I will be in Paris in August, staying in the 6th for the first couple of nights. I arrive early in the morning and while I might be sleepy, I would like to make good use of my first wonderful moments in Paris!
I thought I would ask to leave my luggage at the hotel and go wandering. Does anyone have any good suggestions for a lovely brunch type meal? I thought I would wander down to Notre Dame and take a little walk. I don't want to go to a museum the next day due to jet lag. I thought perhaps a Paris Walk tour in the neighbourhood and a evening boat cruise.
I love to hear all the suggestions. If I feel well, I might even try to climb Notre Dame....which leads me to my next question...my son told me it gets pretty narrow as you get closer to the top...does anyone know if the climb is similar to St Paul's in London. I made it half way up and got a bit shaky...
As I read this, I see this is not much of an adventuresome first day and a bit - I think I should tweak it a bit...with pastry (any suggestions there?).
Thanks to all!
A first day's adventure in the 6th...
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If you're coming from the New World, I'd suggest heading out to the Luxembourg Gardens for a few hours.
You need to be out in the open air with the sun shining, to help you overcome jet lag. Don't nap, stay up until at least 9 or later.
If Notre Dame, then Sainte Chappelle, practically across the street. From there, it's an easy stroll down to the Musee D'Orsay.
Also, walk the Ile de la Citie, it's a world apart.
Thank you. I am thinking if the weather holds, I should opt for a good expresso and then pick up some thinkgs for a picnic...I concur sitting indoors would just put me asleep.
kelsey - there are some very nice delis in the 6th - if you google maps the address of your hotel, and then put "delicatessens" into the search box, they will show up on the map. once you are replete, you could walk down Boulevard St. Michel from the gardens until you see the Pantheon on your right, then cut through the 5th onto the ile de la cite to Notre Dame and St. Chappelle. [if you are feeling energetic/want an ice-cream at Berthilons you might detour round the Ile de st. louis as well]
then back up the bottom of boulevard st. Michel until you reach boulevard st. germain, find a nice bar/cafe, then wander back to your hotel.
i would suggest NOT trying to see the musee d'orsay - big museums are too exhausting for a first day, IMHO.
That sounds like a great idea. Funny, I always end up with ice cream my first day....
kelsey22, the Notre Dame tower climb was easier to me than St. Paul's because I didn't like St. Paul's metal spiral staircases. I recall ND was all stone steps, enclosed, and not too narrow. Definitely not as claustrophobic as the Vatican Dome if you've done that. We're doing ND again in May; gotta get back up close and personal with those gargoyles!
Funny, I always end up with ice cream my first day....>>
ONLY your first day, kelsey? why are you depriving yourself?
Notre Dame climb is not bad at all...no claustrophobic memories for me. The view is so worth it. I vote yes, followed by a trek over to Berthilllon afterward!
Then I would wander over to Un Dimanche a Paris.follow rue St Andre des Arts...stock up on salted caramels, chocolat and macaron ( ginger citron, especially).
You could wander over to Cafe Flore, 172 blvd. St. Germaine, or Brasserie Lipp, 151 blvd st. Germaine, or for indifferent service but wonderful people-watching, Cafe Deux Magots, 6 place St. Germaine.
OR... depending where your hotel is in the 6th, and if it's a sunny day, you could take a very lovely and easy walk over to Cafe Marly at the Louvre for a light lunch and pastry. If you go there, try to sit outside to people-watch and enjoy the scene in front of The Louvre. A few years ago, we were fascinated by the table next to us: Two young women ordering a lunch of champagne and olives!
Wonderful suggestions! I can't wait! I love all your personal observations. I promise I will think of all of you! And perhaps, have an extra treat in appreciation of all your advice!
weadles, your amoung several posters who say the service was indifferent. My two times there was fine. The last, last week. I asked for a table cover of their round outside tables because it shows a Sempe drawing of the cafe. I was given two rolled up with an elastic. When my friend, returning to our table asked if she could have one, they were so nice and gave her one.