Paris Trip
Feb 4th, 2007, 02:53 PM
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Paris Trip
Hi Everyone,
my girl friend and I are planning a 2 day trip to paris after spending 5 days in Switzerland in the 3rd week of May this year. We will be taking an overnight train to Paris. What would be the best means of transportation to get to the hotel(subway/metro/bus/taxi). Any suggestions?
As far as a good area to stay in Paris. We are looking for a hotel in the Latin Quarters, since we heard it a pretty good area to be in. Our Price range is between $100-150. As far as the hotel- we want to be close to the metro/subway so we can get around easily, ac and elevator is also a plus, we like to be where there are stuff to do - restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.(we love to eat and drink beer). free breakfast (he he) is a great also if it's offered. We came upon this 2 hotel - Hotel bonaparte and Hotel jacques. Any suggestions and comments is greatly appreciated.
I know 2 days is not enough to go around Paris. We have narrowed down the places we would like to see - Versaille(how many hours should we alot since this is out of the way), Louvre, Notre dame, musee d'orsay, Champs-elysees, eiffel tower- so far these are what we have came up with?
All your suggestions and your opinion is highly appreciated.....
my girl friend and I are planning a 2 day trip to paris after spending 5 days in Switzerland in the 3rd week of May this year. We will be taking an overnight train to Paris. What would be the best means of transportation to get to the hotel(subway/metro/bus/taxi). Any suggestions?
As far as a good area to stay in Paris. We are looking for a hotel in the Latin Quarters, since we heard it a pretty good area to be in. Our Price range is between $100-150. As far as the hotel- we want to be close to the metro/subway so we can get around easily, ac and elevator is also a plus, we like to be where there are stuff to do - restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.(we love to eat and drink beer). free breakfast (he he) is a great also if it's offered. We came upon this 2 hotel - Hotel bonaparte and Hotel jacques. Any suggestions and comments is greatly appreciated.
I know 2 days is not enough to go around Paris. We have narrowed down the places we would like to see - Versaille(how many hours should we alot since this is out of the way), Louvre, Notre dame, musee d'orsay, Champs-elysees, eiffel tower- so far these are what we have came up with?
All your suggestions and your opinion is highly appreciated.....
Feb 4th, 2007, 03:53 PM
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How you get to your hotel is a matter of personal preference, but if you want to see the public transit options, go to www.ratp.fr and enter the train station where you arrive in the <i>Départ</i> blank (click the "Station" button first), and the address of your hotel (Bonaparte gets great reviews here) in the <i>Arrivée</i> blank and punch "Recherche avancée."
Now enter the date and time you want to travel and press "Rechercher." You will see an itinerary and map of the neighborhood around your destination. If the map doesn't appear, you may have to punch <i>cliquez ici</i> on the results page.
Now enter the date and time you want to travel and press "Rechercher." You will see an itinerary and map of the neighborhood around your destination. If the map doesn't appear, you may have to punch <i>cliquez ici</i> on the results page.
Feb 4th, 2007, 04:28 PM
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Usually the Metro is the easiest and best way to get around Paris, although if you have heavy luggage, it can be a pain getting it up and down the stairs into the Metro station. You should be coming into the Gare de Lyon, and there is a Metro station right there.
If you only have 48 hours in Paris, you'll need to budget your time carefully. If you get a Museum Pass, it will be good for Versailles, Musee d'Orsay, and the Louvre. It will also let you skip the long lines to buy tickets (though things will not be *as* bad in May).
For my first full day, I would leave your bags at your hotel and go see the Louvre. I think the best attraction there is the bedroom of Napoleon. All the crowds head to see the Mona Lisa (la Jaconde) ... Afterwards, you might walk through the Tuilleries all the way to the Place de la Concorde and then up the Champs de l'Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe. Your Museum Pass will get you up the the top of the Arc. A lot of walking, but that's the way to see Paris.
The next day, you could spend the morning at Versailles, going and coming back on the RER. On your return, you could see the Musee d'Orsay. If you have extra time, go to the Ile de la Cite, visit Notre Dame, and see the Holocaust Memorial at the tip of the island.
If you only have 48 hours in Paris, you'll need to budget your time carefully. If you get a Museum Pass, it will be good for Versailles, Musee d'Orsay, and the Louvre. It will also let you skip the long lines to buy tickets (though things will not be *as* bad in May).
For my first full day, I would leave your bags at your hotel and go see the Louvre. I think the best attraction there is the bedroom of Napoleon. All the crowds head to see the Mona Lisa (la Jaconde) ... Afterwards, you might walk through the Tuilleries all the way to the Place de la Concorde and then up the Champs de l'Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe. Your Museum Pass will get you up the the top of the Arc. A lot of walking, but that's the way to see Paris.
The next day, you could spend the morning at Versailles, going and coming back on the RER. On your return, you could see the Musee d'Orsay. If you have extra time, go to the Ile de la Cite, visit Notre Dame, and see the Holocaust Memorial at the tip of the island.
Feb 4th, 2007, 05:04 PM
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Leave the Eiffel tower until 8 pm. They light it up in the evening and it is an especially amazing feeling when you happen to be at the top of it when they do so. I think it is lit up between 8 and 9 pm, can't remember exactly when. You won't have much time to visit too many places in Paris in 2 days. The Louvres alone will take up most of that time.
What ever you do, take the time to enjoy yourself.
RM
What ever you do, take the time to enjoy yourself.
RM
Feb 4th, 2007, 05:10 PM
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Hi S,
Do you know which station you will be coming into?
Does your hotel have to be in the Latin Quarter?
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC and an elevator.
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr
For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.
Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd
Enjoy your visit.
Do you know which station you will be coming into?
Does your hotel have to be in the Latin Quarter?
We always stay at the Hotel Bonaparte, 61 Rue Bonaparte in the 6th. From 124E dbl w/bkfst. It is located near 3 metro stops. Has AC and an elevator.
Tel 33 1 43 26 97 37
FAX 33 1 46 33 57 67
www.hotelbonaparte.fr
For more info, enter "Hotel Bonaparte" in the "search this forum" box.
Photos are at http://tinyurl.com/ludgd
Enjoy your visit.
Feb 4th, 2007, 05:56 PM
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Hi sidra,
Depending on whom you talk to, you'll find many different answers to the question of what the best way to get to your hotel is. The easiest -- but most expensive, and probably not the most efficient way -- is to walk out and take a taxi. Less expensive is a shuttle bus that you can book online. We used to take Airport Connection and were dissatisfied with that, as the driver was late, both arriving in Paris and leaving Paris, the last time we took it. The next year, we took the Air France Bus... I liked it, but my husband was a little concerned about our luggage, as it was stowed underneath, and thus, out of our sight for awhile. The bus let us off at Gare Montparnasse, and from there we took a taxi to our hotel -- a very short distance. Probably the least expensive, and most efficient way to get there, is to take the RER from the airport and transfer to a metro to get to your hotel.... that is, if you don't mind lugging your luggage up and down stairs. That's what put us off taking the RER, and we're trying another shuttle bus company this year -- Bee Shuttle.
http://www.bee-shuttle.com/
We've always stayed in the 6th and think it is a wonderful area to stay. It's easy to get most places, with bus and metro nearby. I don't know much about the 5th, but I do know that there are many hotels within your budget in that area. You might want to try www.venere.com to find hotels, but I would deal directly with the individual hotels. I have heard good things about the Familia Hotel in the 5th:
http://www.hotel-paris-familia.com/
Sandy
Depending on whom you talk to, you'll find many different answers to the question of what the best way to get to your hotel is. The easiest -- but most expensive, and probably not the most efficient way -- is to walk out and take a taxi. Less expensive is a shuttle bus that you can book online. We used to take Airport Connection and were dissatisfied with that, as the driver was late, both arriving in Paris and leaving Paris, the last time we took it. The next year, we took the Air France Bus... I liked it, but my husband was a little concerned about our luggage, as it was stowed underneath, and thus, out of our sight for awhile. The bus let us off at Gare Montparnasse, and from there we took a taxi to our hotel -- a very short distance. Probably the least expensive, and most efficient way to get there, is to take the RER from the airport and transfer to a metro to get to your hotel.... that is, if you don't mind lugging your luggage up and down stairs. That's what put us off taking the RER, and we're trying another shuttle bus company this year -- Bee Shuttle.
http://www.bee-shuttle.com/
We've always stayed in the 6th and think it is a wonderful area to stay. It's easy to get most places, with bus and metro nearby. I don't know much about the 5th, but I do know that there are many hotels within your budget in that area. You might want to try www.venere.com to find hotels, but I would deal directly with the individual hotels. I have heard good things about the Familia Hotel in the 5th:
http://www.hotel-paris-familia.com/
Sandy
Feb 4th, 2007, 06:21 PM
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Stay at the Hotel Minerve on Rue des grandes ecoles. It is close to the Pantheon and to Rue Mouffetard, which is the oldest street in Paris. It has an outdoor market, restaurants, delies, butchers, bakeries, runs about 112 euros a night including breakfast. The hotel is recommended in the Fodors guide and you can walk to Notre-Dame from there.
With luggage, I would recommend taking a taxi from the train station. It doesn't cost that much and is a lot safer than dragging your luggage in the underground whre you can get robbed by pickpockets.
Another hotel that's fun id the Hotel Leveque, at 90 euros a night, within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, and also on a fun street.
Tucker 3
With luggage, I would recommend taking a taxi from the train station. It doesn't cost that much and is a lot safer than dragging your luggage in the underground whre you can get robbed by pickpockets.
Another hotel that's fun id the Hotel Leveque, at 90 euros a night, within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower, and also on a fun street.
Tucker 3
Feb 4th, 2007, 07:17 PM
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The Eiffel is illuminated all evening, but it 'glitters' every hour for 10 minutes after it is dark. It does this several times (until late); I don't know if they stop after midnight or when.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and Chateau de Versailles is closed on Mondays.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesdays and Chateau de Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Feb 6th, 2007, 02:18 PM
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Thank you all for your help.. I have narrowed down my hotel selection into two - Hotel Henri IV or Hotel Bonaparte. I just can't decide which one to choose from. Any suggestions or comments is appreciated.
Feb 6th, 2007, 02:28 PM
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Hotel Henri IV and Hotel Bonaparte are both excellent choices in your price range. Central, convenient to Metro stations, convenient to everything, and great values. I am not going to pick one over the other but just wanted to chime in that you're splitting hairs at this point.
You'll be quite hapy which ever you ultimately decide on.
Have a great time!
You'll be quite hapy which ever you ultimately decide on.
Have a great time!
Feb 6th, 2007, 02:53 PM
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From Gare de Lyon you are not very far by Metro from Latin Quarter. By Metro, you will have to change lines once to get to St Germain area.
Versailles is good, I'd just play that ear. There is so much to see and do in Paris, that to take a 1/2 day or more to leave the city, when you only have 2 days..but if it's your dream, go for it.
Those 2 days may be a bit rushed with the schedule you have. For instance a nice addition to Notre Dame is St Chapelle, only a block away, famous for its stained glass. A block in the other direction from ND is Ile St Louis, a nice place to walk...shops, good restaurants - some with patio eating, old buildings,etc..and since the Seine is nearby, perhaps a walk along it (above or below street level)...and then, since you are in the area, the Square du Vert Galant, with very nice views of Seine, Louvre, etc...and since you are there, perhaps a Seine boat cruise from Vedettes du Pont Neuf...big chunk of one day gone, but what a way to spend a day.
A walk from the Arc de Triomphe (visit to top?) walk down Champs Elysee, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome for the Ritz hotel and high end jewelry shops, the Tuileries Gardens, Opera Garnier, maybe a visit to Laduree for sweets, walk down Faubourg St Honore for fashion houses and nice shops, Palais Royale gardens,...and then you are at the Louvre. You could combine Orsay with Louvre, since across the river from each other. This would be a big day indeed.
If there are lineups at any of these places (e.g. Orsay), that will also affect your schedule.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Versailles is good, I'd just play that ear. There is so much to see and do in Paris, that to take a 1/2 day or more to leave the city, when you only have 2 days..but if it's your dream, go for it.
Those 2 days may be a bit rushed with the schedule you have. For instance a nice addition to Notre Dame is St Chapelle, only a block away, famous for its stained glass. A block in the other direction from ND is Ile St Louis, a nice place to walk...shops, good restaurants - some with patio eating, old buildings,etc..and since the Seine is nearby, perhaps a walk along it (above or below street level)...and then, since you are in the area, the Square du Vert Galant, with very nice views of Seine, Louvre, etc...and since you are there, perhaps a Seine boat cruise from Vedettes du Pont Neuf...big chunk of one day gone, but what a way to spend a day.
A walk from the Arc de Triomphe (visit to top?) walk down Champs Elysee, Place de la Concorde, Place Vendome for the Ritz hotel and high end jewelry shops, the Tuileries Gardens, Opera Garnier, maybe a visit to Laduree for sweets, walk down Faubourg St Honore for fashion houses and nice shops, Palais Royale gardens,...and then you are at the Louvre. You could combine Orsay with Louvre, since across the river from each other. This would be a big day indeed.
If there are lineups at any of these places (e.g. Orsay), that will also affect your schedule.
Hope this helps,
Mike
Feb 6th, 2007, 03:21 PM
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If you plan to hit any of the most popular museums (Louvre, Orsay, Versailles), do yourself a favor and buy a Paris Museum Pass - it allows you to use your precious time efficiently by letting you bypass the lines.
Feb 6th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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From Gare de Lyon, the N° 63 bus is a straight shot - and no lugging luggage up and down stairs. Route map:
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...&nompdf=63
Your stop is "Eglise St. Sulpice." The Bonaparte is right around the corner.
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...&nompdf=63
Your stop is "Eglise St. Sulpice." The Bonaparte is right around the corner.
Feb 6th, 2007, 11:40 PM
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I am usually a culture buff (but are you?) and like going to museums. But is it worth it, if you only have 48 hours in an unknown city, alledgedly one of the most beautiful ones on earth, to spend one day in Versailles (because it'll "eat up" a whole day), and half a day in the Louvre? 48 hours is barely enough to SEE all the sights, soak in the atmosphere, ENJOY Paris. Michel Paris has given you great suggestions for walks. You can "do" Orsay, which is reasonable in size. But, at your age and with so little time on your hands, there are better places to be in Paris than huge museums drowned under a sea of tourists.
Feb 7th, 2007, 06:52 AM
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I am one of those people who don't make value judgments about what is more or less tour-worthy than anything else.
You can see all the major sights in Paris and even spend a half-day in Versailles in the time you have (it's a 49-minute RER ride and walk from Notre Dame, according to ratp.com). Eat breakfast on the way out, and lunch on the return trip.
I advise against walking very far on such a short stay. The suggested stroll from the Arc de Triomphe to Concorde is more than a mile, and will consume 29 minutes of your precious hours (according to mappy.com). To get around fast, buy a <i>Mobilis</i> pass and jump on and off buses at will.
You can see all the major sights in Paris and even spend a half-day in Versailles in the time you have (it's a 49-minute RER ride and walk from Notre Dame, according to ratp.com). Eat breakfast on the way out, and lunch on the return trip.
I advise against walking very far on such a short stay. The suggested stroll from the Arc de Triomphe to Concorde is more than a mile, and will consume 29 minutes of your precious hours (according to mappy.com). To get around fast, buy a <i>Mobilis</i> pass and jump on and off buses at will.
