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One day in Paris, Looking for a great Full day tour.

One day in Paris, Looking for a great Full day tour.

Old Jan 28th, 2015, 08:33 AM
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One day in Paris, Looking for a great Full day tour.

Hello All,

We will be spending 10 days in London, and are going to be taking the train for a 2 nite stay in Paris. For our one full day in Paris I have been searching for a full day tour on our upcoming trip. It been pretty disappointing to find that most tours seem to be pretty basic / generic. London has a great selection of full day tours that I found, not so much in Paris though.

Can anyone recommend a full day tour where we can see most of the city in a day.

I am not interested in private tours, as those are very expensive. Basically a group tour that my wife and I can go on to see the bulk of the important sites.

Thanks,
Derek
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 08:48 AM
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You are mistaken that a private tour is "very expensive". Contact Michael Osman.
Otherwise, design your own with what you want to see. Spending only one day in Paris out of a possibly 14 day trip is shortchanging a great city, so live with the consequences.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 08:52 AM
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You cannot see the "bulk of the important sites" inParis unless you are just driving by. If you go into anyplace (imho necessary for most places) you can get to perhaps 3 places if you really rush.

Suggest you either take one of the generic bus tours to see the outside - or just pick 3 places you really want to see and go in. You can then walk by a few other places early in the day or in the evening (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde, etc).
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 10:17 AM
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Agree, you are really shortchanging yourself with such a short stay in Paris, but each to his/her own. Also agree that you should pick a handful of places that are the most interesting to you, and visit them, with or without a tour guide. I've been to Paris probably 8-9 times, twice for 10 days each visit. I still haven't seen it all, and I often return to my favorite places each time. In what area will you be staying? What appeals most to you about Paris? Art (modern, Impressionist,etc), food, museums, architecture, history, churches.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 10:41 AM
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Hi D,

You've got it backwards - visit Paris for ten days with a daytrip to London.

At least consider 5 and 5.

The USD is stronger against the Euro than against the GBP.

Here is one way to see Paris without being forced on a tour:
http://batobus.com/english/index.htm

Also consider hop-on/hop-off buses.

Enjoy your visit.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 10:49 AM
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Why bother with Paris with only one full day to enjoy the "City of Light".
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 10:58 AM
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I agree that Paris warrants more time, so if you could take some nights from London, you likely wouldn't regret it.

Identifying your interests and finding half day tours focused on the most important things to YOU would also be helpful.

In terms of generic tours that do bring people into certain museums and attractions, these may be along the lines of what you're looking for, though they aren't what I'd call "cheap":

http://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Pa...r/d479-2050PAJ

http://www.pariscityvision.com/en/parisfulldaybyminibus

http://paristours.france.com/pv/pari...r#.VMk_MCzz5D0
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 11:12 AM
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Hey Everyone... Thanks so much for the replies. Initially we were only going to see London, with day trips from there for the entire 10 days to see England. However, we decided to throw in 2 nights for Paris, since its so easy on the Eurostar to visit. We don't know when we will be back to Europe with a baby in the near future. We wanted a tiny tiny taste of Paris just in case we wont be able to get back in the foreseeable future.

We will be in Paris this March 10th-12th. This gives us a Half Day Tuesday, Full Day Wednesday, and a couple hours Thursday.

My initial plan was to do a hop on hop off on Tuesday. And a full day tour Wednesday. Thursday, not much time to do more then eat breakfast and catch the train.

However, I didn't even think to just hit "our wish list" spots on the full day, and do it ourselves. The hop on hop off will quickly drive up by the rest for a quick picture.

With that being said, what would be the best hop on hop off to use? I saw Foxity online? How are they?

We most certainly want to visit, The Louvre,Notre Dame... etc.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 11:18 AM
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the Louvre, Notre-Dame are best done on your own - at your own pace - you can get tours of each at the ticket window I believe it you want one.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 11:27 AM
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Never heard of Foxity.
Hire Michael for the day. He will maximize even short visits to the Louvre and Orsay, although I don't really think you have time.
He will then take you to the high spots and tell you things about Paris you won't see in guide books.
Really, more time in Paris. You'll see enough of London. As someone suggested, reverse the two itinerary times.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 12:31 PM
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Derek, hope we didn't scare you off. but seriously, consider more time in Paris. Just a taste won't be enough. Even an extra day (or two) would be better for a minimum introduction to Paris.

And no matter what you do, don't bother with the hop on hop off tour in Paris (even though I admit to taking it once in London.) Paris (or tourist Paris) is tiny. You'll waste a few hours you don't have sitting in traffic. Just figure out what is interesting to you and go there. Walk around. Take in the gorgeous architecture and magnificent views from one of the bridges.

If you tell us what neighborhood you are staying in, and what most appeals to you... I'm sure a lot of us here can help you map out an itinerary or walking route. But without the simplest understanding of your interests, it would be impossible to advise you.
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Old Jan 28th, 2015, 12:53 PM
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I believe Eurostar the train company sells one-day tours of Paris meant for day trippers.
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 06:54 AM
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Hey Everyone...

Unfortunately the 2 nights are all that we will be able to stay, all hotels have already been booked and paid.

We are staying at the newly branded Hilton Paris Opera using our Hilton Honors Points (the old Opera Concordia). Located right next to the Saint Lazare station. Our general interests are historical landmarks, museums. We love food too!

I am not against skipping the hop on hop off entirely and doing it ourselves. But a guided tour, I feel would provide structure and allow us to see more.

I am new to this forum, and have noticed Michael's name being thrown around quite a bit as the go to guy for a guide. What is his contact info?
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 07:02 AM
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If your budget will allow, check out www.private-tours-paris.com
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 07:27 AM
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If you have hotel reservations for 2 nights, consider taking the Eurostar early in the morning of the first day and early evening of the third. This will allow you to see several things on your own. And might even allow for strolling around Paris - a wonderful experience. Take the Seine River cruise one evening, visit the Louvre, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, the Musee D'Orsay and anything else you like. You will be sorry you have only 2+ days.
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