back yesterday from london and paris...a guide for those going
May 28th, 2003, 07:57 PM
#26
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Just got back tonight from a trip to London, the middle country of England, and Paris. Our favorite town in mid England is Stamford, which dates back to the 1500's [some older]. In London we stayed at the Marriott County Hall, with a view of Big Ben, and that was wonderful. We got tickets to My Fair Lady from the discount booth right along the river behind the Marriott. What a treat that was, and what an appropriate choice for London!
In Paris, we stayed in the 6th, and thought the location was perfect. We had a ten min. walk to the Louvre and Notre Dame, and Jardin de Luxemborg were just minutes away and quite impressive. There are so many restaurants in this section, and it is such a lively place to be.
I agree that there were many people walking around in jeans, and although I noticed more people wearing black comfy shoes, pretty much anything would be fine. I will say though, that the French as a whole, are a very fashionable group.
I also found the people there to be helpful and found it easy to get around. I'd just suggest knowing a few phrases [like, do you know English --only say it in French!]
Both London and Paris were wonderful to visit. The history is awe inspiring.
I'm so glad there were so many people on this site who suggested staying in this part of the city. I had been leaning toward staying in a more touristy area, and I know the experience would not have been as good.
I also packed plenty of advil and other over the counter pain med. There were plenty of times my feet were saying enough! but my head was saying, more, more!
I'd recommend taking the train to Versailles. What an amazing place that is also.
A pleasant and easy way to enjoy the city skyline is to take one of the cruises along the Seine. They are just over an hour, and that gives your feet a break
Be prepared for strikes. They seem to have a strike going on somewhere almost daily! While we were there, on Sunday [I blieve it was Saturday] there was a strike that went on for miles, blocking off streets with singing and chanting, and blocked off streets. Then on tues. there was a strike in both a museum and also at the airport. Most of all, enjoy the amazing views everywhere.
In Paris, we stayed in the 6th, and thought the location was perfect. We had a ten min. walk to the Louvre and Notre Dame, and Jardin de Luxemborg were just minutes away and quite impressive. There are so many restaurants in this section, and it is such a lively place to be.
I agree that there were many people walking around in jeans, and although I noticed more people wearing black comfy shoes, pretty much anything would be fine. I will say though, that the French as a whole, are a very fashionable group.
I also found the people there to be helpful and found it easy to get around. I'd just suggest knowing a few phrases [like, do you know English --only say it in French!]
Both London and Paris were wonderful to visit. The history is awe inspiring.
I'm so glad there were so many people on this site who suggested staying in this part of the city. I had been leaning toward staying in a more touristy area, and I know the experience would not have been as good.
I also packed plenty of advil and other over the counter pain med. There were plenty of times my feet were saying enough! but my head was saying, more, more!
I'd recommend taking the train to Versailles. What an amazing place that is also.
A pleasant and easy way to enjoy the city skyline is to take one of the cruises along the Seine. They are just over an hour, and that gives your feet a break
Be prepared for strikes. They seem to have a strike going on somewhere almost daily! While we were there, on Sunday [I blieve it was Saturday] there was a strike that went on for miles, blocking off streets with singing and chanting, and blocked off streets. Then on tues. there was a strike in both a museum and also at the airport. Most of all, enjoy the amazing views everywhere.
Jun 4th, 2003, 08:41 AM
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Got back on saturday from paris. A few other thoughts.
1. Totally agree about the sneakers and jeans. Although these aren't goofy white reeboks and acid washed baggy jeans, like someone else pointed out. They are the same fashionable jeans and trendy sneakers (adidas, pumas, etc) that people wear in the US. When I was in Paris it was warm and everyone looked a little dishelved. Definitely don't be uncomfortable and unable to enjoy yourself because you are trying to look great. not worth it.
2. Guide books. I agree about the art not being marked in english. I love books so bought some of the guidebooks to the museums. It was great to have them to read after leaving the museum too so you know what you saw.
3. Try taking advantage of the evening hours at the museums. The Louvre is partially open Monday night and fully open Wednesday night until 9:45. The D'Orsay is open Thursday night until 9:30. Unless there is a very specific thing you want to see at the Louvre, each of the three wings has so much you will be fine regardless of which part is open. The museum pass is good if you want to have the flexibility to go to museums multiple times for a short time each. We went to the Louvre 3 times in a week for a couple of hours each time. Didn't have to wait in line at all (went twice at night and once during the day entered through the Carosel du Louvre). I get tired and bored after a couple of hours so this method works for me.
4. Museum Pass. I went to three metro stations and none of them have the pass. Tried several tabacs as well. I think the city hides the pass to make it hard to buy. My advice is to buy it when you see it (maybe at the first participation museum you go to (for me that was Sainte Chapelle)).
5. Hotel. I disagree about the hotel location. I'd try to get a good location, especially with all the strikes going on that can effect the metro. If your choice is a total dump in a good location or a really nice place is a worse location, I'd take the nicer hotel. But if the hotels aren't that different, go with teh good location. It is very nice to be able to head back to your room to drop off some purchases or to change your shoes. It is handy to be able to go to another museum, etc. because you are staying close by.
6. Eat as much as you want. If you are active and walk alot (I agree with UCSUN's 8-10 mile assessment), you won't gain any weight.
7. The eiffel tower is fun. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it even after being there multiple times.
8. Dinner reservations: I find picking a restaurant stressful because with some many good ones I don't want to pick a bad one. I was happy having made a few reservations in advance so I didn't have to think about it. you can easily do the research from home, pick your places, then ask your hotel to call for you. some of the other nights we just had a picnic or pizza because we were tired and had already had so many great meals.
9. earplugs: if you are a light sleeper bring them. AC is not very good in paris. if it is warm you'll want to open the windows of your hotel room.
10. Montmatre. I liked amelie as much as the next Fodorite but could not get out of this area fast enough. unless you want to be accosted by people selling all kinds of crap, do not walk up the front steps of sacre coeur. IMHO - the whole area is a waste of time.
1. Totally agree about the sneakers and jeans. Although these aren't goofy white reeboks and acid washed baggy jeans, like someone else pointed out. They are the same fashionable jeans and trendy sneakers (adidas, pumas, etc) that people wear in the US. When I was in Paris it was warm and everyone looked a little dishelved. Definitely don't be uncomfortable and unable to enjoy yourself because you are trying to look great. not worth it.
2. Guide books. I agree about the art not being marked in english. I love books so bought some of the guidebooks to the museums. It was great to have them to read after leaving the museum too so you know what you saw.
3. Try taking advantage of the evening hours at the museums. The Louvre is partially open Monday night and fully open Wednesday night until 9:45. The D'Orsay is open Thursday night until 9:30. Unless there is a very specific thing you want to see at the Louvre, each of the three wings has so much you will be fine regardless of which part is open. The museum pass is good if you want to have the flexibility to go to museums multiple times for a short time each. We went to the Louvre 3 times in a week for a couple of hours each time. Didn't have to wait in line at all (went twice at night and once during the day entered through the Carosel du Louvre). I get tired and bored after a couple of hours so this method works for me.
4. Museum Pass. I went to three metro stations and none of them have the pass. Tried several tabacs as well. I think the city hides the pass to make it hard to buy. My advice is to buy it when you see it (maybe at the first participation museum you go to (for me that was Sainte Chapelle)).
5. Hotel. I disagree about the hotel location. I'd try to get a good location, especially with all the strikes going on that can effect the metro. If your choice is a total dump in a good location or a really nice place is a worse location, I'd take the nicer hotel. But if the hotels aren't that different, go with teh good location. It is very nice to be able to head back to your room to drop off some purchases or to change your shoes. It is handy to be able to go to another museum, etc. because you are staying close by.
6. Eat as much as you want. If you are active and walk alot (I agree with UCSUN's 8-10 mile assessment), you won't gain any weight.
7. The eiffel tower is fun. I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it even after being there multiple times.
8. Dinner reservations: I find picking a restaurant stressful because with some many good ones I don't want to pick a bad one. I was happy having made a few reservations in advance so I didn't have to think about it. you can easily do the research from home, pick your places, then ask your hotel to call for you. some of the other nights we just had a picnic or pizza because we were tired and had already had so many great meals.
9. earplugs: if you are a light sleeper bring them. AC is not very good in paris. if it is warm you'll want to open the windows of your hotel room.
10. Montmatre. I liked amelie as much as the next Fodorite but could not get out of this area fast enough. unless you want to be accosted by people selling all kinds of crap, do not walk up the front steps of sacre coeur. IMHO - the whole area is a waste of time.
Jun 4th, 2003, 09:02 AM
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I agree there is some element in Montmartre that one would like to avoid, ie. being acosted by 'artists' and rose sellers, etc... but we always enjoy a visit. Place du Tertre is great for people-watching, sit and have a wine or beer, feed the birds, watch all the other tourists milling past.
Then, be sure to do some exploring around/behind the Place - find the only vineyard (still producing) in Paris, the Lapin Agile, the other windmill...
Some of Montmartre is very touristy indeed, but I wouldn't completely write it off...
Then, be sure to do some exploring around/behind the Place - find the only vineyard (still producing) in Paris, the Lapin Agile, the other windmill...
Some of Montmartre is very touristy indeed, but I wouldn't completely write it off...
Jun 4th, 2003, 09:13 AM
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ucsun, this is such a great thread~
IMHO- walking past the sellers of junk at the foot of Sacre Cour is worth going up those stairs and looking out over Paris on a sunny day!
We usually make our dinner reservs from home, through the hotel or ourselves, that is a treat! it is all thought out and just waiting for you to get there. No thinking required, which can be wonderful at the end of a long tiring day.
We do our best to always get an inside room, on the courtyard, or whatever is NOT on the street. I really don't like sleeping with those big windows open, I alway feel like someone can walk in! Of course, I never go to Paris in the summer so this has never been a problem
Language:
I have had Parisian salespeople apologize to me for not speaking English better!! do not worry about being able to speak French as long as you know how to say Thank You!
IMHO- walking past the sellers of junk at the foot of Sacre Cour is worth going up those stairs and looking out over Paris on a sunny day!
We usually make our dinner reservs from home, through the hotel or ourselves, that is a treat! it is all thought out and just waiting for you to get there. No thinking required, which can be wonderful at the end of a long tiring day.
We do our best to always get an inside room, on the courtyard, or whatever is NOT on the street. I really don't like sleeping with those big windows open, I alway feel like someone can walk in! Of course, I never go to Paris in the summer so this has never been a problem
Language:
I have had Parisian salespeople apologize to me for not speaking English better!! do not worry about being able to speak French as long as you know how to say Thank You!
Jun 4th, 2003, 09:17 AM
#30
messenger bags, you were bandilino style across the chest, usually rectangular and they are everywhere here from Gap to Prada.
Nice brief report ucsun. I had a one night dump in Paris, so I know what's that's like.
Nice brief report ucsun. I had a one night dump in Paris, so I know what's that's like.
Jun 4th, 2003, 09:17 AM
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I only partially agree with the poster about Montmartre; we spent nearly the entire day there. Eleven yr old grand-daughter had to see the Moulin Rouge windmill; then we climbed to see the only other one left standing. Had to drag her out of the Cimetiere de Montmartre; she loved the vaults and stained glass and statues. We bought lunch from the side street bakery with the longest line and ate sitting on the steps of Sacre Couer, looking over all of Paris. We toured the church and climbed to the top, passing gargoyles on the way. We had coffee and ice cream at the cafe across from the carousel. The down side was having a child with us who was a magnet for the portrait artists, and we literally had to fight them off; they were pretty aggressive (and rude), so don't go into the Place du Tertre with a cute kid! I am a painter myself, and there is little there of artistic value. Some is well done and makes a nice memento; but most of it is terrible; we never saw anyone doing portraits that were worth the cost. Learn to say "no" with conviction.
Jun 4th, 2003, 09:42 AM
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To each his own re: Montmartre. My favorite view of Paris (which includes a view of Montmartre) was from the Musee D'Orsay - either inside the museum looking through the clock or from the terrace on the upper level cafe.
Jul 4th, 2003, 11:29 AM
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Great thread, ucsun!
Just returned from a month long trip to several European countries and Paris was a highlight - as usual.
Have to agree with Travelnut - Montmartre has other sights besides Sacre Coeur Tthe one and only functioning Parisian vineyard is worth seeing although it is small. Also Le Lapin Agile ( originally "a Gil" = agile) is very close by the vineyard.
In La Place Tertre there is the the restaurant La Mere Catherine. If you look on the upper right corner (as you are facing the restaurant), you will find the origin for the "French" word "bistro".
So, there is a lot of hidden sights to see in Montmartre besides the figure of Christ inside, as one guide has described it, in his "jet plane taking off" pose.
All Paris is a discovery, with a sign here, a small stucco there, a picture over there - the best guides are the Rough Guide and the Cadogan (which is quite humorous).
If you see statues with their heads decapitated, it's because that's what they did during the French Revolution and a lot of the lesser statues are still headless to this day.
Marvellous history and fascinating facts await you around every corner!
Happy travels!
Just returned from a month long trip to several European countries and Paris was a highlight - as usual.
Have to agree with Travelnut - Montmartre has other sights besides Sacre Coeur Tthe one and only functioning Parisian vineyard is worth seeing although it is small. Also Le Lapin Agile ( originally "a Gil" = agile) is very close by the vineyard.
In La Place Tertre there is the the restaurant La Mere Catherine. If you look on the upper right corner (as you are facing the restaurant), you will find the origin for the "French" word "bistro".
So, there is a lot of hidden sights to see in Montmartre besides the figure of Christ inside, as one guide has described it, in his "jet plane taking off" pose.
All Paris is a discovery, with a sign here, a small stucco there, a picture over there - the best guides are the Rough Guide and the Cadogan (which is quite humorous).
If you see statues with their heads decapitated, it's because that's what they did during the French Revolution and a lot of the lesser statues are still headless to this day.
Marvellous history and fascinating facts await you around every corner!
Happy travels!
Jul 5th, 2003, 11:06 AM
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re messenger bags-if you wear them across your back how do you protect against pickpockets or do you carry a purse for your valuables? I would not want valuables in anything that goes on my back. When we were in Paris my friend had a fanny back done up in the front. Purely luck I wasn't right beside her and was able to see a young girl (with friends) rummaging into her bag and prevent her from stealing. She opened the bag and had her hand in it and my friend was completely unaware of it.
