Christina

Hello all -- I've just spent some time browsing the board and I've seen some great suggestions. . .and I'm hoping to explore fodors.com further this week. My boyfriend and I will be in Paris from the morning of Nov. 28 to the afternoon of Dec. 3. It's obviously not much time! My basic question is how to do "romantic" long weekend in Paris on a somewhat tight budget without resorting to hostels (nothing wrong with hostels IMHO, but we'd rather treat ourselves a little). If you have specific hotel suggestions (we'd be looking for something friendly, central, and clean, but we don't need a ton of space or amenities, perhaps a breakfast and a private shower) could you please mention the price per night and address if you are familiar with these? Also, how to best get from CDG into the city center? We don't feel the need to hit all of the major attractions if we can experience a romantic trip with hidden surprises so if you've found anything off the beaten path that is a "must see", please share! Helpful websites would also be appreciated, I have a lot of time to kill at work that I can devote to trip planning. I speak some French and my boyfriend speaks none, would this be an obstacle? <BR><BR>My apologies if the regulars are tired of newbies like me coming in with general posts such as this, but you all seem quite experienced and I would love any tips as I've never undertaken a trip like this before. Please feel free to post anything and everything you think would be helpful, and if you need me to clarify anything don't hesitate to ask. Many thanks!<BR><BR>-C

Annette

Christina-<BR><BR>I stayed at the "Familia" hotel lin the Latin Quarter-5th arr. this past May.<BR>www.hotel-paris-familia.com<BR>Tel: 01.43.54.55.27<BR><BR>It was clean, adequate and centrally located to the Metro. I paid ?69.50 per night (including b*fast)<BR><BR>From CDG you might try a shuttle service, or a taxi. I paid ?21 with Parishuttle (took us about 2hrs to arrive at my hotel---other passengers were dropped off first).<BR><BR>I'd definitely suggest you visit la Tour Eiffel, as well as Musee Rodin.<BR><BR>Do a search here, there's so much info out there. You can contact me directly, if you prefer.<BR><BR>Bon voyage!<BR>

Karen

Christina,<BR>I am planning a trip for Paris in November too! From my research I've found some walking tours that seem interesting and a bit off the regular track while still including the big sights in a book called "Walking Paris" by Gilles Desmons. For example, he covers Montmartre but uses many narrow back streets for a romantic, unique approach.<BR>Rick Steve's Paris book includes many hotels in different locations that are budget priced but still with the basic comforts (private bathroom, etc).<BR>Also, since you seem to be looking to travel without excess expense, you may want to take the RER train from CDG to a metro stop near your hotel, if you are not lugging to much luggage! <BR>The museum pass will help you avoid spending too much time in line and will allow you to pop into some of the smaller galleries without feeling you have to devote many hours there.<BR>Have a great trip!<BR>Karen

andy

My wife and I spent a long weekend in Paris and were able to see most of the usual spots. If you get moving as soon as you arrive, you'll have about 4 full days to explore.... and Paris is a great city for just walking around and absorbing the sights and sites. Enjoy.

RnR

Christina, since you're maximizing your time, two things to "learn" beforehand: metro system - but use it sparingly (otherwise you may miss something gained by walking); and generally this area: 7th-6th-5th-4th, across the river to the 1st, then back along the Sieine, Place de la Concorde, Vendome, Champs, etc. This is primarily where you'll be walking to see Louvre, etc. Certainly see Marais and Notre Dame areas. For restaurants, buy the Cheap Eats in Paris book (by Sandra Gustafson) and take it with you - very reliable, and since you're doing this budget style, this book is a natural. Used for the last trip there, with great results. Your hotel will make any reservation you need. Having some french will be an aid, and you'll be just fine. If it were me, I'd use a taxi into Paris - more pricey, but saves time and energy. gets to right to your hotel door. And this is worth the extra money! Have a great trip - you'll be able to see a lot!

Joe

Hi, We did the same thing three years ago - - six days in Paris over Thanksgiving on a last minute trip. We had a great time. Some suggestions: <BR><BR>Because Thanksgiving is the peak of the low season, you want to find a hotel beforehand. We'd been to Paris several times and knew we wanted to stay in the 5th arrondisement. So I picked 8 hotels from http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/parishotels.htm and e-mailed (or faxed if they didn't have e-mail) for rates and availability. I only got two responses with vacancies, but one, Hotel du Pantheon, had a winter promotion for the price I was looking for - $100 night. (This promotion was listed on the web, but I'd guess that many others have lower winter rates if you ask). It turned out to be a great place, newly decorated and in the square in front of the Pantheon.<BR><BR>By the way, I'd recommend the 5th. It's lively with lots of restaurants and hotels and a nice mix of locals, Sorbonne students, and visitors.<BR><BR>We spent an afternoon walking, starting with lunch at an outdoor cafe on the Place de Contrascarpe, then walked down the rue Mouffetarde (through one of the oldest street markets), then through the Jardin de Plantes to the Seine, where we caught a bus to the Musee d'Orsay.<BR><BR>Spent a few hours looking at Christmas decorations and displays in Le Samaritaine, one of the tonier department stores. I went back later and bought my wife a scarf she liked as a Christmas present.<BR><BR>Went to Louvre on Monday evening (one of two late nights), and it was less crowded than I've ever seen it. You could actualy look at the Mona Lisa!<BR><BR>Went to the Place de Vosges, an especially beautiful 17th century square, which is as nice in winter as summer. Then on to the Picasso Museum nearby.<BR><BR>By the way, we were beat when we got in Thursday afternoon, and we had Thanksgiving dinner at a little storefront creperie near the hotel, Creperie a Go Go. A memorable meal.<BR><BR>Hope you have fun, Joe<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Christina

thank you all for the wonderful suggestions - keep them coming! i feel a bit intimidated by the scope of a trip like this, but hopefully we can handle it. <BR><BR>much obliged,<BR>c

x

Christina how much each night for the hotel?

Christina

x - i think we are hoping to keep it under 100 euros per night. (4 nights total) Less than 100/night, if keeping with my qualifications above, would be fantastic. Also, I misread our flight schedule - we will be in Paris beginning on the morning of the *29th*.<BR><BR>thanks!<BR>-c

Christina

ttt

Paula

Christina, although its at the high end of your budget, I highly recommend L'Hotel des Grandes Ecoles. The rooms are priced from 95 Euro - 120 Euro/night and breakfast is 7 Euro/person. Its a lovely, quiet hotel located near two metro stops and reasonably central (near Luxembourg Gardens and Le Pantheon). My husband and I have stayed in one of the 95 Euro rooms (#110) and it was very small but very nice. We have also stayed in a couple of the 110 Euro rooms (#137 and 138) and found them to be large by Paris standards (and preferable, if budget allows). <BR><BR>www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com<BR><BR>If you are at all interested, I recommend emailing them directly as they do book up quickly. <BR><BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>O ne of our favourite restaurants nearby is:<BR><BR>Le Petit Prince de Paris<BR>12 rue Lanneau<BR>Reservations recommended: 01 43 54 77 26

Beth

We've stayed at the Hotel Muguet twice and really enjoyed it -- it has gone up in price slightly since the first time we stayed there, but I believe it is still under or right at 100 Euros. It is a clean, pleasant, wonderfully located hotel in the 7th (near the Eiffel Tower). Paris is a fantastic city, and it is great just to walk around or to sit at a sidewalk cafe (maybe too cold in November) and people-watch.

xxx

It's fortunate you're going in low season. You should be able to get some good deals at the hotels. We found that the best areas to stay which are quite central and great for stores and restaurants are the 5th and 6th districts. The 6th is a bit more expensive to stay and may be out of your range but it's a very nice place to be.<BR><BR>One other thing: please hire a taxi from CDG. It'll cost you less than a shuttle and you do not have to drop off others first as shuttles do. It should only take approx. 40-45 mins. or so to the city and not 2 hours as someone experienced with their shuttle. <BR><BR>Do not hire any of the taxi drivers that wait outside the arrivals hall though. The legitimate taxi drivers are outside the arrivals hall and passengers line up at the taxi stand.

Linda

We will be going to Paris the week after you and I've just made reservations at the Grande Hotel Jeanne D'Arc. The price including taxes but not breakfast (5.80 euros) was 73 euros for a double. I haven't been to the hotel before, but it was recommended in two guide books and several times here on the Forum. It's in a great location in the Marais area right near the Place de Vosges. Hope this helps!

ToTheTop

Topping for one last gasp just in case anyone missed it. thanks.

Sid

Just be prepared for the freezing temps. Bring plenty of WARM clothing.

Laura

That's true about the temperature. Paris has unpredictable weather but at wintertime it's going to be alot colder than ever. We've traveled in April and October and the winds can be quite cold even during those months.

tee

First it was the pilots, now you want tips too?!!

Wendy

Christina my boyfriend and I spent last new years in Paris and it was very wonderful and romantic. You are going to have a ball! The language will be no problem, just use those pleasantries!<BR><BR>I have also stayed at the Familia and really like the location. If you book there ask for the top floor with a balcony if available.<BR><BR>Romance is everywhere in Paris! Definatly bundle up so you can stroll. Big warm scarf that you can wrap around head and neck if needed. Stroll the bridges, Eiffle Tower, Rodin museum, take a Bateaux Mouche boat ride on the seine with a bottle of wine and some cheese and baguette. It's allowed and fantastic (don't do this if it's raining!).<BR><BR>Have intimate dinners- we loved Chez Maitre Paul!<BR><BR>Maybe go to a jazz club like Bilboquet, 13, rue Saint-Beno&icirc;t 75006, Paris.<BR><BR>Walk along the Seine at night after dinner and see the Louve and Notre Dame all lit up!<BR><BR>Stop often for wine and kissing in all interesting cafes!<BR><BR>Buy a bottle of REAL french champagne and some chocolates and have a romantic dessert in your room!<BR><BR>Can you tell I love Paris?? My opinion would be not to plan too much- maybe just 1 or 2 main things a day and then just enjoy the rest!

sandra

On the contrary thanksgiving has become a high season due to americans traveling. I have spent thanksgiivng there and we had a great time. We enjoyed the dinner cruise down the seine it was very romantic. <BR> When we went we stayed a t la bordonais hotel in the 7th. Good hotel not fancy had a deal with a free night so if you are on a budget it's a clean hotel 3 star in a good location. Near metro, atm, cafes, 5 minute walk to seine and eiffel tower.<BR>