Happy accidents ,undiscovered gems -London, Paris
Jun 23rd, 2016, 12:31 AM
#21
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"Is the situation [Mona Lisa] any better if you go on a Wednesday or Friday night when the museum is open later?"
Cjar - indeed it is. In my experience anyway. Far fewer people and in particular far fewer tour and school groups, which makes for a very different experience. The Louvre will still be busy, but nowhere near the levels it can reach.
There are lots of good suggestions in this thread, but at the risk of coming off as churlish, I wouldn't say that (m)any of them are particularly undiscovered.
One place that is definitely less written about (and a place I love for what that's worth) is the Westminster Reference Library just off Leicester Square.
Beyond the books and the oasis of calm in the centre of town, the library often has free events (usually themed around London or with a nod to a particular set of books in their possession). They also do (short) themed walks for a small fee, so you never know, there might be something right up your alley taking place in October.
Cjar - indeed it is. In my experience anyway. Far fewer people and in particular far fewer tour and school groups, which makes for a very different experience. The Louvre will still be busy, but nowhere near the levels it can reach.
There are lots of good suggestions in this thread, but at the risk of coming off as churlish, I wouldn't say that (m)any of them are particularly undiscovered.
One place that is definitely less written about (and a place I love for what that's worth) is the Westminster Reference Library just off Leicester Square.
Beyond the books and the oasis of calm in the centre of town, the library often has free events (usually themed around London or with a nod to a particular set of books in their possession). They also do (short) themed walks for a small fee, so you never know, there might be something right up your alley taking place in October.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 12:54 AM
#22
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I have to agree with Jay_G, at least for Paris. I see hardly anything here that isn't firmly on the well-trodden paths. How about the secret gardens of Paris (my favorite is the scented one), the Musée de la Vie Romantique, the Maison Fournaise on the Ile des Impressionistes, the guinguettes, the Ceinture tramway, Deyrolles, the Belleville market and the Parc Belleville, the Château de Vincennes............etc?
And while Les Invalides may be huge, gray, and boring to some, it's got no shortage of important history, some impressive interior architecture, and it houses the Musée de l'Armée, which apart from its usual fascinating collections often has wonderful exhibits on the basement floor.
And while Les Invalides may be huge, gray, and boring to some, it's got no shortage of important history, some impressive interior architecture, and it houses the Musée de l'Armée, which apart from its usual fascinating collections often has wonderful exhibits on the basement floor.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 02:40 AM
#23
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There's a quick way to get to the Mona Lisa (and other Vinci paintings) if you buy your Louvre tickets in advance. If you're a committed early bird, you can beat some of the crowds.
Enter by the Carousel mall on rue de Rivoli. Use the security line for ticketholders. Once inside, go up the escalator for the Richelieu wing.
When you've given your ticket, walk in and make a right (you'll see a flight of stairs ahead of you-- don't take them). Just to your left is a small elevator. Take it to the second floor.
When you come out of the elevator, you're right next to the Mona Lisa gallery (to the left if memory serves, but there'll be a guard to ask). You can double-check me and plot this out ahead of time on the interactive Louvre map on line.
Something else kids might enjoy at the Louvre is the excavated medieval ruin downstairs.
Enter by the Carousel mall on rue de Rivoli. Use the security line for ticketholders. Once inside, go up the escalator for the Richelieu wing.
When you've given your ticket, walk in and make a right (you'll see a flight of stairs ahead of you-- don't take them). Just to your left is a small elevator. Take it to the second floor.
When you come out of the elevator, you're right next to the Mona Lisa gallery (to the left if memory serves, but there'll be a guard to ask). You can double-check me and plot this out ahead of time on the interactive Louvre map on line.
Something else kids might enjoy at the Louvre is the excavated medieval ruin downstairs.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 09:14 AM
#25
This just in from a UK books newsletter I get:
"Discover London's hidden streets, cemeteries, canals, parks, pubs and personalities with the eccentric, manic and often moving explorations..."
http://www.reaktionbooks.co.uk/displ...=9781780235837
(In US on Amazon, "Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on August 15, 2016.")
"Discover London's hidden streets, cemeteries, canals, parks, pubs and personalities with the eccentric, manic and often moving explorations..."
http://www.reaktionbooks.co.uk/displ...=9781780235837
(In US on Amazon, "Available for Pre-order. This item will be released on August 15, 2016.")
Jun 23rd, 2016, 01:09 PM
#26
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<<Please explain what you mean by travel cards. I read something about a card you purchase and affix a passport size photo to and then you can get discounts at some attractions. Is that at all on the right track?>>
Yeah, but you only need single day travel cards on the days you're in London. The passport photo would be for a 7-day card.
Go to the website I referenced, it should have the information for you and will have the vouchers you need for the discounts.
Yeah, but you only need single day travel cards on the days you're in London. The passport photo would be for a 7-day card.
Go to the website I referenced, it should have the information for you and will have the vouchers you need for the discounts.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 01:24 PM
#27
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Our whole family enjoys the boat rides on the Seine. For each of our two kid's first trip to Paris, I arranged it so their first sight of the Eiffel Tour was lit up at night, from a boat. We like Vedettes du Pont Neuf. (Of course, on our recent trip to Paris, the Seine was SO HIGH that the boats couldn't fit under the bridges.)
Stop in a patisserie and get something that you don't get at home. We love to buy a sack (really, a white paper bag) of choquettes. Yum. And / or buy macaroons and do some taste tests, either comparing flavors, or comparing the products of different patisseries.
It's a matter of personal opinion, but we really like the War Rooms in London, have never been on the London Eye, like the walk across the Millenium Bridge, the National Gallery, not the changing of the Guard. The Louvre, in my experience, is really only crowded in the rooms near the Mona Lisa, basically the Italian paintings section. Seek out the Dutch Masters (including their Vermeers) and you will have plenty of space. We enjoyed Les Invalides, but it took us several trips before we made the time to visit.
I don't think any of those were happy accidents, though. All planned.
Stop in a patisserie and get something that you don't get at home. We love to buy a sack (really, a white paper bag) of choquettes. Yum. And / or buy macaroons and do some taste tests, either comparing flavors, or comparing the products of different patisseries.
It's a matter of personal opinion, but we really like the War Rooms in London, have never been on the London Eye, like the walk across the Millenium Bridge, the National Gallery, not the changing of the Guard. The Louvre, in my experience, is really only crowded in the rooms near the Mona Lisa, basically the Italian paintings section. Seek out the Dutch Masters (including their Vermeers) and you will have plenty of space. We enjoyed Les Invalides, but it took us several trips before we made the time to visit.
I don't think any of those were happy accidents, though. All planned.
Jun 23rd, 2016, 05:24 PM
#28
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I have never been up in the Eiffel Tower and don't regret it. I loved climbing the towers of Notre Dame. I don't care for the Champs Élysées at all.
I was not that impressed with the Conciergerie in Paris...no where as sinister feeling as the Tower of London and not that much to see, IMO.
I am not big on the Louvre but love D'Orsay, LOrangerie and Musee Marmottan.
In London, I loved Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Also, in Paris we loved our St Germain food tour with Paris by Mouth. Great way to taste wonderful foods and see a bit of the neighborhood.
I was not that impressed with the Conciergerie in Paris...no where as sinister feeling as the Tower of London and not that much to see, IMO.
I am not big on the Louvre but love D'Orsay, LOrangerie and Musee Marmottan.
In London, I loved Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.
Also, in Paris we loved our St Germain food tour with Paris by Mouth. Great way to taste wonderful foods and see a bit of the neighborhood.
Jun 24th, 2016, 07:50 AM
#31
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Hi!
This is just to second some suggestions:
Musée D'Orsay.
Amorino ice cream.
And, Big Russ I fully agree Lady with an ermine is much better, at least to me than Mona Lisa.
And yes we enjoyed the London Eye!
This is just to second some suggestions:
Musée D'Orsay.
Amorino ice cream.
And, Big Russ I fully agree Lady with an ermine is much better, at least to me than Mona Lisa.
And yes we enjoyed the London Eye!
Jun 24th, 2016, 04:26 PM
#33
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Thank you Big Russ for the money saving tip. I'll definitely look into it.
Denisea- I'm getting the feeling we may have similar tastes.
Mmeperdu- I ,as well , may order the book
StCirq and Jay_G- I know that you know what I'm talking about as far as less frequently trodden. There are secret gardens in Paris? Do tell.I will investigate all of the things you mentioned, but any extra hints or info would be great.
Please don't get me wrong. I am so grateful for everyone's suggestions and words of wisdom, especially those things that will help us make the best use of our time, but does anyone have something that they are willing to share that they just stumbled upon or found through an insatiable curiosity that made them think " This is the best moment of my day, trip, or week".
When my husband and I were in Venice during our 20 th anniversary trip, we were coming back to Dorsodurp from St. Mark's square at night and on the way to our hotel as we passed Santa Maria della Salute, there was a service of some sort in progress . Perhaps it was chanting or vespers, but it stopped up in our tracks and made us take pause and really be in the moment. That is an experience I would wish for all travelers to Venice. It was a quiet, personal, WOW.
Although the church is not off the beaten track, the moment certainly felt like it was. I guess that's what made me refer to happy accidents.
Denisea- I'm getting the feeling we may have similar tastes.
Mmeperdu- I ,as well , may order the book
StCirq and Jay_G- I know that you know what I'm talking about as far as less frequently trodden. There are secret gardens in Paris? Do tell.I will investigate all of the things you mentioned, but any extra hints or info would be great.
Please don't get me wrong. I am so grateful for everyone's suggestions and words of wisdom, especially those things that will help us make the best use of our time, but does anyone have something that they are willing to share that they just stumbled upon or found through an insatiable curiosity that made them think " This is the best moment of my day, trip, or week".
When my husband and I were in Venice during our 20 th anniversary trip, we were coming back to Dorsodurp from St. Mark's square at night and on the way to our hotel as we passed Santa Maria della Salute, there was a service of some sort in progress . Perhaps it was chanting or vespers, but it stopped up in our tracks and made us take pause and really be in the moment. That is an experience I would wish for all travelers to Venice. It was a quiet, personal, WOW.
Although the church is not off the beaten track, the moment certainly felt like it was. I guess that's what made me refer to happy accidents.
Jun 24th, 2016, 05:42 PM
#34
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Hi!
As some mentioned a Seine cruise, I copy from a previous repot of mine:
"and at at 1 pm we take our Seine cruise in the “Vedettes du Pont Neuf”.It is very cold, but we resist in the upper(open) part of the boat.Another perspective of Paris, unforgettable, really not to be missed( buy your tickets on the web, save 5 euros each and skip the lines, as there is a special window for internet tickets).When we return, on the Pont Neuf there is a plaque about Jaques de Molay, last Master of the Templars being burnt here.I found interesting that the name of Jaques de Molay has survived, and nobody cares about the French king that killed him and other Temple Knights in order to take their treasures"
This plaque signals an important historic Place, as the last Templars were burnt at the stake at this very same place.
As some mentioned a Seine cruise, I copy from a previous repot of mine:
"and at at 1 pm we take our Seine cruise in the “Vedettes du Pont Neuf”.It is very cold, but we resist in the upper(open) part of the boat.Another perspective of Paris, unforgettable, really not to be missed( buy your tickets on the web, save 5 euros each and skip the lines, as there is a special window for internet tickets).When we return, on the Pont Neuf there is a plaque about Jaques de Molay, last Master of the Templars being burnt here.I found interesting that the name of Jaques de Molay has survived, and nobody cares about the French king that killed him and other Temple Knights in order to take their treasures"
This plaque signals an important historic Place, as the last Templars were burnt at the stake at this very same place.
Jun 25th, 2016, 12:39 AM
#37
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In Paris, the Carnavalet museum will be closed for 3 years, beginning October 2, 2016. So, easy to skip this one.
I think a Seine cruise during the day isn't worth a lot, but if you go after the sun sets - it will be good and dark around 7:30PM - that's a really beautiful sight to see, and totally worth it. I recommend using the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, since the boats are smaller. Don't bother going if it rains, since you can't see much.
Close your eyes, put your finger on a map of Paris. Look for the nearest Metro station that will take you there. Walk around the neighborhood, have something to eat or drink, watch people, come back to where you started. Each neighborhood is set up the same, but each one is also quite different.
Many people are afraid to walk around Paris after dark, but the city looks completely different at night. It would be a nice thing to take a long stroll after dinner, stay up later than usual, just to peek in some windows and imagine who might be living there. If you are anywhere near Ile Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cite, that would be an excellent choice.
If you enjoy classical music, there will be concerts listed in a large number of churches, so you don't have to follow the herd and listen to "The Four Seasons" for the 1000th time, if you'd rather not. You can find discounts on this site http://www.billetreduc.com/
Have a look at the church and the concert - chances are it will be interesting and far less crowded than the usual venues.
You can also peruse the same website for other things to do at night.
Think about what really interests you and your family.
What do you normally do that you find enjoyable?
It's your trip - go play!
Nobody has to set foot in a museum at all, if you're not interested in them.
The Eiffel Tower is just as impressive from the ground - more so, in fact. Go across the river and take funny photos from Place Trocadero with the Eiffel Tower as a prop.
Not into churches or stained glass? Nobody's twisting your arm.
The most important things are a good map, so you don't get too lost, and knowing how to get around using public transportation, so you don't get too tired. This is more of a problem in London, where everything is really spread out.
If all else fails, and you're too pooped to get home on your own, you can always hail a taxi on the street in Paris - just look for the green light on top. Metered fare is good for 4 passengers.
I think a Seine cruise during the day isn't worth a lot, but if you go after the sun sets - it will be good and dark around 7:30PM - that's a really beautiful sight to see, and totally worth it. I recommend using the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, since the boats are smaller. Don't bother going if it rains, since you can't see much.
Close your eyes, put your finger on a map of Paris. Look for the nearest Metro station that will take you there. Walk around the neighborhood, have something to eat or drink, watch people, come back to where you started. Each neighborhood is set up the same, but each one is also quite different.
Many people are afraid to walk around Paris after dark, but the city looks completely different at night. It would be a nice thing to take a long stroll after dinner, stay up later than usual, just to peek in some windows and imagine who might be living there. If you are anywhere near Ile Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cite, that would be an excellent choice.
If you enjoy classical music, there will be concerts listed in a large number of churches, so you don't have to follow the herd and listen to "The Four Seasons" for the 1000th time, if you'd rather not. You can find discounts on this site http://www.billetreduc.com/
Have a look at the church and the concert - chances are it will be interesting and far less crowded than the usual venues.
You can also peruse the same website for other things to do at night.
Think about what really interests you and your family.
What do you normally do that you find enjoyable?
It's your trip - go play!
Nobody has to set foot in a museum at all, if you're not interested in them.
The Eiffel Tower is just as impressive from the ground - more so, in fact. Go across the river and take funny photos from Place Trocadero with the Eiffel Tower as a prop.
Not into churches or stained glass? Nobody's twisting your arm.
The most important things are a good map, so you don't get too lost, and knowing how to get around using public transportation, so you don't get too tired. This is more of a problem in London, where everything is really spread out.
If all else fails, and you're too pooped to get home on your own, you can always hail a taxi on the street in Paris - just look for the green light on top. Metered fare is good for 4 passengers.
Jun 25th, 2016, 01:36 AM
#38
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Here's a suggestion, if you are interested in this type of thing, for London:
Walk down Cecil Court (off Charing Cross Rd just north of Trafalgar Square).
It's only one block long, but it is lined with shops that sell old books, prints and maps. Even if you don't go in any of them (unless you are really interested in buying something), the looking at the window displays is like walking through a museum.
I also suggest the John Soanes Museum.
ssander
Walk down Cecil Court (off Charing Cross Rd just north of Trafalgar Square).
It's only one block long, but it is lined with shops that sell old books, prints and maps. Even if you don't go in any of them (unless you are really interested in buying something), the looking at the window displays is like walking through a museum.
I also suggest the John Soanes Museum.
ssander
Jun 25th, 2016, 08:11 AM
#39
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Cjar..one of the great thinks about this site (for me) is finding other Fodorites with similar tastes and styles. I have found that certain people do have similar styles to mine and I am always interested in their suggestions and opinions. I have several Paris trip reports here, if those are of interest.
Regardless, enjoy your trip. You will be in Paris on my birthday!
Regardless, enjoy your trip. You will be in Paris on my birthday!
