Strategy for seeing Paris

Old Nov 21st, 1997, 05:23 PM
  #1  
nina
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Strategy for seeing Paris

I am in the "sightseeing" phase of planning my trip to Paris and am hoping someone can give me some input as to the best way to organize my travels around the city. Since I only have 5 full days, I have two modes of thought at this point. The first is spend 2 days seeing the left bank, then two days on the right and one full day at the Louvre. OR, doing as one of my guide books suggests and in effect bouncing back and forth across the bridges of the Seine for four days. For example, the Eiffel tower to the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs Elysees to the Grand Palais then back across the Alexandre III bridge to Les Invalides and so on. Doing this I would still probably spend a day at the Louvre. The guide books are great but I am having trouble getting a sense of the best way to take in the areas on the way to the major sights, as well as how much can reasonably be accomplished in a day. Thanks in advance!
 
Old Nov 22nd, 1997, 07:13 AM
  #2  
Suzanne
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Hi Nina, we were in Paris last May (it is so beautiful, you will adore it!) and did the left bank, then the right bank. We were staying on the left so we just spent 3 days wandering from the Eiffel tower all the way to Jardin des Plantes. I loved the Musee d'Orsay as much as the Louvre. Then we spent 3 days wandering the right bank and did the Louvre then. I found that doing it that way was less confusing and less walking too. Also, when are you going? That makes a big difference. Have a great time!
 
Old Nov 22nd, 1997, 08:48 AM
  #3  
Donna
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This is, indeed, a project! If you plan to visit more than one or two museums per day, you will want to get a three or five day Carte Musees et Monuments pass, which includes admission to more than 65 places and is a real bargain. A few places are not included on the pass (Eiffel Tower, Musee Grevin, Musee Marmottan, Opera Garnier), so you may with to get a three day pass and visit places not included on the other two days. Note also that many museums are closed on Monday or on Tuesday and plan accordingly. Here's a website with details on the pass:
http://www.paris.org/Expos/ParisTickets/CarteMusees/
Recommend that you get a fold-out map of Paris (Michelin) and highlight all your must-see's. Then, start each day with your top priority and plan to visit as much as possible in the surrounding area. On the day you visit the Louvre, go there first and early. Do not do too much on the way, as the Louvre is huge and you'll want to conserve your energy. Miles and miles of exhibits! Most guidebooks tell you to stick to the third floor only of the Musee d'Orsay - don't. The first and second floors are awesome as well. And, learn to take the busses. Depending on where you are staying, you can usually find a bus that will take you directly to your destination. The stairways and hallways of the metro can be exhausting by the time you have arrived at your destination. Buy metro tickets in a strip (carnet) of ten. These may be used on the busses also. Another bargain. And, here's a terrific restaurant site: www.best-restaurants.com. Order the book. More than 140 restaurants of every type, in every price range, with photos, prices, nearest metro stop, specialties - excellent map in back cover.
 
Old Nov 22nd, 1997, 09:54 AM
  #4  
Seamus
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You will have a ball in Paris! This last trip to Paris was my 8th, but the 1st for my companion, so we did something different - a city tour in a minibus/van. Booked through Gray Line, it was a marvelous way to efficiently get around. Pickup at the hotel, then whizzing (as traffic allows) around the city for about three or four hours. Especially for first time visit, it is a good way to get a sense of the city. Best time (to avoid traffic) is a Sunday morning if that fits your plans.
If at all possible, do save a day for a jaunt to Chartres and Versailles (doable on the same day if you plan well). Yes, Versailles is a bastion of over-the-top decor bordering on tackiness, but it is worth seeing. Chartres, in addition to the marvelous cathedral, offers a delightful town to stroll with some good local restaurants. Chartres and Versailles are accessible via the RER (local train service) which does not use the same tickets as the Metro/ Paris buses but is a fairly cheap fare.
Enjoy!
 
Old Nov 22nd, 1997, 08:12 PM
  #5  
J.T.
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The best way to see Paris is definitely to split it up between the left and right banks. This way you are not wasting time crisscrossing the river and you can do more walking as well. As far as public transportation, I prefer the metro to the bus. You could do St. Germain and The Latin quarter on one of your left bank days and the Ille St Louis and whatever you did not get done the day before, on the second. Then spend two days on the right and one at the Louvre, although I think you could do the right bank in one day and then take a short trip outside Paris on the other. Have fun!
 
Old Nov 22nd, 1997, 09:42 PM
  #6  
Wayne
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Donna just about said it all. The Versailles/ Chartres day trip is a perfect duo. Recommend you don't waste a whole day in the Louvre. With the Museum pass the Rodin and D'Orsay are better(IMHO). Not knowing which guide books you are referring to, my choices are Day Trips in France(Earl Steinbicker) and Rick Steves France. The Day Trips book is a great investment for the future and the Paris section is just what you are looking for. Remember that the best parts of France are outside of Paris.
 
Old Nov 23rd, 1997, 07:10 AM
  #7  
Gino
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I personally feel the best place to stay in Paris is on the left bank in the St Germain des Pres area. From there you can easily walk to the right bank to the Louvre and Notre Dame. Why pack up and move twice. Most of Paris is walkable, and what isn't is easily reached by excellent public transportation. You seem to know what you want to see and any hotel you stay at will be happy to direct you. If you would like more info, send me an email
 
Old Nov 23rd, 1997, 05:13 PM
  #8  
sfink
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I think all the replies have provided great information! I would simply like to add that before we went last year I read alot of travel books etc and tired to become very familiar with the layout of Paris. Get a good map! The travel books also have suggested "tours" of the city. I too like the RIck Steve's guide-He is really down to earth and suggested some nontourist places to visit! He was correct in all his thoughts. Once you've decided what you want to see, map it out! The first thing-well almost the first thing we did when we visited last year was take a boat ride down the Seine. It was a beautiful way to see the major sites and to get a grasp of where things are located. We found it easy to get around in Paris. We walked or rode the subway. The museums are very time consuming-but worth the time! We would do one museum a day mixed with other sites in that area. ALthough nothing is terribly far. We did not go to the countryside, but did venture to the cemetary where Jim Morrison is buried. It was worth it for us-again that was a part of my generation. In planning your day remember that the French eat late! Do plan to have sorbet at the Berthilion (spelling) in Ile de St Louis. Buy a cone outside (if its warm enough) it's cheaper and the best you'll ever have. ALso, I got alot of advise from right here and it was helpful! Have a great trip!
 
Old Nov 23rd, 1997, 10:55 PM
  #9  
Jody
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Here's a tip no one has mentioned. The FIRST place you should go upon arrival in Paris is PARISTORIC. This is a multi-media presentation (wonderful video, slides, film, music) of the history of Paris and the monuments, sights, people, attractions. Having seen this, you'll know what not to miss and what to see if you have time. It's shown in a modern theater at 11 bis rue Scribe (around the corner from Opera Garnier). Shown daily, on the hour, 9-9. You really should consider the busses, versus the metro. The metro is full of stairways and hallways, not to mention pickpockets (be sure to follow all advice for avoiding them, and you'll never know they're around). You cannot "see" Paris from the metro. On the busses, however, you see everything along the way, and can hop off whenever you see an appealing area and get back on. Highly recommend Eyewitness Guide. In sections by neighborhood, wonderful walking tours, everything is described "in order of appearance". Study it before you go, highlight what you don't want to miss, and take it with you. The maps are fabulous! Ditto suggestion on listing your "not to be missed" priorities. When you return to your hotel each night, plan the next day. Don't worry about hopping from here to there from one day to the next. Just head to an area and explore everything possible that day. The next day, go wherever you wish to go next!
 
Old Dec 10th, 1997, 10:20 AM
  #10  
Eric Winkler
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Dear Gino,

I read with interest your recommendation for the best location in Paris. I am currently seeking a reservation with a hotel in that district called the Relais Saint Sulpice. I hope it will be a romantic place for a second honeymoon in May.

Have you heard anything about this hotel or seen it during one of your visits? I would appreciate any information (or warnings) you could offer to me. Also, any other tips you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

I live near San Francisco in the California Wine Country. If there are any tips of U.S. travel I can offer in return, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Eric Winkler
 
Old Dec 12th, 1997, 07:07 AM
  #11  
Gino
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To Eric- I have not seen your hotel while in Paris. The hotel I like best is the Angleterre Saint Germain Des Pres. It has a great location and the hotel with its courtyard is really special. You might like to visit the web pages I've listed below to see what others have said about the hotel.

http://paris.org/paris-cgi/PDB/hotel.cgi?htl1988
http://www.paris-promotion.fr/va/hot...ngleterres.htm
 
Old Dec 17th, 1997, 06:29 PM
  #12  
Angela
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I visited Paris Sept. 25 to Oct. 2. It was beautiful. I stayed at the Excelsior on Lafayette in back of the Opera, 9th district, near the Galleries LaFayette. There is a red double-decker Paris bus that travels to ten destination points. It costs 125 francs and lasts for two days. My sister and I got off the bus at the Musee d'Orsay for four hours. We got back on the bus to go to Notre Dame. The bus crisscrosses the Seine and you can get off at the Arc de Triomphe, Eifel Tower, Trocadero, Opera, Palais Royale areas momentarily for pictures or longer. The bus runs from 9 to 5 p.m. I got my bearings and then traveled around on my own. I did go to Chartres through a city tour.
I don't know if they have this bus in the winter though. In addition, I took a bus from DeGaulle airport directly to the opera area for 45 francs. All of this was very convenient on my second trip to Paris unescorted.
 
Old Dec 17th, 1997, 07:10 PM
  #13  
shelley
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I couldn't beleive my eyes when I saw your message regarding the Paris sightseeing bus. My husband and I are going to be in Paris for ONE day at the end of December and have been searching for a hop on hop off sightseeing tour. We are trying to see as much of the city as we can in a number of hours not days.I would really appreciate it if you could e-mail me with any info that you might have on the Paris Bus. THANK YOU
 
Old Dec 18th, 1997, 04:37 AM
  #14  
PD
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Angela - I, too, would love to know where you get this sightseeing bus, what name it goes by, the cost, etc. Could you post info on this message board so we may all see? Thanks so much
 
Old Dec 18th, 1997, 08:08 AM
  #15  
Nicole
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Maybe I can help with the bus tour. I was in Paris at the beginning of December and took the tour while it was snowing!!
I can't remember the exact name, but the buses are red double decker with a blue Eiffel Tower on them.
You can get on at the Eiffel Tower, Opera, Notre Dame and 7 or so other spots. Look for a brochure at your hotel or in a train station. It is 125 francs and does allow you 2 days of hop-on, hop-off. There is also recorded commentary.
E-mail me directly if you have any other questions.
Thanks and enjoy Paris, it is wonderful (even in the snow!)
 

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