Paris First-Timer
Jun 5th, 2016, 11:25 AM
#1
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Paris First-Timer
Hello Fellow Fodors! Looking for some help as this is my wife's and my first time going to Paris. We are flying in from Chicago to Paris in mid-September and will be there for 3 nights. We are looking for the following:
- Spend less than $200 per night at Hotel (any AirBnB experiences?)
- In the heart of Paris
- Attractions (Must see's)
- Tours
- Restaurants
- Transportation (not driving)
- Next stop is Venice (Night train or Plane?)
Everyone's replies/ideas are much appreciated. Please let me know if I may have missed anything that we need to know.
- Spend less than $200 per night at Hotel (any AirBnB experiences?)
- In the heart of Paris
- Attractions (Must see's)
- Tours
- Restaurants
- Transportation (not driving)
- Next stop is Venice (Night train or Plane?)
Everyone's replies/ideas are much appreciated. Please let me know if I may have missed anything that we need to know.
Jun 5th, 2016, 12:10 PM
#3
Three nights is only two full days. That is a remarkably short time for Paris. Any guidebook (or the Destinations tab above) will give you a list of the top sights which will fill far more than two days. Take your pick.
For transport in Paris, again, consult a good guidebook, and also go here: http://www.ratp.fr/en/
Before you think about using AirBnB in Paris, please read this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...b-in-paris.cfm
These threads are a bit dated, but you might start at the end and read backwards:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
You are probably better off flying to Venice (see skyscanner.net for budget airlines), but for info on both day and night trains go here:
http://seat61.com/international-trai...tm#Paris-Italy
For transport in Paris, again, consult a good guidebook, and also go here: http://www.ratp.fr/en/
Before you think about using AirBnB in Paris, please read this:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...b-in-paris.cfm
These threads are a bit dated, but you might start at the end and read backwards:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
You are probably better off flying to Venice (see skyscanner.net for budget airlines), but for info on both day and night trains go here:
http://seat61.com/international-trai...tm#Paris-Italy
Jun 5th, 2016, 12:11 PM
#4
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Lotsa info here:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Paris
With only 2 full days, plan attractions carefully based on your interests. The Metro [underground] is very easy to negotiate, and taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. The daily rate for our hotel [Hotel Vivienne] is $170 at the current rate of exchange, which includes breakfast.
Look up flights CDG to VCE on skyscanner.com.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Paris
With only 2 full days, plan attractions carefully based on your interests. The Metro [underground] is very easy to negotiate, and taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. The daily rate for our hotel [Hotel Vivienne] is $170 at the current rate of exchange, which includes breakfast.
Look up flights CDG to VCE on skyscanner.com.
Jun 5th, 2016, 12:35 PM
#5
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Thanks all, we will actually be there 3 full days as our flight arrives 9am on the 16th, all day the 17th and all day the 18th. If we were to take the night train, that one leaves at 7:30pm I believe and arrives Venice 9am on the 19th. If we fly, it's a later 2pm flight on the 19th to Venice, which would make it 3+ days in Paris.
Jun 5th, 2016, 12:56 PM
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6th arr. is usually recommended for first timers.
Hotel Clément is nice and centrally located.
As for AirBnb please note that most of their proposed apartments are illegally rented by their owners.
Not easy tho know what is legal and what not but if you are asked to pay cash you know it is illegal. Ask for an invoice.
I rent apartments via hotels.com or booking.com and get invoiced at least. Long discussions on this forum about lega/illegal rentals.
Hotel Clément is nice and centrally located.
As for AirBnb please note that most of their proposed apartments are illegally rented by their owners.
Not easy tho know what is legal and what not but if you are asked to pay cash you know it is illegal. Ask for an invoice.
I rent apartments via hotels.com or booking.com and get invoiced at least. Long discussions on this forum about lega/illegal rentals.
Jun 5th, 2016, 01:04 PM
#7
No, you do not have three full days.
You arrive in Paris, if your flight is on time, at 9:00. You have to trek in from the gate, clear immigration, collect your luggage and clear customs. Call it an hour. Now you have to get into central Paris - see http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passe...blic-transport - call it another hour. Now you have to get to your hotel and at least leave your luggage (probably too early to check in). It's getting on for lunch time.
If you are flying economy you probably won't get much sleep, and in any case you will have be seven time zones to the east and will have jet lag.
You arrive in Paris, if your flight is on time, at 9:00. You have to trek in from the gate, clear immigration, collect your luggage and clear customs. Call it an hour. Now you have to get into central Paris - see http://www.parisaeroport.fr/en/passe...blic-transport - call it another hour. Now you have to get to your hotel and at least leave your luggage (probably too early to check in). It's getting on for lunch time.
If you are flying economy you probably won't get much sleep, and in any case you will have be seven time zones to the east and will have jet lag.
Jun 5th, 2016, 01:05 PM
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If you arrive at 9 am you won't be settled in until at least noon, probably later. That's not a full day. Plus, you'll be jet-lagged, so it's really a day to mostly write off. If you are leaving Paris on the 18th, even late at night, that's not a whole day.
You are seriously undermining your time in Paris. You will barely have time to find your way around, learn to use transportation, and see anything. But suit yourself. Perhaps Paris isn't very important to you.
As a means of getting around Paris, I don't consider taxis to be particularly plentiful or particularly cheap. Quite the opposite. You have to go to a taxi stand or call G7 or Taxi Bleu in advance to get any sort of quick service unless you get lucky at a taxi stand, and they cost boodles more than the buses and métro.
Aside from all the other AirBnb problems in Paris right now, a 3-day rental is not something that's particularly attractive to apartment owners when they can easily rent for a week at a time.
You need to read a few guidebooks and study websites to figure out what attractions appeal to you, though you don't have time for very many of them.
I would fly to Venice.
You are seriously undermining your time in Paris. You will barely have time to find your way around, learn to use transportation, and see anything. But suit yourself. Perhaps Paris isn't very important to you.
As a means of getting around Paris, I don't consider taxis to be particularly plentiful or particularly cheap. Quite the opposite. You have to go to a taxi stand or call G7 or Taxi Bleu in advance to get any sort of quick service unless you get lucky at a taxi stand, and they cost boodles more than the buses and métro.
Aside from all the other AirBnb problems in Paris right now, a 3-day rental is not something that's particularly attractive to apartment owners when they can easily rent for a week at a time.
You need to read a few guidebooks and study websites to figure out what attractions appeal to you, though you don't have time for very many of them.
I would fly to Venice.
Jun 5th, 2016, 01:18 PM
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RonZ
If you have not yet stayed, I'd recommend changing hotel : Hotel Vivienne, if the one on rue Vivienne, in 2d is imo not a hotel. Toilet was not in the room and the hotel needed some refreshing when I went there in 2013. Lots of better hotels for about 150 € a night.
If you have not yet stayed, I'd recommend changing hotel : Hotel Vivienne, if the one on rue Vivienne, in 2d is imo not a hotel. Toilet was not in the room and the hotel needed some refreshing when I went there in 2013. Lots of better hotels for about 150 € a night.
Jun 5th, 2016, 01:46 PM
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You can do Paris in 3 days!! You just have to prioritize and plan well.
Hotel: Princess Caroline - nothing fancy, simple rooms, clean, continental breakfast is included, friendly staff, great location, very close to train station (which you will need) and Arch de Triumph
Must see: Museum D'Orsay (Louvre is too big and confusing to see things you want to see and crowded)
Night boat trip on Seine (ends right under Effel Tower lit up in lights) highlight of the trip
Cafe Pennis (pronounced panee) for french onion soup!! The best you will ever have!
Most important ***dont forget to leave time to just walk the streets of Paris especially by the lock bridge and the gardens to taken in all the beauty of Paris!!
Hotel: Princess Caroline - nothing fancy, simple rooms, clean, continental breakfast is included, friendly staff, great location, very close to train station (which you will need) and Arch de Triumph
Must see: Museum D'Orsay (Louvre is too big and confusing to see things you want to see and crowded)
Night boat trip on Seine (ends right under Effel Tower lit up in lights) highlight of the trip
Cafe Pennis (pronounced panee) for french onion soup!! The best you will ever have!
Most important ***dont forget to leave time to just walk the streets of Paris especially by the lock bridge and the gardens to taken in all the beauty of Paris!!
Jun 5th, 2016, 02:01 PM
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You will need to plan carefully to get anything out of your 2 days in Paris. Do you have a list of what you want to see most? Everyone's must-sees are different. You couldn't pay me to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but some people stand in line for hours to do so.
If you can give us an idea of your interests, we can be more helpful.
Fodor's publishes a Paris guide which we thought was very useful.
The fastest, easiest transport in Paris is the metro - you avoid all the traffic. We found google maps very helpful for getting around. The times they quote are off by a lot, but they do give you info on which exit to take from the metro - important as you can walk for blocks underground - either toward your destination or away from it. With your very short time in Paris, buy carnets (a pack of 10 tickets) as a pass won't pay for itself.
If you can give us an idea of your interests, we can be more helpful.
Fodor's publishes a Paris guide which we thought was very useful.
The fastest, easiest transport in Paris is the metro - you avoid all the traffic. We found google maps very helpful for getting around. The times they quote are off by a lot, but they do give you info on which exit to take from the metro - important as you can walk for blocks underground - either toward your destination or away from it. With your very short time in Paris, buy carnets (a pack of 10 tickets) as a pass won't pay for itself.
Jun 5th, 2016, 02:12 PM
#12
>>Thanks all, we will actually be there 3 full days as our flight arrives 9am on the 16th, all day the 17th and all day the 18th.<<
No you don't -- as everyone else is saying -- you will have at very most 2.5 days.
W/ a 0900 arrival you won't get to your hotel until probably noon -- and your room likely won't be ready. So you either leave your bags and come back later to check in . . . or you hang around and wait til a room is ready -- probably in the mid afternoon. In either case more than half your day is shot.
(BTW- besides the fact that many airbnbs in Paris are illegal . . . it is almost certain you cannot gain access and leave your bags until you 'official' check in time - probably 3 or 4 PM. So you really should book a full service hotel)
No you don't -- as everyone else is saying -- you will have at very most 2.5 days.
W/ a 0900 arrival you won't get to your hotel until probably noon -- and your room likely won't be ready. So you either leave your bags and come back later to check in . . . or you hang around and wait til a room is ready -- probably in the mid afternoon. In either case more than half your day is shot.
(BTW- besides the fact that many airbnbs in Paris are illegal . . . it is almost certain you cannot gain access and leave your bags until you 'official' check in time - probably 3 or 4 PM. So you really should book a full service hotel)
Jun 5th, 2016, 02:19 PM
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I might wander around the 6th or Isle St Louis on the arrival day.
Maybe a lap or two or picnic in Luxembourg Gardens if the weather is good. Stop into St Sulpice and find find a cafe for later afternoon coffee or wine and people watching. We love ale Bonaparte near The St Germain church, Le Danton near the Odeon metro stop and Cafe St Regis on isle St Louis.
I also recommend Musee D'Orsay. They have a combo ticket with L' Orangerie, as well.
The 6th is loaded with small hotels to take a look at. I am not sure of the price but we stayed at Hotel Louis II several years ago, small but nice. Also Hotel Le Fleurie might be a choice. We rent an apt. So it has been awhile since we have stayed in a hotel.
Restaurants is going to be up to what you are willing to spend and type of service you like. Our fav splurge restaurant is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon ( the one in the 6th). We also love Verjus for their very creative prix fixe menu (reasonably priced). For more casual dining Cafe Varenne is a favorite and we also love Bar de Cuisine for their tatines at lunch. We had wonderful sole meunière at Allard on our last trip and we have also enjoyed Bistrot Belhara and les cocottes in the 7th. We always enjoy Le Souffle for lunch but I am a total sucker for soufflés and we link that to a trip to the original Chanel boutique on rue Cambon. (If you go the Grand Marnier Souffle is my favorite). For Italian, we always enjoy the warmth at Marco Polo. Tons of options.
Maybe a lap or two or picnic in Luxembourg Gardens if the weather is good. Stop into St Sulpice and find find a cafe for later afternoon coffee or wine and people watching. We love ale Bonaparte near The St Germain church, Le Danton near the Odeon metro stop and Cafe St Regis on isle St Louis.
I also recommend Musee D'Orsay. They have a combo ticket with L' Orangerie, as well.
The 6th is loaded with small hotels to take a look at. I am not sure of the price but we stayed at Hotel Louis II several years ago, small but nice. Also Hotel Le Fleurie might be a choice. We rent an apt. So it has been awhile since we have stayed in a hotel.
Restaurants is going to be up to what you are willing to spend and type of service you like. Our fav splurge restaurant is L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon ( the one in the 6th). We also love Verjus for their very creative prix fixe menu (reasonably priced). For more casual dining Cafe Varenne is a favorite and we also love Bar de Cuisine for their tatines at lunch. We had wonderful sole meunière at Allard on our last trip and we have also enjoyed Bistrot Belhara and les cocottes in the 7th. We always enjoy Le Souffle for lunch but I am a total sucker for soufflés and we link that to a trip to the original Chanel boutique on rue Cambon. (If you go the Grand Marnier Souffle is my favorite). For Italian, we always enjoy the warmth at Marco Polo. Tons of options.
Jun 5th, 2016, 02:52 PM
#14
>>Night boat trip on Seine (ends right under Effel Tower lit up in lights) highlight of the trip<<
Probably the best river trip starts and ends at the Pont Neuf.
>>Most important ***dont forget to leave time to just walk the streets of Paris especially by the lock bridge<<
StCirq has already addressed this. The locks were destroying the bridge and have all been removed.
The Princess Caroline is near Étoile and really probably isn't the best location for a first timer -- especially on such a short visit.
Probably the best river trip starts and ends at the Pont Neuf.
>>Most important ***dont forget to leave time to just walk the streets of Paris especially by the lock bridge<<
StCirq has already addressed this. The locks were destroying the bridge and have all been removed.
The Princess Caroline is near Étoile and really probably isn't the best location for a first timer -- especially on such a short visit.
Jun 5th, 2016, 04:04 PM
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Our best meal is always at Le Souffle. The other night I had a dozen escargots, the duck with peaches and a peach and apricot souffle served with a bottle of apricot liqueur. Stumbled across a very friendly little place in the 6th, Chez Fernand, and enjoyed a very nice lunch with generous portions.
On taxis, when we are tired of walking and there is not a close by Metro nor convenient bus, we hail one, never having to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes on a fairly busy street.
The new railings on the Pont des Arts are constructed of steel and glass and are very attractive.
On taxis, when we are tired of walking and there is not a close by Metro nor convenient bus, we hail one, never having to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes on a fairly busy street.
The new railings on the Pont des Arts are constructed of steel and glass and are very attractive.
Jun 5th, 2016, 08:43 PM
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I guess you have no way to add days to Paris and I hope this is the first of many trips to Paris for you.
I'd say - stay in 5th or 6th arrondissement. As close to Seine as possible.
Day 1: Visit Pantheon, Notre Dame, St Chapelle on your first day as it won't be a full day and eat meals around the same area. Orient yourself to the city. Sleep early so that you can wake up early next day to have a fabulous fresh croissant hot out of the oven from neighborhood bakery.
Day 2: Musee d'orssay (lunch on their 5th floor restaurant), musee de l'orangerie, then evening stroll starting the jardin tuileres, on to Eiffel Tower with some picnic food bought from a shops you walk by and sit in the gardens and have an open air dinner with a great view.
Bonus points for managing to eat berthillon icecream, laduree pastries or Hermes macarons (many would think they're overhyped and personally I don't 'get' macarons and find them cloying but pistachio icecream and even the fresh raspberry icecream at Berthillon could be delightful. Don't queue up at their store, buy it from one of the many touristy cafés along the Seine that serve it. Only because you have no time to queue up.)
I'd say - stay in 5th or 6th arrondissement. As close to Seine as possible.
Day 1: Visit Pantheon, Notre Dame, St Chapelle on your first day as it won't be a full day and eat meals around the same area. Orient yourself to the city. Sleep early so that you can wake up early next day to have a fabulous fresh croissant hot out of the oven from neighborhood bakery.
Day 2: Musee d'orssay (lunch on their 5th floor restaurant), musee de l'orangerie, then evening stroll starting the jardin tuileres, on to Eiffel Tower with some picnic food bought from a shops you walk by and sit in the gardens and have an open air dinner with a great view.
Bonus points for managing to eat berthillon icecream, laduree pastries or Hermes macarons (many would think they're overhyped and personally I don't 'get' macarons and find them cloying but pistachio icecream and even the fresh raspberry icecream at Berthillon could be delightful. Don't queue up at their store, buy it from one of the many touristy cafés along the Seine that serve it. Only because you have no time to queue up.)
Jun 5th, 2016, 09:09 PM
#17
Quite a few people who visit Paris for the first time realize very quickly that they will need to return at a later date because there is no way to absorb all of the city and its attractions in just a few days.
I would therefore recommend a relaxed pace rather than running around like crazy trying to see everything. Paris will know how to wait for your return, and you will also have a much better idea of which areas appealed to you the most the next time you are looking for accommodations.
If you are budget conscious, you should probably not choose the 6th arrondissement.
I would therefore recommend a relaxed pace rather than running around like crazy trying to see everything. Paris will know how to wait for your return, and you will also have a much better idea of which areas appealed to you the most the next time you are looking for accommodations.
If you are budget conscious, you should probably not choose the 6th arrondissement.
Jun 6th, 2016, 04:47 AM
#18
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Since you are already on this site, go to the Destinations key at the top of the page and research Paris. With very little time you can only scratch the surface but it is better to concentrate on a few attractions that particularly appeal to you and then use the rest of the time to wander. Forget any check list of "must-dos" and satisfy yourself.
Jun 6th, 2016, 05:54 AM
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For 2.5 days:
Day 1:
Airport to Hotel
Drop bags at hotel
Take a self-guided walk -- Iles and Left Bank
One of the following based on taste: Cluny Museum or Pantheon
Metro to Trocadéro to view Eiffel Tower in the evening (Don't bother going up with such limited time.)
Day 2:
One of the following based on taste: Louvre or Orsay
One of the following: Notre Dame or Sainte Chapelle
One of the Following: Luxembourg Gardens or Parc Buttes-Chaumont
Evening River Cruise (Vedettes Pont Neuf is one I like)
Day 3:
Self-guided walk in the Marais (Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves, etc.)
One of the Following: Picasso Museum (though if from Chicago you have access to lots of his better paintings) or Carnavalet Museum (history of Paris)
I've left some time at the end for you to plan yourself based on taste.)
ssander
Day 1:
Airport to Hotel
Drop bags at hotel
Take a self-guided walk -- Iles and Left Bank
One of the following based on taste: Cluny Museum or Pantheon
Metro to Trocadéro to view Eiffel Tower in the evening (Don't bother going up with such limited time.)
Day 2:
One of the following based on taste: Louvre or Orsay
One of the following: Notre Dame or Sainte Chapelle
One of the Following: Luxembourg Gardens or Parc Buttes-Chaumont
Evening River Cruise (Vedettes Pont Neuf is one I like)
Day 3:
Self-guided walk in the Marais (Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves, etc.)
One of the Following: Picasso Museum (though if from Chicago you have access to lots of his better paintings) or Carnavalet Museum (history of Paris)
I've left some time at the end for you to plan yourself based on taste.)
ssander
Jun 6th, 2016, 06:01 AM
#20
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Just got back from Paris two weeks ago...the Pont des Arts looks great...and relatively lock-proof.
(I'm really glad folks don't spray-paint testimonials of love on my house...but I guess those who like the locks on Pont des Arts wouldn't mind it on theirs.)
ssander
(I'm really glad folks don't spray-paint testimonials of love on my house...but I guess those who like the locks on Pont des Arts wouldn't mind it on theirs.)
ssander
