2 full days in Paris
 

Hello - we will be stopping in Paris for 2 days enroute to Canada. Our flight arrives at Paris at 6 am on Dec 26th. We are not sure if it is a good period to visit however I am not sure how to plan.

We are planning to stay at the Hotel Du Cadran near the Eiffel Tower.

These are the things I know we want to do:

Eiffel Tower
Louvre (quick visit to see the highlights)
Notre Dame
L'Arc du Triomphe
Champs Elysée
Seine 1 hour river cruise
Walking tour of Montmarte
rue cler


Also should we purchase a museum pass and book all the activities ahead of time? Do you have any websites you prefer for booking?


Thanks for your help!

Prebook for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Use their web sites. If you want to take the Seine cruise before or after Notre Dame you can take the Vedettes-du-Pont-Neuf cruise and buy a ticket on the internet at a discount. There really isn't anything else you can book ahead.

If it's cold consider taking a bus from the Louvre to the Arch of Triumph. You can look at the Champs Elysees from the bus window and be warm.

Rue Cler is nothing special - just an area with a bunch of shops. I wouldn't go out of your way for it as there are markets all over Paris. As you're only in Paris for 2 days and staying in a hotel you won't want to buy produce.

You can visit the Eiffel Tower at night when the lights twinkle. It will get dark early that time of year and that will give you more time during the day to do other things.

"Louvre (quick visit to see the highlights)" Which of the thousands of 'highlights' are you interested in seeing?

I would not go UP in the Tower. Just take a look from many places you can see it, the Seine cruise being one. Skip the Champs--just a big wide avenue.

<< Skip the Champs--just a big wide avenue. >>

Given that they're going to the Arch of Triumph, Louvre, and Notre Dame they would need to go out of their way to skip the Champs Elysees. They could easily take the bus, see the street, and get to their next destination.

Was this street something to behold at one time? Why is it that so many people have a fascination for it? The name, perhaps, which belies the reality?

It is really not necessary to prebook the Louvre. If you plan to visit a few museums, get the 2-day museum pass to avoid standing in lines.

Yes< I DO think the Champs WAS something to behold at one time--just not now. I loved it 60 years ago at first sighting. It was exciting. When liberated in WWII--an exciting image on movietone news. Boring now.
And yes, the bus is a GREAT way to see it--from the Arc to Pl.Concorde, if that is something they want/must do. By "skipping", for a two day visit to Paris, I would not take precious time out to walk it.

The street is still something to behold in terms of urban design and is the center of the city. It is very important historically, so I can't imagine going to Paris and not seeing it, it would be very difficult. Yes, it has some chain stores on it now, and modern businesses, but it is still a grand avenue IMO. Just look at the photos of the Tour de France, it is still something in terms of its design. Anyway, you would have to blindfold yourself not to see it for most tourists, they will be in that area at some time.

The 26th is a lot better than the 25th to see stuff, anyway, for sure, as most is closed on Christmas. The Eiffel Tower is always open. If you are at the Cadran, you are right on rue Cler, so that is easy to see without much planning. You could do one day for rue Cler, Eiffel Tower (and really the Arc probably, and the avenue). Then Notre Dame and the Louvre the second day.

You might need to skip Montmartre, but if you only spend one hour in the Louvre, you could do that the afternoon of the second day. Not sure how enticing a walking trip of it will be at end of December. YOu could go up there and take the Montmartrebus around it and get off as you wish.

My thoughts: (Are you in Paris 2 days or 2 nights?)

The Louvre is really, really huge, so pick out the things you want to see, download the brochure from the website, and use the museum maps to plot an efficient course for a short visit.

Skip R. Cler. If you want to see a market street, Rue Montorgueil is probably better. Better yet, find one near your hotel on a convenient day (the following is just one website with info):

http://www.paristopten.com/places-to-shop/food-markets/

Unless you really must -- and have the time -- don't go up the Eiffel Tower. View it (on the hour when it sparkles) from Trocadero. If you must go up, do it at night...but only if the weather is clear.

Vedettes du Pont Neuf lets you book discount cruise tickets without committing to a date or time...crucial because the weather is changeable, and you want to do the cruise when it's not raining, if possible.

IMHO Montmartre probably does not make the A-list for a two-day visit. Instead, do a self-guided (or guided) walking tour of the left bank area across from Notre Dame (since you'll already be near there)or of the Marais area.

Normally I would say use the bus a lot...but if this is your first time in Paris, and it's only 2 days, you might waste a lot of time making the mistakes of someone not too familiar with the system. Use Metro and Taxis. (Maybe I'm wrong -- you might be the type of person with city bus experience and the willingness to do your due diligence beforehand. The RATP website has great bus route maps and schedules.)

SS

Thanks for your responses. I will be booking Eifflel tower ahead of time.I agree that we only probably need a quick ( max 2 hours) at louvre. Now good thing is that my wife has been to the city before ( although long ago) but nevertheless she has an idea.

I have not booked the hotel yet but I noticed into many hotels offer 2 queen beds. I was thinking of saving some money if my girls can share room with us. Any ideas on good hotels ( within the range of 250 - 300$ per night).

SS - we are there for 2 full days and 2 nights.

Robert - I am not sure of highlights of Louvre except Monalisa. Not sure what other things might interest girls (15 and 10). Any suggestions?

The Louvre has a huge variety of things to see. We love the 17th c. Dutch - de Hooch, Vermeer, Steen, etc...but this is really a matter of taste. As I said before, download the brochure so you can get an idea of what to do there.

It's also possible that the teenagers might prefer the Orsay museum to the Louvre.

SS

They might be interested in the excavations in the basement or in this sculpture.

http://musee.louvre.fr/oal/psyche/indexEN.html

The Louvre has so much to offer. They should take a look at the web site and decide for themselves what they are interested in.

Thanks. I am still looking for a Hotel with 2 queen size beds.. Is it just a North American thing and not common in Europe?

You should look for a quad room (or 2 doubles) since you're 4 people. For 2 nights I wouldn't focus on the queen size beds as your choices will be limited. Try to find something central as you have little time in Paris.

Definitely a North American thing, very uncommon in Europe. Look for a quad room like Adrienne suggests but the beds will most likely be doubles in your price range.

You can use www.bookings.com and input 4 adults in 1 room to see what is available and the prices.

Do you have any recommendations for hotels which are central and decent 3star +. Few more 100 $$ will not make a difference (few 1000 would though.. Lol)

You can't judge a hotel by the star rating system as that only tells you the amenities available (A/C, elevator, room service, restaurant, etc.), not the quality or charm of the hotel.

There are two threads on this board giving recommendations and there are many other threads with hotel recommendations. A search will yield these threads. Or do as jamikins suggested and look on booking.com.

Here's a recommendation in the 5th arrondissement. You could book 2 rooms that are within your budget. If your girls would like their own beds then book a twin room (2 beds).

http://www.balcons.com/

I can tell you that the Louvre is quite crowded the day after Christmas---if you are just trying to see highlights, you may be frustrated as you will not be able to run in, see that highlight or two and run out very easily. We were there 3 years ago on Dec 26 and it was wall to wall people, hot as heck and not all that enjoyable. If it's a must, then do your homework and know what you must see, where it's located and how you will get it it. For pure wow factor, I much prefer the smaller and far less crowded L'Orangerie to see the HUGE Monet canvases. They are impressive. I would do that and then enjoy lunch at Cafe Marly, overlooking the Louvre Pyramid

Can't help with the hotel really. I agree with the Champs Elysee by bus. It is pretty to see from Place de la Concorde looking at the ADT. Walking it - is also extremely crowded and has gotten so commercial that it's not that impressive (in fact I avoid it like the plague). The Christmas markets will be on the CE and the teens might enjoy them.

Great.. I liked Hotel des Balcons. I am also checking out Novotel Paris. Will decide between these 2.

We arrive in Paris at 6:30 AM on 26th. We will not get our hotel until afternoon. Does anybody know if Paris airport has showers?

We are planning to drop our luggage at the hotel by 10 AM and then set out for sight seeing. This is what I am planning

Day 1

Louvre - until 2 PM
Norte dam - until 5 PM
Seine river cruise

Day 2

L'arc du triumphe
Montmartre
Eiffel Tower

What do you guys think? Is it reasonable? I know day 1 is little heavy but then day 2 will be light and we can enjoy the leisure and beauty of the city.

Thanks

I am also thinking of renting a car. Do you think it is easy to drive through the streets with a GPS though?

Parking may be expensive but it still might save time.

Thanks

Do not think about renting a car! Public transportation and walking in Paris will save you time and money. Traffic and parking will eat up time, not save it. Everything on your itinerary is fairly close to the center except Montmartre and is easily walkable.

It is fascinating to think that anyone would save time by driving in any large city, let alone Paris.
Paris has probably the best public transit system in the world. You only have 2 days. PLEASE get a guide book with a map of Paris in it.
Look at places you want to see and group them. Montmartre would not make my list for a 2 day whirlwind.
This is really one time the Hop on bus tour would be a good investment.
I guess if you are spending 3 hours at Notre Dame you are planning to climb the stairs. Ditch the stairs and go see Ste. Chappelle nearby to use that time better.
I think seeing a real street market in Paris is a great thing--and a market street like Rue Cler fills that bill to see the elegant pastries, the gorgeous displays of meats, bread, etc. It doesn't take long--and rue Cler in particular is near the Eiffel Tower--or at least a view of it.

I did the hopon/off bus one day just for fun as it was a fine day and I thought it might be enjoyable just for the ride and a different view. It was for that purposes (especially in the less-congested areas, like the 7th), but once you got to the really dense areas (dead center), it went very slowly due to traffic. And a couple stops, such as at the Madeleine, they must have had some scheduled break as they sat there maybe 20 minutes, not just 5-10. So while it seems counter-intuitive, for someone in a hurry, I think the hopon/off bus is not the best way to go. Using the public transportation system or walking is quicker.

I can't imagine anyone thinking they should rent a car as a tourist to drive around a major capital city, in any country. This makes me think maybe the OP has never been in a big city before?

OMG---have been to Paris 6 times and would never consider renting a car. Walk, metro or bus -- all very easy---having a car would slow you down, I promise!! Take a look at the sites below to help ypu plan routes.

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_5000/accueil/

http://parisbytrain.com/paris-metro-...route-planner/

Did I miss it, or where are you arriving from? Will you be jetlagged? if so, you may want to reverse the days (to add more movement in the first).

It's been several years, but the Louvre used to have a map with some of the most sought after displays noted. You can surgically hit those (let others condemn you but I've done it). Winged Victory, Liberty leading the People, Raft of the Medusa, Mona Lisa, and on and on.

As noted the Musee Pass will get you in free and skip the lines. However, I didn't see where it would help you with your other visits. Consider googling the pass and seeing if there are other museums along the way that you can "pop" into (some noted below).

regarding your itinerary. Daylight is going to be an issue, so plan accordingly.

On day 1, if you can get into the louvre quickly you could have a really nice visit using the aforementioned map. Remember, too, that you couldn't see it all if you were there for a month. Don't try to over do it.

I personally don't think you'll need 3 hours at the Notre Dame (you could spend that time, but perhaps not on a 2 day visit), but make sure you go behind it for a neat view of the buttresses. And definitely add the St. Chapelle which is somewhat nearby (on the Ile) (and may be covered by the Pass?). It is stunning and doesn't take a long time. Also in the vicinity of the ND is an archeology/crypt museum. Not a priority, but I think it is on the Pass and doesn't take too much time. Same thing with the Conciergerie (sp?) near the Ste. Chapelle.

Not sure what you are planning to do at the Eiffel. We enjoy going up the second level and walking down to 1.

The Arc is great to see. We've climbed to the top, but you could skip that in the interest of time (IMHO). If you don't climb, it could be a pretty short visit.

I think you could add something substantive on day 2 but again light may be an issue.

We enjoy MonteMarte and Sacre Coer, but they are a pretty good distance from the center of Paris (by Metro and yes you are going to use the Metro in the interest of time and sanity). MM is touristy at the Place du tertre but it's good fun and often bustling at night.

If you were so inclined and a bit motivated, on Day 2 you could hit the Rodin and/or Invalides before or after the Eiffel (both may be pushing it), with the Rue Cler in between. The Rodin is a nice space (in addition to the sculpture). Invalides is a bit overwhelming (military items) and Napoleon's Church, I mean tomb. Understand, I'm not talking about spending 30 minutes in front of each piece of art or armor.

As others have noted, the Rue Cler isn't amazing, but it is a fixture in the Rick Steves book and an enjoyable walk. I've stayed there a couple times.

Apropos of what Christina mentioned about Madeleine, I believe that is an initiating point for that particular tour itinerary so it is sort of on a schedule. So, that would be a good place to begin the tour, if possible. And the square there is an interesting part of Paris to walk around for a little.

The Louvre can be done quite quickly:

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+si...vre.-a03453390

Does anyone know if the Paris airport has lockers for storing the luggage? We are stopping in transit so don't want to carry all the suitcases with us. Any suggestions?

Car in Paris?? Nope!

The transport system is sooo good...and the traffic can be horrible, not to mention parking and the cost of gas.

Plus...you'll waste an hour or more getting the car and dropping it off, probably, unless you're really lucky.

SS

It appears that there is a left luggage service:

http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e...ages-Monde.htm

If you check luggage at the airport you need to be there about 4 hours before your flight. Normally you should arrive 3 hours before the flight but that's without picking up left luggage.

Thanks everyone. I will check back for more information. You guys are awesome ! Thanks for your time.

Another quick question. Since our flight will arrive at CDG at 6:00 AM, and we will not get our room until 4 PM, do you guys know any hotels who rent out at hourly basis. I am thinking all of us can have a shower in the morning and then leave for sight seeing. I heard IBIS hotel by the airport rents out on hourly rate but their website does not say anything. Any idea?

For such a short time in Paris, I would not waste the 3 hours you would invest. ;o)

It's been my experience that rooms are often ready before mid afternoon. You can always check your bags in and they should be able to give you an approximate time when it will be ready. I'd go eat breakfast, then wander around to fight the jetlag.

Another option is to rent your rooms for an extra night so they WOULD be available at 7 am when you'd show up at the hotel. But make sure you advise the hotel of your plan, so they don't expect you the night before.

Thanks Gretchen - Since the flight arrives at 6 AM, and nothing would be open at that early in the morning, might as well get fresh. That's is the thought