Is it worth going to Paris just for the day??
 

HI :)

We are leaving for London in a week. We will have 5 full days to spend there. In all of my researching, I've noticed how cheap it would be to go into Paris. There is so much that I want to see and do in London, but I keep thinking that I may never get to go to Europe again and with Paris only being a 2 1/2 hour ride away.....

Anyways, would it be foolish to go to Paris just for the day? I figure I could take the first train there and get the last train back.

I like to do and see just about everything, so any suggestions on what would be the "must-sees" for a day in Paris?

Thank you :)

I wouldn't say foolish, since as you say it's not that expensive. However, there is so much to do in and around London that you can have a very full and enjoyable agenda in London. I'd try to do one city well instead of taking time away from it to barely see another.

After spending a few hours either on a plane or train (and then bus/taxis to from airports if you're flying), you'll be able to see a few of the Paris highlights. 1 day in Paris is just enough to make you really regret that you don't have time to see much. Although you can say "I saw the Eiffel Tower", you probably won't feel like you "saw" Paris. It's not just the big sights there, but the cafes, bistros, walks along the Seine, picnics in the park that make Paris so special, and I don't think you can capture it in an afternoon.

I don't know where you live, but from here in California, flights to Paris aren't cheap but they also are less expensive than a lot of other cities. A couple can get a nice, simple hotel there in a great location for around 100 Euros, which is a lot cheaper than what I find in London. Watch the airfare specials, and who knows, maybe next time you'll be posting about a 5 day trip to Paris!

Hi M,

With only 5 days in London, I would save Paris for another visit.

Alternatively, you could skip London and visit Paris. :)

((I))

There is plenty to do in London, that's for sure. But whether to go to Paris is a question that only you can answer. Have you always longed to see Paris? Do you rarely get to Europe, or do you go every year or so? If you don't go to Paris, and later you hear folks talk about Paris, will you kick yourself for not having gone?

Although 1 day is Paris is not nearly enough. You could easily hit some of the highlights and even manage a little shopping if you went on a Thursday when the stores are opened late. You could leave on the 5:34 am train get into Paris at 9:23a. The late train leaves at 9:13p and would have you back to London by 11:00p. You should make reservations for the Eurostar at least 5 days before you travel if you are considering this.

Your other options are day trips outside London by train which would be easily done too.

Those of us fortunate enough to travel ofen usually lean toward more time in one place than bouncing between cities. If you really doubt that you will ever get to visit Europe again, a day in Paris is better than nothing.

Both London and Paris are fantastic cities. I have been in Paris for 10 days and London for only two days. I loved the feel and people of London. It has a chemistry that appealed to me even more than Paris, but Paris is such a beautiful city that I would say to go for it. I don't suppose that a cheap flight on Ryan air would shave off any hours on your one day jaunt,but you could always research that to find out. Anyway I'd say take one of those double-decker tour busses around Paris to get a synopsis of the city and then see Ste. Chapelle on your own. This 12th century church took my breath away when I entered the upstairs chapel. I would also suggest a walk along the Seine. Oh and let us not forget that the food is unbeatable in Paris and that virtually everything in France is significantly cheaper than London. London is so very expensive and frankly the food is not so good in the British Isles. But while you are in London - I would say to see Westminster Abbey. Learn a few basic French phrases before you go- the French seem to appreciate that. Good luck and have a great time. Tim

I'm not sure what your circumstances are, but since you say "I keep thinking that I may never get to go to Europe again" I think you've answered your question. Go. Those who are replying about "do you go every year?" or "save it for another visit" either don't believe you or haven't read your post.

Seamus -- Neopolitan. Posting at the same time with the same thought.

If you *really* think this will be your one and only trip to Europe, YES I would definitely go to Paris for the day.

If I thought I'd never get to Europe again, I would go to Paris in a heartbeat. Of course, once you spent a day in Paris you may find yourself thinking of all the many ways you could get back.
Have a delightful trip.

Another vote for going. Of course there is way more than enough in London to keep you going for far longer than 5 days, but that isn't the point. You are yearning to see Paris and it's so close at hand...go for it.

Don't plan on visiting more than one or two museums. DO plan on long strolls through the Luxembourg Gardens, along the Blvd. St. Germain or through the Ile St. Louis and over into the winding street of the Marais. Gaze up at the Eiffel Tower for as long as you like.

As the veteran of many day trips to Paris from London and Brussels, one suggestion. Whatever your Paris itinerary turns out to be, build in some time for a late afternoon tea or coffee break in a comfortable cafe. On my day trips, I always find my energy flagging around 4 pm so I usually arrange to collapse into the comfy upholstered chairs (not the spindly rattan or metal ones you find at many cafes) at the L'Esplanade cafe overlooking Les Invalides and spending 45 minutes lingering over a pot of restoring Mariage Freres tea.

You will probably sleep like a rock on the way back and I suggest you don't plan any early morning activities for the following day in London.

I would also say no, BUT since this seems to be something that you must do, I say go. Probably best not to go on one of your earlier days in London, in order to be "over" your jet lag. Take the earliest eurostar, latest one back.

I would skip going into museums, unless there is something you MUST see. I would prefer to walk (along with mandatory cafes of course!) Arc, Place de La Concorde, Tuileries, Louvre (outside), Opera, Rivoli, Place Royale, Place des Voges, Notre Dame, St Chappelle, Ile St Louis, Seine, St Germain, Luxembourg Gardens, Eiffel tower, boat cruise...and your day is done.

Once you decide, people here can help plan a good itinerary.

Another YES vote. You will only be tasting a tiny spoon of creme brulee, but that is better than nothing.

To take full advantage of your 12 hours there, I would suggest taking a Paris city bus tour. You will see the highights, albeit only the outside of the buildings.

There are various agencies, such as Paris Visions. The tours probably last two or three hours and you stay on the bus, but it will give you a great overall view of the city. When the tour is over, you can set out on your own, to go to maybe one museum, one major sight, lunch, lots of tea/coffee/pastry breaks, maybe a boat trip on the Seine and then a nice two hour dinner.

Go on line for bus tours, do a search here for recommended company names. Grey Line in the US was affiliated with local companies and they can probably give you info. The tours go all day, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Get a Paris guidebook and do your homework, and you should have a fulfilling day in the most beautiful city in the world, and of course we are here to help - just ask.

If you are having dinner in Paris, I would suggest asking here for recommendations for restaurants near the Gare (train station) but of course in a nice area, or perhaps something close to the Metro that goes directly to the station. That way you an relax and enjoy a nice dinner without frantically rushing back to the station. Ask me how I know :-))

You only go around once - at least as far as I know, so go for it.

Nina

The Eurostar makes it so easy for you to do a quick trip to Paris. Yes. I agree that you should just go and visit especially if you feel that you may not be able to visit Europe again.

My son saw Paris for the first time during an 8 hour layover..He took the train in with a friend and walked all over the city. He was exhausted but so glad he did it. I have taken the Eurostar in for a weekend and that also started a love affair with Paris, so my vote is Go :)

Go to Paris - if you absolutely sure you will not return
I had a stopover in Paris for a day. We did the hop on and hop off bus. You can see everything from the bus which is great but you need to decide your strategy. What are the must sees for you
the bus starts at the Eiffel Tower, stopped at the Louvre - to see the pyramids, Musee D'Orsay (FREE Admission), Notre Dame & Arc de Truimphe

I just kept on motoring, picked up a baguette from a deli and ate later in the evening

Let us know what you decide

Is it too late to change your plan so you could spend the night in Paris? I'd opt for 3 full days in London, with 2 days in Paris if that's possible.

Otherwise, I'd agree with a day-trip to Paris via EuroStar.

Midwestgal77

It is always worth to go to Paris - even if it is just for one day!!!

I like the bus idea, followed by a long walk.

http://www.parisvision.com/

http://www.pariserve.com/city/paris.htm