5 day Paris Itinerary - any comments?
Jun 14th, 2006, 07:40 PM
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5 day Paris Itinerary - any comments?
My husband and I are travelling to Paris with our daughters aged 12 and 14 in early July. My husband and I have both visited Paris before, but this is a new experience for our children who love history and culture, and are less keen on art (although two of us are keen on Monet). We hope to give them a taste of life beyond our shores. Any comments?
Saturday. Arrive Paris late afternoon. Staying near Quai de la Rapee metro. No plans.
Sunday. 10:30am. A guided walk of Montmartre, including Sacre Coeur. Then off to Musee Marmottan Monet. In the late afternoon or evening, a Seine River Cruise.
Monday. A guided walk of Ile de la Cite, including Notre Dame. Then off to Les Invalides for the afternoon (hopefully pick up a guided tour). In the evening, stroll the Champs-Elysees and go up the Arc de Triomphe.
Tuesday. First stop the Eiffel Tower (opens 9am). After this, head for Versailles for the rest of the day.
Wednesday. 9am the Louvre. Would like to do a guided tour of the highlights, but understand this is not available in English until 11am? In the afternoon, a trip to Fontainebleau - or possibly Giverney for the Monet lovers?
Thursday. Visit The Conciergerie and St Chappelle. Rest of the day at leisure for some shopping. Where?
Friday. 9am departure on Eurostar for London.
Saturday. Arrive Paris late afternoon. Staying near Quai de la Rapee metro. No plans.
Sunday. 10:30am. A guided walk of Montmartre, including Sacre Coeur. Then off to Musee Marmottan Monet. In the late afternoon or evening, a Seine River Cruise.
Monday. A guided walk of Ile de la Cite, including Notre Dame. Then off to Les Invalides for the afternoon (hopefully pick up a guided tour). In the evening, stroll the Champs-Elysees and go up the Arc de Triomphe.
Tuesday. First stop the Eiffel Tower (opens 9am). After this, head for Versailles for the rest of the day.
Wednesday. 9am the Louvre. Would like to do a guided tour of the highlights, but understand this is not available in English until 11am? In the afternoon, a trip to Fontainebleau - or possibly Giverney for the Monet lovers?
Thursday. Visit The Conciergerie and St Chappelle. Rest of the day at leisure for some shopping. Where?
Friday. 9am departure on Eurostar for London.
Jun 14th, 2006, 07:53 PM
#2
I think you have at least 1 too many excursions. Versailles OR Giverny - you really don't have time for both.
Also for that out of town excursion - go first thing in the a.m.. By noon or early afternoon Versailles is too crowded. Get there early - then in the afternoon do something in Paris. Same if you choose Giverny instead - go early then spend the late afternoon/eveningt in Paris
also w/ such a short visit it isn't very efficient to take a walking tour of the ile and Notre Dame, only to have to return on Thurs to visit Ste Chapelle/Conciergerie. I'd drop the guided walking tour and just do both Iles together on your own. That way you can see it all in one bite.
Also for that out of town excursion - go first thing in the a.m.. By noon or early afternoon Versailles is too crowded. Get there early - then in the afternoon do something in Paris. Same if you choose Giverny instead - go early then spend the late afternoon/eveningt in Paris
also w/ such a short visit it isn't very efficient to take a walking tour of the ile and Notre Dame, only to have to return on Thurs to visit Ste Chapelle/Conciergerie. I'd drop the guided walking tour and just do both Iles together on your own. That way you can see it all in one bite.
Jun 14th, 2006, 09:00 PM
#3
Posting for ParisEscapes . . . . .
Author: ParisEscapes
Date: 06/15/2006, 12:42 am
PRLCH - Couldn't get this to post in your Paris thread - Here's some Paris thoughts:
Your daughters will LOVE Paris. A couple of tips that my children enjoyed:
1. Add time to walk the staircases up to the Bell Tower at Sacre Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe. The walk up burns off some energy and the views of Paris are amazing.
2. The stores NAF NAF and Zara off the Champs Ely. contain great knock-offs of Paris fashions at cheap prices. Teenage girl heaven. Also, exploring the Virgin Megastore and seeing what French kids are listening to and reading may interest your teens.
3. The Seine river cruise is a treat at night. The historical commentary on the headphones was more enjoyable to my kids than I would have imagined.
4. The Louvre has dozens of "do it yourself" tours listed on its websites. Have your daughters browse the site, and pick a few to explore. (Sorry, couldn't get tinyurl to work - search under Activities > Thematic Trails on the Louvre web site)
My kids loved the Medieval Louvre in the basement (walking through the excavated castle walls of the Louvre from the 12th century and standing in the dungeons) and the Egyptian rooms.
5. If your girls like history and culture, try also, tour the Musée Carnavalet - a Marais mansion that chronicles the history of France - highlighting the period of the French revolution.
If they enjoy medieval history, try the Musée National du Moyen Âge (Cluny Museum) housed in a 15th century castle to view Roman baths, medieval artifacts and the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. The medieval gardens outside are a beautiful spot for a break.
6. I'd think hard about Versailles and other trips outside of Paris. Realistically, you need a day for travel/tour time for these destinations. Unless, your heart is set on seeing one of these, I'd spend the time in Paris.
7. On Ile de la City, don't forget to stop at Berthillon for the best ice cream in Paris.
8. Lots of young kids hang out in Les Halles or outside the Pompidou center. Maybe, they could strike up a conversation with French children their age?
9. Definately, ask your daughters what they want to do. I've found that this makes the trip much more pleasant
Author: ParisEscapes
Date: 06/15/2006, 12:42 am
PRLCH - Couldn't get this to post in your Paris thread - Here's some Paris thoughts:
Your daughters will LOVE Paris. A couple of tips that my children enjoyed:
1. Add time to walk the staircases up to the Bell Tower at Sacre Coeur and the Arc de Triomphe. The walk up burns off some energy and the views of Paris are amazing.
2. The stores NAF NAF and Zara off the Champs Ely. contain great knock-offs of Paris fashions at cheap prices. Teenage girl heaven. Also, exploring the Virgin Megastore and seeing what French kids are listening to and reading may interest your teens.
3. The Seine river cruise is a treat at night. The historical commentary on the headphones was more enjoyable to my kids than I would have imagined.
4. The Louvre has dozens of "do it yourself" tours listed on its websites. Have your daughters browse the site, and pick a few to explore. (Sorry, couldn't get tinyurl to work - search under Activities > Thematic Trails on the Louvre web site)
My kids loved the Medieval Louvre in the basement (walking through the excavated castle walls of the Louvre from the 12th century and standing in the dungeons) and the Egyptian rooms.
5. If your girls like history and culture, try also, tour the Musée Carnavalet - a Marais mansion that chronicles the history of France - highlighting the period of the French revolution.
If they enjoy medieval history, try the Musée National du Moyen Âge (Cluny Museum) housed in a 15th century castle to view Roman baths, medieval artifacts and the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. The medieval gardens outside are a beautiful spot for a break.
6. I'd think hard about Versailles and other trips outside of Paris. Realistically, you need a day for travel/tour time for these destinations. Unless, your heart is set on seeing one of these, I'd spend the time in Paris.
7. On Ile de la City, don't forget to stop at Berthillon for the best ice cream in Paris.
8. Lots of young kids hang out in Les Halles or outside the Pompidou center. Maybe, they could strike up a conversation with French children their age?
9. Definately, ask your daughters what they want to do. I've found that this makes the trip much more pleasant
Jun 14th, 2006, 09:02 PM
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Visit the Orsay over the Marmottan, although both are excellent. Also, try the Orangerie.
As for the day trips, I agree; take one or the other. Both were full days for me (Giverney b/c it was a bit hard to get to/get back from, and Versailles b/c there are a million things to do/see there; I didn't make them all(.
As for the day trips, I agree; take one or the other. Both were full days for me (Giverney b/c it was a bit hard to get to/get back from, and Versailles b/c there are a million things to do/see there; I didn't make them all(.
Jun 15th, 2006, 12:24 AM
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Bonjour from Paris - are you staying in an apartment or hotel? We are also quite near Quai de la Rapee. That station serves only metro line 5 (Place d'Italie - Bobigny), but Bastille with several lines is just a few blocks away; you can also ride one stop to gare d'Austerlitz to catch more lines.
Remember that there is a very good chance that it will be quite warm (if not outright hot) when you are here. Pay attention to hydration, and remember sunscreen.
Agree with others to forgo the trips - concentrate on Paris. If you do want to go to Versailles consider the "forfait loisir" tickets from SNCF that include your round trip RER as well as tickets for all sections of Versailles and audioguide headset (which is actually quite good) without having to wait in line at the chateau. It is about 30 minutes by RER, then a 10 minute walk to the chateaux itself. You could easily spend the entire day wanderingg the chateau and the grounds, but if you want to see only the chateaux itself that's possible in a half-day (better if you get an early start.) The forfait loisir package is purchased at a train station (we got ours at Gare du Nord) from the clerk, not from electronic kiosk.
Remember that there is a very good chance that it will be quite warm (if not outright hot) when you are here. Pay attention to hydration, and remember sunscreen.
Agree with others to forgo the trips - concentrate on Paris. If you do want to go to Versailles consider the "forfait loisir" tickets from SNCF that include your round trip RER as well as tickets for all sections of Versailles and audioguide headset (which is actually quite good) without having to wait in line at the chateau. It is about 30 minutes by RER, then a 10 minute walk to the chateaux itself. You could easily spend the entire day wanderingg the chateau and the grounds, but if you want to see only the chateaux itself that's possible in a half-day (better if you get an early start.) The forfait loisir package is purchased at a train station (we got ours at Gare du Nord) from the clerk, not from electronic kiosk.
Jun 15th, 2006, 02:09 AM
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<font=blue>
Hi
I think that it is a bit much to have both the Eiffel tower and Versailles in one day. Anything is possible of course but it is also nice to have some time to let it sink in. We walked the stairs to the second level of the Eiffel tower and that was a nice experience...and we didn't have to wait in line for long either
I have posted my trip report from Paris with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm Maybe you can find some useful info there 
. Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.
Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway
Hi
I think that it is a bit much to have both the Eiffel tower and Versailles in one day. Anything is possible of course but it is also nice to have some time to let it sink in. We walked the stairs to the second level of the Eiffel tower and that was a nice experience...and we didn't have to wait in line for long either
I have posted my trip report from Paris with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm Maybe you can find some useful info there . Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway
Jun 15th, 2006, 06:26 AM
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A few comments...
Agree to limit day trips, if I had to choose one, ditto on Versailles. There are bus tours, but they tend to be a little later in the morning and can get quite crowded. I'd go early on your own, take the RER to Versailles - Rive Gauche, then easy, signed walk to Chateau. Don't forget to allow time to see the vast gardens.
If your kids are not particularly keen on museums, I wonder if having Marmottan, Invalides (Military Museum?), and Louvre on your list might be a bit much. Is there anything /any era they like?
I might also skip Conciergerie, and focus on Notre Dame and St Chapelle, followed by a walk to Ile St Louis.
There are also the Sewer and Catacombs Tour that may appeal.
Perhaps a bike tour?
http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/
Yes, if you are going on a Seine tour, do it after dark since the buildings and Eiffel are nicely lit up.
I don't see a lot of time on the Left Bank. I'd allow for a long walk along Rue St Germain, lunch at a Cafe, Buci market, St Sulpice and ...
The Museum of the Middle Ages (aka Cluny) is built over Roman ruins, so you get a nice exposure to the beginnings of Paris. Also nearby on the Left Bank is the Arene de Lutece, which is a roman arena. Nice place to visit and have a picnic lunch.
Also nice for lunch on the Left Bank are the Luxembourg Gardens.
You could finish St Germain walk at Invalides/Orsay/Rodin if you want a museum nearby. Eiffel is not far either.
The Tuileries Gardens (at Louvre) are also well worth to visit.
Are you doing Paris Walks? I took a couple of tours with them are they were
worth the money.
At Sacre Coeur, you may want to go to Place du Tertre. Touristy, yes. But perhaps the kids may like a portrait? There is the Monmartrobus to get you from Metro Abbesses, or use the funicular.
Hope this helps.
Agree to limit day trips, if I had to choose one, ditto on Versailles. There are bus tours, but they tend to be a little later in the morning and can get quite crowded. I'd go early on your own, take the RER to Versailles - Rive Gauche, then easy, signed walk to Chateau. Don't forget to allow time to see the vast gardens.
If your kids are not particularly keen on museums, I wonder if having Marmottan, Invalides (Military Museum?), and Louvre on your list might be a bit much. Is there anything /any era they like?
I might also skip Conciergerie, and focus on Notre Dame and St Chapelle, followed by a walk to Ile St Louis.
There are also the Sewer and Catacombs Tour that may appeal.
Perhaps a bike tour?
http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/
Yes, if you are going on a Seine tour, do it after dark since the buildings and Eiffel are nicely lit up.
I don't see a lot of time on the Left Bank. I'd allow for a long walk along Rue St Germain, lunch at a Cafe, Buci market, St Sulpice and ...
The Museum of the Middle Ages (aka Cluny) is built over Roman ruins, so you get a nice exposure to the beginnings of Paris. Also nearby on the Left Bank is the Arene de Lutece, which is a roman arena. Nice place to visit and have a picnic lunch.
Also nice for lunch on the Left Bank are the Luxembourg Gardens.
You could finish St Germain walk at Invalides/Orsay/Rodin if you want a museum nearby. Eiffel is not far either.
The Tuileries Gardens (at Louvre) are also well worth to visit.
Are you doing Paris Walks? I took a couple of tours with them are they were
worth the money.
At Sacre Coeur, you may want to go to Place du Tertre. Touristy, yes. But perhaps the kids may like a portrait? There is the Monmartrobus to get you from Metro Abbesses, or use the funicular.
Hope this helps.
Jun 15th, 2006, 09:36 AM
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IN contrast to others, I think your itinerary is quite do-able and very good. I don't see any major problems with your daytrips, or why you can't visit the Eiffel Tower and Versailles in one day. Of course, that depends on how long you have to wait to go up the Eiffel Tower, but if you get there early in the morning, I think that works fine, and the train to Versailles can be caught right near it. I didn't spend 10 hours at Versailles, probably only as long as you'll have if you get there around 11 am.
The only thing I'd do differently is I wouldn't visit Fontainebleau (which I loved) and do the Louvre on the same day. YOu could, but I like a little more variety than that, and to vary other activities with museums or viewing chateaux. I probably wouldn't do both Fontainebleau and Versailles on the same trip, so Giverny might be a better choice. However,if you plan to to that trip by yourself, you had better be aware of the train schedules, as there aren't that many possibilities for going/coming back. There is one direct in early morning (8:16-9:02), and then direct trains at 11:03, 12:04 and 2:34 pm. That's it, and there are only direct return trains at 12:54 pm, 3 and 6:06 pm. There are a few others where you must transfer at Mantes-la-Jolie, but they take longer and you have to be aware of things (one is at 5:11-6:36, another at 5:48-6:45 pm). So, really you have to catch the train by noon, at least, for that excursion. If you only want to visit the Louvre for two hours (9-11) and then get to St Lazare for the train, you can do it. A lot of people wouldn't want to rush the Louvre that way, but for others, it would be fine to only spend two hours there. If so, I think that is pretty feasible, also, and a good variation -- indoors and outdoors.
I must say I like your itinerary a lot better than some of the things MichelParis suggests (which I personally wouldn't waste my short time in Paris on--sewer tours, really). Nor would I got to the Arenes de Lutece as a major point in your short time rather than seeing some of the things you've selected.
So you can see how taste varies, as I would never go on a sewer tour.
The only thing I'd do differently is I wouldn't visit Fontainebleau (which I loved) and do the Louvre on the same day. YOu could, but I like a little more variety than that, and to vary other activities with museums or viewing chateaux. I probably wouldn't do both Fontainebleau and Versailles on the same trip, so Giverny might be a better choice. However,if you plan to to that trip by yourself, you had better be aware of the train schedules, as there aren't that many possibilities for going/coming back. There is one direct in early morning (8:16-9:02), and then direct trains at 11:03, 12:04 and 2:34 pm. That's it, and there are only direct return trains at 12:54 pm, 3 and 6:06 pm. There are a few others where you must transfer at Mantes-la-Jolie, but they take longer and you have to be aware of things (one is at 5:11-6:36, another at 5:48-6:45 pm). So, really you have to catch the train by noon, at least, for that excursion. If you only want to visit the Louvre for two hours (9-11) and then get to St Lazare for the train, you can do it. A lot of people wouldn't want to rush the Louvre that way, but for others, it would be fine to only spend two hours there. If so, I think that is pretty feasible, also, and a good variation -- indoors and outdoors.
I must say I like your itinerary a lot better than some of the things MichelParis suggests (which I personally wouldn't waste my short time in Paris on--sewer tours, really). Nor would I got to the Arenes de Lutece as a major point in your short time rather than seeing some of the things you've selected.
So you can see how taste varies, as I would never go on a sewer tour.
Jun 20th, 2006, 03:17 PM
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Seamus,
Thanks for the practical info. We are staying in an apartment close to Quai de la Rapee. Looked at the metro map and checked out your comments on the lines. Thanks for the info - I'm now better informed on coming and going. Really glad to hear the weather is warm. Being Australians, it is seldom too warm for us. In fact, we are miserable with 17C days here now that it is winter. Let's hope the warm weather continues.
Thanks for the practical info. We are staying in an apartment close to Quai de la Rapee. Looked at the metro map and checked out your comments on the lines. Thanks for the info - I'm now better informed on coming and going. Really glad to hear the weather is warm. Being Australians, it is seldom too warm for us. In fact, we are miserable with 17C days here now that it is winter. Let's hope the warm weather continues.
Jun 20th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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I am wondering if you are staying in the same apartment we did - if so, I think you will be pleased. You can email me offline at jphinc at grandecom dot net and I'll be glad to share neighborhood info.
Jun 20th, 2006, 05:34 PM
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We were just there for a week. We are 60ish and no kids. It is important to be at Versaille and Louvre a few minutes before opening. Get tickets ahead of time at the Metro. Louvre has special entrance for people with tickets. Be there 8:50am. There is a 21Euro package that is both your train fare and admission to Versaille. We left Paris just after 7:00am so we could get to Versaille, have breakfast in the little town (there is actually a McDonalds across from the train station if you want that). We found that the crowds were much smaller from 9:00-10:00. The grounds are beautiful and you could take a picnic there. We were there May 30 and were afraid it would snow on us! I long to go back when it is warm. The Luxembourg gardens are so beautiful and peaceful. You can rent little sail boats (little ones, only the sail boat is in the water), the kids might like that. L'Orangie just reopened and can be done in an hour. You will definitely need tickets ahead of time. They have some 52 ft. long Monet paintings. It was breathtaking.
Not much time and the kids should like. Have a great trip. Your kids are very lucky. Sebina
Not much time and the kids should like. Have a great trip. Your kids are very lucky. Sebina
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:32 PM
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I dont think it is too much to see Eiffel and Versilles in one day, but I would also strongly recommend heading for Versilles first. Get there early - the crowds can make this site hard to enjoy. If I could do it over I would arrive maybe even slightly before it opened to get in as soon as possible before the groups show up. If you have time (and you likely will) consider touring the town of Versilles too - its quite pretty I thought. A nice place for lunch and a walk-about. Besides, Eiffel Tower is pretty lit up at night.
I would not personally consider the Louvre and Fontainbleu in one day. The Louvre is stunning beautiful and worthy of alot of attention. It can take alot of time just to stoll through casually.
I would only plan one "out of city" excursion in such a short trip and would drop either Versilles or Fontainbleu unless you've been to Paris before.
I really enjoyed the Pantheon myself. Some aren't wowed by it but I found it very interesting and it doesn't take long. I would add that in maybe on your Concergiere day as neither of those two sites take long at all. Just a thought -they aren't next to each other but catch the metro and you'll be in the area by the Parthenon in a snap.
Have a great trip.
Murph
I would not personally consider the Louvre and Fontainbleu in one day. The Louvre is stunning beautiful and worthy of alot of attention. It can take alot of time just to stoll through casually.
I would only plan one "out of city" excursion in such a short trip and would drop either Versilles or Fontainbleu unless you've been to Paris before.
I really enjoyed the Pantheon myself. Some aren't wowed by it but I found it very interesting and it doesn't take long. I would add that in maybe on your Concergiere day as neither of those two sites take long at all. Just a thought -they aren't next to each other but catch the metro and you'll be in the area by the Parthenon in a snap.
Have a great trip.
Murph
