PARIS - FIRST TIMERS
Jun 7th, 2012, 12:32 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PARIS - FIRST TIMERS
My husband and I are taking our first trip to Europe June/July 2013. We are spending 10 days in Italy and 10 days in France. In France - we plan to spend 5 nights in Provence and 4 nights in Paris. Paris has so many places to visit and sights to see and of course 4 nights is not nearly enough, but it is what we have to work with. I'd like to avoid spending my precious days in queues, and really want to experience the Parisian way of life.
We like the idea of taking one day seeing Paris from a boat trip up the Seinne- it seems a good way of seeing the landmarks - but would love advice from others as to whether this is a good option.
What I really would appreciate is a list of must do's that we can fit in in four days.
Our preference would be to see some of the wonderful architecture, some historical landmarks and go to places that Paisians go to. ie. non touristy cafes, parks, squares etc. Any ideas from seasoned Paris travellers will be so appreciated.
We like the idea of taking one day seeing Paris from a boat trip up the Seinne- it seems a good way of seeing the landmarks - but would love advice from others as to whether this is a good option.
What I really would appreciate is a list of must do's that we can fit in in four days.
Our preference would be to see some of the wonderful architecture, some historical landmarks and go to places that Paisians go to. ie. non touristy cafes, parks, squares etc. Any ideas from seasoned Paris travellers will be so appreciated.
Jun 7th, 2012, 12:49 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 9,705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check out oUR pARIS fORUM . You can get it from google It is all about Paris from locals to very frequent visitors. You can read without jopining but to ask a question or comment you will have to log in. Lots of pictures and reports and there are usually a few members there at anytime and we love to meet up. Right now one of our members is spending 3 months there with her 2 year old !
Jun 7th, 2012, 01:46 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,604
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As it is your first time to Paris and you only have four days, you may actually want to do some touristy things. Our first trip to Paris many years ago was also only four days. Here is what we did.
We stayed at a hotel in the Marais, a great location in our opinion. Our first day we walked around alot. We went up the Eiffel Tower during the day and walked back up the river. We also walked all around the Marais to see what "our neighborhood" was like. We did get a Paris Visite card our first trip, however we purchased it ahead of time and the museums were on strike. My advice, if you feel you would like the Paris Visite card to avoid museum lines, etc., buy it in Paris. They are sold at museums and I think major metro stops and at CDG. We were able to go to all of the city of Paris museums as they weren't affected and are free.
We did take a ride on the Seine with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. We have done the larger boats and preferred these. They are located, logically by the Pont Neuf. We timed the ride so the sun was going down and the lights went on the buildings while we were on the boat.
Again, we went back to the Eiffel Tower on our last evening and went up to see Paris at night. I recommend this if the lines aren't too long.
We used the metro alot and were able to get everywhere we wanted to go. Our first trip we were a bit leery of using the buses, but shouldn't have been. We went to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre and went to the top. In some situations I am afraid of heights and that was one of them. It was a heart pounding experience, but I'm glad I did it.
We walked all over Ile de la Cité and Ile St. Louis. We ate at Brasserie Ile St. Louis and had ice cream at Berthillion.
We went to Parc Monceau, Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries, walked all around the Louvre, even though we couldn't go in. Walked up and down the Champs Elysee and decided it wasn't our cup of tea, but glad we did it. We went to all of the big department stores. Back then the Samaritaine was open on the river; alas it is now closed. It had a beautiful rooftop view. You can still get a good view from Galeries Lafayette over near the Opera. Printemps right next to it has a rooftop view as well.
We loved the Place des Vosges and the Sunday Market at Richard Lenoir nearby. On sundays in the Place des Vosges they have musicians playing under the arcade. We had a petit dejeuner at Ma Bourgogne a couple of mornings.
We also went out to the horse races at Longchamps and had a great half day doing that.
We did lots more, but I just can't remember. Keep a journal. I do, now just have to locate them. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy planning, that's half the fun for me.
We stayed at a hotel in the Marais, a great location in our opinion. Our first day we walked around alot. We went up the Eiffel Tower during the day and walked back up the river. We also walked all around the Marais to see what "our neighborhood" was like. We did get a Paris Visite card our first trip, however we purchased it ahead of time and the museums were on strike. My advice, if you feel you would like the Paris Visite card to avoid museum lines, etc., buy it in Paris. They are sold at museums and I think major metro stops and at CDG. We were able to go to all of the city of Paris museums as they weren't affected and are free.
We did take a ride on the Seine with Vedettes du Pont Neuf. We have done the larger boats and preferred these. They are located, logically by the Pont Neuf. We timed the ride so the sun was going down and the lights went on the buildings while we were on the boat.
Again, we went back to the Eiffel Tower on our last evening and went up to see Paris at night. I recommend this if the lines aren't too long.
We used the metro alot and were able to get everywhere we wanted to go. Our first trip we were a bit leery of using the buses, but shouldn't have been. We went to Sacre Coeur in Montmartre and went to the top. In some situations I am afraid of heights and that was one of them. It was a heart pounding experience, but I'm glad I did it.
We walked all over Ile de la Cité and Ile St. Louis. We ate at Brasserie Ile St. Louis and had ice cream at Berthillion.
We went to Parc Monceau, Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries, walked all around the Louvre, even though we couldn't go in. Walked up and down the Champs Elysee and decided it wasn't our cup of tea, but glad we did it. We went to all of the big department stores. Back then the Samaritaine was open on the river; alas it is now closed. It had a beautiful rooftop view. You can still get a good view from Galeries Lafayette over near the Opera. Printemps right next to it has a rooftop view as well.
We loved the Place des Vosges and the Sunday Market at Richard Lenoir nearby. On sundays in the Place des Vosges they have musicians playing under the arcade. We had a petit dejeuner at Ma Bourgogne a couple of mornings.
We also went out to the horse races at Longchamps and had a great half day doing that.
We did lots more, but I just can't remember. Keep a journal. I do, now just have to locate them. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy planning, that's half the fun for me.
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:02 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks a million OPaldog. That's exactly how I'd like to see Paris! You certainly saw a great deal of the city in the short time and gives me an idea of how much we can do in four days. I'll take a map and divide the city and do a portion per day.
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:17 AM
#5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"I'd like to avoid spending my precious days in queues"
Lisa, I'd seriously consider getting a Paris Museum Pass for two days at 39 Euros a piece. You'll be able to skip the long ticket lines at the Louvre and the D'Orsay and will also be able to see some things you might not consider seeing otherwise. Things like the Rodin museum, Sainte Chapelle (really incredible), the Pantheon, the tower at Notre Dame, top of the Arc de Triomphe, even admission to Versailles. There are about 55 other things to see for free on the pass. Even if you don't want to spend all your time at museums, the ability to skip the lines at the biggies you want to see may make it worthwhils.
Lisa, I'd seriously consider getting a Paris Museum Pass for two days at 39 Euros a piece. You'll be able to skip the long ticket lines at the Louvre and the D'Orsay and will also be able to see some things you might not consider seeing otherwise. Things like the Rodin museum, Sainte Chapelle (really incredible), the Pantheon, the tower at Notre Dame, top of the Arc de Triomphe, even admission to Versailles. There are about 55 other things to see for free on the pass. Even if you don't want to spend all your time at museums, the ability to skip the lines at the biggies you want to see may make it worthwhils.
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:28 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also recommend Vedettes du Pont Neuf for the boat ride.
http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/
It sells discount tickets online that you print at home. Others do, too, but as far as I know, it's the only one that does not require you to choose your date and time in advance -- a very good feature, since the weather is very changeable in Paris.
You print out your "ticket" before you leave the US -- then turn it in for a real ticket for boarding when you show up (at your preferred time) at the ticket booth.
SS
http://www.vedettesdupontneuf.com/
It sells discount tickets online that you print at home. Others do, too, but as far as I know, it's the only one that does not require you to choose your date and time in advance -- a very good feature, since the weather is very changeable in Paris.
You print out your "ticket" before you leave the US -- then turn it in for a real ticket for boarding when you show up (at your preferred time) at the ticket booth.
SS
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:33 AM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While I understand -- and agree -- that you can't miss the "required" sights -- Louvres, Eiffel Tower, boat ride, Notre Dame, etc -- you should take some time to just walk around.
All the major travel books (Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves, etc.) have self-guided walks in the historic core.
I STRONGLY recommend do that.
SS
All the major travel books (Fodors, Frommers, Rick Steves, etc.) have self-guided walks in the historic core.
I STRONGLY recommend do that.
SS
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:53 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One more tip...
If you are arriving early in the week (Mon-Wed), consider getting a Navigo card (electronic swiping card)loaded with a week pass for zones 1-2.
This is unlimited Metro & bus rides in zones 1-2 -- which covers pretty much everything you'd want to see.
The reason I said only if you're arriving early in the week, is that the pass is not really a 7-day pass. It's a 1-week pass that runs from Mon-Sun.
The pass is 19.15 Euro -- and last time we were there (if memory serves), the Navigo card was 5 Euros. You'll need a 1" x 1.1" head-shot that they will attached to the card when you buy it. You can keep the card for your next visit to Paris -- which IMHO is inevitable.
Naturally, you should do the math based on your penchant for riding public transport, but the Metro and buses of Paris are exceptional...you may find yourself using them alot.
A carnet of 10-tickets is 12.70, so the break-even point is 16 rides, if you only consider the cost, but the convenience of the pass is worth something, too. The main advantage of the carnet is that it is a packet of 10 individual tickets, so the tickets are shareable -- but you might have some leftover unsued rides there, too.
Our last visit was 2011, so some of this info may have changed.
SS
If you are arriving early in the week (Mon-Wed), consider getting a Navigo card (electronic swiping card)loaded with a week pass for zones 1-2.
This is unlimited Metro & bus rides in zones 1-2 -- which covers pretty much everything you'd want to see.
The reason I said only if you're arriving early in the week, is that the pass is not really a 7-day pass. It's a 1-week pass that runs from Mon-Sun.
The pass is 19.15 Euro -- and last time we were there (if memory serves), the Navigo card was 5 Euros. You'll need a 1" x 1.1" head-shot that they will attached to the card when you buy it. You can keep the card for your next visit to Paris -- which IMHO is inevitable.
Naturally, you should do the math based on your penchant for riding public transport, but the Metro and buses of Paris are exceptional...you may find yourself using them alot.
A carnet of 10-tickets is 12.70, so the break-even point is 16 rides, if you only consider the cost, but the convenience of the pass is worth something, too. The main advantage of the carnet is that it is a packet of 10 individual tickets, so the tickets are shareable -- but you might have some leftover unsued rides there, too.
Our last visit was 2011, so some of this info may have changed.
SS
Jun 7th, 2012, 02:56 AM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I may be reading it wrong, but the boat trip on the Seine is not an all day affair--it's about an hour. And is a lot of fun. We like to do it at dusk, so we see the sights in light, but also as the lights are coming on, and then by the time you get to the Eiffel Tower, it is twinkling. However, at the time of year you are going, it gets dark very late.
It is interesting to me about "experiencing Parisian life"--Parisian life just keeps on going on amid all these wonderful iconic sights. Sometimes you round a corner, and voila--there is a "tourist site/sight".
We never miss going to a street market.
It is interesting to me about "experiencing Parisian life"--Parisian life just keeps on going on amid all these wonderful iconic sights. Sometimes you round a corner, and voila--there is a "tourist site/sight".
We never miss going to a street market.
Jun 7th, 2012, 03:55 AM
#11
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You have to be a tourist on your first trip. And second and third.
But if you keep your eyes open, you will see Parisian life happening all around you, and you will notice significant differences among Paris, Provence, and Italy.
The biggest difference is that despite the presence of all the tourists like us, Paris is a big city in which most of French government and cultural life and a substantial amount of its business is taking place, unlike Florence or Venice or Avignon. It means the pace is fast and you can't stand in the middle of the sidewalk reading a map, but there is undoubtedly energy there that you will not find in many other places that we visit. It is almost as multicultural as London, and I think one sees more of these people in colorful national dress than in London.
I strongly recommend getting a bus guide and taking buses from area to area. It is nice not to be walking, and you see much from the bus that you wouldn't know about from the Metro, plus your fellow passengers will be part of the scenery.
Now I have myself all wound up, I don't suppose you could spend your whole twenty days there, could you? You see, we usually travel to Paris in the spring, and my health prevented it this year. The sense of loss is amazing!
But if you keep your eyes open, you will see Parisian life happening all around you, and you will notice significant differences among Paris, Provence, and Italy.
The biggest difference is that despite the presence of all the tourists like us, Paris is a big city in which most of French government and cultural life and a substantial amount of its business is taking place, unlike Florence or Venice or Avignon. It means the pace is fast and you can't stand in the middle of the sidewalk reading a map, but there is undoubtedly energy there that you will not find in many other places that we visit. It is almost as multicultural as London, and I think one sees more of these people in colorful national dress than in London.
I strongly recommend getting a bus guide and taking buses from area to area. It is nice not to be walking, and you see much from the bus that you wouldn't know about from the Metro, plus your fellow passengers will be part of the scenery.
Now I have myself all wound up, I don't suppose you could spend your whole twenty days there, could you? You see, we usually travel to Paris in the spring, and my health prevented it this year. The sense of loss is amazing!
Jun 7th, 2012, 05:10 AM
#12
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I completely agree with your idea of taking a cruise around the Seine (so many wonderful landmarks to see!) and I would also recommend the "Vedettes du Pont Neuf". In my case I discovered this company when I booked a "Welcome to Paris Tour", which offered a walking tour around "the heart of Paris" (which covered Notre Dame, the Left Bank, Orsay Museum and Louvre Museum among other attractions).
This tour was about 2.5 hours and I thought it was a great way to discover Paris for the first time. The guide -his name was Bertrand- was delightful. He was fluent in English, really knew a lot about the history of Paris and the areas we visited, but at the same time he made the tour really entertaining and fun. After this walk the tour finished with the boat cruise. So all in all it was a very complete, almost 4h long, introduction to this wonderful city. I found the price quite reasonable too.
I'll copy their link below in case you may want to check it.
Have a great time in Paris!
http://www.paris-adventures.com/welcome-to-paris-tour/
This tour was about 2.5 hours and I thought it was a great way to discover Paris for the first time. The guide -his name was Bertrand- was delightful. He was fluent in English, really knew a lot about the history of Paris and the areas we visited, but at the same time he made the tour really entertaining and fun. After this walk the tour finished with the boat cruise. So all in all it was a very complete, almost 4h long, introduction to this wonderful city. I found the price quite reasonable too.
I'll copy their link below in case you may want to check it.
Have a great time in Paris!
http://www.paris-adventures.com/welcome-to-paris-tour/
Jun 7th, 2012, 06:16 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To all of you, thank you for your insights, which I really value. I will take all your suggestions and tips into consideration. Thanks - you have certainly made me more confident in planning this trip.
I can't wait for it all to become a reality!!
I can't wait for it all to become a reality!!
Jun 7th, 2012, 06:38 AM
#14
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just wanted to add that, yes, the Seine cruises are about an hour, not a day (though I suspect there are some of them as well, but they would likely take you out of Paris itself). I prefer the Vedettes du Pont Neuf as well.
And I would never buy the Paris Visite Pass, as I don't think anyone could ever possibly get enough value out of it, and it has all kinds of extraneous offerings. The Paris Museum Pass is a better deal.
And I would never buy the Paris Visite Pass, as I don't think anyone could ever possibly get enough value out of it, and it has all kinds of extraneous offerings. The Paris Museum Pass is a better deal.
Jun 7th, 2012, 06:57 AM
#15
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lisadvd: Please don't be put off by the idea of tourists or "touristy" areas. Even Parisians themselves venture into their own city to sightsee. I'll give you a few suggestions:
-For a relaxing walk around an old "authentic" neighborhood try the Latin Quarter near the Panteon. It's winding narrow streets will have far more locals than tourists
-Instead of wasting time in line at the Eiffel tower you can get a better view of the city that INCLUDES the Eiffel Tower in it. Tour Montparnasse has a website: http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/index_EN.php You'll save soooooo much time.
-If you want a taste of Parisan opulence but running short on time (or energy)check out the Opera Garnier instead of the Palace of Versailles. It's every bit as beautiful but on a much smaller scale.
-For a relaxing walk around an old "authentic" neighborhood try the Latin Quarter near the Panteon. It's winding narrow streets will have far more locals than tourists
-Instead of wasting time in line at the Eiffel tower you can get a better view of the city that INCLUDES the Eiffel Tower in it. Tour Montparnasse has a website: http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/index_EN.php You'll save soooooo much time.
-If you want a taste of Parisan opulence but running short on time (or energy)check out the Opera Garnier instead of the Palace of Versailles. It's every bit as beautiful but on a much smaller scale.
Jun 7th, 2012, 07:27 AM
#16
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes to Place des Vosges, Musee d'Orsay, La Sainte-Chapelle(an early evening classical concert would be nice there), Notre Dame, Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries, Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, Rodin, ice cream at Berthillon. L'Orangerie is a wonderful, compact museum if you like Monet.
You'll have great views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Montmartre and Sacre Coeur are worth visiting. Have the macarons at Laduree, or Gerard Mulot near the Luxembourg Gardens. Have a gelato at Amorino, across the street from Berthillon. Walk along the Seine. We got our money's worth from our 4 day Paris Museum passes.
You'll have great views from the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
Montmartre and Sacre Coeur are worth visiting. Have the macarons at Laduree, or Gerard Mulot near the Luxembourg Gardens. Have a gelato at Amorino, across the street from Berthillon. Walk along the Seine. We got our money's worth from our 4 day Paris Museum passes.
Jun 7th, 2012, 07:43 AM
#17
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 29,610
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can also get good views from restos at top of Pompidou Centre and Printemps shopping store, and the Montparnasse Tower.
Nice views from Sacre Coeur also if weather is cooperating.
Have a lovely trip!
Nice views from Sacre Coeur also if weather is cooperating.
Have a lovely trip!
Jun 7th, 2012, 03:38 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We fell in love with Place des Vosges on the first of out 6(?) Paris trips, as well as the arichard Lenoir Market. We always seem to end up there with a picnic lunch and it is wonderful for watching people and a good place for little ones to run around.
