Help me plan what to do with what in Paris....
Aug 23rd, 2008, 12:28 PM
#21
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LOL, when I arrived in my apartment in Paris in June, after traveling in Burgundy & Loire valley for a week, I also did laundry right after I arrived. I was out of clean clothes. And you can use the time to walk around the neighborhood.
And I went out and bought groceries - but that part was fun because I enjoy going to the outdoor markets.
Here's a link to markets in Paris:
http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/Living/markets/markets.asp
And I went out and bought groceries - but that part was fun because I enjoy going to the outdoor markets.
Here's a link to markets in Paris:
http://www.v1.paris.fr/EN/Living/markets/markets.asp
Aug 23rd, 2008, 12:38 PM
#22
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I loved the catacombs, I thought they were very creepy and the sheer amount of bones is incredible. And I think they do provide some interesting insight into urban history, ie why the catacombs were necessary in the first place. It was certainly a memorable experience for me.
Just be sure to wear a pair of shoes appropriate for lots of walking on uneven ground, up and down lots stairs, etc.
I don't know if this would interest you, but when we went to the catacombs we combined it with a visit to the Montparnasse Cemetery to say hello to Jean Paul Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir.
It's not as beautiful or interesting as Pere Lachaise, but perhaps there is someone buried there who is of some interest or meaning to you:
http://tinyurl.com/yyfosb
Just be sure to wear a pair of shoes appropriate for lots of walking on uneven ground, up and down lots stairs, etc.
I don't know if this would interest you, but when we went to the catacombs we combined it with a visit to the Montparnasse Cemetery to say hello to Jean Paul Sarte and Simone de Beauvoir.
It's not as beautiful or interesting as Pere Lachaise, but perhaps there is someone buried there who is of some interest or meaning to you:
http://tinyurl.com/yyfosb
Aug 23rd, 2008, 01:00 PM
#23
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Oh, I also meant to say I really, really recommend the Michelin Paris par Arrondissements atlas. I like the No. 57 and No. 11. You think can order it on Amazon.
Also, when you're grouping sights, I would also think about grouping according what is on a direct metro line, and not only by what is in the same neighborhood.
The Orsay and the Eiffel Tower are on the same line, for example.
Pere Lachaise might be fun to combine with some exploring in Belleville, or having a drink in Oberkampf.
Musee l'Orangerie, place de la concorde, champs elysees and the arche de triomphe would be a good day's combo.
Pompidou Centre has the Stravinsky Fountain nearby, and you could take a look at the Hotel de Ville and BVH.
If it were me, I would probably plan the Louvre and the river cruise for the same day, and nothing more than that, with maybe a nap in between, but that's because I spend a long time in musuems. That's something to consider when making your plans- the length of time you think you may spend in the musuems. Biggies like the Louvre, Pompidou, and Orsay can easily devour the entire day and leave you too exhausted to want to do much else afterwards. But if you can manage 2 hour visits, then of course you can fit more in on those days.
Also, when you're grouping sights, I would also think about grouping according what is on a direct metro line, and not only by what is in the same neighborhood.
The Orsay and the Eiffel Tower are on the same line, for example.
Pere Lachaise might be fun to combine with some exploring in Belleville, or having a drink in Oberkampf.
Musee l'Orangerie, place de la concorde, champs elysees and the arche de triomphe would be a good day's combo.
Pompidou Centre has the Stravinsky Fountain nearby, and you could take a look at the Hotel de Ville and BVH.
If it were me, I would probably plan the Louvre and the river cruise for the same day, and nothing more than that, with maybe a nap in between, but that's because I spend a long time in musuems. That's something to consider when making your plans- the length of time you think you may spend in the musuems. Biggies like the Louvre, Pompidou, and Orsay can easily devour the entire day and leave you too exhausted to want to do much else afterwards. But if you can manage 2 hour visits, then of course you can fit more in on those days.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 01:40 PM
#24
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Well, I have no idea if this would suit you or not, but here's how my SO and my kids and I spent a couple of days in Paris last week.
1. Walked from our hotel in the 7th to do a couple of errands at the PO and bank and stationery store, through the rue Cler, up the Avenue Bosquet to the rue Ste-Dominique and from there zig-zagged over to the Tour Eiffel, arriving around 11 am. Crowds were insane-looking, but the lines actually moved very quickly. (This wasn't my idea of fun, BTW - we just did it b/c SO hadn't ever been up there, nor had daughter's boyfriend). Went to 2ème étage (3ème was closed - too many people up there). Spent about 45 minutes and came down.
Walked from there to Les Invalides, stopping to get a sandwich and sit on the Champs du Mars to eat it on the way. Visited Napoleon's tomb with the audioguide, visited the DeGaulle Exhibit in the Musée de l'Armée and walked all around looking at the weaponry. Spent a good two hours there.
Walked to the Musée Rodin and checked out the gardens and the interior (about an hour). Had a cool drink at the café in the garden.
Walked back to the hotel and cleaned up, changed our clothes. Walked to the Place Ecole Militaire and took the 82 bus (I think) to the Gare Montparnasse. Went up the tower and admired the view for a bit, then went down to the Ciel de Paris bar and had a drink. Spent about an hour and a half there.
Took the métro to the Ile St-Louis, where we got a great glimpse of Paris Plage and heard bands playing. Walked completely around the Ile, checking out every store and café and restaurant, had a drink at a café, then a light supper at a small restaurant on the main drag. By this time it was 10:30 at night, so we metro'd back to the hotel.
2. Another day we took the métro to Bastille and looked at the monument and the opera house, then walked to the Place des Vosges and wandered all through it, then on to the Marais, where we spent a couple of hours wandering and looking at the ancient bibliotèque de Paris, the National Archives, and checked out the shops and cafés. From there we walked to the Centre Pompidou and had a sandwich on the Place Beaubourg, then visited the Musée de l'Art Moderne for a good three hours.
From there we walked to Notre Dame. We were going to see Sainte Chapelle, but it was cloudy and rainy, so we passed on that and continued to the Place St-Michel and went to Gibert-Jeune and all over the Latin Quarter (which I hate, but my SO hadn't been there). We ended up on the rue Buci and walked from there to Mabillon métro and back to the hotel. We ate at La Fontaine de Mars that night.
3. Another day we took a métro early in the morning to Belleville and spent almost the entire morning at the huge market there. We then walked all over the Quartier Chinois, then all over the Quartier Arabe. We walked from there to the Cimetière Père Lachaise and visited with Héloise and Abélard, Chopin, Jimmy Morrison, and Oscar Wilde. We had a sandwich at a café just outside the walls of the cemetery. From there we had planned to take the métro to the Catacombs, but we just decided we weren't that interested. I'd seen them several times and SO was at that point more interested in seeing Paris above ground. So we went back to the hotel (it was late afternoon by then) and worked for a few hours before heading to Le Florimond for dinner.
We didn't even plan these itineraries in advance at all. We took stock of the weather and how folks were feeling that particular day, and in the morning when we had our coffee we pulled out our Plan de Paris and made a plan, based on grouping sites in one section of the city and ease of transport between them (although mostly we walked).
Have fun.
1. Walked from our hotel in the 7th to do a couple of errands at the PO and bank and stationery store, through the rue Cler, up the Avenue Bosquet to the rue Ste-Dominique and from there zig-zagged over to the Tour Eiffel, arriving around 11 am. Crowds were insane-looking, but the lines actually moved very quickly. (This wasn't my idea of fun, BTW - we just did it b/c SO hadn't ever been up there, nor had daughter's boyfriend). Went to 2ème étage (3ème was closed - too many people up there). Spent about 45 minutes and came down.
Walked from there to Les Invalides, stopping to get a sandwich and sit on the Champs du Mars to eat it on the way. Visited Napoleon's tomb with the audioguide, visited the DeGaulle Exhibit in the Musée de l'Armée and walked all around looking at the weaponry. Spent a good two hours there.
Walked to the Musée Rodin and checked out the gardens and the interior (about an hour). Had a cool drink at the café in the garden.
Walked back to the hotel and cleaned up, changed our clothes. Walked to the Place Ecole Militaire and took the 82 bus (I think) to the Gare Montparnasse. Went up the tower and admired the view for a bit, then went down to the Ciel de Paris bar and had a drink. Spent about an hour and a half there.
Took the métro to the Ile St-Louis, where we got a great glimpse of Paris Plage and heard bands playing. Walked completely around the Ile, checking out every store and café and restaurant, had a drink at a café, then a light supper at a small restaurant on the main drag. By this time it was 10:30 at night, so we metro'd back to the hotel.
2. Another day we took the métro to Bastille and looked at the monument and the opera house, then walked to the Place des Vosges and wandered all through it, then on to the Marais, where we spent a couple of hours wandering and looking at the ancient bibliotèque de Paris, the National Archives, and checked out the shops and cafés. From there we walked to the Centre Pompidou and had a sandwich on the Place Beaubourg, then visited the Musée de l'Art Moderne for a good three hours.
From there we walked to Notre Dame. We were going to see Sainte Chapelle, but it was cloudy and rainy, so we passed on that and continued to the Place St-Michel and went to Gibert-Jeune and all over the Latin Quarter (which I hate, but my SO hadn't been there). We ended up on the rue Buci and walked from there to Mabillon métro and back to the hotel. We ate at La Fontaine de Mars that night.
3. Another day we took a métro early in the morning to Belleville and spent almost the entire morning at the huge market there. We then walked all over the Quartier Chinois, then all over the Quartier Arabe. We walked from there to the Cimetière Père Lachaise and visited with Héloise and Abélard, Chopin, Jimmy Morrison, and Oscar Wilde. We had a sandwich at a café just outside the walls of the cemetery. From there we had planned to take the métro to the Catacombs, but we just decided we weren't that interested. I'd seen them several times and SO was at that point more interested in seeing Paris above ground. So we went back to the hotel (it was late afternoon by then) and worked for a few hours before heading to Le Florimond for dinner.
We didn't even plan these itineraries in advance at all. We took stock of the weather and how folks were feeling that particular day, and in the morning when we had our coffee we pulled out our Plan de Paris and made a plan, based on grouping sites in one section of the city and ease of transport between them (although mostly we walked).
Have fun.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 02:24 PM
#25
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I do not recommend planning anything around Métro lines. The bus lines - and stops - are much closer together, so that by the time you get to a Métro station, go down to the platform, go to your stop, climb out of the ground, and walk to the sight, you could have got there on a bus in less time, with better visuals, and no climbing. Changing bus lines is also infinitely less complicated and strenuous than changing trains.
I have put together a little hotel-centric bus-users' guide: fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?tid=34987572
I have put together a little hotel-centric bus-users' guide: fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?tid=34987572
Aug 23rd, 2008, 02:39 PM
#26
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Well, I love the bus lines, but depending on where you want to go, it can be far more difficult to plan a bus route than a métro route. I evaluated the bus routes against the métro for every trip I took in Paris last week, and the bus just wasn't a reasonable option for many of the places I wanted to go.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 04:07 PM
#27
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For anyone with a Palm PDA, Blackberry, Pocket PC, or SmartPhone (iPhone coming soon), there's a nifty program that will plot bus and subway routes in about 7 billion cities all over the galaxy. Free download, regular updates (also free). A <i>tour de force</i> and labor of love.
nanika.net/metro
You can try the on-line version at nanika.net/metro/iMetro-en.html to get a feel for it.* WAP and i-mode versions are also available, but you probably wouldn't want to use one of those overseas unless your cell carrier doesn't charge for data. In the US, go for it.
* The self-contained version is a lot faster to use than the on-line ones, because you don't have to select a continent, country, and city every time. Just two stations, and BAM!
nanika.net/metro
You can try the on-line version at nanika.net/metro/iMetro-en.html to get a feel for it.* WAP and i-mode versions are also available, but you probably wouldn't want to use one of those overseas unless your cell carrier doesn't charge for data. In the US, go for it.
* The self-contained version is a lot faster to use than the on-line ones, because you don't have to select a continent, country, and city every time. Just two stations, and BAM!
Aug 23rd, 2008, 04:29 PM
#28
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Back to the OP - if you don't feel the need to shell out for a commercial map, you can get a nifty one called <i>Le Grand Plan de Paris</i> for free at most RATP outlets. This bus map is on one side:
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...eur&fm=pdf
And this Métro map is on the other:
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...eur&fm=pdf
These pdf files are best used on your computer by downloading them so you can manipulate them in a full-screen window.
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...eur&fm=pdf
And this Métro map is on the other:
http://www.ratp.info/orienter/f_plan...eur&fm=pdf
These pdf files are best used on your computer by downloading them so you can manipulate them in a full-screen window.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 06:34 PM
#30
Our best Paris map turned out to be a free paper folding one from the hotel lobby. It clearly had all the monuments marked, and we kept notes on it as we went along.
We organized ourself by picking on place to base the day around. So for instance from thte 5th where we were staying we took Metro up to the Eiffel Tower stop and got off. Then using the map explored and worked our way back to the 5th on foot, visiting various places of interest along the way.
It didn't take a lot of planning and we saw many of the things on your to do list.
I'd add Luxembourg Gardens, even though it's fall.
We organized ourself by picking on place to base the day around. So for instance from thte 5th where we were staying we took Metro up to the Eiffel Tower stop and got off. Then using the map explored and worked our way back to the 5th on foot, visiting various places of interest along the way.
It didn't take a lot of planning and we saw many of the things on your to do list.
I'd add Luxembourg Gardens, even though it's fall.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 08:14 PM
#31
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Photobear, lots of good info already posted and I hope I'm not duplicating info you've already been given and I hope you won't take offense if I'm providing what you already know.
You are the oddity by staying in the 15th. We stayed in an apartment there last year and were pleased with these two restaurants: Rest Atel Aubrac on Blvd Garibaldi near the intersection with Av de Suffren and the Bistro at Place de Breteuil which I ate at again last Saturday. The menu is at: http://www.bistrocie.fr/anglais/carte/carte.html
I recommend the veal kidney.
Be aware when planning that DST ends on Oct 26 and sunrise is approximately 7:30 and sunset at 5:40 for the rest of your visit.
The Rodin is one of my favorites in Paris. Been at least 4 times. Last week we visited the Rodin, nearest Metro is Varenne, for much of the morning, visited Napoleon's Tomb, had lunch in the cafeteria at the Musee de L'Armee before touring. You could walk to the Eiffel Tower or, as we did, to Champs Elysees.
We usually buy a Carte Orange so we don't mind hopping on a bus or metro whenever we have weary legs and a museum pass for at least part of our stay. BTW, a regular admission ticket for the Louvre allows multiple visits on the same day.
We seldom buy but my DIL and I spent the better part of one morning at the home store at Galeries Lafayette while my son was attending to business. We had lunch in the cafeteria. The three of us also squeezed a visit to the food section in Bon Marche between visiting St. Sulpice and the Luxembourg Gardens. I don't consider a visit to Paris complete without visiting both of these stores. My wife allows me to visit the lingerie floor in Lafayette.
This map website should be useful for preliminary planning:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-191501740-map_of_paris-i
I like to take a guidebook and the Michelin for Paris is my choice.
You are the oddity by staying in the 15th. We stayed in an apartment there last year and were pleased with these two restaurants: Rest Atel Aubrac on Blvd Garibaldi near the intersection with Av de Suffren and the Bistro at Place de Breteuil which I ate at again last Saturday. The menu is at: http://www.bistrocie.fr/anglais/carte/carte.html
I recommend the veal kidney.
Be aware when planning that DST ends on Oct 26 and sunrise is approximately 7:30 and sunset at 5:40 for the rest of your visit.
The Rodin is one of my favorites in Paris. Been at least 4 times. Last week we visited the Rodin, nearest Metro is Varenne, for much of the morning, visited Napoleon's Tomb, had lunch in the cafeteria at the Musee de L'Armee before touring. You could walk to the Eiffel Tower or, as we did, to Champs Elysees.
We usually buy a Carte Orange so we don't mind hopping on a bus or metro whenever we have weary legs and a museum pass for at least part of our stay. BTW, a regular admission ticket for the Louvre allows multiple visits on the same day.
We seldom buy but my DIL and I spent the better part of one morning at the home store at Galeries Lafayette while my son was attending to business. We had lunch in the cafeteria. The three of us also squeezed a visit to the food section in Bon Marche between visiting St. Sulpice and the Luxembourg Gardens. I don't consider a visit to Paris complete without visiting both of these stores. My wife allows me to visit the lingerie floor in Lafayette.
This map website should be useful for preliminary planning:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-191501740-map_of_paris-i
I like to take a guidebook and the Michelin for Paris is my choice.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 10:00 PM
#32
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They're phasing out the Carte Orange and replacing it with the Navigo pass.
You have to pay 5€ for the card and then the weekly rate. I believe that the pass runs from Monday thru Sunday. Depending on when you arrive & how much you take the Metro, you could be better off getting a carnet (set of 10 Metro tickets).
You have to pay 5€ for the card and then the weekly rate. I believe that the pass runs from Monday thru Sunday. Depending on when you arrive & how much you take the Metro, you could be better off getting a carnet (set of 10 Metro tickets).
Aug 24th, 2008, 02:43 AM
#34
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Hi
I went to Paris in April a couple of years back. Maybe you can find some useful info in my trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm
Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
I went to Paris in April a couple of years back. Maybe you can find some useful info in my trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm
Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
Aug 24th, 2008, 06:10 AM
#35
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Shanti, the Carte Orange was still available as of last week but I was topping mine from prior years. Photobear will be in Paris in October returning Sunday, Nov.2. At 16.80 Euro versus 11.10 for a carnet of 10 rides it is cost effective for me as well as giving the flexibility to use the transport system as often as I like. The break even point is 15 rides. Easy to do in 7 days and highly likely in 6.
Like Suze, I find the free map from Galeries Lafayette to be all I need. Plus the coupon attached gives a 10% discount in the store for an added bonus. The little area maps in the Michelin cover specific areas nicely as I'm sure do comparable maps in Fodor's guides.
Like Suze, I find the free map from Galeries Lafayette to be all I need. Plus the coupon attached gives a 10% discount in the store for an added bonus. The little area maps in the Michelin cover specific areas nicely as I'm sure do comparable maps in Fodor's guides.
Aug 24th, 2008, 08:28 AM
#37
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jsmith,
Do you know when they'll be retiring the Carte Orange? When I was there in June, I heard that it wasn't going to be around much longer.
If it is still around in October, it would definitely be a great deal for the Monday through Sunday portion of Photobear's trip.
Do you know when they'll be retiring the Carte Orange? When I was there in June, I heard that it wasn't going to be around much longer.
If it is still around in October, it would definitely be a great deal for the Monday through Sunday portion of Photobear's trip.
Aug 24th, 2008, 10:58 AM
#38
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Shanti, this is from the Wiki site on the Carte Orange:
"Phaseout
The Carte orange is currently being phased out, to be replaced by the Navigo pass. This new pass contains a chip and is waved over a turnstile, carries a photo of the user on the card itself and may be based on an account that the user has with the RATP. Thus, unlike the Carte orange, when a Navigo pass is lost or stolen, it may be replaced (for a fee). Carte Orange was officially replaced by the Navigo travel card on the 20th of May, 2008.
The direct consequence of the phase out of la Carte Orange is to likely make it more expensive for short-term visitors and tourists to take advantage of the maximum discounts available from advance bulk purchase of trips. This is due to the fact that the new Navigo card must be linked to a French account or it costs the user a €5 fee to purchase."
I bought my weekly card on August 12. Already had the photo section.
"Phaseout
The Carte orange is currently being phased out, to be replaced by the Navigo pass. This new pass contains a chip and is waved over a turnstile, carries a photo of the user on the card itself and may be based on an account that the user has with the RATP. Thus, unlike the Carte orange, when a Navigo pass is lost or stolen, it may be replaced (for a fee). Carte Orange was officially replaced by the Navigo travel card on the 20th of May, 2008.
The direct consequence of the phase out of la Carte Orange is to likely make it more expensive for short-term visitors and tourists to take advantage of the maximum discounts available from advance bulk purchase of trips. This is due to the fact that the new Navigo card must be linked to a French account or it costs the user a €5 fee to purchase."
I bought my weekly card on August 12. Already had the photo section.
Aug 24th, 2008, 12:32 PM
#40
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Thin, I'll take your fashion tips for our October trip, anytime! I'm already worrying about it!
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35150160
We are going to be doing a lot of beach exploring. Do you think these Cole Haan's would work?
http://www.bostonproper.com/jump.jsp...rd=cole%20haan
I don't want to hijack Photobear's thread so if you can, respond on the other thread. Thanks!
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35150160
We are going to be doing a lot of beach exploring. Do you think these Cole Haan's would work?
http://www.bostonproper.com/jump.jsp...rd=cole%20haan
I don't want to hijack Photobear's thread so if you can, respond on the other thread. Thanks!
