Avoid Paris because of Strkes???
Nov 16th, 2007, 07:33 AM
#22
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Dear Luck123
Do not be nervous because of the strikes. We are here now-from Nov13 to the 20th. We had a shuttle from the airport-no fuss-met us at the airport and arranged for return. Our apt is in the 3rd and we have walked everywhere. It IS cold- but we have packed accordingly and have no problems.
Think about the exercise that means you can eat more croissants.
Jean
Do not be nervous because of the strikes. We are here now-from Nov13 to the 20th. We had a shuttle from the airport-no fuss-met us at the airport and arranged for return. Our apt is in the 3rd and we have walked everywhere. It IS cold- but we have packed accordingly and have no problems.
Think about the exercise that means you can eat more croissants.
Jean
Nov 16th, 2007, 11:57 AM
#23
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Thank you everyone. Just booked my flight on air france this morning. We are very excited!! Renting an apt near place des vosges and gearing up for some long walks. NOW I am nervous about the civil servant strike next week- which may close down the museums. Does anyone know about that??
Nov 17th, 2007, 12:47 PM
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When we went to the Louvre-it had a delayed opening due to the strike(took longer for workers to arrive) but they did open and eventually opened all the sections.
Today we even took the metro to several sights-they were running, but with fewer trains and many more passengers. We got where we needed, but packed like sardines.
Hope the strike does not impact your
museum visits
Today we even took the metro to several sights-they were running, but with fewer trains and many more passengers. We got where we needed, but packed like sardines.
Hope the strike does not impact your
museum visits
Nov 19th, 2007, 02:42 AM
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we just got back from Paris Saturday and while the strike is real, some trains are running. They can be crowded especialy in the central city and at rush so plan accordingly. There is supposed to be a large strike on the 20th assume museums will be closed. It was also colder than normal last week...... But it is Paris... Who cares. Search this board for tips on walking tours and places to eat, there are many good ideas. Also, Air France may strike. If they do, call Delta, they may accept your ticket and fly you home rather than wait for AF.
Nov 19th, 2007, 09:55 AM
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Sorry - I was a bit vague, yes they are on AF, but given the sky team relationship they seem to be open to taking each others tickets in an urgent situation. My flight from Boston on Friday was cancelled (mechanical issues) and Delta re-booked me via Providence, Delta to AF in NY ... long story, but they handled it and Delta got me decent seats last minute out of JFK on AF.
Nov 19th, 2007, 10:20 AM
#28
Dear Lucky123,
We (me and my 17-year-old daughter) just got back from Paris this evening and were there since Friday the 16th early morning.
Honestly, I guess there was a strike, but it in no way diminished the fantastic time we had. I do hope to do a mini-trip report in the next days...
FYI, yes the museums/churches had some late openings and early closings but we easily saw all our feet could handle at the Louvre, D'Orsay, Saint Chapelle, Rodin, ND, Sacre Coer.... We had no trouble getting a table anywhere and the Parisiens were extremely helpful and kind in spite of the fact that we speak only about 3 French phrases.
Our last stop this morning was Place des Vosges and even on a gray day Parisiens were sitting reading their books. We sat by a fountain for a rest and just took in this beautiful square.
The weather was rather bitter cold one day and the others was pleasant at around 40 degrees. We were in the 6th and walked everywhere except when our feet wore out. It was difficult to get taxis but not impossible and just required a tad more patience. Just like in NYC on a rainy night - cabs can be scarce...We did use the metro once to get from Sacre Coer to the 6th and had no problems although it was crowded on a Sunday evening.
I suggest warm socks with comfortable walking shoes (I had flat black walking boots and hiking socks on my daughter black sneakers with ski socks) and perhaps a silk underwear top for extra warmth. Bring gloves and a hat. I absolutely hate winter and the cold but I was really fine.
Oh, I was in Pompeii in September, and it was very interesting for a day, but in no way compares to Paris and IMHO I wouldn't build a whole trip around it. I would add Pompeii to another great Italy destination...
Okay, I'm still on my major Paris high so perhaps I'm just too biased right now!!!
Go and enjoy!!
We (me and my 17-year-old daughter) just got back from Paris this evening and were there since Friday the 16th early morning.
Honestly, I guess there was a strike, but it in no way diminished the fantastic time we had. I do hope to do a mini-trip report in the next days...
FYI, yes the museums/churches had some late openings and early closings but we easily saw all our feet could handle at the Louvre, D'Orsay, Saint Chapelle, Rodin, ND, Sacre Coer.... We had no trouble getting a table anywhere and the Parisiens were extremely helpful and kind in spite of the fact that we speak only about 3 French phrases.
Our last stop this morning was Place des Vosges and even on a gray day Parisiens were sitting reading their books. We sat by a fountain for a rest and just took in this beautiful square.
The weather was rather bitter cold one day and the others was pleasant at around 40 degrees. We were in the 6th and walked everywhere except when our feet wore out. It was difficult to get taxis but not impossible and just required a tad more patience. Just like in NYC on a rainy night - cabs can be scarce...We did use the metro once to get from Sacre Coer to the 6th and had no problems although it was crowded on a Sunday evening.
I suggest warm socks with comfortable walking shoes (I had flat black walking boots and hiking socks on my daughter black sneakers with ski socks) and perhaps a silk underwear top for extra warmth. Bring gloves and a hat. I absolutely hate winter and the cold but I was really fine.
Oh, I was in Pompeii in September, and it was very interesting for a day, but in no way compares to Paris and IMHO I wouldn't build a whole trip around it. I would add Pompeii to another great Italy destination...
Okay, I'm still on my major Paris high so perhaps I'm just too biased right now!!!
Go and enjoy!!
Nov 20th, 2007, 01:32 PM
#30
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Thank you Gruezi- you've really eased my concerns. My main issue was with not just the metro strike but also the civil servants strike which was today- and how we would ever get to a museum. Even now i have no idea what is in store for us, but at least it will be interesting. My husband and I are probably going to stay on isle st. louis (closer to things for him) and hopefully it will be an interesting adventure if there are demonstrations and strikes. He will be amused. Thanks for the info
