our tickets! I am planning a family trip in June 2016, flying into London and out of Paris. We'll likely rent an apartment in each city. I'm looking for suggestions on how to best split the trip up, half in each locale? I'm interested in the Tudor period and also literary touring in London. Where would the best lodging for this be? For Paris (planning to stay near the Louvre), in addition to the typical Paris things, I'd like to do a day trip to Monet's home, and possibly some other day or overnight trips. It might be too early for the lavender blooms in Provence? I want the trip to feel leisurely, not jam packed. Will do plenty of research, but would love some help. Any ideas for possible itineraries? Thanks much for any feedback.
Nov 4th, 2015, 10:59 AM
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Who how many in the family? Ages, genders and interests can shape very different trips.
Certainly you can you 1 or 2 day trips from each city - but do focus on those that are reasonable Hampton Court Palace and Giverny are easy day trips - Provence is not - despite the TGV.)
Certainly you can you 1 or 2 day trips from each city - but do focus on those that are reasonable Hampton Court Palace and Giverny are easy day trips - Provence is not - despite the TGV.)
Nov 4th, 2015, 11:24 AM
#3
In your 16 days, are you counting the days you leave home, arrive, and return home, or is it 16 full days, starting on the day after you arrive. Also subtract, for planning purposes, another for the trip between London & Paris, no matter how you plan to travel. All the travel-related activities will take most of a day. That means your 16 days could conceivably be reduced to as little as a bit over 12. Let us know.
Having been to both cities numerous times, in my experience, Paris is a more compact & efficient place to visit. However, as has been pointed out, it depends on everyone's interests and Paris may have more for you in some way, meaning as many or more days there. We have no way of knowing. But in general, I usually visit both cities on a trip over and usually spend more time in London & environs. But again, it depends. Do your homework, make your lists of the absolute most important things to each of you, and then you'll know. And don't forget those travel days!
Having been to both cities numerous times, in my experience, Paris is a more compact & efficient place to visit. However, as has been pointed out, it depends on everyone's interests and Paris may have more for you in some way, meaning as many or more days there. We have no way of knowing. But in general, I usually visit both cities on a trip over and usually spend more time in London & environs. But again, it depends. Do your homework, make your lists of the absolute most important things to each of you, and then you'll know. And don't forget those travel days!
Nov 4th, 2015, 11:27 AM
#4
Is your 16 days on the ground (so 18 or 19 days all together) or total home-to-home (leaving just 13.5 days free to do things?)
That will make a very big difference.
In neither case but especially if you only have 13.5 days you really on't have time for trips to Provence or other overnights.
How many in the family? ages? have you been to either city before? nightly budget?
If you want leisurely -- don't plan on jumping around. Giverny is an easy day trip from Paris and places like Hampton Court Palace and Windsor are easy day trips from London. I'd just split my time between Paris/London.
That will make a very big difference.
In neither case but especially if you only have 13.5 days you really on't have time for trips to Provence or other overnights.
How many in the family? ages? have you been to either city before? nightly budget?
If you want leisurely -- don't plan on jumping around. Giverny is an easy day trip from Paris and places like Hampton Court Palace and Windsor are easy day trips from London. I'd just split my time between Paris/London.
Nov 4th, 2015, 11:43 AM
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Thanks so much for the feedback so far! Our group consists of myself, my husband, and our 18 year old daughter. This trip is a surprise for her graduation and acceptance into college. She doesn't know yet, and it's deliciously exciting to anticipate telling her (we'll be at a french restaurant when we do). It's also to celebrate this milestone as a family as she'll be leaving in the fall. Paris has been on her agenda for a long time; London on mine, so I'm combining both to save on airfare. We'll be on the ground for 16 days, with travel it's 18 days. We like art, history and literary things and more, of course. Thanks again; look forward to see what more comes forth. Planning is such fun.
Nov 4th, 2015, 11:59 AM
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I did a family trip to London and Paris last fall with emphasis on 1) general sightseeing and 2) Tudors and 3) Monet.
In London, we went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Tudor gallery (and much more). If we'd had time, we would have gone to the V&A for the Hilliard miniature of Elizabeth I, but we didn't, but you might.
If the royal seal exhibition is still on at the Royal College of Physicians (but I fear it won't be), they had some items signed/sealed by Elizabeth I.
We also went to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace; we spent the greater part of the day at Hampton Court but we had a nice day and spent some of it exploring the grounds. I think you have a reasonable chance of nice weather in June and the gardens there are lovely (even in fall).
You might want to make a stop at the British Library, for their Treasures exhibit. There is sure to be something there to interest you from a Tudor and/or literary point of view.
Obviously it's not the original, but perhaps a play at the Globe? Only five pounds for a standing ticket, one of the best theatre deals in London. Their next season will be announced in January, I believe.
We also went to Hatfield House, which I hadn't known about prior to the trip but was an especial wish of my aunt, the Tudor enthusiast. I thought it was delightful with excellent staff and volunteers and although we spent all day, we did not see it all (another time for the kitchens and chapel). They have a couple of significant Elizabeth I portraits and of course she lived there. If it's important for you to see the Old Palace do email them ahead of time, as it's often closed.
I know there are other Tudor-y things in London but I'm blanking at the moment. I'll recall them, or someone else will come along with the information, never fear.
I found Giverny a very easy day trip from Paris and again, we spent the entire day. I imagine you will want to see the Musee D'Orsay while in Paris.
I think that even with 16 days exclusive of travel I would only stay in London and Paris, and not try to also go to Provence, especially if you want the trip to be more leisurely, but that is just my opinion. Our London-Paris trip last year was 8 days in London and 12 in Paris--not enough!
You have plenty of time to plan what to do; for now I would concentrate on finding places to stay in each city and also booking your Eurostar tickets as soon as they're available, to ensure the best price. If there's a group of you, you might like the four-around-a-table seats.
As to where to stay in London, anywhere more or less within the yellow (Circle) line on the Tube map, or on the South Bank, that is within your budget, meets your needs for number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and has good access to transit. London is very spread out and there is no one place to stay where you'd be able to quickly walk to the Tower, Westminster Abbey, and the British Library, for example, so make sure you have good access to public transit and be ready to use it.
I hope you have fun planning your trip!
In London, we went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Tudor gallery (and much more). If we'd had time, we would have gone to the V&A for the Hilliard miniature of Elizabeth I, but we didn't, but you might.
If the royal seal exhibition is still on at the Royal College of Physicians (but I fear it won't be), they had some items signed/sealed by Elizabeth I.
We also went to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace; we spent the greater part of the day at Hampton Court but we had a nice day and spent some of it exploring the grounds. I think you have a reasonable chance of nice weather in June and the gardens there are lovely (even in fall).
You might want to make a stop at the British Library, for their Treasures exhibit. There is sure to be something there to interest you from a Tudor and/or literary point of view.
Obviously it's not the original, but perhaps a play at the Globe? Only five pounds for a standing ticket, one of the best theatre deals in London. Their next season will be announced in January, I believe.
We also went to Hatfield House, which I hadn't known about prior to the trip but was an especial wish of my aunt, the Tudor enthusiast. I thought it was delightful with excellent staff and volunteers and although we spent all day, we did not see it all (another time for the kitchens and chapel). They have a couple of significant Elizabeth I portraits and of course she lived there. If it's important for you to see the Old Palace do email them ahead of time, as it's often closed.
I know there are other Tudor-y things in London but I'm blanking at the moment. I'll recall them, or someone else will come along with the information, never fear.
I found Giverny a very easy day trip from Paris and again, we spent the entire day. I imagine you will want to see the Musee D'Orsay while in Paris.
I think that even with 16 days exclusive of travel I would only stay in London and Paris, and not try to also go to Provence, especially if you want the trip to be more leisurely, but that is just my opinion. Our London-Paris trip last year was 8 days in London and 12 in Paris--not enough!
You have plenty of time to plan what to do; for now I would concentrate on finding places to stay in each city and also booking your Eurostar tickets as soon as they're available, to ensure the best price. If there's a group of you, you might like the four-around-a-table seats.
As to where to stay in London, anywhere more or less within the yellow (Circle) line on the Tube map, or on the South Bank, that is within your budget, meets your needs for number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and has good access to transit. London is very spread out and there is no one place to stay where you'd be able to quickly walk to the Tower, Westminster Abbey, and the British Library, for example, so make sure you have good access to public transit and be ready to use it.
I hope you have fun planning your trip!
Nov 4th, 2015, 12:53 PM
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You may want to take a look at "Paris to the Past" by Ina Caro for ideas on day trips by train from Paris.
One piece of unique advice I got from a Fodorite was to go to L'Orangerie first thing the day after visiting Giverny, to see the huge Monet canvases with little to no company. I will get around to doing that someday, as Giverny is the one thing in/around Paris that I have not gotten to do!
I can also say that climbing the towers at Notre Dame was worth it....get there 30 minutes before it opens to avoid long lines and be able to go in the first group. Exercise to work off the pain au chocolat and cheese with a wonderful view, especially close up views of the gargoyles.
We also loved our food tour of St Germain with Paris by Mouth...tons of food and cheese we would never have known about (much less could have ordered) without the tour.
If anyone is into fashion, then you have to visit the original Chanel boutique at 31 rue Cambon. The security guards may give you a look at the legendary mirrored staircase that leads to her apartment. She watched her fashion shows from the staircase...I was tickled to see it and really wanted to make a run for the apartment. I love to pair my visit with lunch at Le Soufflé and finish with shopping around the Madeline church. Maille mustard, baccarat crystal (chandeliers are amazing)and a glass of Champagne and a snack at Fauchon are my favs. Tea, honey, truffles and more all around the church...I love it.
Been too long since I have been to London to help you much. I really enjoyed Canterbury, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels and also the Churchill War Rooms
One piece of unique advice I got from a Fodorite was to go to L'Orangerie first thing the day after visiting Giverny, to see the huge Monet canvases with little to no company. I will get around to doing that someday, as Giverny is the one thing in/around Paris that I have not gotten to do!
I can also say that climbing the towers at Notre Dame was worth it....get there 30 minutes before it opens to avoid long lines and be able to go in the first group. Exercise to work off the pain au chocolat and cheese with a wonderful view, especially close up views of the gargoyles.
We also loved our food tour of St Germain with Paris by Mouth...tons of food and cheese we would never have known about (much less could have ordered) without the tour.
If anyone is into fashion, then you have to visit the original Chanel boutique at 31 rue Cambon. The security guards may give you a look at the legendary mirrored staircase that leads to her apartment. She watched her fashion shows from the staircase...I was tickled to see it and really wanted to make a run for the apartment. I love to pair my visit with lunch at Le Soufflé and finish with shopping around the Madeline church. Maille mustard, baccarat crystal (chandeliers are amazing)and a glass of Champagne and a snack at Fauchon are my favs. Tea, honey, truffles and more all around the church...I love it.
Been too long since I have been to London to help you much. I really enjoyed Canterbury, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels and also the Churchill War Rooms
Nov 4th, 2015, 02:21 PM
#9
I would suggest you take a look at the trip reports of latedaytraveler, such as
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-business-.cfm
Her trips are usually based on literary, historical and artistic interests and I think they will give you many interesting ideas.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-business-.cfm
Her trips are usually based on literary, historical and artistic interests and I think they will give you many interesting ideas.
Nov 4th, 2015, 03:21 PM
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We did a day trip to Chartres as well as Giverny by train from Paris. In town, in addition to the biggies, I especially enjoyed Musee Jacquemart Andre and St. Chapelle--and the macarons from Laduree.
Literary sights in London include the rebuilt Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the Dickens House Museum, the George Inn, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Samuel Johnson's House, and for any book lover the British Library as mentioned above. There are numerous others--just Google.
In June, if you have time go to Regent's Park and see Queen Mary's Rose Garden.
Literary sights in London include the rebuilt Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the Dickens House Museum, the George Inn, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Samuel Johnson's House, and for any book lover the British Library as mentioned above. There are numerous others--just Google.
In June, if you have time go to Regent's Park and see Queen Mary's Rose Garden.
Nov 4th, 2015, 05:50 PM
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In Paris do not miss the Cluny Museum - of the middle ages - including the famous unicorn tapestries When we went with our teen DDs they went twice they loved it so much.
Once you have told your daughter suggest she look at the Let's GO Student guide so she can get info on where to meet people her own age and what clubs or pubs are popular.
Once you have told your daughter suggest she look at the Let's GO Student guide so she can get info on where to meet people her own age and what clubs or pubs are popular.
