Going to Paris for work assignment - help appreciated!
 

I'm going to Paris next week, part of which is for a holiday, but I've also been asked to do some research on the Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge for some new websites that are being created. They will be selling tickets and tours for each place but will also have sections dedicated to helping plan a trip and for interesting information. Given that these are well-worn tourist spots and there is a lot of information floating around the internet, I was wondering if anyone had any tips they could give me about what to research, i.e. what kinds of things would you find it useful to have in one place and what would you like to know about each attraction?? I'm keen to do a good job and find out about things that people actually want to know about rather than rehashing all the same old information, so anything you could think of would be really useful. Thanks so much in advance!

One good way to answer your own question is to do a forum search here for questions that have been asked about both. Nearest metro stops. Whether advance tickets are a good idea in saving time or money. Age restrictions or other security restrictions (size of handbag/backpack allowed etc.) What other sights are within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower or a good one day itinerary including the tower. For Moulin Rouge, how many shows per day/night and pros and cons of dining there.

I'm keen to know who would appoint someone who has never been to France to write a piece like this.

Hi OS,

We get a lot of folks who want to know how long it takes to get to the top of the ET and back down, so that they can include it in their overly planned daily itineraries.

((I))

Also lots of questions about the lines to go up the Eiffel Tower. How long are they? What time of day is best to miss the long lines? Will passes allow one to skip the lines?...No. There have been tons of threads on this subject alone.

The OP will want to be sure and see the tower at the top of the hour some time after sunset. It twinkles and sparkles for about 10 minutes at the top of each hour. (Preferably, one should be listening to an Edith Piaf recording the first time one sees this phenomenon!)

Actually, I think having someone who has never been there isn't a bad idea. If the target market is first time visitors and those without preconceived ideas isn't it better to have someone who fits that description?

A person well versed in Paris will overlook details from experience that a first time visitor might not.

I should think it's easy enough later to have a more experienced Paris traveler fill-in details, etc.

I think it could be useful to suggest itineraries based on variables such as starting point, time of day, composition of the group, dining interest, etc. On our recent trip to Paris we walked from our hotel near Avenue George V via the Champs Elysee to the Eiffel Tower in late morning on a Sunday. Our party consisted of two adults and two children. Change those variables and you have different suggestions of what is of interest.

I would think something that can offer suggestions based on changing variables may be interesting as a smart phone app. Urban spoon does that for restaurants. Something more encompassing could be a neat tool.

I don't think any for-profit company selling tours to these sites is really going to want the truth on their website as to what people think of MOulin Rouge, its price, etc. I can't imagine what there is to research about that one, to be honest (the Moulin Rouge website itself tells you prices, show times, dress code, and location).

And what most poeple want to know about the Eiffel Tower wouldn't be relevant to a company selling a tour that included it (ie, nearest metro stop, should I buy tickets, etc.). Obviously, the company sells tickets (at a markup no doubt) and must have some day tour or half day tour that includes this as a stop. A tour company probably has some special arrangements for its members, so line waiting can't be an issue there, I'm sure. I know tour guides get different privileges at the Louvre, for example.

<<They will be selling tickets and tours for each place but will also have sections dedicated to helping plan a trip and for interesting information.>>

Well, then, they don't need information about tickets and tours or waiting in lines or any of the things mentioned above.

Frankly, I can't think of a single piece of "interesting information" about either of those places that hasn't been covered a few million times already. It's not as though anyone, let alone a first-time visitor, is going to discover some "secret" about the Eiffel Tower or Moulin Rouge.

In reading the OP, is it clear that the sites are for the ET & MR businesses, or for an organization planning tours that include these places?

They already have websites, not sure why they would need to bring in a foreigner to design a site.

I think it is a website for the company selling tickets/tours. It must be some company like Grayline, Parisvision, Concierge, etc.

It's hard to believe a company like those would be asking a first-time visitor to Paris to research anything. They're based there. And they're big companies. Why would they need a foreign newbie to contribute anything?

I'm guessing it's some British tour package company.

Hey, if there is a demand for other foreigners, I can find an opening:)

The way we process and evaluate information has changed and we've barely touched the surface on how it will change going forward.

Man has been looking at the stars since the dawm of history. Along comes the Ipad and the Starwalk App and an entirely new way to look at the stars now exists.

This may not be a legit question from the OP or there may be more to what they are trying.

No doubt this statement is true: "I can't think of a single piece of "interesting information" about either of those places that hasn't been covered a few million times already."

However, the way that this information gets filtered to a user, analyzed, and understood can change in countless ways we can't yet contemplate.

Not unless this person is going to practice the Vulcan mind meld.

there are already a million books, travel magazines, websites, travel boards, blogs, city touring apps and everything else you can think of.

And what will someone who knows nothing bring to the part - unless they are going as a specific representative of some cult that worhsips can can dancers?

That's true, Ryan, but that doesn't seem to be what the OP was asked to do. She's talking about basic stuff like "interesting information" and "planning trips" and "what you'd like to know about each destination." It's all been done over and over and over again, and if something new happens, like the Eiffel Tower adds another floor or the Moulin Rouge starts doing brunches, it'll be broadcast on the internet in a heartbeat.

Really, what is there to research about these two places, or trip planning, that's even the slightest bit new and different?

Just back from a week away, read the question, and was relieved to find that the regular (and reliable) posters found this post to be a little off.

There's not much of any information about the Moulin Rouge or the Eiffel Tower that one cannot discover in a few seconds by googling for these terms. Certainly nothing useful that would require on-site research. You might discover that there are restrooms near the east pillar of the Eiffel Tower, or that the Moulin Rouge has a souvenir shop around the corner, but you can't build a Web site out of that.

Tough crowd.

I think I should possibly have been a little clearer on what we're aiming for with the websites - these are new websites that we are creating not only to sell tickets (as the usual sort of tour packages) but to provide as much interesting and useful information as we can find about each place, warts and all, so that it's not just another site full of packages and sales-speak or a bland information page with all the basic facts. Obviously I am aware that there are many other sites on the web that provide similar information, but I think that there is a place for a well written site that has in depth and honest information and reviews as well as ticket sales and basic info - we're trying to create something where you can find all you would want in one place rather than having to search through many different sites to get your answers. I'm not expecting to find a secret trapdoor at the bottom of the ET but just trying to find out if there are any specific angles that people feel would be worth covering!

Thanks to everyone who has made suggestions so far, it's very helpful and I will definitely take them into account. I think the idea about variables is really interesting. As for sending a first time visitor - I think the idea is to experience the tours and the city as a tourist and not a Paris resident.

<i>
Nikki on Aug 18, 11 at 8:22am
Tough crowd.</i>
We call it tough love.

<i>OliviaS on Aug 18, 11 at 11:32am</i>
Well spoken.
Here's one for you. People with a fear of the second step of a ladder, like me, should never go to the top of the Tour Eiffel. I panicked up there. I went to the elevator and it was full. I had to wait about five minutes for the next one. It was total terror.

Here's another. The top floor of the ET is significantly windier and cooler in my limited (2) experiences than even the second level. Significantly. I also found that having wrist straps on my camera in place eliminated my fear of dropping the camera and killing someone below.

Persnickety is a word I really like that I don't to use often enough. It however works perfectly in this case.

The OP asked a question. Sure, it's been asked in other ways and in other forums. The criticisms of strategy and the merits of the site are best left for the person putting up the cash that will fund the venture, not those who think they know it all when it comes to Paris. Unless of course those critics have their own motivations based on creating barriers to competitive entry in their space.

<i>
Ryan on Aug 18, 11 at 12:54pm
Persnickety is a word I really like that I don't to use often enough. It however works perfectly in this case.
The OP asked a question. Sure, it's been asked in other ways and in other forums. The criticisms of strategy and the merits of the site are best left for the person putting up the cash that will fund the venture, not those who think they know it all when it comes to Paris. Unless of course those critics have their own motivations based on creating barriers to competitive entry in their space.</i>

So, Ryan, should we discard your posts on this thread or are they above the fray?

Spaarne, you make a good point about the ET being incompatible with a fear of heights, something that is often overlooked. It's not the tallest building in the world, but it's an open latticework of metal beams, and from many points in the tower, you can see straight down to the ground. From the summit, you can look through a glass door at the spiral emergency staircase that leads down to the ground, and your view of the ground is unobstructed. Likewise, in the elevators, there are plenty of windows to let you see out. The vertical elevator to the top has nothing outside of it except a few guide rails, and seeing the tiny staircase just outside the window only accentuates the impression of height.

I've seen visitors who refused to leave the elevator on the first platform, and others who cried all the way up and back down.

"So, Ryan, should we discard your posts on this thread or are they above the fray?"

I find it pointless on this site to answer rhetorical questions. I'd much prefer the outright criticism, which is afterall the point of your question.

<i>
Ryan on Aug 18, 11 at 1:23pm
"So, Ryan, should we discard your posts on this thread or are they above the fray?"
I find it pointless on this site to answer rhetorical questions. I'd much prefer the outright criticism, which is afterall the point of your question.</i>

Well, if you shoot at people on Fodor's you should expect return fire.

Hi StC,

>It's not as though anyone, let alone a first-time visitor, is going to discover some "secret" about the Eiffel Tower or Moulin Rouge.<

Well, my first time at the ET I learned how heavy a two-lb camera can become if you decide to walk up to the top.

Until my first visit to MR, I had no idea about how many "poules" there were in the small streets around Pigalle.

((I))

I guess what struck me right away last night--and please understand I was doing a quick catch-up of a lot of stuff and so didn't go into depth--is that we were to do the work FOR the OP so that he/she and his/her employer can make money.

Now that I've had some sleep, I think what I'd like to say is that ahem, Fodors, who sponsors this forum, probably would not enjoy someone trying to earn money from this forum's contributors.

Fact: This is Fodor's website. Its purpose is to PROMOTE the sale of books and products on travel. The entire website DOES have a lot of information in one place;we contributors via the forum add the reviews, fill in the blanks, etc.

Therefore, I view this request as a total insult to our sponsor and to the efforts of anyone who gives advice here.

The OP is not alone. Over the years, many people have posted on this board when they needed tips for an article or research paper. And more often than not, those persons were often told, "Do your OWN research."

In addition, I bet at last 1/2 of those replying to this post, many of whom have posted tips and information for years here, have often been told by friends that they should start writing professionally or start establishing a website chock full of info. Since I design and write for websites for a living, it would be very easy to create a product that borrowed (aka-STEAL) tips from here.

I certainly would not even consider doing that; most of the "regulars" here certainly would not do it; I don't think anyone else should either.

Hmm. Here are some thoughts on what I'd have liked to know about the ET (in addition to where to find the ET's website and the obvious questions about access and hours):
1. that there are usually two lines for buying tickets if you didn't get them in advance, and how to locate them;
2. that there's a line to purchase tickets to walk up the stairs, and where it is located;
3. where the toilets are;
4. where the prepaid line is, and how it works;
5. that the thousands of (mostly) young black men selling souvenirs are relentless if you don't assert yourself in telling them no (don't waffle! they smell your fear!);
6. that the area around the ET (including the neighborhoods nearby) is swarming with pickpockets and scammers, who openly do stuff like:
a. take your wallet while having you sign a "petition"
b. trip you and take your wallet while helping you up
c. take your wallet while asking you to help them read something written in English or whatever language they think you speak
7. that there are some incredible places (in nearly every direction) from which to take photographs that are pretty far from the fray at the tower.
8. that you should carefully check on the metro closings if you book early a.m. tickets---we were out of luck with a pre-purchase but had planned to get tickets for 9 a.m. on a Sunday. When we couldn't, we decided to be in the ET ticket line by that time. The train we needed was closed on Sunday morning until 10 (but we walked a long way and managed anyway). If we'd had 9 a.m. tickets, we would not have been there on time.

Good God. Lighten up.

Free speech is a blessing.

A oft asked query is 'which hotel has rooms w/ views of ET'. I suspect many hotels promote this (whether it be true for 1 room or more) .... AND, assuming you 'verify rooms w/ view' hotels or cull that info from other sources, could then solicit those hotels to advertise on website.

<<Until my first visit to MR, I had no idea about how many "poules" there were in the small streets around Pigalle>>

ira, that cracked me up, as it wasn't until I made a trip a few years ago through the Ardèches that I knew what the word "poules" was. I kept wondering why there were signs warning me along the roads that there were going to be some sort of chicken figures I should be wary of.

Actually, I think the road signs said "nids de poules," which confused me even further.

If you climb the steps to the second level, there are (if I remember correctly) 1,021. If you melted the tower down to it's base dimensions it would be something like 6" thick. The tower moves more due to the sun's heat than it does in wind storms. Tesla attempted to shoot a lightning bolt from the tower to London.

Of course, those could all be wrong.

dave

Well thanks to everyone for their responses, helpful or otherwise (!) - the site for the Eiffel Tower is up and nearly completed, although there are a few things with design and content that still need tweaking. If anyone wants to visit at http://www.eiffeltowertickets.co.uk] Eiffel Tower Tickets and offer any feedback it would be super helpful. Thanks again!

Hi OS,

Your site looks fine.

((I))

Well, you have done a lot of work in a short time, kudos for that.

I'm not your market (I suspected UK), but your website is very confusing to me. YOu are a company, as I thought, selling day tours that include the Eiffel Tower and other things, similar to Parisvision, which is what I suspected. So I gather your tours include the Eiffel Tower (the half day said it did) which no waiting due to you being on a tour, and thus the price includes the Tickets.

So what the heck is the website about giving tips on how to get tickets to the Eiffel Tower, how to avoid lines when getting them, when to go, etc. This makes no sense to me as to what yoru website is trying to imply, and I imagine it won't do your viewers, either.

The one very confusing thing (aside form overall goal) is that since you have this section on how to avoid lines in getting tickets, the implication is that even though you are giving tours at 44 pounds and up, the people who buy the tour must get their ticket on their own to the included attraction on the tour and need to get it before the tour starts. If this is true, it is an insane business model.

It is a bit confusing. There is an official Eiffel Tower web page, same for Parisvision and Cityrama. Is this web page meant to be a site geared to people who plan their trip around "all that is Eiffel"?

It is called Eiffel Tower tickets, but the site does not match that.

...The nearest Métro station for the Eiffel Tower is Champs de Mars Tour Eiffel, which can be reached on the line RER C. You have RER or you have Metro.which is it?

Eiffel Tower, Seine Cruise, Moulin Rouge Show – Dinner at the Eiffel Tower...order of events is wrong

Paris City Sightseeing and Skip the Line Eiffel Tower Tickets..link goes to wrong page

No mention of where you pick up the tours

Order is all over the palce. I would think you start with cheapest and go on to most expensive.

The official Eiffel Tower site is at http://www.toureiffel.fr.

You can buy tickets directly online at this site, and you can do it all in English. You can print the tickets yourself after purchasing them, and just show them when you arrive at the tower. There is no need to go through any third party.