How is this Paris itinerary?
Dec 20th, 2007, 12:31 PM
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How is this Paris itinerary?
Hello all! I'm going on my first trip to Paris next week. I'll be there 5 nights and was wondering what you thought of this itinerary.
Wed- arrive at CDG at 11:30 am, take RER to hotel
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, see the Christmas decor along Haussman Blvd.
Thurs- Rodin, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle
Orsay that evening
Fri- Rue Cler, Eiffel Tower
Louvre that evening
Sat- Orangerie, Montmarte, Sacre Coeur
possible evening cruise down Siene
Sun- Marais, ice skating at Hotel de Ville, catacombes
Mon- explore/have fun til we head to the airport around 1pm (4:40 flight)
Does this seem too rushed or planned? Did I leave anything out? Any other advice? Thanks so much!
Wed- arrive at CDG at 11:30 am, take RER to hotel
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, see the Christmas decor along Haussman Blvd.
Thurs- Rodin, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle
Orsay that evening
Fri- Rue Cler, Eiffel Tower
Louvre that evening
Sat- Orangerie, Montmarte, Sacre Coeur
possible evening cruise down Siene
Sun- Marais, ice skating at Hotel de Ville, catacombes
Mon- explore/have fun til we head to the airport around 1pm (4:40 flight)
Does this seem too rushed or planned? Did I leave anything out? Any other advice? Thanks so much!
Dec 20th, 2007, 12:58 PM
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You should go see the windows at Galleries Lafayette and Printemps. Be sure to go into Galleries Lafayette and see the hige Xmas tree and stained glass dome.
Personally I would skip the Rue Cler and try to see more sights. It's just a market street. Instead take a ferry cruise from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dam, the view from the river is inspiring.
What about Le Madeleine and that area? I also like to wander around Les Halles. You should also try to see the Eiffel Tower at night when the lights are twinkling.
One big miss is a visit to Ile St Louis to wander through the shops and have dinner. It is an adorable little island.
Personally I would skip the Rue Cler and try to see more sights. It's just a market street. Instead take a ferry cruise from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dam, the view from the river is inspiring.
What about Le Madeleine and that area? I also like to wander around Les Halles. You should also try to see the Eiffel Tower at night when the lights are twinkling.
One big miss is a visit to Ile St Louis to wander through the shops and have dinner. It is an adorable little island.
Dec 20th, 2007, 01:00 PM
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Thursday seems too much to me -- two museums in the same day. YOu can do it, though, I just don't like to do that.
Friday, on the other hand, doesn't have much going on during the day -- rue Cler and the Eiffel Tower. Rue Cler is just a street with some shops on it, you can't spend that much time there, I wouldn't think. I know you can wait in line a long time at the Eiffel Tower, but even so, you could do both those in the morning.
I wouldn't have chosen to do this anyway on a first trip to Paris, and in winter, but I believe the catacombes are closed now for renovations (from 11/20/07-March 2008).
Friday, on the other hand, doesn't have much going on during the day -- rue Cler and the Eiffel Tower. Rue Cler is just a street with some shops on it, you can't spend that much time there, I wouldn't think. I know you can wait in line a long time at the Eiffel Tower, but even so, you could do both those in the morning.
I wouldn't have chosen to do this anyway on a first trip to Paris, and in winter, but I believe the catacombes are closed now for renovations (from 11/20/07-March 2008).
Dec 20th, 2007, 01:26 PM
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Since Rodin is near Eiffel, I'd move it into Friday.
I might consider making Thurs your Islands and Left Bank day: Notre Dame, Ile St Louis, St Chappelle, walk along Seine, then head down blvd St Germain . Rue de Buci is an interesting street market, also have Luxembpurg Gardens, Moyen Age museum (small, worth a visit). You eventually reach Orsay, open that night.
I might consider making Thurs your Islands and Left Bank day: Notre Dame, Ile St Louis, St Chappelle, walk along Seine, then head down blvd St Germain . Rue de Buci is an interesting street market, also have Luxembpurg Gardens, Moyen Age museum (small, worth a visit). You eventually reach Orsay, open that night.
Dec 20th, 2007, 01:41 PM
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We enjoyed Luxembourg Gardens in the spring, so I can't say what it's like in the winter, but I'd generally recommend it. A trip there puts you in proximity to take a stroll through the Latin Quarter.
Dec 20th, 2007, 05:24 PM
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Yes, I cannot explain it, but a visit to Luxembourg Gardens will make your day a more relaxed one. I highly recommend it.
No matter how many times we visit Paris, we must spend some time there. It's as though time stands still there, and simply sitting on a park bench, reading a newspaper, or watching the strollers, does wonders for us.
JMO
No matter how many times we visit Paris, we must spend some time there. It's as though time stands still there, and simply sitting on a park bench, reading a newspaper, or watching the strollers, does wonders for us.
JMO
Dec 20th, 2007, 06:56 PM
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Thursday is the only day that seems a bit too full for me. I think you'll be quite tired by Thursday evening and the Orsay really does merit seeing it with fresh eyes and fresh feet. It's wonderful.
Don't underestimate the effect of jet lag either! Can you sleep on planes/have you travelled internationally before?
Finally, I agree that strolling on the Ile St Louis should absolutely be included during your trip. Even with it being cold out, don't miss a trip to Berthillon (on Ile St Louis). It was the best ice cream/sorbet I've ever, ever had.
Don't underestimate the effect of jet lag either! Can you sleep on planes/have you travelled internationally before?
Finally, I agree that strolling on the Ile St Louis should absolutely be included during your trip. Even with it being cold out, don't miss a trip to Berthillon (on Ile St Louis). It was the best ice cream/sorbet I've ever, ever had.
Dec 21st, 2007, 02:35 AM
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I think your Thursday will be fine. The Rodin is not an exhausting museum and the rest of your day is not packed/rushed, I think you'll still be focused at the end of the day to enjoy the Orsay. Go see Rue Cler if you want to - it won't take long and sure it's just a market street but it's fun. If you have time you might want to see Rue Mouffetard in the 5th. I think you planned well and you have the type of itinerary that you can adjust as you go a long.
Your first day sounds fine, unless you are flying for a very long time I can't see jet lag interfering with looking holiday decorations! Check into the hotel and have something to eat and start enjoying your wonderful trip!
Your first day sounds fine, unless you are flying for a very long time I can't see jet lag interfering with looking holiday decorations! Check into the hotel and have something to eat and start enjoying your wonderful trip!
Dec 21st, 2007, 02:44 AM
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Hi
I have been to Paris a couple of times with my wife. Here is my trip report with pictures and links http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm and I hope that you can find some useful info there
Have you checked the weather forecast? When I went there in April last year it was a bit on the cold side.
I have also made this Google map of Paris http://gardkarlsen.com/paris_france_map.htm and you can click on the various markers for more info.
I think I read somewhere that the catacombs were closed at the moment. Be sure to check this out.
How about Versailles?
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
I have been to Paris a couple of times with my wife. Here is my trip report with pictures and links http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm and I hope that you can find some useful info there
Have you checked the weather forecast? When I went there in April last year it was a bit on the cold side.I have also made this Google map of Paris http://gardkarlsen.com/paris_france_map.htm and you can click on the various markers for more info.
I think I read somewhere that the catacombs were closed at the moment. Be sure to check this out.
How about Versailles?
Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures
Dec 21st, 2007, 05:15 AM
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Thanks so much for all the responses! To answer some questions, yes, I've traveled internationally before and definitely know the effects of jet lag. I'm always so excited to be some place new that I always find plenty of energy I should also mention that my husband and I are not huge museum fans. We'd much prefer cathedrals/palaces/buildings etc, as well as wandering around and getting lost, discovering fun shops and restaurants, and taking in the beautiful views. That being said, we don't plan to spend a lengthy amount of time in any of the museums. I figured about 1 hour each for Rodin and Orangerie and 3 hours each for the Louvre and Orsay.
Based on your suggestions, what do you think of my revised itinerary? Would we be better to do the Orsay some morning?
Wed- arrive at CDG at 11:30 am, take RER to hotel
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Christmas decor along Haussman Blvd., windows at Galleries Lafayette & Printemps
Thurs- Rodin, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Ile St Louis
Orsay that evening
Fri- Shopping in Le Madeleine, Rue Cler, Eiffel Tower
Louvre that evening
Sat- Luxembourg Gardens, Orangerie, Montmarte, Sacre Coeur
possible evening cruise down Siene
Sun- Marais, ice skating at Hotel de Ville, Place des Vogues, Les Halles
Mon- explore/have fun til we head to the airport around 1pm (4:40 flight)
I should also mention that my husband and I are not huge museum fans. We'd much prefer cathedrals/palaces/buildings etc, as well as wandering around and getting lost, discovering fun shops and restaurants, and taking in the beautiful views. That being said, we don't plan to spend a lengthy amount of time in any of the museums. I figured about 1 hour each for Rodin and Orangerie and 3 hours each for the Louvre and Orsay. Based on your suggestions, what do you think of my revised itinerary? Would we be better to do the Orsay some morning?
Wed- arrive at CDG at 11:30 am, take RER to hotel
Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Christmas decor along Haussman Blvd., windows at Galleries Lafayette & Printemps
Thurs- Rodin, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Ile St Louis
Orsay that evening
Fri- Shopping in Le Madeleine, Rue Cler, Eiffel Tower
Louvre that evening
Sat- Luxembourg Gardens, Orangerie, Montmarte, Sacre Coeur
possible evening cruise down Siene
Sun- Marais, ice skating at Hotel de Ville, Place des Vogues, Les Halles
Mon- explore/have fun til we head to the airport around 1pm (4:40 flight)
Dec 21st, 2007, 07:53 PM
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Thats sounds like a decent trip. You can also adjust it as you go. For 2 people that aren't big museum fans you are sure hitting a lot! Here are a few other tips....
Read thru my Paris blogs at...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartparis/
If you click on the word "Archives" on the left column it will bring up my trips from both 2005 and 2006
If you want to just do one big Museum, just go to the Louvre. Be sure to hit the highlights like Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Napoleans Apartments (my favorite part!). Be warned, the Louvre is huge. You will spend a lot of time walking around. How many painting are you willing to see?
Whatever you do try and hit the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. The lines can get long and move slow! Also in this area is Les Invalides, Napoleans tomb. The building is beautiful and there is also a military museum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Invalides
Be ready to juggle your itinerary in case of rain or very cold weather.
On the day you wander the Marais don't forget to walk thru the Jewish area and get Fallafel at one of the most famous fallafel places in the world....
L'As du Fallafel
34 rue des Rosiers 4e arr., Paris
Metro - St Paul
Also be sure to visit the Jewish bakery, Sacha Finkelsztajn" (it's the yellow place across the street). Try the "gateau fromage blanc". You can get this "to go" and eat it on the street!
The Marais is quite active on Sundays but remember if you go on Saturday everything in the Jewish quarter is closed.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp..._fallafel.html
While in the Marias area you should also visit the Place de Vosges for a look at a beautiful square in Paris and you can also wander to the nearby Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum which is devoted to Paris history. Both of these aren't that big but a lot of fun. After you are done walk over to the Bastille for a look at the sight of the old Bastille Prison. From the Bastille you can stroll back up the rue Rivoli to return to Les Halles area. The Marais is such a great place to wander and you will really get a feeling of old Paris here.
One thing you also don't have listed is a walk past the Paris Opera. It is really an impressive building. You can either see this after walking around Galleries Lafayette and Printemps or after wandering around Le madeleine area just walk up Blvd des Capucines to the Opera.
Just let me say one thing about the Champs Elysees, zzzzzzzzzzzz. It's probably the most American part of Paris with all the retail shops, Burger King, Sephora, Disney Store, etc. I would go and see the impressive Arc de Triomphe, walk a couple blocks and then leave.
For the Ile St Louis here is a wonder little bistro. You can try it for lunch or maybe go back for dinner....
Le Caveau de l' Isle
36 rue St Louis en l'Isle 4e arr,
Metro - Pont Marie
www.lecaveaudelisle.com
Le Caveau is quiet and cozy. It's not really a mainstream place but I have NEVER had a bad meal. The prices are affordable and the location is nice for an evening stroll.
My reviews...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...eau_de_l_.html
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...eau_de_li.html
Near the Eiffel Tower you can't miss Florimond for lunch. This is also very close to the rue Cler. Go to the Tower early the do rue Cler then Florimond for lunch. Again you can go for dinner but the can book fast. Have your hotel make a reservation.
Le Florimond
19 ave Motte Piquet 7th arr., Paris
Tel - 01 45 55 40 38
Metro - Ecole Militaire
Le Florimond is very popular and very friendly. The food is well prepared and served with a smile. They also don't allow smoking which is a ++. I have never heard a bad word about this place.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...florimond.html
Also near the Eiffel Tower
Le Petit Troquet
28 rue de l'Exposition 7e arr., Paris
Metro - Ecole Militaire
I loved loved this place. So cozy and friendly. the food was classic but imaginative. Very nice. The staff was welcoming and friendly. I think they don't allow smoking. Well worth the visit.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...it_troque.html
In case you want another great little bistro in the area of Les Halles here is another gem of a bistro....
Le Tir-Bouchon
22 rue Tiquetonne, 2e arr., Paris
Metro - Etienne Marcel
www.le-tirbouchon.com
I went to this place for the first time on my last trip to Paris and really enjoyed it. The food was reasonable and very well prepared classics. The atmosphere is warm and cozy but seating is a bit tight. Its nice anyway! This is near the rue Montorgueil which I think is a far better shopping street then rue Cler.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Montorgueil
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...irbouchon.html
Oh let me add one more thing... Montmarte, zzzzzzzzzz - I am not fan of this area. It is a bit slummy and you have to be sure to hold tight to your wallet. The Sacre Coeur is quite nice but I think everything else around here is a big tourist trap and the worst food in Paris!
Well have a good time. Be sure to keep your schedule flexible and be ready to drop things off. I think your plans may be too aggressive for each day.
Just to assist, find some of you key locations on Google maps, print them in a large scale and carry them along. Google maps also show Metro stations. Just try a search on Google Maps called "Le Florimond Paris". You can thank me later!
Read thru my Paris blogs at...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartparis/
If you click on the word "Archives" on the left column it will bring up my trips from both 2005 and 2006
If you want to just do one big Museum, just go to the Louvre. Be sure to hit the highlights like Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Napoleans Apartments (my favorite part!). Be warned, the Louvre is huge. You will spend a lot of time walking around. How many painting are you willing to see?
Whatever you do try and hit the Eiffel Tower early in the morning. The lines can get long and move slow! Also in this area is Les Invalides, Napoleans tomb. The building is beautiful and there is also a military museum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Invalides
Be ready to juggle your itinerary in case of rain or very cold weather.
On the day you wander the Marais don't forget to walk thru the Jewish area and get Fallafel at one of the most famous fallafel places in the world....
L'As du Fallafel
34 rue des Rosiers 4e arr., Paris
Metro - St Paul
Also be sure to visit the Jewish bakery, Sacha Finkelsztajn" (it's the yellow place across the street). Try the "gateau fromage blanc". You can get this "to go" and eat it on the street!
The Marais is quite active on Sundays but remember if you go on Saturday everything in the Jewish quarter is closed.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp..._fallafel.html
While in the Marias area you should also visit the Place de Vosges for a look at a beautiful square in Paris and you can also wander to the nearby Picasso Museum and the Carnavalet Museum which is devoted to Paris history. Both of these aren't that big but a lot of fun. After you are done walk over to the Bastille for a look at the sight of the old Bastille Prison. From the Bastille you can stroll back up the rue Rivoli to return to Les Halles area. The Marais is such a great place to wander and you will really get a feeling of old Paris here.
One thing you also don't have listed is a walk past the Paris Opera. It is really an impressive building. You can either see this after walking around Galleries Lafayette and Printemps or after wandering around Le madeleine area just walk up Blvd des Capucines to the Opera.
Just let me say one thing about the Champs Elysees, zzzzzzzzzzzz. It's probably the most American part of Paris with all the retail shops, Burger King, Sephora, Disney Store, etc. I would go and see the impressive Arc de Triomphe, walk a couple blocks and then leave.
For the Ile St Louis here is a wonder little bistro. You can try it for lunch or maybe go back for dinner....
Le Caveau de l' Isle
36 rue St Louis en l'Isle 4e arr,
Metro - Pont Marie
www.lecaveaudelisle.com
Le Caveau is quiet and cozy. It's not really a mainstream place but I have NEVER had a bad meal. The prices are affordable and the location is nice for an evening stroll.
My reviews...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...eau_de_l_.html
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...eau_de_li.html
Near the Eiffel Tower you can't miss Florimond for lunch. This is also very close to the rue Cler. Go to the Tower early the do rue Cler then Florimond for lunch. Again you can go for dinner but the can book fast. Have your hotel make a reservation.
Le Florimond
19 ave Motte Piquet 7th arr., Paris
Tel - 01 45 55 40 38
Metro - Ecole Militaire
Le Florimond is very popular and very friendly. The food is well prepared and served with a smile. They also don't allow smoking which is a ++. I have never heard a bad word about this place.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...florimond.html
Also near the Eiffel Tower
Le Petit Troquet
28 rue de l'Exposition 7e arr., Paris
Metro - Ecole Militaire
I loved loved this place. So cozy and friendly. the food was classic but imaginative. Very nice. The staff was welcoming and friendly. I think they don't allow smoking. Well worth the visit.
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...it_troque.html
In case you want another great little bistro in the area of Les Halles here is another gem of a bistro....
Le Tir-Bouchon
22 rue Tiquetonne, 2e arr., Paris
Metro - Etienne Marcel
www.le-tirbouchon.com
I went to this place for the first time on my last trip to Paris and really enjoyed it. The food was reasonable and very well prepared classics. The atmosphere is warm and cozy but seating is a bit tight. Its nice anyway! This is near the rue Montorgueil which I think is a far better shopping street then rue Cler.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Montorgueil
My review...
http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartp...irbouchon.html
Oh let me add one more thing... Montmarte, zzzzzzzzzz - I am not fan of this area. It is a bit slummy and you have to be sure to hold tight to your wallet. The Sacre Coeur is quite nice but I think everything else around here is a big tourist trap and the worst food in Paris!
Well have a good time. Be sure to keep your schedule flexible and be ready to drop things off. I think your plans may be too aggressive for each day.
Just to assist, find some of you key locations on Google maps, print them in a large scale and carry them along. Google maps also show Metro stations. Just try a search on Google Maps called "Le Florimond Paris". You can thank me later!
Dec 22nd, 2007, 06:39 AM
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"...Montmarte, zzzzzzzzzz - I am not fan of this area. It is a bit slummy and you have to be sure to hold tight to your wallet. The Sacre Coeur is quite nice but I think everything else around here is a big tourist trap and the worst food in Paris!..."
Richard, you gotta get off the tourist path...there are some very charming areas in Montmartre, real local neighborhoods, wind-y little streets, and sidewalk cafes. Did you find all 3 windmills? The 'man in the wall' statue? St Denis holding his head? Cafes around the Abbesses? Duck into the Montmartre cemetery? It isn't all about Place du Tertre, you know.
Richard, you gotta get off the tourist path...there are some very charming areas in Montmartre, real local neighborhoods, wind-y little streets, and sidewalk cafes. Did you find all 3 windmills? The 'man in the wall' statue? St Denis holding his head? Cafes around the Abbesses? Duck into the Montmartre cemetery? It isn't all about Place du Tertre, you know.
