Paris Quandary - Stay with the familiar or try something new?
Feb 1st, 2011, 11:45 AM
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Paris Quandary - Stay with the familiar or try something new?
I went to Paris for the very first time last year and I was hooked.
This year, my older sister (70 years old) and I are going to Paris. She has never been and is keen on traveling, but her husband is not. Certain events in our lives have re-enforced the old adage "life is too short" and so the two of us are going to Paris, and she has deferred all the planning to me. She said she is so thrilled with going that everything will be delightful for her and she doesn't care about the cost. However, I do care about the cost and so I am planning accordingly. She and I both are healthy (except I currently am suffering with plantar facisitis) but neither of us are getting any younger.
The quandary of my title is do I make reservations where I stayed last year which was a completely charming hotel in the Latin Quarter, or do I search for somewhere else for a different experience for me? I tend to stay in places that are familiar and while I didn't exactly conquer the neighborhood on my trip last year, I would feel very comfortable in dining options and metro access.
I know basic phrases of French (who doesn't?) and my sister will be game to do the same to be polite, but I certainly could not carry on even a simple conversation in French. I do have my experience from last year when I had a marvelous time and I feel comfortable with riding the metro to get where we want to go.
So what would you choose? The familiar would be for us to stay at the Hotel Claude Bernard, which I enjoyed last year, or somewhere new?
This year, my older sister (70 years old) and I are going to Paris. She has never been and is keen on traveling, but her husband is not. Certain events in our lives have re-enforced the old adage "life is too short" and so the two of us are going to Paris, and she has deferred all the planning to me. She said she is so thrilled with going that everything will be delightful for her and she doesn't care about the cost. However, I do care about the cost and so I am planning accordingly. She and I both are healthy (except I currently am suffering with plantar facisitis) but neither of us are getting any younger.
The quandary of my title is do I make reservations where I stayed last year which was a completely charming hotel in the Latin Quarter, or do I search for somewhere else for a different experience for me? I tend to stay in places that are familiar and while I didn't exactly conquer the neighborhood on my trip last year, I would feel very comfortable in dining options and metro access.
I know basic phrases of French (who doesn't?) and my sister will be game to do the same to be polite, but I certainly could not carry on even a simple conversation in French. I do have my experience from last year when I had a marvelous time and I feel comfortable with riding the metro to get where we want to go.
So what would you choose? The familiar would be for us to stay at the Hotel Claude Bernard, which I enjoyed last year, or somewhere new?
Feb 1st, 2011, 11:52 AM
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Good question. On one hand, by going back to CB you will not get any surprises. So if you were happy with it and its location...
Since you now know where all of the "stuff" is, would you consider its location good for going to see the main sites again, or would you have wanted to be closer to...the Seine, the RER line, the Louvre,etc...?
Would there be any issues with your sister walking from that location?
My last trip I steyd in the 16th, in order to see a differnt part of Paris, be a bit more of a 'local', eat around there...but I still had to take a 20 minute ride to the centre, and there was not a lot of tourist stuff to see.
So maybe, for your sister, you stay at CB or perhaps a hotel...closer to Notre Dame, for example.
Since you now know where all of the "stuff" is, would you consider its location good for going to see the main sites again, or would you have wanted to be closer to...the Seine, the RER line, the Louvre,etc...?
Would there be any issues with your sister walking from that location?
My last trip I steyd in the 16th, in order to see a differnt part of Paris, be a bit more of a 'local', eat around there...but I still had to take a 20 minute ride to the centre, and there was not a lot of tourist stuff to see.
So maybe, for your sister, you stay at CB or perhaps a hotel...closer to Notre Dame, for example.
Feb 1st, 2011, 12:57 PM
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Oh, that is a tough one. I am dealing with this as well as my husband and I will be visiting Paris for a few days on our way to Turkey and then, again, on our way back. I think I have decided to go for the familiar on our way there as I know we'll be comfortable and have a quiet place to recover from jet lag. This hotel and area will be new to my husband as he wasn't able to come on the trip two years ago when my daughter, aunt and I traveled. There is something nice about feeling "home" in a foreign city. On our way back, I think we'll try a new place just to have the opportunity to get to know a different area of Paris a bit better.
Finances are an issue for us as well -- I like to think I am not overpaying but I certainly don't want to stay in a dump!
If you think you'll be taking the metro, you'll want to be sure you're not too far away from a station. How is your sister's stamina? Would it be helpful to be closer to any monuments or museums?
I hope you have a great trip!
Finances are an issue for us as well -- I like to think I am not overpaying but I certainly don't want to stay in a dump!
If you think you'll be taking the metro, you'll want to be sure you're not too far away from a station. How is your sister's stamina? Would it be helpful to be closer to any monuments or museums?
I hope you have a great trip!
Feb 2nd, 2011, 12:53 AM
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Loisde - we've now had 3 trips to Paris, staying in a different area each time. I thoroughly recommend trying different parts of the city, as each had a different charm for us.
It sounds as though you are a similar vintage to us; in this case be cautioned by our last experience. Our accommodation was on level six of the building; no problem, I thought, as there was an elevator. But . . . the elevator was out of action for 4 out of our 7 day stay - in future I'll make sure we stay on a lower floor.
I don't mind climbing a couple of flights of stairs, but those 81 steps were a bit more than I bargained for! Di
It sounds as though you are a similar vintage to us; in this case be cautioned by our last experience. Our accommodation was on level six of the building; no problem, I thought, as there was an elevator. But . . . the elevator was out of action for 4 out of our 7 day stay - in future I'll make sure we stay on a lower floor.
I don't mind climbing a couple of flights of stairs, but those 81 steps were a bit more than I bargained for! Di
Feb 2nd, 2011, 05:15 AM
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Since you have decided to accept the responsibility for all the planning, etc., then I suggest you stay with something that you know you will enjoy, that is easily planned, that has few surprises, etc., etc.
Feb 2nd, 2011, 06:22 AM
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How much time do you spend in the hotel? It's Paris. There's so much to do that if you're happy with the hotel stay there. You have a hotel that's within your budget, now you have time to research the rest of your trip. Enjoy!
Feb 2nd, 2011, 11:19 AM
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Thank you for the feedback. We will be in Paris for a week and will do the major sights. Even though I went last year, it was only for 4 days and I didn't even scratch the surface of what I wanted to do. This will be more of a leisurely trip.
I have arranged for a day trip (VERY long day) to Normandy. My uncle was one of the US rangers who dropped behind enemy lines on D Day. Our dad also served, but was not part of the invasion force - many of his letters were sent from "somewhere in Italy." He served under Patton and was in the Battle of the Bulge. I know that Dad would have loved going on such a trip as this. We plan to bring our uncle some sand back from Omaha Beach.
My sister and I have spent some really wonderful hours lately planning and anticipating this adventure. She has said many, many times that she never could have seen a trip like this in her future when she listened to the war news on the radio in 1944.
I have arranged for a day trip (VERY long day) to Normandy. My uncle was one of the US rangers who dropped behind enemy lines on D Day. Our dad also served, but was not part of the invasion force - many of his letters were sent from "somewhere in Italy." He served under Patton and was in the Battle of the Bulge. I know that Dad would have loved going on such a trip as this. We plan to bring our uncle some sand back from Omaha Beach.
My sister and I have spent some really wonderful hours lately planning and anticipating this adventure. She has said many, many times that she never could have seen a trip like this in her future when she listened to the war news on the radio in 1944.
Feb 2nd, 2011, 11:30 AM
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Lois, good to see you! Its been a while.
I also vote for the familiar - especially since you are the designated "planner". I find when I feel responsible for being in charge, I feel more confident about things if I know where I'm going, the metro stops/connections, where a bakery is, etc. On my own, I'm happy to explore more, but since it sounds like she wouldn't go without you, be that rock for her to cling to - and be comfortable that you know what you are getting into.
Have a great trip to Normandy. We visited there in 2005 and I thought it was amazing. My father landed on Normandy on D-day +2 so it was interesting sharing thoughts about it. Do you have a tour planned ? I only suggest that because it eliminates the "I don't know where I'm going" paralysis.
We used Victory Tours - Roel.
http://lignerolles.homestead.com/
He was great! He has an 8-person van (I think?) and is so knowledgable about the area. I only wished that I had emailed him my father's unit information and he would have looked up in advance the exact place and date and time they landed. I recommend doing that also for your father's corps or unit.
Roel knows that people make the day trip from Paris, so the meeting place is actually the train station in Bayeux when the train from Paris arrives. If the train is late and he knows someone is coming from Paris, he will wait for them.
We only took the half-day tour, but left wanting more. We wished we had taken the full-day tour. Feel free to email me if I can answer any other questions -
have a wonderful trip!
I also vote for the familiar - especially since you are the designated "planner". I find when I feel responsible for being in charge, I feel more confident about things if I know where I'm going, the metro stops/connections, where a bakery is, etc. On my own, I'm happy to explore more, but since it sounds like she wouldn't go without you, be that rock for her to cling to - and be comfortable that you know what you are getting into.
Have a great trip to Normandy. We visited there in 2005 and I thought it was amazing. My father landed on Normandy on D-day +2 so it was interesting sharing thoughts about it. Do you have a tour planned ? I only suggest that because it eliminates the "I don't know where I'm going" paralysis.
We used Victory Tours - Roel.
http://lignerolles.homestead.com/
He was great! He has an 8-person van (I think?) and is so knowledgable about the area. I only wished that I had emailed him my father's unit information and he would have looked up in advance the exact place and date and time they landed. I recommend doing that also for your father's corps or unit.
Roel knows that people make the day trip from Paris, so the meeting place is actually the train station in Bayeux when the train from Paris arrives. If the train is late and he knows someone is coming from Paris, he will wait for them.
We only took the half-day tour, but left wanting more. We wished we had taken the full-day tour. Feel free to email me if I can answer any other questions -
have a wonderful trip!
Feb 2nd, 2011, 11:37 AM
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Lois, I don't know your plans, but one of my favorite things to do in Paris is to have dinner at Chez Francis. It is on Pont de l'Alma across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. If you get a window table (which I always request when making reservations) you will see the Eiffel Tower twinkle.
I have found them extremely accommodating to kids also! I think your sister would enjoy sitting, having dinner, and watching it twinkle (although that can be late depending on the month you are visiting).
Last spring, we walked home (Palais Royal) from there along the Seine with the kids (ages 6, 8, 10) - it was enjoyable walking home and as a bonus, we got to see more twinkling!
I have found them extremely accommodating to kids also! I think your sister would enjoy sitting, having dinner, and watching it twinkle (although that can be late depending on the month you are visiting).
Last spring, we walked home (Palais Royal) from there along the Seine with the kids (ages 6, 8, 10) - it was enjoyable walking home and as a bonus, we got to see more twinkling!
Feb 2nd, 2011, 11:53 AM
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Surfmom, you are very kind.
The Normandy tour was arranged by a travel agent friend of mine. I think the company is Paris Vision. We will be picked up at our hotel early, early, early (around 6:15 a.m.). We will visit the Caen Peace Memorial, and the landing sites of Point du Hoc, Arromanches, The Batterie de Longues, Omaha Beach and the American cemetery. We will be returned to our hotel around 7 p.m.
The Hotel Claude Bernard includes breakfast with its room rates, so we will be able to eat before we leave. We considered another tour company which included a 3 course lunch and all the wine you could drink, but my sister and I decided that, while taking this tour is a good idea, we didn't really want to spend precious time on what looks to be a rather long meal.
We are also planning a trip to Versailles, but we'll do that on our own. On my trip last year, my sisters-in-law and I did the Fat Tire Bike trip to Versailles. It was spectacular, but was also an epiphany for me - I ain't as young as I used to be and I was never a great bike rider in the first place. I think I'll stay on my feet this time around.
Here is a portion of our blog from last year. I hope the link works.
http://web.me.com/zcspoon/TroisFille...ersailles.html
Can you figure out which one is Loisde???
The Normandy tour was arranged by a travel agent friend of mine. I think the company is Paris Vision. We will be picked up at our hotel early, early, early (around 6:15 a.m.). We will visit the Caen Peace Memorial, and the landing sites of Point du Hoc, Arromanches, The Batterie de Longues, Omaha Beach and the American cemetery. We will be returned to our hotel around 7 p.m.
The Hotel Claude Bernard includes breakfast with its room rates, so we will be able to eat before we leave. We considered another tour company which included a 3 course lunch and all the wine you could drink, but my sister and I decided that, while taking this tour is a good idea, we didn't really want to spend precious time on what looks to be a rather long meal.
We are also planning a trip to Versailles, but we'll do that on our own. On my trip last year, my sisters-in-law and I did the Fat Tire Bike trip to Versailles. It was spectacular, but was also an epiphany for me - I ain't as young as I used to be and I was never a great bike rider in the first place. I think I'll stay on my feet this time around.
Here is a portion of our blog from last year. I hope the link works.http://web.me.com/zcspoon/TroisFille...ersailles.html
Can you figure out which one is Loisde???
Feb 2nd, 2011, 12:05 PM
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I would vote strongly vote for going with the familiar for this trip. A large part of you purpose for going is to assure that your sister comes to love Paris as much as you obviously do. Much better, I think, to be sure of yourself, and comfortable, during the early part of the trip, so she does not pick up on any nervousness you may be feeling from unfamiliar surroundings. You can then pay more attention to getting her oriented, rather than have to flutter around getting your own bearings.
Feb 2nd, 2011, 12:05 PM
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Hi, loisde
The Claude Bernard is in such a good location - so if you liked it I'd maybe also go w/ the familiar. I rented a flat near there (a bit closer to the river and to St Michel so less than a 10 minute walk from the hotel) and being close to the islands/Notre Dame, the Cluny, metros stations, etc - it is very convenient.
Though for a week -- are you sure you wouldn't enjoy the extra space of a flat?
The Claude Bernard is in such a good location - so if you liked it I'd maybe also go w/ the familiar. I rented a flat near there (a bit closer to the river and to St Michel so less than a 10 minute walk from the hotel) and being close to the islands/Notre Dame, the Cluny, metros stations, etc - it is very convenient.
Though for a week -- are you sure you wouldn't enjoy the extra space of a flat?
Feb 2nd, 2011, 12:34 PM
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LOVE LOVE LOVE the blog!
You will never believe this... we were in Paris the same time! We arrived there from London on Monday, May 3rd and left Sunday, May 9th.
Let's see: on Monday, we did L'Orangerie, Tuesday, we did a private tour with Paris Muse of Notre Dame and climbed to the top, Wednesday was the Luxembourg Gardens, and Thursday was Fat Tire Bike Tours. We dragged the 6yo in the buggy behind while the girls (ages 8, 10) rode by themselves.
I was surprised how cold and windy it was - especially since I'd been watching the weather and the previous week was gorgeous.
: )
You will never believe this... we were in Paris the same time! We arrived there from London on Monday, May 3rd and left Sunday, May 9th.
Let's see: on Monday, we did L'Orangerie, Tuesday, we did a private tour with Paris Muse of Notre Dame and climbed to the top, Wednesday was the Luxembourg Gardens, and Thursday was Fat Tire Bike Tours. We dragged the 6yo in the buggy behind while the girls (ages 8, 10) rode by themselves.
I was surprised how cold and windy it was - especially since I'd been watching the weather and the previous week was gorgeous.
: )
Feb 2nd, 2011, 04:59 PM
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Your blog is wonderful! I am going to go back and read more of it when I have a bit more time.
One suggestion: you might enjoy taking the guided tour of Versailles. My daughter, aunt and I did that. You pay a bit more but go in a small group (20 people or so) with an English speaking guide and get to areas of the palace the regular tour doesn't go through. We learned quite a bit about the history of the palace and the royal family. Afterwards, you join up with the regular tour route and feel sorry for the folks that didn't take your tour!
If you are interested, as you approach the palace the tour sign up area is on the left hand side.
One suggestion: you might enjoy taking the guided tour of Versailles. My daughter, aunt and I did that. You pay a bit more but go in a small group (20 people or so) with an English speaking guide and get to areas of the palace the regular tour doesn't go through. We learned quite a bit about the history of the palace and the royal family. Afterwards, you join up with the regular tour route and feel sorry for the folks that didn't take your tour!
If you are interested, as you approach the palace the tour sign up area is on the left hand side.
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