Paris and London Christmas / NY EVE
Dec 10th, 2016, 11:22 AM
#41
parisbymouth.com usually comes up with a list of restaurants that will be open over the holidays, but it's a little early for that. Maybe in another week?
I was reading a thread on chowhound and saw that this particular place is open with a set menu on the 24th and the 25th. I've never eaten here, though were I Paris on Christmas this year I might give it a try:
http://www.auberge-nicolas-flamel.fr/carte.php
Although you can probably find a brasserie or something less expensive that's open if you are willing to just seek out something when you're there. When I travel with my mom (in her 70s), I find it's easier for me to make arrangements in advance.
I was reading a thread on chowhound and saw that this particular place is open with a set menu on the 24th and the 25th. I've never eaten here, though were I Paris on Christmas this year I might give it a try:
http://www.auberge-nicolas-flamel.fr/carte.php
Although you can probably find a brasserie or something less expensive that's open if you are willing to just seek out something when you're there. When I travel with my mom (in her 70s), I find it's easier for me to make arrangements in advance.
Dec 11th, 2016, 05:27 AM
#42
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fuzzbucket - good point - I may have to do that one by myself.
Do you know if I could just take mom to the 2nd floor than come back and go up myself.. or i would have to buy both tickets again?
Leely2- ty ty ty i have written that down. It is so much easier .... soooo much easier for me to plan every little think out with my mom. I 100% agree. That is what I am trying to do. Although - it is a bit challenging with the lack of info here. I have ordered the tour guides Thursdayssd suggested.
and trying to keep the info on my posts organized too.
I posted this question in the other post -- do you have info on this?
Do you know if I could just take mom to the 2nd floor than come back and go up myself.. or i would have to buy both tickets again?
Leely2- ty ty ty i have written that down. It is so much easier .... soooo much easier for me to plan every little think out with my mom. I 100% agree. That is what I am trying to do. Although - it is a bit challenging with the lack of info here. I have ordered the tour guides Thursdayssd suggested.
and trying to keep the info on my posts organized too.
I posted this question in the other post -- do you have info on this?
Dec 11th, 2016, 05:29 AM
#43
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Do you guys think that if I am arriving in Paris late Dec 24, I can still book tickets to the Eiffell tower all the way to the top (i think that is called the Summit)?
If the website of the eiffel tower is sold out -- does that mean we can not get them there? would I be able to buy the skip the lines at the hotels ?
If the website of the eiffel tower is sold out -- does that mean we can not get them there? would I be able to buy the skip the lines at the hotels ?
Dec 11th, 2016, 06:58 AM
#45
Instead of trying to go up the Eiffel Tower, which will give you a view of Paris that doesn't include the Tower, there are places where you can get a view of Paris including the Tower (the guidebook you are expecting will tell you where, I forget).
Dec 11th, 2016, 06:51 PM
#47
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Honestly, looking at the Eiffel Tower is much nicer than going up in it. It is not worth the angst of trying to do it on a cold evening at the last minute.
I am still recommending Musee d'Orsay for both you and your Mom. Art work and building are all stunning!
I am still recommending Musee d'Orsay for both you and your Mom. Art work and building are all stunning!
Dec 12th, 2016, 12:20 AM
#48
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You need to purchase tickets for each visit to the Eiffel Tower.
I doubt that your mother would enjoy waiting 90 minutes in line.
There are 2 platforms on the ET. There is an elevator going to Platform 1, where there are some chairs and snacks. You could park your mother there, but she might be cold.
There's always the possibility that the Eiffel Tower will be closed unexpectedly due to bad weather or other reasons. In this case, you don't get a refund. This can be very common during the winter months, and you'll have made the trip for nothing.
Currently, the area around the Eiffel Tower is surrounded by a high wire fence, and it's difficult to access. There are aggressive people - and pickpockets - trying to sell you stuff while you try to pass through a narrow passageway. There are armed soldiers everywhere, and you have to wait to be patted down before you can enter to purchase tickets. It's not going to be "a walk in the park". I think you're getting your hopes up too high, and will likely be disappointed.
I'd recommend having a good look at the Eiffel Tower from the backside, rather than the river. Take avenue de la Bourdonnais turn right and walk about 2 blocks. Best view, IMO. Then go have a nice lunch, somewhere.
Or, walk across Pont d'Iena for a good view of the ET. There are some nice cafes where you can have a good view while you sit down and have a drink or something to eat.
I doubt that your mother would enjoy waiting 90 minutes in line.
There are 2 platforms on the ET. There is an elevator going to Platform 1, where there are some chairs and snacks. You could park your mother there, but she might be cold.
There's always the possibility that the Eiffel Tower will be closed unexpectedly due to bad weather or other reasons. In this case, you don't get a refund. This can be very common during the winter months, and you'll have made the trip for nothing.
Currently, the area around the Eiffel Tower is surrounded by a high wire fence, and it's difficult to access. There are aggressive people - and pickpockets - trying to sell you stuff while you try to pass through a narrow passageway. There are armed soldiers everywhere, and you have to wait to be patted down before you can enter to purchase tickets. It's not going to be "a walk in the park". I think you're getting your hopes up too high, and will likely be disappointed.
I'd recommend having a good look at the Eiffel Tower from the backside, rather than the river. Take avenue de la Bourdonnais turn right and walk about 2 blocks. Best view, IMO. Then go have a nice lunch, somewhere.
Or, walk across Pont d'Iena for a good view of the ET. There are some nice cafes where you can have a good view while you sit down and have a drink or something to eat.
Dec 12th, 2016, 08:03 AM
#49
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Returning to London ...
I've been to the Changing of the Guard twice: once in 1986 with my small children, and once 3 years ago with my adult children and granddaughter. I didn't see anything at all, either time, except maybe a plume or two. The main reason is that I wasn't pushy-and-shove-y enough, and that I wasn't able to climb up on the monument as some people did. My granddaughter saw the guards, because my son-in-law held her on his shoulders.
Given what you've said about your mother's energy level, I really think this is something she won't be able to manage. I myself would never, ever, do it again, unless another grandchild comes along and there's someone with broad shoulders to hold her. Your chance of seeing anything without tripping or maiming other people is close to nil.
I assume the reason you want a tour, especially a bus tour, is that you're hesitant to take your mother out sightseeing on a city bus. I can understand that. Why don't you rely on taxis instead? It will cost a little more, but not as much as a tour if you just let the taxi drop you off at your destination and get another taxi later. You can even ask a taxi driver to take you around and show you the sights for an hour or so, without breaking the bank. One of my sisters did this once.
One museum I think your mother might enjoy is the Victoria & Albert. Admission is free, as at most London museums, so you can feel free to visit just one of its many sections, and return the next day to see something else if your mother gets tired. Just now, they have exhibits about underwear through the ages, vases from National Trust houses, and medieval embroidery, among other things. The costume section is very interesting.
Since the main reason for this trip is to give your mother pleasure, I would forget about seeing the most popular sights in either city. The Eiffel Tower is something I've never had any desire to climb, because I hate crowds and, as others have said, it looks better from outside than inside. (I feel the same way about the Colosseum.)
I've been to the Changing of the Guard twice: once in 1986 with my small children, and once 3 years ago with my adult children and granddaughter. I didn't see anything at all, either time, except maybe a plume or two. The main reason is that I wasn't pushy-and-shove-y enough, and that I wasn't able to climb up on the monument as some people did. My granddaughter saw the guards, because my son-in-law held her on his shoulders.
Given what you've said about your mother's energy level, I really think this is something she won't be able to manage. I myself would never, ever, do it again, unless another grandchild comes along and there's someone with broad shoulders to hold her. Your chance of seeing anything without tripping or maiming other people is close to nil.
I assume the reason you want a tour, especially a bus tour, is that you're hesitant to take your mother out sightseeing on a city bus. I can understand that. Why don't you rely on taxis instead? It will cost a little more, but not as much as a tour if you just let the taxi drop you off at your destination and get another taxi later. You can even ask a taxi driver to take you around and show you the sights for an hour or so, without breaking the bank. One of my sisters did this once.
One museum I think your mother might enjoy is the Victoria & Albert. Admission is free, as at most London museums, so you can feel free to visit just one of its many sections, and return the next day to see something else if your mother gets tired. Just now, they have exhibits about underwear through the ages, vases from National Trust houses, and medieval embroidery, among other things. The costume section is very interesting.
Since the main reason for this trip is to give your mother pleasure, I would forget about seeing the most popular sights in either city. The Eiffel Tower is something I've never had any desire to climb, because I hate crowds and, as others have said, it looks better from outside than inside. (I feel the same way about the Colosseum.)
Dec 12th, 2016, 08:28 AM
#50
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Can I just add to Bvlenci's excellent advice; there's a wonderful exhibition at the V&A 'You say you want a revolution' about the late 60s/early 70s. For that one you'd have to book tickets. It was really outstanding, very well done.
Dec 12th, 2016, 10:42 AM
#51
I saw 'Revolution' just last Friday and it was great. And the way they do the audio guides is brilliant. It 'knows' where you are at any given time and the music compliments what you are looking at - and if you leave a room and then return the music changes and follows you 
With your Mom's age this would be a great exhibition since it mostly about the 60's.
I would try NOW to book dinner at Le Ciel and totally forget about either of you going up the Eiffel Tower.
The view from Le Ciel is unbelievable looking down over all of Paris and yes, down on the Eiffel Tower. The view is 10000% better than the view <i>from</i> the ET and you go up a lift w/ no queues, and there are no crowds . . . Just you, your window table, and a lovely waiter.
With your Mom's age this would be a great exhibition since it mostly about the 60's.
I would try NOW to book dinner at Le Ciel and totally forget about either of you going up the Eiffel Tower.
The view from Le Ciel is unbelievable looking down over all of Paris and yes, down on the Eiffel Tower. The view is 10000% better than the view <i>from</i> the ET and you go up a lift w/ no queues, and there are no crowds . . . Just you, your window table, and a lovely waiter.
Dec 12th, 2016, 11:39 AM
#52
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When you visit a museum, it wouldn't hurt to ask if you can borrow a wheelchair. Your mother might protest but she can hold the purses and coats while you wheel her around and she can save a lot of energy for other adventures.
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