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

Ira's overstatement is a perfectly appropriate response to what is an overstatement by the OP, IMO.

I would say that a large percentage of people planning a trip to Europe for the first time who say <i>&quot;I may never get to go to Europe again...&quot;</i> in fact get hooked and end up to returning to Europe again and again.

They find a way. Whether it means driving a used car, skipping Starbucks, eliminating Disneyworld, or realizing that friends and loved ones are more than happy to watch their future children/siblings/parents so they can get away.

This is in fact the most common misperception of newbies - much more than the language or culture misperceptions that get wiped away once they have travelled to Europe.

The OP's tone strongly suggest that he/she is in good health and probably under 80 years old as well.

There are rare, valid exceptions of course, terminal illness being one.

But when I hear <i>&quot;I may never get to go to Europe again...&quot;</i> my first though is <i>&quot;this person is probably in their 30's (or youinger!) and just doesn't know....</i>

Yes, but bardo your generalization is that the original poster is like you, or me, or Ira -- someone who lives to travel and is almost obsessed with it (OK, so I'm really speaking of myself here). None of us has the right to expect that this poster will find travel as important as we do. Believe it or not, many people are NOT driven to make sacrifices to get back to Europe.

I have friends whom I tried to talk out of a 7 countries in 10 days type tour of Europe. But they insisted it was a one shot deal and they'd probably never go back. Guess what. They absolutely loved it, raved and were thrilled they did it that way. But guess what else. That was about 30 years ago and they've never gone back. They feel they've done that and prefer to take vacations closer to home and go to their time share every year.

Who are we to determine what drives other people?

Just do it! It will be a fun, exciting, whirlwind day and you'll hate yourself for only spending a day in Paris and will want to return so badly that you will be forced to plan a trip to France exculsively! Trust me.

Have a great vacation!

John

Thank you so much for all the replies.

After reading all of your suggestions, I think that I would probably kick myself once I got back home if I didnt go to Paris.

For as long as I remember I have ALWAYS wanted to go to England. Last fall, my cousin who lives in Europe informed the family that he was engaged and getting married in October. I told everyone that I dont care what I have to do I AM going to make this trip. Its been months of planning and saving but its all finally coming together.

Just to fill in the curious ones....I am 29 and in good health (Thank God)and my reasoning behind saying this may be my only trip to Europe is mostly due to lack of funds. But, who know....where theres a will, theres a way and I never thought that I would be going and here I am!

Anyways, Thanks for the suggestions and for helping me make a good choice!

Now for my questions:

When should I get the Eurostar tickets? and is Thursday really the best day to go?

Day return tickets cost about $97 in the U.S., thru RailEurope and there is a $15 booking fee and $15 S&amp;H fee if the order is under $200. These tickets can be hard to book - i'd say book as far in advance as you can - five days may not be enough and you want to be certain of your plans before leaving for Europe. My recommendation for Eurostar booking in U.S. is always BETS (800-441-2387) for their expertise in my experience; they also only charge a $5 mailing fee instead of RE's $15. You can book up to nine months in advance (sometimes a bit less if schedules aren't loaded) - but again to get this fare you should book ASAP. Non-refundable, non-changeable however so be sure. You could pay literally hundreds of dollars more if you just show up for the train as Day Returns are sold in strictly limited numbers. yes Tue-Thu you have a much better chance of getting them.

Midwestgal77

I had one day in Paris, and I walked about 8 miles through different neighborhoods (using the Fodors See It Guides Walking Tours), saw the Concorde, Champs Elysee, Sacre Coeur, the Tuleries, Louvre (the outside), Opera House, Rue Cler (no snide comments, please), went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a boat tour on the Seine, ate pastries, quiche and crepes and went to two nightclubs. It was a GREAT day.

Hi all,

a. I was not joking about terminally ill people.

If a poster is terminally ill, I would suggest going to Paris.

b. If a person is not terminally ill and can get to Europe once, there is a very large probability of going again.

b. (1) A person might have to save for some time for that next trip.

b. (2) A person might be the sort who doesn't care to travel, but once they do they usually do again.

&gt;I'm also always amused at people who suggest that ONE day isn't enough to appreciate Paris so you shouldn't go. I suppose their reasoning is that NO days give them a BETTER appreciation of it?&lt;

One day in Paris, or Venice, or Rome, etc often ends up as a rather tiring, stressful and unpleasant attempt to see and do everything that should take at least several days, that is why I don't recommend major tourist cities as day trips.

Quite different from a day in Bruges or a day in Dijon.

&gt;I have friends whom I tried to talk out of a 7 countries in 10 days type tour..They absolutely loved it,...That was about 30 years ago and they've never gone back. They feel they've done that...&lt;

&quot;...'tis true, 'tis true 'tis pity,
And pity 'tis 'tis true.&quot;

It's akin to reading the first chapter of 7 books and deciding that you are well-read and can watch TV for the rest of your life.

We have a moral obligation to such people to force them, at gunpoint if necessary, to get up and see the world outside of Yonkers.

((I))

Hi gal,

&gt;I would probably kick myself once I got back home if I didnt go to Paris.&lt;

Nah. You'll kick yourself if you die and go to heaven without having gone back to Paris. :)

In addition to Raileurope, go to www.eurostar.com and click &quot;UK&quot; for your country. Prices are sometimes cheaper in GBP than in USD.

Thursday is a good day for shopping in the late evening, although I would suggest a cruise on the Seine. See www.batobus.com for a way to see Paris by water.

How much is your budget for dinner?

Good maps of Paris are at www.mappy.com. You can find walking routes, times and distances.

www.ratp.fr will tell you how to get from/to any point in Paris by bus or metro.

See Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

100 Great Things to Do in Paris
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...mp;tid=1277898

Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34712768

for more info.

Enjoy your visit, and don't forget to write.

((I))
PS If you put away $50/month you will be able to visit Paris for a week in only 3 years. At $10/week, it will take 4 years. :)

&lt;If a person is not terminally ill and can get to Europe once, there is a very large probability of going again&gt;

I wonder how true this is - young couple having family may not go ever again - old people just getting up nerve for their last hooray, with retirement giving them a chance - and someone who may become terminally ill after their first trip and thus never have the chance to see Paris...you never know what's around the corner....

Plus it's just not Paris - i'm big on the journey often being the highlight of a day trip like this - going thru lovely Kent, the Garden of England, entering the Chunnel then the engines rev up when France is reached and the train gains speed up to nearly 190 mph - that's an experience in itself that few have other experience and one to write home about (or e-mail i guess now) - not to mention going thru the signature church-steeple and bucolic village-dotted French countryside, before creeping into Paris, glimpsing the Sacre Coeur perched high on its Montmartre Hill...not to mention creeping out of London from Waterloo on elevated rail lines that let you see the London silhoutte so neatly.
I'll not be so didactic to say go for it, but we should not dismiss it out of hand either. Like most things in life, there are pluses and minuses - in this case one less day in London and one day to like Nina66 so aptly said, to whet the appetite if nothing else and i indeed think you never know that this could well be your last trip!

midwestgal.... good for you - you would have kicked yourself from London all the way home!

I also recommend that you contact BETS - ASAP. I've dealt with them for years on the phone and they are really super people. Very personalized service. If they are not in when you call, leave a message and Brian or Linda will call you back.

For various reasons, about 98% financial, I wasn't able to go to Europe until I was 42 yrs. old. I had dreamt of going to Paris all of my life. I knew I'd do it, but had absolutely no idea when.

Since then, I have gone almost every year and sometimes twice a year. It is possible, as you have recently found out. Fortunately with time, financial situations often improve, and in my case, a wonderful husband with a good job :-))

Before I met him, I was able to go to Europe, mainly France, three times, for 6 weeks on each trip. I ate a lot of home packed lunches at work, saved like crazy, and accumulated lots of vacation and overtime, so I was able to go for so long.

DH was the frosting on an already baked cake.


A very important tip for Paris ....those funny looking little 'buildings' that you will see on the sidewalk, I think they are green (?), are bathrooms. They automatically clean themselves when the last person leaves - and they are free. Or pop into a McDonalds, it's easy to use their bathrooms and they are free, with no one checking to see if you buy anything ... although if it is warm outside, there's nothing like a good old coke with LOTS of ice and a cheap place to rest your feet.


No, MacDonald's, is certainly not the same as sitting in a cafe, in or out of doors, but a lot cheaper, and much easier to order and pay, then in a cafe where you may possibly be intimidated with unfamiliar procedures. Although you will learn fast enough.

You can get reasonably priced fresh baguette sandwiches at bakeries, (patisseries) which make for a great lunch while sitting in a park or just walking around. Save room for a crepe from one of the sidewalk vendors. On second thought, skip the sights and just eat :-))

Be sure to have a 'nice', doesn't have to be expensive, dinner - that is the best way to end any day in Paris. Just give us your dinner budget, and you will receive more recommendations than you can follow in ten years!

Be prepared at your first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower - to blurt out ...I'M IN PARIS.
Yes, you are.

Have a fabulous trip and please write a trip report, we all learn so much from other travelers' adventures.

Nina

ira...

&quot;PS If you put away $50/month you will be able to visit Paris for a week in only 3 years. At $10/week, it will take 4 years.&quot;

Thats a great way to look at it...I think I'll start saving now :)

&lt;&lt;...I think I'll start saving now&gt;&gt;

Should be easy - seeing Paris will motivate you like you won't believe.

Also, you'll be amazed at how your income grows in your 30's and (especially) your 40's due to extensive work experience.

midwestgal, I am a midwestguy. I went to Paris for the very first time to celebrate my 40th birthday by walking down the Champs-Elysees with my new, first-time-ever passport. I thought it might be my only trip. Now I am 50 and in November, I will take my 18th trip to Paris -- and it's far from the only place that I go. I'm guessing you might find a way to get back there... ;)

As you have said, money isn't always the deciding factor. I have friends and relatives who can well afford to travel as often as they want. Their attitude is - ho hum ...been there, seen it, done it, no need to go back.

One friend spent a month in Europe traveling with friends after he graduated from college That was about 35 years ago. He still brags about that trip, but feels that he has seen it all and why bother going back.

A very 'comfortable' relative and his wife went to Paris for a three whole days with a tour, and said that it was beautiful and they really enjoyed themselves, but they have seen everything there, so why go back.

It depends on one's priorities - not just financial constrictions.

My mother loved to take cruises - they were safe and easy and she got to sit at the same dinner table every night with the same lovely people and she didn't have to unpack for two weeks.

It took me years to understand that, but after she was gone, I realized that was her way of traveling, and that she didn't just sit home watching travelogues on TV.

She had no desire to go to Europe, and she never understood mine, saying that her parents fled from Europe - nope Mom, they fled from Russia and Poland, not Paris.

Nina

Midwestgal, go, go. You'll probably fall in love. You'll find a way to return.

Most definitely do Paris, it is a whole different world. London is great because it is such a melting pot, but go and experience France, nothing like walking down the street and eating crepes sitting at cafes and watching the world go by. Fantastic.

I agree w/L84SKY: &quot;Of course, once you spent a day in Paris you may find yourself thinking of all the many ways you could get back.&quot;

If you only had one HOUR to spend in Paris, it's worth it, imho. I love London, but Paris is the one I'd rather sleep with...

If I had only a day, I'd go to Paris. I'd head straight for the 6th arrondissement, have breakfast at Cafe de Flore -- just croissants and tea, but the best croissants -- walk to Saint Sulpice, stopping at G&eacute;rard Mulot, located at 76, rue de Seine for a pain chocolat, then head for Jardin du Luxembourg. I'd have lunch at Les Deux Magots, on the terrace with a view of Eglise Saint Germain. After lunch, I'd head to the rue de Buci and walk around, stopping at Amorino, located at 4, rue de Buci for a gelato. If I had time, I'd have an early dinner at Brasserie Balzar -- take the bus to the 5th, and get off at Boulevard Saint-Michel. Walk south on Boulevard Saint-Michel, and turn left on rue des Ecoles. Brasserie Balzar is located at 49, rue des Ecoles. If I didn't have time for dinner at Brasserie Balzar, I'd get a sandwich at G&eacute;rard Mulot to eat on the train or maybe a sandwich at Cosi, located at 54, rue de Seine.

Sandy

Hey Sandy, now you've convinced me! My mouth is watering...

sandy - that's my kind of day, but along the way, I hit a few patisseries for some palmiers and a whipped creme swan. Also for fortification, as that's a lot of walking, some maccarons from Laudree and maybe a few lemon and apple tartes, and I guess a baguette to cut the sugar.

Be sure to have a little bag of something for the train ride back to London - you certainly wouldn't want to starve to death on the return trip.

Don't worry about seeing the sights, buy postcards - but don't drip anything on them.


Nina