Alone in Paris

Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 06:05 PM
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Alone in Paris

I have taken the plunge. I have booked seven nights (and days) in Paris in late October, 2015. While I have been to Paris numerous times before, I have never done a solo trip. As a teacher I have escorted school groups on European adventures, but those trips nearly always had fairly tight itineraries. This time I can set my own schedule. I am looking forward to the flexibility afforded me in retirement.
My purpose in starting this thread is to seek advice on how to fill my time. I have seen most of the major draws (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Versailles), but have never visited the Musée Rodin, the Orangerie or the Marmottan. While I don’t intend to spend all my time in museums, I wonder if there are worthy sites that well-travelled Fodorites might recommend to me. Also – if there are other activities or events that you particularly enjoyed, I would love to consider those too.
I will be staying in centrally located hostels and I look forward to meeting other travellers while there. I will use public transit.
My patient wife is not a traveller, but allows me to indulge my interests. I am very grateful for this.
If other Fodorites are in Paris October 19 - 25 and we are able to arrange a lunch or brief meeting, that would be grand.
tC
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 06:18 PM
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Chartres, Reims, Giverny? I don't know what will be in bloom in Giverny at that time but you can google it
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 06:48 PM
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Hi teacherCanada,

How exciting! I recently spent six nights in Paris on my own, and it was amazing! (It was my first time though.) I actually found company most nights, through chatting to friendly locals. One of the best bits of travelling solo is it forces you to speak to people (well you could always talk to yourself but I loved talking to locals about their city).

Anyway, I stayed near the Canal St Martin and loved it so much. It was very multi-cultural, vibrant and grungy at the same time, while being really unpretentious but fun. I could recommend some great coffee places between there and Le Marais by the way (I'm from near Melbourne, Australia, so this is of high importance to us ). I spent an entire day wandering up the canal and sitting while watching the beautiful children and their families enjoy summer holidays. It won't be so warm when you are there, but it is still really nice. And local.

In terms of sights, I went to the Orangerie and Orsay museums, as well as the European Centre for Photography. They were all great. Orsay and the photography centre were my favourite and you don't need to take an entire day to do each. You can easily do both in one day.

I also did a bike tour on a Sunday night and it was one of my favourite experiences in Europe. You don't need to be very fit to do it as it's pretty leisurely but was an amazing way to see the city from the middle of the road (safely!).

Enjoy. I wish I was heading back there too.
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 07:14 PM
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Carnavalet.
Jacquemart Andre.
Special exhibitions are always terrific. See what's up at Grand Palais or Petit Palais. Or the museum in Luxembourg Gardens.
Performances? https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/
Musee Nissim De Camondo
Parc Monceau
Basilica of Saint Denis

I have no trouble filling a week in Paris. I am sure many here will have tons of ideas far more interesting than mine. Enjoy your trip!
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 08:27 PM
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If you have been to Paris numerous times before, perhaps it is time not to stay in the tourist center with its high prices and tourist traps.

If you really want to stay in a hostel rather than a hotel, I would recommend the Yves Robert hostel in the 18th (metro Marx Dormoy or La Chapelle), the Generator in the 19th (metro Colonel Fabien) or one of the St. Christopher's Inns in the 10th (metro Gare du Nord) or the 19th (metro Crimée). All of these are large with a big mix of people from everywhere in the world and have the advantage of being in budget priced neighborhoods.
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 08:28 PM
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I have lots of ideas on my blog, it covers many of the places mentioned above. I'd recommend a walking tour book to get out to see the areas outside the immediate center. I've got blog posts on St Denis, the museums mentioned above, food, the Albert Kahn Gardens as well as walks and museums, everything we saw in the four months we were there.

http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/search/label/Paris

Hope this helps! Sounds like you'll have a great time.
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 08:50 PM
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I am firmly committed to solo travel -- such a delightful self indulgence! Go and enjoy!

As for what to see, you might want to consult one of the more comprehensive guidebooks, like the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet, which cover many more sights than most guidebooks. I'm sure you'll find a LOT that is worth seeing.
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 09:19 PM
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Hi teacherCanada,

If you are interested in history, I strongly recommend the Cluny Museum (Musee de Moyen Age).

I also recommend -- just sitting in a cafe. Spend a few hours in one seat in a cafe, nursing a coffee or wine (absolutely acceptable) and watch the parade of life go by. It's a great way to get yourself into the rhythm and moods of the city, and it's something that's really best done solo!

Have fun as you plan!

s
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 09:37 PM
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BTW, I think your question is a wonderful example of the ways in which travelers differ in their interests and priorities, and why consulting a guidebook or two really can help. You wrote, "I have seen most of the major draws (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Versailles), but have never visited the Musée Rodin, the Orangerie or the Marmottan." How contrary to my personal perspective! Examples:

- You don't mention the Musee d’Orsay, which is one of my favorite museums in the world. I spent hours and hours there on both of my trips to Paris, and if I am lucky enough to see that magnificent city again, it will again be my highest priority.

- Nor do you mention Ste. Chapelle, which I also visited on both visits, and will make it a priority if I go again.

- The Orangerie also hit my personal must-see list for both trips, and it’ll be there for a 3rd visit if I am able to go again.

- I didn’t vist the Eiffel Tower until my 2nd visit to Paris, and was not impressed. I prefer it from a distance.

- I visited Versailles on my 1st visit, and wish I’d made time for other priorities instead. JMO.

Etc. And there are SO many other worthy sites – including those mentioned by other posters.

THAT is why I urge you to consult a good guidebook or two -- find what interests YOU and take full advantage of the freedom you have as a solo traveler to make the most of your time in this extraordinary city!
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 09:47 PM
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kja I think we would travel well together ... on our own ... haha
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 09:54 PM
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@ RT -- What a nice comment -- thanks!
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 10:15 PM
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This site is updated every Wednesday - lists all expos, musical events, etc - and would be good to check before you arrive.
You can often purchase advance tickets for the same events listed here at a discount on the second site. Just print and bring the voucher with you, no need for ID.
http://spectacles.premiere.fr/
http://www.billetreduc.com/a-paris/
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Old Sep 3rd, 2015, 10:33 PM
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Hi
What I prefer is to get lost in Paris.
Yesterday I went back from La Defense to Gare du Nord on bike and took again another itinerary and found myself on a small place somewhere and was 'wawed'.

I'll most likely be in Paris on 20/10 or 21/10.
I could share a lunch in the neighbourhood of gare du nord !

Mvg
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 12:35 AM
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Congratulations on your retirement, and welcome to the ranks of solo travelers! Glad to see you posting again.

In addition to the places already listed (especially Ste Chapelle, Cluny and the house museums) I would highly recommend the Guimet. It is one of the best Asian museums I have visited - southeast Asia, in this case. I don't understand why Asian museums are so little visited (if you want a break from the crowds in DC, go to the Sackler/Freer). I also enjoyed a visit to the Islamic World Center. I wasn't too excited by the Pere Lachaise cemetery, but a lot of people are.

I enjoyed visiting Chartres so much, I have considered overnighting there. Also, if you have any interest in Art Nouveau, Nancy is a must-see, although it is further.
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 04:27 AM
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We'll be in Paris at that time and will keep checking to see about possibilities for a GTG....
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 07:24 AM
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Teacher, so glad to see you back. I so enjoyed following your trips with students! As a retired teacher (12 years), I share your delight in traveling at times other than summer. Traveling solo is a joy!

I can't add anything to the above recommendations as I have only been to Paris a few times and have barely scratched the surface. However, I do second the rec. to visit Chartres as a day trip. I did it as a day trip from Pris the first time and fell in love with the cathedral so that on the most recent visit to France, I spent a night there with two days to explore the wonderful city further.

Have a wonderful time!
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 08:54 AM
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Recently visited Chantilly which is about a 25 minute train drive from Paris and then a 30 minute walk to the Chateau and Horse Museum. Absolutely wonderful and the restaurant in the museum is lovely. Nice day out.
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 08:57 AM
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Nothing beats being in Paris on your own, to do what you want - when you want.

Check out the following web sites:
Paris Greeters
Paris Walks
Paris by Mouth

Highly recommend these books: No Worries Paris, a walking guide as well as Knopf Mapguides PARIS, this an excellent section-by-section reference/map tool.

As a senior female traveler, I'll be in Paris at the end of October prior to a river cruise and have loosely structured my days around walks, lunches and dinners. After all, why go to Paris, if not to eat? Of course, then it is imperative to walk, walk and walk some more to counteract all those delicious calories.

Musee Nissim de Comando is one I haven't been to as yet, so that and a walk in Park Monceau will fill one morning with lunch at Le Souffle, a walk along rue St. Honore and an exploratory jaunt to Gare Momtparnesse to scope out the station for my train journey down to Bordeaux to meet the river cruise.

One morning I've arranged to meet up with Paris Greeters for a walk yet unspecified, then lunch at Le Grand Vefour - my grand blow out meal - with the afternoon dedicated to a leisurely stroll around Le Madeline.

Two of the mornings I plan to do a Hemingway Walk (with Paris Walks) maybe popping into the Cluny Museum for another look see. Last time I was there The Lady and the Unicorn were on a traveling exhibit. Also The Marais Walk, strolling afterwards to Cafe Breizh for a crepe lunch, then over towards St. Germain.

I've taken Paris Walks Two Islands, St. Sulpice and one of The Marais walks and they are definitely worth the time and twelve euros with groups a mix of international and American. Paris by Mouth St. Germain Tour is also highly recommended, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Afternoons and evenings will be spent strolling St. Germain and the Islands, sitting in cafes for resting/people watching. with dinners loosely planned. Le Relais de Entrecote, Buillon de Chartier, perhaps Le Souffle again or just a place I happen upon.

Walking, eating, sitting in cafes with a museum thrown in here and there, is what Paris is all about for me, this my seventh visit.

Enjoy and please write a trip report afterwards!
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 09:02 AM
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There are innumerble things to do/see in Paris.

Cluny Museum - middle ages with the famous unicorn tapestry
Seine river cruise
Visit a couple of major department stores
Do a film festival (these are very popular with parisians and are often themed series of international films by a specific director or artist. films are shown in the original language - marked VO. We had a hoot at a Marx brothers festival one day/evening)

Do a couple of day trips to other cities (countryside not so great) - that are short times by TGV - consider Strasbourg if the trains align
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Old Sep 4th, 2015, 10:57 AM
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Hi,
We recently returned from a month in Paris, our 20th time. We both have mobility issues so we used the buses as our public transportation only. Heretofore we have used the metros. What a discovery. Using RATP.fr to map our courses ahead of our trip, we found that the Bus might take 5 minutes longer with no/few transfers than the metro without all the stairs and rushing to catch the next train.
I like the three you listed Musée Rodin, the Orangerie or the Marmottan and would add the musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/home Have you ever taken the Trams? We stayed in the 15th this trip and took the T3 tram from Balard all the way to Chateau Vincennes, very historic but well restored place to tour. The next day we took the same tram only this time, we visited the newly rebuilt Paris Zoo.
We particularly enjoyed using the BatoBus and had a pass for our entire visit. We would get on at the Eiffel Tower and take it down to Notre Dame and then on to Jardin des Plantes then back up the river to Cite and walk around then get back on and check out the Louvre area. Travel the city the way it was done in the old days.
We too, enjoy Bullion Chartier and will go to Cafe du Commerce in the 15th on our next visit. Joel Robuchon's Atalier is like sushi bar seating so you might slip in there for a real treat.
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