Paris for 6 days
Dec 27th, 2009, 04:56 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris for 6 days
All, I'm looking for a itinerary for 4 days in Paris (since it will take me a day to get there and back from New Orleans). My wife and I are 40 and celebrating our anniversary there in April. We will not have a car and want to see the typical attractions but are looking for helpful hints/tricks of the trade to get everything done efficiently, but effectively.
We are not into the high dollar extravagant meals. We are interested in local bars and eateries that the locals like, that are friendly and will want us going back over the course of the 4 days.
Of course, it is our anniversary and Paris is the city of love, so I could use some insights on some romantic things to do in the great city. Don't know if dinner in the Eiffel Tower needs to be reserved months in advance, etc, etc, so please fire away with any and all advice.
We are not into the high dollar extravagant meals. We are interested in local bars and eateries that the locals like, that are friendly and will want us going back over the course of the 4 days.
Of course, it is our anniversary and Paris is the city of love, so I could use some insights on some romantic things to do in the great city. Don't know if dinner in the Eiffel Tower needs to be reserved months in advance, etc, etc, so please fire away with any and all advice.
Dec 27th, 2009, 05:26 PM
#2
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You definitely don't need a car for Paris--the public transportation system is excellent.
Where will you be staying? What are your interests (art, architecture, theater, music, history, churches)? How much would you want to spend on a dinner?
Where will you be staying? What are your interests (art, architecture, theater, music, history, churches)? How much would you want to spend on a dinner?
Dec 27th, 2009, 05:41 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
At the Concorde Saint-Lazare. As far as interests go, architecture, history, monuments/attractions, and lastly eateries/pubs would be where we would want to spend our time. Dinner-could spend $200 U.S. dollars for a really nice romantic dinner. Who knows, with all of the wonderful places on earth, I may not make it back there so I want to make sure I do it right!!!!!
Thank you for your quick response. Happy Holidays!
Thank you for your quick response. Happy Holidays!
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:03 PM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rather than eating at Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower for your romantic dinner consider Les Hombres at the top of the nearby Musee du Quai Branly.
The view of the Eiffel Tower through the glass ceiling of Les Ombres makes it fun even for lunch but dinner at night with the lights twinkling would be very romantic. Les Ombres is close enough to the tower that during the day you can easily see the tourists on the lower level of the tower.
http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/...the-place.html
The view of the Eiffel Tower through the glass ceiling of Les Ombres makes it fun even for lunch but dinner at night with the lights twinkling would be very romantic. Les Ombres is close enough to the tower that during the day you can easily see the tourists on the lower level of the tower.
http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/...the-place.html
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:12 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the wonderful suggestion. I just reviewed the website. Trust me, you are dealing with traveling abroad amateurs. Do most restaurants have English menus? I was unable to interpret the website/menus, but am definitely going to go to this restaurant. Thanks for the suggestion!
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:17 PM
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some restaurants have English menus, but if not there is generally a waiter who can translate for you if you ask nicely 
Consider a boat cruise on the Seine after dinner. One of the most romantic things to do in Paris is just walk the streets! Not especially romantic - but if it is your first time to Paris you might like the Fat Tire bicycle tour - it is a fun way to see the city.
Consider a boat cruise on the Seine after dinner. One of the most romantic things to do in Paris is just walk the streets! Not especially romantic - but if it is your first time to Paris you might like the Fat Tire bicycle tour - it is a fun way to see the city.
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:20 PM
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also - a restaurant recommendation - on the advice of Fodorites we had a most wonderful dinner at Le Florimond in the 7th last spring. Small, intimate, reasonably priced, great food with a terrific host. And yes, he will translate the menu for you!
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:21 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Concur car is bad idea - Metros will get you anywhere plus the occasional cab - also the bus sytem is excellent and on occasions can get you where you are going quicker than the Metros without lots of stair climbing. Suggest getting the Musuem pass and the "Carte Orange" for the Metros. (you'll need a few extra passport photos)
Train from CDG to downtown is a good way to get into/out of town, but there are "local" trains for communters that can get crowded quickly, and there are "express" trains straight from CDG to downtown. That's what you want.
Dinner suggestion: Chantairelle, in the Latin Quarter blocks from the Pantheon, 17 rue LAPlace - 0146331859 -all food from the Auvergne region - a superb value for a modest price.
Beware of people telling you that you MUST do this or MUST do that. Nonsence. You'll want to return regardless of what you do or don't see, so no need to sweat over a list of "Must sees." Paris is greater than the sum of the parts. Don't allow trying to get from here to there distract you from taking in the city with a leisurely pace. Stuff you stumble across at the last minute may provide you with your fondest memories. I used "Paris for Dummies" and thought it was a good resource. With that said if I had to tell you what to do in four days, my suggestion would be 1) Eiffel Tower, Seine river on foot or Evening Cruise, strolling St.Germain/Sulpice (6e) 2) Notre Dame/St Chappel, Tulleries, Arc deT 3) Louvre 4)Napoleon's tomb, Musee Rodin, ad lib. I really was glad I visited St. Chappel but a sunny day is a must to enjoy this site.
I strongly suggest one whole Louvre day with nothing else. Or else don't go - not worth the effort to whip in/whip out.
In four days, also suggest against Versailles/Sacre Coure - these are good things to do on a 6-7 day itinerary.
Lastly, ask your hotel staff when the local street market comes. Most little squares (place) have a biweekly produce market that gives the visitor the very essence of a Parissean, non-touristy feel.
Check Wx carefully - April can still be cold, but this is not a reason to change plans. Try to learn a few simple French phrases well. The French will respect your trying and will be a bit more forbearing of you. Bon Voyage!!
Train from CDG to downtown is a good way to get into/out of town, but there are "local" trains for communters that can get crowded quickly, and there are "express" trains straight from CDG to downtown. That's what you want.
Dinner suggestion: Chantairelle, in the Latin Quarter blocks from the Pantheon, 17 rue LAPlace - 0146331859 -all food from the Auvergne region - a superb value for a modest price.
Beware of people telling you that you MUST do this or MUST do that. Nonsence. You'll want to return regardless of what you do or don't see, so no need to sweat over a list of "Must sees." Paris is greater than the sum of the parts. Don't allow trying to get from here to there distract you from taking in the city with a leisurely pace. Stuff you stumble across at the last minute may provide you with your fondest memories. I used "Paris for Dummies" and thought it was a good resource. With that said if I had to tell you what to do in four days, my suggestion would be 1) Eiffel Tower, Seine river on foot or Evening Cruise, strolling St.Germain/Sulpice (6e) 2) Notre Dame/St Chappel, Tulleries, Arc deT 3) Louvre 4)Napoleon's tomb, Musee Rodin, ad lib. I really was glad I visited St. Chappel but a sunny day is a must to enjoy this site.
I strongly suggest one whole Louvre day with nothing else. Or else don't go - not worth the effort to whip in/whip out.
In four days, also suggest against Versailles/Sacre Coure - these are good things to do on a 6-7 day itinerary.
Lastly, ask your hotel staff when the local street market comes. Most little squares (place) have a biweekly produce market that gives the visitor the very essence of a Parissean, non-touristy feel.
Check Wx carefully - April can still be cold, but this is not a reason to change plans. Try to learn a few simple French phrases well. The French will respect your trying and will be a bit more forbearing of you. Bon Voyage!!
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:32 PM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always get to the Eiffel Tower about 15 minutes before opening so that I don't have to wait in ticket line or elevator line. By the time I'm headed back down there is a sea of humanity that will waste lots of time in lines.
Make sure you know which days of the week specific museums are closed so you don't waste time or are open late so you can maximize your time. Depending on how many museums you plan to hit you may or may not want to get the museum pass which allows you to pass the lines to get into the main lines at museums. Don't buy in advance online as there is an upcharge. Just go to one of the smaller museums first and buy it there.
On a first trip to Paris I would include a trip up the Eiffel Tower, a vist to Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, the Musee D'Orsay, and L'Orangerie. Walk around the ancient streets of Le Marais for a completely different feel from most of Hausmann's Paris(stop for a pastry at world famous Sacha Finkelsztajn). Enjoy a stroll through the gigantic Jardin du Luxembourg where you can watch children on the playgrounds, on the pony rides and at marionette theatre and watch men playing boules. Sit a spell and people watch in the chairs behind Luxembourg Palace.
Make sure you know which days of the week specific museums are closed so you don't waste time or are open late so you can maximize your time. Depending on how many museums you plan to hit you may or may not want to get the museum pass which allows you to pass the lines to get into the main lines at museums. Don't buy in advance online as there is an upcharge. Just go to one of the smaller museums first and buy it there.
On a first trip to Paris I would include a trip up the Eiffel Tower, a vist to Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, the Musee D'Orsay, and L'Orangerie. Walk around the ancient streets of Le Marais for a completely different feel from most of Hausmann's Paris(stop for a pastry at world famous Sacha Finkelsztajn). Enjoy a stroll through the gigantic Jardin du Luxembourg where you can watch children on the playgrounds, on the pony rides and at marionette theatre and watch men playing boules. Sit a spell and people watch in the chairs behind Luxembourg Palace.
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:39 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can make your reservation at Les Ombres online and I'm sure that the person who follows up will speak English when they call as they ask you to indicate where you are traveling from. http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com/reservation.html
Not all will agree but for me the rule of thumb in Paris is sort of, "If the menu is in English you don't want to go there." As in, they cater to tourists rather than locals. I don't speak more than a few words in French but have managed with little trouble on a number of trips. Many people, especially in the tourist areas of the 1-8th arr. will speak English. You'll be fine in Les Ombres.
Ann Marie
Not all will agree but for me the rule of thumb in Paris is sort of, "If the menu is in English you don't want to go there." As in, they cater to tourists rather than locals. I don't speak more than a few words in French but have managed with little trouble on a number of trips. Many people, especially in the tourist areas of the 1-8th arr. will speak English. You'll be fine in Les Ombres.
Ann Marie
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:41 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're the best. Thank you. As you can tell, I am not taking the trip lightly. This was a Christmas gift to ourselves and I am already seeking your advice! I hate to even mention this but my wife is a big Disney fan, is it worth it to visit (Disneyland Paris) while there or is it a disappointment to the Disney name. Also, any suggestions on how to get there without a car. I know this is not the essence of Paris; however, it is a part of my wife (and her family's) life growing up. Thank you for understanding!!!
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:50 PM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree totally with all of amwosu's comments.
As to the disney thing - Again, with just four days, you are going to miss an awful lot of Paris that you just can't see in four days as it is - why dilute the experience more with a side trip to an even mroe expensive version of Orlando? I'd recommend against such a side-trip.
As to the disney thing - Again, with just four days, you are going to miss an awful lot of Paris that you just can't see in four days as it is - why dilute the experience more with a side trip to an even mroe expensive version of Orlando? I'd recommend against such a side-trip.
Dec 27th, 2009, 06:58 PM
#13
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I humbly suggest no Disney for such an incredibly short trip. If you had 2 weeks and your wife is a Disney fan I would say by all means go. However, you have very little time and Euro Disney will eat up 1/4 of your trip. Don't underestimate jetlag which will affect you for several days.
Euro Disney is very small compared to WDW or DL. You can get there via train if you ultimately decide to go but I shudder at the idea of abandoning Paris to ride the same rides you can do in Orlando (and I'm one who took my kids to WDW every year when they were small. I still go to WDW often- for my birthday this year and will be back in a couple of weeks so know the pull of Disney).
One of my favorite activities when in Paris with first timers is a Fat Tire bike ride. http://fattirebiketours.com/paris This is a leisurely ride with no traffic, mostly on sidewalks and through parks. Do it early in your trip as it gives you a feel for where various sites are in relation to each other. You meet the (American, frequently Texan) guide under the south pillar of the Eiffel Tour and follow him to their office to pay and get your bike. This is not strenuous, you ride slowly and stop frequently to view the outsides of famous tourist sites.
Ann Marie
Euro Disney is very small compared to WDW or DL. You can get there via train if you ultimately decide to go but I shudder at the idea of abandoning Paris to ride the same rides you can do in Orlando (and I'm one who took my kids to WDW every year when they were small. I still go to WDW often- for my birthday this year and will be back in a couple of weeks so know the pull of Disney).
One of my favorite activities when in Paris with first timers is a Fat Tire bike ride. http://fattirebiketours.com/paris This is a leisurely ride with no traffic, mostly on sidewalks and through parks. Do it early in your trip as it gives you a feel for where various sites are in relation to each other. You meet the (American, frequently Texan) guide under the south pillar of the Eiffel Tour and follow him to their office to pay and get your bike. This is not strenuous, you ride slowly and stop frequently to view the outsides of famous tourist sites.
Ann Marie
Dec 27th, 2009, 07:09 PM
#14
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with docdan's assessment... "I strongly suggest one whole Louvre day with nothing else. Or else don't go - not worth the effort to whip in/whip out."
I love Musee de l'Armee which is also at Les Invalides where Napoleon's Tomb is located and not far from the Rodin making them all good to go to on the same day. You can see ancient coats of armour for men, chilren and horses, incredible weaponry from several centuries and Napoleon's stuffed dog and horse (okay, its a pony). There is a good WWII section also.
I love Musee de l'Armee which is also at Les Invalides where Napoleon's Tomb is located and not far from the Rodin making them all good to go to on the same day. You can see ancient coats of armour for men, chilren and horses, incredible weaponry from several centuries and Napoleon's stuffed dog and horse (okay, its a pony). There is a good WWII section also.
Dec 27th, 2009, 07:14 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the great advice everyone. I asked the question because I knew I would get honest advice. I see you share a fondness for Disney and I understand your feedback. Thank you for the honesty. I'm sure my kids would be crushed if they found out we went to EuroDisney without them anyway!
Dec 27th, 2009, 07:30 PM
#16
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are some smaller museums that may be more bite size. The Marmottan is in a nicer outer area of Paris, in an old mansion with a very fine collection of Monets. More central, the Musee du Moyen Age (aka Cluny) is a nice small museum of middle age artifacts and is built over roman ruins. The Rodin is another mansion housing sculpure (and near Eiffel). The Orsay museum houses a nice art collection in a remodeled railway station (bit larger museum). And, the Jacquemart-Andre is an art collector's mansion with a good and varied collection.
I would make mandatory the Seine Cruise. The Vedettes du Pont Neuf is a good one, located at west end of Ile de la Cite (near Notre Dame)
Absolutely no need for a car. Disney and Versailles, next time. You will never see all of Paris in the time you have. I have been 10/11 times, and still need to go back
Meals do not have to be expensive. For one person, at a decent local place, I can get an all-in for 30-35 euro per person. Look for menus (french meaning of word): these are meal 'packages' that are a good deal. All restaurants will post their menu outside, so you can browse and translate.
Ile St Louis has some good restaurants on its main street. Last time I ate at Brasserie de L'Ile and had a nice meal. Chez Clement, Rotonde de la Muette (area of Marmottan), Bistrot du 7ieme, Cafe Hugo (lunch) all good.
I can help with an itinerary, based on interests. I'd have Notre Dame, St Chapelle, Ile St Louis, Place des Vosges, Palais Royal, Tuileries Gardens should be on any tour.
Also consider a walking tour, in english, so that someone can tell and show you about an area. Paris Walks is one good one. On such a short trip, perhaps an coach tour the first day to get an overview. There are a few companies that offer them
I would make mandatory the Seine Cruise. The Vedettes du Pont Neuf is a good one, located at west end of Ile de la Cite (near Notre Dame)
Absolutely no need for a car. Disney and Versailles, next time. You will never see all of Paris in the time you have. I have been 10/11 times, and still need to go back
Meals do not have to be expensive. For one person, at a decent local place, I can get an all-in for 30-35 euro per person. Look for menus (french meaning of word): these are meal 'packages' that are a good deal. All restaurants will post their menu outside, so you can browse and translate.
Ile St Louis has some good restaurants on its main street. Last time I ate at Brasserie de L'Ile and had a nice meal. Chez Clement, Rotonde de la Muette (area of Marmottan), Bistrot du 7ieme, Cafe Hugo (lunch) all good.
I can help with an itinerary, based on interests. I'd have Notre Dame, St Chapelle, Ile St Louis, Place des Vosges, Palais Royal, Tuileries Gardens should be on any tour.
Also consider a walking tour, in english, so that someone can tell and show you about an area. Paris Walks is one good one. On such a short trip, perhaps an coach tour the first day to get an overview. There are a few companies that offer them
Dec 28th, 2009, 12:17 AM
#17
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd have to say- forget going to the top of the Eiffel Tower! It is jammed packed even early in the am. The best view of the city-from-above is from the top of the Arc de Triompf. You will see the Tower from most all places in the city. I agree with the restaurant at Les Ombres and the Seine at night. One thing I found unforgetable amd amazing was the Pere Lachaise Cemetary! I didn't expect it, but this was wonderful. The shows at Moulin Rouge and Lido are not what they are cracked up to be- money best spent other places. No matter what you will be on a honeymoon and will definitely have a tertrific time!
Dec 31st, 2009, 04:07 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Concerning a great "view" of Paris:
In a week visit to Paris, we did Sacre Coeur, Arc, Top of Notre Dame and The Eiffel Tower. I would say once you've seen any two of these, you've seen enough panoramas, and my favorie was the Arc as well, watched the sun set over the city while on top - it was great. For the Eiffel Tower, sometimes the lines at night are shorter and sometimes they are not. YOu may find your trip to Paris msut have the tower and that is OK, but if you happen to hit a very long line and don't want to wait, then i'D
In a week visit to Paris, we did Sacre Coeur, Arc, Top of Notre Dame and The Eiffel Tower. I would say once you've seen any two of these, you've seen enough panoramas, and my favorie was the Arc as well, watched the sun set over the city while on top - it was great. For the Eiffel Tower, sometimes the lines at night are shorter and sometimes they are not. YOu may find your trip to Paris msut have the tower and that is OK, but if you happen to hit a very long line and don't want to wait, then i'D
Dec 31st, 2009, 04:09 PM
#19
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
advise doing something else as well. Many posters here have mentioned that going to the top of the Tour Montparnasse also is a good, albeit a tad pricey, alternative. Many in paris would mention that the main benefit of the view from this building , , is that the building is not in the view!
http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/
http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/
Jan 1st, 2010, 07:21 AM
#20
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I (also age 40) visited for 6 days last September and LOVED every single second! Four days is going to be kind of tight so definetely NO Disney! Our favorite things were:
1.The Seine River cruise (not the dinner cruise) our first night to see the monuments lit up...Amazing! No need to pre-book just go to the ticket window where you see the boats on the left bank near Notre Dam.
2. Paris Segway Tour with Fat Tire Bike Company (booked through Viator.com). This is a touristy thing to do but we both loved it and my husband thought it was just the funnest thing ever. Also a great way to see the central part of the city in just 4 hours and get some history.
3. The Louvre followed by a walk along the "Triumphant Line" through the Jardin des Tuileries and Place du Concord, up the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe.
4. A stroll from Ile St. Louis through the Latin Quarter and St. Germain des Pres (you'll get to see the best part of the left bank) to the Musee D'Orsay.
5. Jardin du Luxembourg is like a magical place straight from a fairytale (not a fake Disney fairytale). Spend a sunny afternoon there and take lots of pictures.
6. Sunset over Paris from the steps of Sacre Couer in Montmartre.
7. Mass at Notre Dame...really beautiful even to a Non-Catholic.
We also went to Versailles and loved it, but you may not have time for that.
We exclusively used the Metro and found it cheap, easy and safe. There are videos online to help you figure it out. I also enjoyed reading tomsguidetoparis.com and found it helpful. We carried the EyeWitness Travel Paris guide with us at all times and were never lost.
Enjoy!!! Words cannot describe how fantastic it is...I hope you love it as much as we did!!
1.The Seine River cruise (not the dinner cruise) our first night to see the monuments lit up...Amazing! No need to pre-book just go to the ticket window where you see the boats on the left bank near Notre Dam.
2. Paris Segway Tour with Fat Tire Bike Company (booked through Viator.com). This is a touristy thing to do but we both loved it and my husband thought it was just the funnest thing ever. Also a great way to see the central part of the city in just 4 hours and get some history.
3. The Louvre followed by a walk along the "Triumphant Line" through the Jardin des Tuileries and Place du Concord, up the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe.
4. A stroll from Ile St. Louis through the Latin Quarter and St. Germain des Pres (you'll get to see the best part of the left bank) to the Musee D'Orsay.
5. Jardin du Luxembourg is like a magical place straight from a fairytale (not a fake Disney fairytale). Spend a sunny afternoon there and take lots of pictures.
6. Sunset over Paris from the steps of Sacre Couer in Montmartre.
7. Mass at Notre Dame...really beautiful even to a Non-Catholic.
We also went to Versailles and loved it, but you may not have time for that.
We exclusively used the Metro and found it cheap, easy and safe. There are videos online to help you figure it out. I also enjoyed reading tomsguidetoparis.com and found it helpful. We carried the EyeWitness Travel Paris guide with us at all times and were never lost.
Enjoy!!! Words cannot describe how fantastic it is...I hope you love it as much as we did!!
