Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)
-   -   Britain Shrinkers day trip to Paris (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/britain-shrinkers-day-trip-to-paris-232626/)

michelle Jun 19th, 2002 12:53 PM

Britain Shrinkers day trip to Paris
 
I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has gone on the escorted or unescorted day trips to Paris from London operated by Britain Shrinkers. Any information or thoughts would be appreciated.<BR><BR>On the escorted trip they say a "panoramic tour of the city with the afternoon free". Does that mean they just drive around and don't stop at any sights? <BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Michelle

MJ Jun 19th, 2002 01:20 PM

My daughter and I took that trip from London to Paris two years ago, for the day and it was at least an introduction to the city. From the train station we boarded a bus and they took us on perhaps a one or two hour bus ride with I do recall we stopped at the Eiffel Tower for a bit and Notre Dame (not time to go in however) and then back to the Louve where we were instructed to meet again for the return trip in perhaps 3, 4 or 5 hours which gives you time to do something on your own. Of course not nearly enough time but at least an introduction to the area. We thought it was worth it, for the time we had. Good luck

sara Jun 19th, 2002 01:21 PM

Others who've gone on trip will give you the particulars. I just know that the travel time between these two cities is three hours, so you'd best plan your day carefully as there's not much time to dawdle.<BR><BR>

michelle Jun 19th, 2002 04:30 PM

Thanks MJ and sara. I know it will just be a taste of Paris, and that's fine. Did you have any trouble on your own in the afternoon? Was it easy to get around and get back to where you had to meet?

michelle Jun 20th, 2002 06:13 AM

anyone else?

adam hayden Jun 20th, 2002 06:31 AM

are we talkin about those dudes wearing a fez and collecting money outside of krogers? they drive small cars, too.

Chris Jun 20th, 2002 06:38 AM

I am taking my Niece to Paris for a day trip from the London area next month. Though not with British Shrinkers. I did quite a bit of research and we are flying Easyjet from London Luton airport at 5:40am (my In-Laws live not too far from the airport so this works very well for us). I paid 35gbp return/pp.<BR><BR>Upon landing at CDG (7:55am) we will buy a Paris Visite 1-day Pass (16.75 euros zones 1-5) and take the RER B train directly into the city, I figure we should be at the Eiffel Tower by 9:30 am. http://www.ratp.fr/ParisVisite/Eng/index.htm<BR><BR>After that we will catch the L'OpenTour Bus (20 euros for 1-day with Paris Visite Pass) near the Tower and do the Grand Route, hopping on and off at the main sights (Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Jardin du Luxembourg, etc.). If we have time enough in the late afternoon we will go to the Louvre as we will be there on a Weds. late night opening.<BR><BR>We will catch the RER B back to CDG sometime about 6:30pm for our 9:30pm flight, we should be back in Luton by 9:45pm.<BR><BR>Maybe this gives you an idea how you can do a similar trip on your own. <BR>

Jim Jun 20th, 2002 06:48 AM

We did the Britian Shrinkers London Paris trip 2 years ago and thought it was great. It was all of Paris that we wanted to see at that time. Maybe more in the future. Everything was flawless as I recall, met at Waterloo, checked in and on to the Eurostar. Tour guide kept us updated all the way to Paris. Bus waiting in Paris with second guide. Bus tour was very good and hit all the major sites. Took boat ride on Seine as option rather than the Eiffel Tower. Watch for pickpockets aftr boat ride at the photoviewing booth. Two different women in our group had their purses gone through and they didn't know it until they got back on the bus. Skipped the Louvre as we are not much into art. Walked to Notre Dame and area instead. Met underground at the Louvre shopping area, easy to find. Bus ride back to the train station and chance to get a quick bite to eat. Beleive it or not we ate at the McDonalds across the street from the station. Not enough time for full blown meal, and by that time we were pretty much sandwiched out. It really hit the spot. BTW we were really disappointed in the breakfast/snack service on the Eurostar, unless you eatlike a bird, get something to take on the train or eat before boarding.

michelle Jun 20th, 2002 11:55 AM

Thank you so much everyone, the info is very helpful.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:52 AM.