Please critique my 3.5 day Paris Itinerary
May 20th, 2005, 07:00 AM
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Please critique my 3.5 day Paris Itinerary
Hi, I've gotten so much great information from this board and would really appreciate your review of my itinerary. My husband and I are 28 and are travelling to Paris for the first time, arrriving on Thursday June 2nd from London (we're taking the Eurostar and arriving in Paris at 4pm). We are staying at Hotel Splendid in the 7th. I'd really appreciate your feedback as I'm worried I have planned too much (we're active and want to see a lot, but maybe I've over-planned?). Here's the tentative itinerary:
Thursday (6/2)
Dinner in Rue Cler
Orsay (it's open late on Thurs)
Friday (6/3)
Louvre
Walk St. Germain/Lunch at Cafe
Rodin Museum
Eiffel Tower
Dinner
Bateaux Mouches
Saturday (6/4)
Versailles
Montmarte/Sacre Coeur
Sunday (6/5)
Notre Dame
Sainte-Chappelle/Latin Quarter
Lunch (suggestions?)
Champs Elysses to Arc de Triomphe
Picnic dinner in Luxembourg Gardens
Thursday (6/2)
Dinner in Rue Cler
Orsay (it's open late on Thurs)
Friday (6/3)
Louvre
Walk St. Germain/Lunch at Cafe
Rodin Museum
Eiffel Tower
Dinner
Bateaux Mouches
Saturday (6/4)
Versailles
Montmarte/Sacre Coeur
Sunday (6/5)
Notre Dame
Sainte-Chappelle/Latin Quarter
Lunch (suggestions?)
Champs Elysses to Arc de Triomphe
Picnic dinner in Luxembourg Gardens
May 20th, 2005, 07:28 AM
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Sounds very nice and doable to me... If you go to the Arc de T first and walk toward Place de la Concorde, it's downhill 
The only sticky part is 'dinner in Jardin de Luxembourg' - the park is closed at some point, ie. "dusk" - so you might not get to fulfill this plan. An alternative would be to move your picnic to the Pont des Arts, as that is a popular place for doing this.
Or, you could picnic <i>lunch</i> at Jardin de Luxembourg, then go do the C/E walk to/from the Arc de Triomphe.
The only sticky part is 'dinner in Jardin de Luxembourg' - the park is closed at some point, ie. "dusk" - so you might not get to fulfill this plan. An alternative would be to move your picnic to the Pont des Arts, as that is a popular place for doing this.
Or, you could picnic <i>lunch</i> at Jardin de Luxembourg, then go do the C/E walk to/from the Arc de Triomphe.
May 20th, 2005, 07:43 AM
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Check into the summer schedule for Versailles. I think the water music concerts are on Sundays. Might be worth re-arranging a few things.
The Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower are open late in the summer (~10PM). Watching the sunset from atop either one is a visual treat.
On a 3½ day visit, I do not advise walking very much. That's an activity I reserve for long, leisurely trips. The bus system is so ubiquitous, you can always get where you want to go in a few minutes. I use the Métro for crosstown trips only. The overhead of going down and changing lines and going up isn't justified for a short hop.
If you don't have a lot of luggage, you might want to take the #42 bus from Gare du Nord to the 7e. It's a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful city.
The Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower are open late in the summer (~10PM). Watching the sunset from atop either one is a visual treat.
On a 3½ day visit, I do not advise walking very much. That's an activity I reserve for long, leisurely trips. The bus system is so ubiquitous, you can always get where you want to go in a few minutes. I use the Métro for crosstown trips only. The overhead of going down and changing lines and going up isn't justified for a short hop.
If you don't have a lot of luggage, you might want to take the #42 bus from Gare du Nord to the 7e. It's a great way to get an introduction to this beautiful city.
May 20th, 2005, 07:48 AM
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The only day that seems a bit intense is Saturday - because of the traveling required. While Montmartre is worth a visit if you have the time, after many trips to Paris, I would visit the Cluny Museum and see the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries instead.
Otherwise, you can probably accomplish everything you plan. Be sure to save some time for just looking around and enjoying Paris. You are going to be there at a lovely time.
Otherwise, you can probably accomplish everything you plan. Be sure to save some time for just looking around and enjoying Paris. You are going to be there at a lovely time.
May 20th, 2005, 08:02 AM
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For 3.5 days I wouldn't go to Versailles. Where in "rue Cler" do you plan to eat. I would not recommend ANY restaurant ON rue Cler for a good dinner--there are MANY in the vicinity.
Are you planning dinner ON the Bateaux? I would recommend a twilight boat ride and a much better meal at a restaurant.
Are you planning dinner ON the Bateaux? I would recommend a twilight boat ride and a much better meal at a restaurant.
May 20th, 2005, 08:12 AM
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You have no shopping scheduled!! I too would skip Versailles for a three day trip but I would walk much of your route - so much to see along the way. And the chance for all that shopping. The Rodin is a gem, a very personal view of the artist and a great view of the Eiffel Tower from the garden. Thw twilight tour on the river with dinner afterwards is the way to go. we were lucky to have a chance to pick up spur of the moment tickets at St. Chapelle. While it is good to know what you want to see, do not be a slave to your schedule when something of interest pops up. Also love the Eurostar.
May 20th, 2005, 09:48 AM
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Thank you very much for your responses - I will definitely switch Saturday and Sunday so I will be at Versailles to see the water concert. And I'll look into taking a bus instead of the metro for closer distances - I hadn't thought of that and it makes a lot of sense. Do you know where I can find the bus routes? On Thursday night, I was thinking of having dinner at Cafe du Marche, which seems to be popular. We are on a fairly tight budget, but want to experience the culture...Is that someplace you all recommend?
I think I'll also switch Saturday (my old Sunday) so I have a picnic lunch at Luxembourg Gardens (thanks for the suggestion!) and then do the Arc to Champ Elysees in the evening. Are there lots of markets where I could find picnic supplies?
Another question I had was on what order the Eiffel Tower/Dinner/Bateaux Mouches should be in. I've heard that both the Eiffel Tower and Bateaux Mouches would be great at twilight and since it makes sense to do both in the same night since they're so close, which order would you do them in? And where does dinner fit in? Thank you again for your help! I really appreciate it.
I think I'll also switch Saturday (my old Sunday) so I have a picnic lunch at Luxembourg Gardens (thanks for the suggestion!) and then do the Arc to Champ Elysees in the evening. Are there lots of markets where I could find picnic supplies?
Another question I had was on what order the Eiffel Tower/Dinner/Bateaux Mouches should be in. I've heard that both the Eiffel Tower and Bateaux Mouches would be great at twilight and since it makes sense to do both in the same night since they're so close, which order would you do them in? And where does dinner fit in? Thank you again for your help! I really appreciate it.
May 20th, 2005, 10:06 AM
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There are two Seine cruises based at the foot of the Eiffel, on the same side of the river, so no need to be tied to "Bateaux Mouches" which is on the other side of the river.
http://www.vedettesdeparis.com/angla...croisieres.htm
(<b>2 € off coupon to print off</b
http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/engl...promenade.html
http://www.vedettesdeparis.com/angla...croisieres.htm
(<b>2 € off coupon to print off</b
http://www.bateauxparisiens.com/engl...promenade.html
May 20th, 2005, 10:21 AM
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I just don't understand why that Café du Marché is popular at all. Although I do enjoy fine food, I'm really not that picky about restaurants, and I hate that place. Everything about it is totally mediocre, from the setting to the food to the service. If you get stuck in the back room, it's absolutely stifling and you get blasted with odors and steam from the kitchen every time a server comes through. And the waiters' aprons are usually filthy. I had one waiter who came out to deliver my meal looking as though he'd just slaughtered a cow.
With SO many good restaurants in that neighborhood, IMO it would be a crying shame to eat at the Café du Marché.
With SO many good restaurants in that neighborhood, IMO it would be a crying shame to eat at the Café du Marché.
May 20th, 2005, 10:43 AM
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Possibilities for the 7th:
(you can get telephone/fax numbers from www.pagesjaunes.fr)
Le Florimond - Ave. de la Motte-Picquet
L'Affriolé - rue Malar
La Fontaine de Mars - 129, Rue Sainte-Dominique
Bistro de Breteuil - 3 place de la Breteuil
L’Auberge de Champ de Mars - 18 rue de l’Exposition
(you can get telephone/fax numbers from www.pagesjaunes.fr)
Le Florimond - Ave. de la Motte-Picquet
L'Affriolé - rue Malar
La Fontaine de Mars - 129, Rue Sainte-Dominique
Bistro de Breteuil - 3 place de la Breteuil
L’Auberge de Champ de Mars - 18 rue de l’Exposition
May 20th, 2005, 10:45 AM
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StCirq:
I disagree with your comments Café du Marché, we had our first meal in Paris there and it was nice, convienent and inexpensive. While I wouldn't say it was our best meal while in Paris, the ones that were better were also twice as expensive - its menu had some unique offerings as I had an 'curried chicken' club sandwich & my wife had a chicken Risotto, since we were somewhat jetlagged no wine so bill was 21eur and was very filling with good service. And since it was a Saturday evening the market was still open, as was the bakery across the street which made for I nice walk back to our hotel (munching on a fresh bagette).
Z
I disagree with your comments Café du Marché, we had our first meal in Paris there and it was nice, convienent and inexpensive. While I wouldn't say it was our best meal while in Paris, the ones that were better were also twice as expensive - its menu had some unique offerings as I had an 'curried chicken' club sandwich & my wife had a chicken Risotto, since we were somewhat jetlagged no wine so bill was 21eur and was very filling with good service. And since it was a Saturday evening the market was still open, as was the bakery across the street which made for I nice walk back to our hotel (munching on a fresh bagette).
Z
May 20th, 2005, 10:50 AM
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Bus routes are on line at
<b>http://www.ratp.info/orienter/tous_plans_pdf.php
</b>
The most practical are <i>Bus Paris (avec rues)</i> and <i>Bus touristique</i>. Other useful maps are <i>Métro (avec rues)</i> and <i>RER IdF</i>. These are all available in full size at RATP offices.
For maps of individual bus lines showing all the stops by name, substitute the desired line number for 42 in the following URL:
<b>http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan.php?loc=bus_paris&nompdf=42&fm=pdf</b>
All of the above documents are in PDF form, so you can download them to a Pocket PC or Palm device.
<b>http://www.ratp.info/orienter/tous_plans_pdf.php
</b>
The most practical are <i>Bus Paris (avec rues)</i> and <i>Bus touristique</i>. Other useful maps are <i>Métro (avec rues)</i> and <i>RER IdF</i>. These are all available in full size at RATP offices.
For maps of individual bus lines showing all the stops by name, substitute the desired line number for 42 in the following URL:
<b>http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan.php?loc=bus_paris&nompdf=42&fm=pdf</b>
All of the above documents are in PDF form, so you can download them to a Pocket PC or Palm device.
May 20th, 2005, 10:57 AM
#14
On your first day I'd recommend going straight to the Orsay after checking into your hotel and having dinner afterwards. Most places don't start serving dinner til 7 and you won't have time for the museum afterwards.
May 20th, 2005, 11:16 AM
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Well, my main concerns are two fold: 1. do you have a game plan for visiting the Louvre? 2. Versailles. What do you want to see and how well do you want to see it?
In looking at yur listing of the Louvre, I get two impressions: either you know exactly what you want to see, intend to get in, see a few objects, and get out, or you have no real objective other than to say you have been there.
If you have a list of 12 - 15 definite objectives, it will still take you most of the morning to see them. At least it did me because the artistic works I wanted to see were spread out. Of course I got a little sidetracked in Egyptology before blundering into Greece!!
Now that Mona has her own private room, you might get to look at her a little easier, but I doubt it. I really never saw her my last trip because of the mob. I did not want to jostle and push to catch a glimpse of the famous face because I had seen her before. My wife finally got into a position behind some short people and could see over their heads.
Venus also is usually surrounded by a small mob. Again, if you are tall, you can peer over them. If you are short, I have no suggestions except to ride piggy back. We never got closer than about 15 feet.
And there is so much to see in the Louvre that to make a detailed visit to even half of it would take all day and then some.
And on Sunday, when you are at the Arc de Triomphe you are at the opposite end of central Paris from the gardens you mention.
And, Versailles can take all day. By the time you tour the palace, do the gardens justice, and visit the outlying buildings like the Petite Trianon you will be saturated.
I remember going there with plantar fasciitis and it was a very painful visit.
Age is on your side, but if you want to see the Rodin Museum, the Louvre, and some of the other places well enough to be rewarding, I think you are trying to do too much. It is a balance between catching a glimpse of it and really seeing enough to make it worthwhile.
I still have Sacre Coeur on my dance card. And about 6 other places as well.
In looking at yur listing of the Louvre, I get two impressions: either you know exactly what you want to see, intend to get in, see a few objects, and get out, or you have no real objective other than to say you have been there.
If you have a list of 12 - 15 definite objectives, it will still take you most of the morning to see them. At least it did me because the artistic works I wanted to see were spread out. Of course I got a little sidetracked in Egyptology before blundering into Greece!!
Now that Mona has her own private room, you might get to look at her a little easier, but I doubt it. I really never saw her my last trip because of the mob. I did not want to jostle and push to catch a glimpse of the famous face because I had seen her before. My wife finally got into a position behind some short people and could see over their heads.
Venus also is usually surrounded by a small mob. Again, if you are tall, you can peer over them. If you are short, I have no suggestions except to ride piggy back. We never got closer than about 15 feet.
And there is so much to see in the Louvre that to make a detailed visit to even half of it would take all day and then some.
And on Sunday, when you are at the Arc de Triomphe you are at the opposite end of central Paris from the gardens you mention.
And, Versailles can take all day. By the time you tour the palace, do the gardens justice, and visit the outlying buildings like the Petite Trianon you will be saturated.
I remember going there with plantar fasciitis and it was a very painful visit.
Age is on your side, but if you want to see the Rodin Museum, the Louvre, and some of the other places well enough to be rewarding, I think you are trying to do too much. It is a balance between catching a glimpse of it and really seeing enough to make it worthwhile.
I still have Sacre Coeur on my dance card. And about 6 other places as well.
May 20th, 2005, 11:18 AM
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I definitely agree with St. Cirq about Cafe du Marche. It is close to being the most mundane and uninspired place we have eaten in Paris. All of the suggestions from Travelnut are far better; in fact they are excellent.
As for a place to pick up picnic supplies for a picnic in Jardin de Luxembourg, the Grand Epicerie is not too far away and is a wonderful place to shop for food. You will not have a hard time finding fabulous food all over Paris. Have a wonderful trip!
As for a place to pick up picnic supplies for a picnic in Jardin de Luxembourg, the Grand Epicerie is not too far away and is a wonderful place to shop for food. You will not have a hard time finding fabulous food all over Paris. Have a wonderful trip!
May 20th, 2005, 11:18 AM
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About your question on bus routes: the web site in English is http://www.ratp.info/informer/anglais/index.php. No need to print it out(unless you want to pre-map your itin.) , when you get there, pick up the free Paris metro map from your Hotel: It has a red dot to show where your hotel is (can't get lost!).
I don't agree with the "don't walk much" comment. Au contraire: one of the great charms of Paris is the atmosphere/character, which you'll see more of by walking. Many sites are very close to each other. Take the bus/metro when you need a rest.There is also a water taxi you can take along the quai.
As wonderful as the Louvre is, I agree with Bob Brown: you can't really spend much of your time there in only 3.5 days. Just getting in & out takes a while! Unless it is a big MUST on your list, I would just do the Musee D'Orsay. Take the lift to the top, then work your way down. Paintings, furniture, sculptures etc. Do walk by the outside of the Louvre, even if you don't go in. Or , if you can squeeze it in, you can pop in in the evening: Louvre is open late on Friday.
In such a short time I think it would be nice to have a variety of sites (ie: not too many museums). Make Rodin & Sacre Coeur options if you can still find the time.
I would do Versailles, it's amazing. Take the Bus 82 from the stop in front of your hotel to Champs de Mars & catch the RER line C Rives Gauche. Verify this with your hotel. You can picnic, rent bikes, row boat etc...
On tripadvisor.com you can see some personal pics taken from the Splendid Hotel (6 of the 8 are mine)
Bon Voyage
I don't agree with the "don't walk much" comment. Au contraire: one of the great charms of Paris is the atmosphere/character, which you'll see more of by walking. Many sites are very close to each other. Take the bus/metro when you need a rest.There is also a water taxi you can take along the quai.
As wonderful as the Louvre is, I agree with Bob Brown: you can't really spend much of your time there in only 3.5 days. Just getting in & out takes a while! Unless it is a big MUST on your list, I would just do the Musee D'Orsay. Take the lift to the top, then work your way down. Paintings, furniture, sculptures etc. Do walk by the outside of the Louvre, even if you don't go in. Or , if you can squeeze it in, you can pop in in the evening: Louvre is open late on Friday.
In such a short time I think it would be nice to have a variety of sites (ie: not too many museums). Make Rodin & Sacre Coeur options if you can still find the time.
I would do Versailles, it's amazing. Take the Bus 82 from the stop in front of your hotel to Champs de Mars & catch the RER line C Rives Gauche. Verify this with your hotel. You can picnic, rent bikes, row boat etc...
On tripadvisor.com you can see some personal pics taken from the Splendid Hotel (6 of the 8 are mine)
Bon Voyage
May 20th, 2005, 11:43 AM
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Please add this to the START of my first post. I somehow missed including it.
Too many open windows or something.
You have made some excellent choices of sites and sights in Paris to visit.
I think you need to tweak the gameplan a little for fullest effect. But, you will come home with many memories regardless of how you do your schedule because of your obvious informed selecting.
Too many open windows or something.
You have made some excellent choices of sites and sights in Paris to visit.
I think you need to tweak the gameplan a little for fullest effect. But, you will come home with many memories regardless of how you do your schedule because of your obvious informed selecting.
May 20th, 2005, 11:58 AM
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Cafe du Marche is only acceptable as an eating place for breakfast. Please do not settle for mediocrity when there are all the other places nearby. And the smoke is stifling, as St. cirq said. If you are REALLY on a budget then eat at Auberge de champs de Mars on rue l'Exposition--about 15-20€ for the menu.For a lovely mid price French meal eat at any of the others listed in the post--about 30€ for the menu.
If you want to maximize your whole visit, hire a guide--Michael Osman. It would be the best spent 100 or so € you ever spent.
If you want to maximize your whole visit, hire a guide--Michael Osman. It would be the best spent 100 or so € you ever spent.
May 20th, 2005, 12:14 PM
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I don't really see any problem with visiting Montmartre and Versailles the same day. Go out to Sacre Coeur first thing, then take the Métro Ligne 12 from Pigalle to Assemblée Nationale, walk a block to RER C at Musée D'Orsay, and take the train that terminates at Versailles Rive Gauche.
Tour the Palace(s) and gardens, see the illuminations, return late via Invalides and Ligne 8.
Just to clarify: I didn't say not to walk anywhere, I said don't waste time with long hikes on a short trip. Just be sure you understand the distance (and time and effort) involved. From Étoile to Concorde (for example) is close to 2 miles.
Tour the Palace(s) and gardens, see the illuminations, return late via Invalides and Ligne 8.
Just to clarify: I didn't say not to walk anywhere, I said don't waste time with long hikes on a short trip. Just be sure you understand the distance (and time and effort) involved. From Étoile to Concorde (for example) is close to 2 miles.
