London/Paris 1st Timer
Mar 31st, 2002, 07:45 PM
#21
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To save time at mdme tusauds you can purchase tickets in advance and that allows you to skip the line and go straight in. they line is usually a minimum 90 minutes, ask your hotel concierge to do this for you.<BR><BR>as far as versailes go on sunday as that is when they are the fountains on and the dancing water show. it may sound cheesey but the best way and easiest is to go the tour route for versailes they get you in and out no lines and no transportation hassels. it's kind of hoakey on the tour bus but it beats the walk from the train on cobblestones
Mar 31st, 2002, 09:03 PM
#22
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Hi Drew. I took my 60-something mother to London and Paris last summer for about the same length of time as your trip. It was her first trip to Europe. We saw a lot and did nothing in-depth but it worked for her and we both enjoyed the trip since I got to see the highlights again myself. <BR><BR>By all means go to Madame Tussaud's. It was my mother's favorite. Definitely have the concierge make reservations for you and you can waltz right in the door. Don't be put off by the long line. That is the ticket purchasing line and you will already have tickets in hand. My advice is to go first thing in the morning when the crowds are a little thinner. I wouldn't bother with the Changing of the Guard. You really can't see much and it's a big waste of time. We did a Jack the Ripper London Walk and there were so many people, even split into 3 groups, that with the traffic noise unless you were right next to the tour guide it was hard to hear. But we did this in July so perhaps April would be a bit less crowded. We also saw the Lion King. Very well done and entertaining. If you are thinking of riding the London Eye I suggest that you not do it your first day in London. London is a sprawling city and you'll need to get your bearings just a bit before you can appreciate the view from the Eye.<BR><BR>I believe I also must disagree with the other posters (Madam T's being the other) about whether or not to visit Versailles. My first trip to Paris I wouldn't have dreamed of missing it. True, it will be crowded, but all the tourist sites are. And since it will be April I'm not sure how much the gardens will be in bloom so you can save a lot of time by NOT spending too much time in them. You can maybe see Versailles in half a day. My mother isn't that interested in art but I dragged her to both the Louvre and the d'Orsay. We mostly just saw the Big 3 at the Louvre since we had limited time but there was no way I was going to let her get out of Paris without at least seeing the Mona Lisa. And we spent a little more time at the D'Orsay since it's a little more manageable and then had dinner in their restaurant. <BR><BR>Just remember that standing around listening to a tour guide is actually more tiring than walking. Don't be afraid to just see the highlights. Who knows if and when you'll go back and you'll be sorry if you didn't take the time to see the crown jewels at the Tower of London. I know this statement will probably get me slammed but you can save the soaking up the atmosphere for your next trip. Enjoy!
Apr 1st, 2002, 05:03 PM
#23
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More by being stuck in traffic than great planning, we got to Versailles about a half hour before it closed, and we went through almost by ourselves. It was awesome. I am going back to Paris with my husband and three children, and we are planning to get there about the same time. We won't be able to do a tour, but to go through it without the crowds will be worth it, I hope. The suggestion for first thing Sunday is probably a good one, too.
Apr 4th, 2002, 01:47 PM
#25
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Great picks! Make sure you do the behind the scene tour at Versailles, it is about $20 US and well worth it. You will see places in the palace not available in the general tour, like rooms that have not been restored since Louie and Marie were kicked out, and the theatre that is marvelous. In Paris do not forget a trip to Fauchon, the premier bakery and chocolate market on Place de la Madeleine, great flower market too!
