Paris 8day itinerary help please February 2014
Dec 25th, 2013, 08:17 PM
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Paris 8day itinerary help please February 2014
So Fodorites its time to plan some days in Paris
We will have returned from our little road trip to bayeux for four days andOH will be on his way to his next destination without us
Daughter (20) and I have 8 days to explore Paris. I've been before but it was on an organised trip so I've never caught public transport and have no feel for the lie of the land
I know that Paris is made up of districts
We are staying at hotel Eiffel turenne on ave tourville and plan to buy as much fresh food as possible from the nearby market. I guess we will get some sort of train travel card some kin of the oyster in London or is there a better option like an entry discount card/ train travel option?
So far we want to visit:
Eiffel Tower ... Which day is better,,,we have from Friday 14 February til friday21
I guess we avoid valentines day but it might be fun to see a few proposals no lol?
Eurodisney,,, daughterand I won't go on all of the rides but she wants to stay til the lights come up.
The louvre
Notre dame
Latin quarter
Seine river cruise
Hop on/off bus to orientate ourselves and listen to the commentary
Versailles and Monets garden
We love history and wildlife.... Don't want to spend every day in museums and galleriesthough ... We would've done that in the UK by then
But we'd be interested in anything mainstream,,, we have hardly any French history under our belts compared with our foray into British side of things,,,any must sees for beginners history wise?
Ido want to take my daughter to Geneva for a day,,,we have decided to stay put in france rather than go to Switzerland after our francetour was cancelled
But Switzerland is one of my favourite countries and id love to show her at least a glimpse of it,, any ideas how to make the most of such a day trip?
Any other suggestions are welcome,,, I started a daytripsfrom Paris thread sometime ago but dont know how much we can fit in 8 days
It is winter after all
Thanks for your thoughts !
We will have returned from our little road trip to bayeux for four days andOH will be on his way to his next destination without us
Daughter (20) and I have 8 days to explore Paris. I've been before but it was on an organised trip so I've never caught public transport and have no feel for the lie of the land
I know that Paris is made up of districts
We are staying at hotel Eiffel turenne on ave tourville and plan to buy as much fresh food as possible from the nearby market. I guess we will get some sort of train travel card some kin of the oyster in London or is there a better option like an entry discount card/ train travel option?
So far we want to visit:
Eiffel Tower ... Which day is better,,,we have from Friday 14 February til friday21
I guess we avoid valentines day but it might be fun to see a few proposals no lol?
Eurodisney,,, daughterand I won't go on all of the rides but she wants to stay til the lights come up.
The louvre
Notre dame
Latin quarter
Seine river cruise
Hop on/off bus to orientate ourselves and listen to the commentary
Versailles and Monets garden
We love history and wildlife.... Don't want to spend every day in museums and galleriesthough ... We would've done that in the UK by then
But we'd be interested in anything mainstream,,, we have hardly any French history under our belts compared with our foray into British side of things,,,any must sees for beginners history wise?
Ido want to take my daughter to Geneva for a day,,,we have decided to stay put in france rather than go to Switzerland after our francetour was cancelled
But Switzerland is one of my favourite countries and id love to show her at least a glimpse of it,, any ideas how to make the most of such a day trip?
Any other suggestions are welcome,,, I started a daytripsfrom Paris thread sometime ago but dont know how much we can fit in 8 days
It is winter after all
Thanks for your thoughts !
Dec 25th, 2013, 08:31 PM
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I am not sure how much you will see in Giverny in Feb. And since the weather will be cold, you should plan on more indoor activities since Paris is one of the great walking cities of the world.
Included for museums are Musée d'Orsay and Musee de l'Orangerie.
Check Easyjet for a RT in a day to Geneva. Since you will have no luggage, it should be easy.
Included for museums are Musée d'Orsay and Musee de l'Orangerie.
Check Easyjet for a RT in a day to Geneva. Since you will have no luggage, it should be easy.
Dec 25th, 2013, 09:28 PM
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Stay in Paris and when it gets dark (early!) every day get ready to attend concerts and such - plenty of top-flight music of all kinds, from Jazz (www.parisjazzclub.net/en/accueil/ and www.ducdeslombards.com and opthers in that same street) to classical (www.offi.fr/concerts/classique.html) and anything in between, including performances in many churches.
There is more than enough of all kinds in Paris to keep you going for 8 days and then some - not just the obvious biggies but lots of lesser-knowns that are not hard to ferret out.
If you get antsy and want to make a day trip other than Disney (to each his own...), Reims with champagne tours, Versailles, Fontainebleau, even the castles of Blois and Chambord if you take an early train to Blois and a taxi (no castle bus in winter) - it's all there.
Geneva would be an absolute waste of your time, energy and money. It's never an exciting city, but in February it's downright dull, and you lose daylight around 4:40PM and the trip there and back eats up all day.
Best to A) either forget about it or B) go and stay two nights, and not in Geneva but in a more interesting locale.
But probably best another time during a better season, and for longer to make it worth your while.
There is more than enough of all kinds in Paris to keep you going for 8 days and then some - not just the obvious biggies but lots of lesser-knowns that are not hard to ferret out.
If you get antsy and want to make a day trip other than Disney (to each his own...), Reims with champagne tours, Versailles, Fontainebleau, even the castles of Blois and Chambord if you take an early train to Blois and a taxi (no castle bus in winter) - it's all there.
Geneva would be an absolute waste of your time, energy and money. It's never an exciting city, but in February it's downright dull, and you lose daylight around 4:40PM and the trip there and back eats up all day.
Best to A) either forget about it or B) go and stay two nights, and not in Geneva but in a more interesting locale.
But probably best another time during a better season, and for longer to make it worth your while.
Dec 26th, 2013, 01:35 AM
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Ok so maybe not Geneva ...it was a suggestion made by a friend,..that's all and seemed doable
Would rather do a train trip than fly..at least you see something of the countryside good bad or something in between
Will look into strasbourg
Music wise,,,don't think we will find anything we share in common,,she has her taste and I have mine,,,probably would rather go to a cafe and have a hot chocolate and people watch at night
As for Disneyland,,,we have been to the one in Hong Kong and she loved the atmosphere so that's really just for her,,,it was a lovely family day
Thanks for all the suggestions folks!
Would rather do a train trip than fly..at least you see something of the countryside good bad or something in between
Will look into strasbourg
Music wise,,,don't think we will find anything we share in common,,she has her taste and I have mine,,,probably would rather go to a cafe and have a hot chocolate and people watch at night
As for Disneyland,,,we have been to the one in Hong Kong and she loved the atmosphere so that's really just for her,,,it was a lovely family day
Thanks for all the suggestions folks!
Dec 26th, 2013, 02:50 AM
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Okay .. How bout this?
Just found something on Provins...unesco site so has to be something great there and only 1hr 25 out of Paris by train and we don't have to book because the trains run half hourly
I think the medieval setting would be of interest and even if they don't do the jousting and fairs in winter the buildings look like something that we'd enjoy photographing
Maybe Fontainebleau would be ok too
Would love to go to auvers sur Oisewhere vans gogh is buried but maybe too far with the change in trains and all..what do you think?
Have ruled out Bruges..two and half hours is a bit too far
Just found something on Provins...unesco site so has to be something great there and only 1hr 25 out of Paris by train and we don't have to book because the trains run half hourly
I think the medieval setting would be of interest and even if they don't do the jousting and fairs in winter the buildings look like something that we'd enjoy photographing
Maybe Fontainebleau would be ok too
Would love to go to auvers sur Oisewhere vans gogh is buried but maybe too far with the change in trains and all..what do you think?
Have ruled out Bruges..two and half hours is a bit too far
Dec 26th, 2013, 03:10 AM
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If you want to go to Strasbourg or Bruges or any place that is accessed by a TGV train or even an Intercités train then you need to buy those tickets three months in advance to get the cheapest prices. For example, if you purchased a ticket to Strasbourg on the day you traveled the one way fare for one person would be between 73 €and 100€. If you bought that ticket 3 months in advance the one way fare would be 25€ to 30€.
In regards to Provins, it is a lovely medieval town. I doubt the medieval events (jousting etc.) will be going on in February but it is still very photoworthy. The nice thing about Provins, Fontainebleau and places close to Paris is that they are accessed by the local TER trains and thus have fixed prices. So there's no need to buy tickets in advance and you can wait for the best weather day to do you visit. In regards to Auvers-sur-Oise I think some of the Van Gogh associated places may still be closed in February but you can check. It is still a charming village to walk around anyway and you can see many of the places Van Gogh painted and the cemetery where he is buried next to his brother Theo. The tourist office has brochures outlining the tourist trail through town.
I do lots of exploring of the countryside near Paris so I'm well acquainted with all of the well known and not so well known places near Paris that make worthy day trips. I have a list of Paris day trips that I post from time to time but since it's a lengthy post I'll give you a link to a thread you can check where I posted my list:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#54839568
In regards to Provins, it is a lovely medieval town. I doubt the medieval events (jousting etc.) will be going on in February but it is still very photoworthy. The nice thing about Provins, Fontainebleau and places close to Paris is that they are accessed by the local TER trains and thus have fixed prices. So there's no need to buy tickets in advance and you can wait for the best weather day to do you visit. In regards to Auvers-sur-Oise I think some of the Van Gogh associated places may still be closed in February but you can check. It is still a charming village to walk around anyway and you can see many of the places Van Gogh painted and the cemetery where he is buried next to his brother Theo. The tourist office has brochures outlining the tourist trail through town.
I do lots of exploring of the countryside near Paris so I'm well acquainted with all of the well known and not so well known places near Paris that make worthy day trips. I have a list of Paris day trips that I post from time to time but since it's a lengthy post I'll give you a link to a thread you can check where I posted my list:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#54839568
Dec 26th, 2013, 03:16 AM
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Just in relation to the daytrips... I'm gathering it is fine to be coming home in they dark Paris
I did read that one should avoid getting the last train cos of the lad types hanging round the big stations...true or myth?
I did read that one should avoid getting the last train cos of the lad types hanging round the big stations...true or myth?
Dec 26th, 2013, 04:03 AM
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You have 8 days in Paris and you are considering day trips to Versailles, Giverney (gardens are closed),Geneva (or was considering) Provins, Fontainebleau, etc etc. OH, yes, a day at Disney--
I will mention that we took our children and spouses to Paris for a week. One couple had planned to go to Versailles (even though I said "there really wouldn't be time") --and that was the case. They wanted to see more in Paris for their last 3 days.
Paris is a very safe city--just as anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings.
I would get to Paris with a plan of seeing that great city. If day trips become a possibility have ONE in mind IF you decide you have time.
I will mention that we took our children and spouses to Paris for a week. One couple had planned to go to Versailles (even though I said "there really wouldn't be time") --and that was the case. They wanted to see more in Paris for their last 3 days.
Paris is a very safe city--just as anywhere, stay aware of your surroundings.
I would get to Paris with a plan of seeing that great city. If day trips become a possibility have ONE in mind IF you decide you have time.
Dec 26th, 2013, 04:19 AM
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You have nothing to fear returning to Paris in the dark. Be alert for pickpockets but they are around during the day too so they are not a problem exclusive to night time. Take the usual precautions you would in any big city and you'll be fine.
In regards to day trips, you could spend several weeks in Paris and never leave and still not see everything in the city. I know that after I've spent a few days in any big city I've had enough so play it by ear once you arrive and then decide how many day trips you want to do.
In regards to day trips, you could spend several weeks in Paris and never leave and still not see everything in the city. I know that after I've spent a few days in any big city I've had enough so play it by ear once you arrive and then decide how many day trips you want to do.
Dec 26th, 2013, 04:32 AM
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Giverny (Monet's gardens and house) are closed in February. Instead, visit the Orangerie in Paris to see Monet's fabulous water lilies. And don't miss the Musee D'orsay and Sainte Chapelle. Don't rush to plan too many day trips - there is much more to do in Paris than can be done in 6 days (allowing 1 day for day trip to Disney).
Dec 26th, 2013, 04:40 AM
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Your hotel is very close to Rodin Museum--it makes a wonderful visit! You might consider the areas with Art Deco buildings as well.
DH and I took a bus tour to Bruges (google 'cityrama'--company has changed name from that) and enjoyed it.
DH and I took a bus tour to Bruges (google 'cityrama'--company has changed name from that) and enjoyed it.
Dec 26th, 2013, 05:25 AM
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And don't forget the Marmottan.
Be sure to visit at least one street market. Shop at a Monoprix--for food and other items.
Ride a bus to get to one of your places and see Paris at street level, rather than the Metro.
On Saturday go to the Porte Vanves flea market for a couple of hours.
Sit in an outdoor café (they have heaters) and just watch the crowd go by. The Brasserie Ile St. Louis behind Notre Dame is a great place to eat or just sit.
Be sure to do the boat trip--we like it at dusk (which will be early for your time) as the lights are just beginning to come on.
Be sure to visit at least one street market. Shop at a Monoprix--for food and other items.
Ride a bus to get to one of your places and see Paris at street level, rather than the Metro.
On Saturday go to the Porte Vanves flea market for a couple of hours.
Sit in an outdoor café (they have heaters) and just watch the crowd go by. The Brasserie Ile St. Louis behind Notre Dame is a great place to eat or just sit.
Be sure to do the boat trip--we like it at dusk (which will be early for your time) as the lights are just beginning to come on.
Dec 26th, 2013, 05:45 AM
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Book a "Behind the Scenes" Eiffel Tower tour. You see parts of the tower otherwise inaccessible to tourists and will skip the line if there is one. The tour finishes on the second level. You can then go to the top on your own if you wish.
http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/en/visit-w...ert-guide.html
http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/en/visit-w...ert-guide.html
Dec 26th, 2013, 07:11 AM
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Giverny is closed until the end of March. Geneva is, well, possibly the most boring city on earth and absolutely not worth the time and expense to get to from Paris, especially given all the amazing treasures right at your doorstep.
Don't get Eiffel Tower tickets ahead of time - you're stuck with a specific time slot, and if it's freezing rain you're out of luck.
There are myriad possibilities for daytrips: Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Senlism Chartres, Versailles, Compiègne, Auvers-sur-Oise, Moret-sur-Loing, Ile des Impressionistes, Vaux-le-Vicomte.......coming home in the dark just isn't an issue. I have no idea what you mean about the last train and the "lads," but the last trains are around 1:15 am, so I doubt you'll be hanging around with the lads at that hour.
You'll probably want to get a Navigo Pass for the métro/bus, supplemented with a carnet of t+ tickets. Learn how to get around here: www.ratp.fr
Don't get Eiffel Tower tickets ahead of time - you're stuck with a specific time slot, and if it's freezing rain you're out of luck.
There are myriad possibilities for daytrips: Fontainebleau, Chantilly, Senlism Chartres, Versailles, Compiègne, Auvers-sur-Oise, Moret-sur-Loing, Ile des Impressionistes, Vaux-le-Vicomte.......coming home in the dark just isn't an issue. I have no idea what you mean about the last train and the "lads," but the last trains are around 1:15 am, so I doubt you'll be hanging around with the lads at that hour.
You'll probably want to get a Navigo Pass for the métro/bus, supplemented with a carnet of t+ tickets. Learn how to get around here: www.ratp.fr
Dec 26th, 2013, 07:23 PM
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Thank you for the generosity of your contributions Fodorites
I wish we were into art... We do appreciate some but wouldn't visit every gallery
I will put Rodin on our list.. Forgot about that fella lol
As for anything if you study it, you appreciate it more and it is history that has taken up our time
Just finished digging into Oliver Cromwell so we are doing well getting through the time line of English rulers
Haven't even started on French history apart from how it impacts on England so there's plenty of swatting to go !
Would like to visit any particular sites associated with Napoleon so have to keep researching... Apart from the obvious Paris lol
Now re the lads on trains ..like I said I think.. I read about general safety warnings and certain stations were mentioned
Same as the trains here in Sydney...some lines are more fraught with laddish activity than others
And of course they are often fuelled by alcohol
I wish we were into art... We do appreciate some but wouldn't visit every gallery
I will put Rodin on our list.. Forgot about that fella lol
As for anything if you study it, you appreciate it more and it is history that has taken up our time
Just finished digging into Oliver Cromwell so we are doing well getting through the time line of English rulers
Haven't even started on French history apart from how it impacts on England so there's plenty of swatting to go !
Would like to visit any particular sites associated with Napoleon so have to keep researching... Apart from the obvious Paris lol
Now re the lads on trains ..like I said I think.. I read about general safety warnings and certain stations were mentioned
Same as the trains here in Sydney...some lines are more fraught with laddish activity than others
And of course they are often fuelled by alcohol
Dec 26th, 2013, 09:45 PM
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Re : gardens in winter
Is there anything to see in the great gardens of Paris or are they all lying fallow?
We do love gardens and realise winter is not the best but maybe there are some greenhouses or parks that suffer the cold without too much complaint?
Does the sun ever come out or are we talking London type gloom in winter?
Is there anything to see in the great gardens of Paris or are they all lying fallow?
We do love gardens and realise winter is not the best but maybe there are some greenhouses or parks that suffer the cold without too much complaint?
Does the sun ever come out or are we talking London type gloom in winter?
Dec 26th, 2013, 10:09 PM
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If you're interested in Napoleon, why not investigate the Chateau de Malmaison, which is a straightforward train & bus trip west out of central Paris. It's closer than the other places you are considering, and as the others have said, not much point going somewhere like Giverny in winter. It's also brimming with history about Napoleon & Josephine and her life there. Check the website for opening hours, as some places are more limited during the winter months.
