Paris in mid-March

Old Aug 24th, 2001, 10:35 AM
  #1  
Nicole
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Paris in mid-March

I am traveling to Paris for the first time in mid-March. I am very excited about the trip and have checked out several books from the library on French culture, history, etc.

Does anyone have any specific advice as I am planning? My trip will last approximately 10 days, but I'll lose a day or two in the air. I have booked my airline tickets, but not my hotel. (I can't decide if I should spend the whole week in Paris, or if I should try and travel to some outlying parts of France. Any advice on this would be most appreciated.)

Whatever you might offer about budget hotels, restaurants, weather, sights and/or activities would be greatly appreciated. If you feel that your reply might be too long to post, please feel free to email me. I crave your suggestions!
 
Old Aug 24th, 2001, 11:36 AM
  #2  
Christina
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Aside from books on French history and culture, I'd suggest you either get from the library, buy,or read online several guidebooks or information just on Paris and France in general so you can get a feeling for what you want to see and whether you do want to visit something outside Paris or not. Guidebooks will be the best way to do that IMO. Many travel web sites have limited information under "destinations" that is pretty good for a taste. Also, see the France National Tourism web site, they have lots of location-specific info (www.francetourism.com), and there's a lot of very good info on www.timeout.com, and one very good resource for budget travel by city is www.budgettravel.com. Your other questions are rather too broad and nonspecific at this point for me to have anything to advise. What you are doing is the opposite of what I do, I read guidebooks and decide my rough itinerary first, then book hotels and air, and only then when those important things are taken care of do I read books on local culture and history as that helps me get in the mood just before traveling (sometimes I take such books with me for plane/onsite reading--last month I took Lawrence Durrell's "Provence" with me to...Provence, it was a book on local history and culture). YOu've got plenty of time at this point to make hotel reservations, though, but I wouldn't wait past Dec-Jan to get best choice. If you've never been there before, and with only 9 days, I'd probably just stay around Paris and take some day trips in that area -- also because there aren't too many parts of France that I think will be that thrilling to view in March (regarding outdoor scenery) that it would be worth it to plan detailed travel there, unless you have a reason or desire to see some place based on your own interests, in which case you should.
 
Old Aug 24th, 2001, 11:40 AM
  #3  
Nicole
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Thank you, Christina! I have checked out some guide books as well, which I am just beginning to pore over. I will probably return to this site later with more questions!
 
Old Aug 24th, 2001, 11:44 AM
  #4  
s.fowler
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Lucky you My favorite city.

In march be prepapred for anything from sunny and 60 to 45 and raining. We lucked out this past March. [Got snowed on in A'dam though]
 
Old Aug 25th, 2001, 09:08 AM
  #5  
Alice
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My husband and I stayed in Paris for about 11 days in 1997, and it was wonderful to take time just walking, people-watching from cafes, and browsing museums at leisure. You can work in a couple of day trips - perhaps to Versailles (be sure to see the Trianons and the Hameau) and to Chartres (see the cathedral and walk the town). You could also go to Giverny to Monet's Garden. This will be a good visit as you can unpack once, and enjoy having a 'home' base to return to every evening, and slow down enough to absorb your surroundings.
 
Old Aug 26th, 2001, 07:16 AM
  #6  
Fred
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You'll really only have about 8 days in Paris. I would stay in Paris and do some day trips. There's so much in and around Paris you really don't have to go far from the city. Save that for another trip. There will be another trip. For more Paris information e-mail me - [email protected]
 
Old Aug 26th, 2001, 07:26 AM
  #7  
John Bermont
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March weather in Paris can be highly variable. Dress in layers. For average weather info try my page at www.enjoy-europe.com/weather5/html.
John
 
Old Aug 26th, 2001, 02:38 PM
  #8  
mike
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I'd stay in Paris. Sleep in, shop and see whatever interest u have. Plenty of whatever u are into to do in Paris for that amount of time. Why add to travel time. Mike.
 
Old Aug 27th, 2001, 11:43 AM
  #9  
Russell
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Nicole,
We've done a couple of March weekends and in both cases were pleasantly surprised by the weather. By mid-month, the flowers were already in bloom and temperatures were in the mid-60s. Even so, that's not guaranteed. For a first timer, a pleasant introduction is a midday cruise on one of the Bateaux Mouches. Those are huge sightseeing boats that leave from Pont de l'Alma, across from the Eiffel Tower. The cruises generally last about an hour and a half and give you a good view of many of the sights. Afterwards, you'll want to think in terms of a variety of activities since it's only too easy to overdo it, especially with museums. The Louvre is great, but it's best to take it in small doses, perhaps starting off with a guide for a few hours. If you're interested in impressionists, the Musee d'Orsay will be for you. Also, the Musee Marmatton. There are a number of street markets; the Rue de Buci and Rue Mouffetard come to mind. If music is at all appealing, don't miss the Musee de la Musique in the Parc de la Villette. It opened only a few years ago. Do wander through the Tuileries and the Luxembourg Gardens. For shopping, you may want to visit the Galeries Lafayette and other major stores nearby. For smaller stores, do your research to come up with those places that carry items of special interest to you. Or just park yourself in an outdoor cafe along the Bd. St. Germain, enjoy an espresso, and watch what comes along. For a daytrip outside Paris, Versailles is quite worthwhile, especially if the weather is OK. Another easy enough day trip is to Reims to visit some champagne producers. For a week or so, using Paris as a base is a good idea. There have been plenty of good budget hotels recommended in this forum. Just read up and you'll get your answers. Once you've decided, make your reservation pronto. To simplify your travel while in the city, you should consider getting a travel pass. For that, go to www.ratp.fr. That's the site for the Paris public transit system and there you'll find out what the choices are. As far as restaurants are concerned, that's largely determined by your budget, cuisine preference, and your willingness to travel around the city. Hope this helps.
 
Old Aug 27th, 2001, 12:04 PM
  #10  
John
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Nicole,

Travel light - do not pack a ton of stuff, coordinate.

Buy your umbrella there - you will need one.

Comfortable shoes are very, very important . . . you will walk and stand a lot.

Get to know how to use the local transportation options (RER, subways and buses) first off.

Concentrate your days specific areas to take advantage of your limited time.

Do the things that interest you first - sometimes they are closed when you really want to do them. Combine things, like a concert in a church. It enriches the experience.

Leave 1/3 to 1/2 of your time for 'unplanned' things. In Paris interesting things just 'happen'.

Talk to everyone you can about there Paris experience, but put in context those things that are interesting to you for the person beforehand. Always ask for that persons most interesting/unique experience.

If you do not know French (and chose not to learn) prepare a cheat sheet of phrases that you can pop out at a moments notice.

Have fun
 

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