Paris in only 3 days/4 nights
Dec 14th, 2006, 10:20 AM
#21
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So this is what I'm thinking
July 14th..arrive in CDG at 5pm..get to the hotel by 8pm (given the traffic will not be too crazy as I suspect it will be). Grab a quick bite and head for the Eiffel Tower to watch the fireworks, late night drink and snack and head to bed to relax from a long and painful traveling day.
July 15th-head up to Montmartr..up the stairs to Sacre C'ur..have lunch somewhere there..2nd half of the day head for Ard di Triumf, and down Champs Elysse. (Anything exciting for evening?)
July 16th-head for the Eiffel Tower, go up, and than on to Invalides and up the Sein..grab lunch in the area and head for Saint Chappel and Notre Dame
(what to do at night?)
July 17th-early morning start at d'Orsay and than head for the Louvre, possibly go in for 1-2hrs, and than continue on to Toulleri gardens, Place Concorde to Pompidou, and finish the evening taking a cruise on the Sein.
How does that sound? Did I forget anything?
Sergey
July 14th..arrive in CDG at 5pm..get to the hotel by 8pm (given the traffic will not be too crazy as I suspect it will be). Grab a quick bite and head for the Eiffel Tower to watch the fireworks, late night drink and snack and head to bed to relax from a long and painful traveling day.
July 15th-head up to Montmartr..up the stairs to Sacre C'ur..have lunch somewhere there..2nd half of the day head for Ard di Triumf, and down Champs Elysse. (Anything exciting for evening?)
July 16th-head for the Eiffel Tower, go up, and than on to Invalides and up the Sein..grab lunch in the area and head for Saint Chappel and Notre Dame
(what to do at night?)
July 17th-early morning start at d'Orsay and than head for the Louvre, possibly go in for 1-2hrs, and than continue on to Toulleri gardens, Place Concorde to Pompidou, and finish the evening taking a cruise on the Sein.
How does that sound? Did I forget anything?
Sergey
Dec 14th, 2006, 12:24 PM
#24
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I would put the Pompidou Center as a must....This was because of the view from the top.....You got a clear view of all around and saw the famous landmarks such as Sacre Coeur....In fact,I enjoyed the view better than the top of the Eiffel Tower...Why ?? It was a very clear day,with good weather when I visited Pompidou Center.....The day that I queued up for E.T.was cold,rainy,and I felt like we were like cattle....(being herded here and there)....And it was rainy and getting dark at the top of the Tower,after the long wait !!!!!
Dec 14th, 2006, 12:32 PM
#25
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we really enjoyed our evening dessert and coffee at tour montparnasse ( no 9 euro entrance fee when going to restaurant) for a great view of paris and eiffel tower.
it was very romantic and magical when it sparkled.
this will be a stop on our agenda every visit.
they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no need to order anything but a drink.
http://www.cieldeparis.com/
it was very romantic and magical when it sparkled.
this will be a stop on our agenda every visit.
they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and no need to order anything but a drink.
http://www.cieldeparis.com/
Dec 18th, 2006, 08:42 AM
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Three days in Paris is amazing! See what you see, and know that there is a beautiful city awaiting your return. I was just in Paris with some friends earlier this year for a weekend... Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. We had all been there before, so we just did our favorite things.
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Did you know you can climb the Arc de Triomphe? Amazing view of the Champs-Elysees...
2. Great place to see the glowing Eiffel Tower is from the terrace at Chaillot Paris. You can take the Metro straight there. It's where I first saw the Eiffel... Amazing, especially at sunset!
3. Montmarte is great. You can climb the steps to see the Sacre Couer, a Paris landmark, or take the Metro to the top. Behind the church is a facinating artist community. The Salvafor Dali museum is funky crazy, black walls and jarring music. Not your everyday museum... We went to see Moulin Rouge on my last trip. While the show was great once we got inside, the hour-long line to get in was most annoying, I'd never go through that again.
4. I don't know if you are a runner? A great way to see the Seine and Notre Dame is to take a morning jog down the Seine to the sculpture garden. Really beautiful... So many Parisians are out there walking, you'll feel at home.
5. In the Latin Quarter, across the river from Notre Dame, is the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, which is a real institution and a fun place to get lost in the stacks...
6. Nearby, you might want to stroll by the "narrowest House in Paris"... #22 rue St Severin.
7. Re the Eiffel Tower, skip the line for the elevator at the base, very long. It's cheaper to take the stairs, and the line is much shorter! (And it's more fun.. Great pictures on your journey up.) When you get to the 2nd level, you can pay to take the elevator to the VERY TOP, which you must do. Great view.
8. After the climb, if you wander toward Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried), you might want to stroll down Rue Cler. The street is closed off for a market.. GREAT place to get cheese, sausages, wine. Make your own picnic lunch or dinner!
9. Paris has a lot of amazing museums, and I know you have a short trip... If you want to go to one, I'd second everyone else who has already suggested Musee d'Orsay is right... It's the best one. They have a lovely collection of 20th Century art that you will love. I went there on my first trip and only made it to the Louvre on my 2nd trip. While it's nice to see the Mona Lisa, know that you will be pushing through a crowd of people to see her. At Orsay, go to the 2nd floor, farthest from the entrance on the side facing the river to see an amazing view of the city from behind the clock. Great photo. Also, I'd recommend searching out the restaurant at Orsay. It's on the end of the museum where the entrance is, up a few levels. The room is filled with mirrors and gold guilded accents with a painted ceiling. It's a refreshing break after an hour or so of looking at paintings.
10. Finally... A great way to see Pompidou is to eat dinner at the restaurant on the top floor, Georges. I recommend getting there right at sunset... Amazing view of the whole city. Really beautiful place to eat and great scene. Another fun place is Buddah Bar or Maxim.
Hope these random suggestions help! Have fun!
Mal
Here are some ideas for you:
1. Did you know you can climb the Arc de Triomphe? Amazing view of the Champs-Elysees...
2. Great place to see the glowing Eiffel Tower is from the terrace at Chaillot Paris. You can take the Metro straight there. It's where I first saw the Eiffel... Amazing, especially at sunset!
3. Montmarte is great. You can climb the steps to see the Sacre Couer, a Paris landmark, or take the Metro to the top. Behind the church is a facinating artist community. The Salvafor Dali museum is funky crazy, black walls and jarring music. Not your everyday museum... We went to see Moulin Rouge on my last trip. While the show was great once we got inside, the hour-long line to get in was most annoying, I'd never go through that again.
4. I don't know if you are a runner? A great way to see the Seine and Notre Dame is to take a morning jog down the Seine to the sculpture garden. Really beautiful... So many Parisians are out there walking, you'll feel at home.
5. In the Latin Quarter, across the river from Notre Dame, is the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, which is a real institution and a fun place to get lost in the stacks...
6. Nearby, you might want to stroll by the "narrowest House in Paris"... #22 rue St Severin.
7. Re the Eiffel Tower, skip the line for the elevator at the base, very long. It's cheaper to take the stairs, and the line is much shorter! (And it's more fun.. Great pictures on your journey up.) When you get to the 2nd level, you can pay to take the elevator to the VERY TOP, which you must do. Great view.
8. After the climb, if you wander toward Les Invalides (where Napoleon is buried), you might want to stroll down Rue Cler. The street is closed off for a market.. GREAT place to get cheese, sausages, wine. Make your own picnic lunch or dinner!
9. Paris has a lot of amazing museums, and I know you have a short trip... If you want to go to one, I'd second everyone else who has already suggested Musee d'Orsay is right... It's the best one. They have a lovely collection of 20th Century art that you will love. I went there on my first trip and only made it to the Louvre on my 2nd trip. While it's nice to see the Mona Lisa, know that you will be pushing through a crowd of people to see her. At Orsay, go to the 2nd floor, farthest from the entrance on the side facing the river to see an amazing view of the city from behind the clock. Great photo. Also, I'd recommend searching out the restaurant at Orsay. It's on the end of the museum where the entrance is, up a few levels. The room is filled with mirrors and gold guilded accents with a painted ceiling. It's a refreshing break after an hour or so of looking at paintings.
10. Finally... A great way to see Pompidou is to eat dinner at the restaurant on the top floor, Georges. I recommend getting there right at sunset... Amazing view of the whole city. Really beautiful place to eat and great scene. Another fun place is Buddah Bar or Maxim.
Hope these random suggestions help! Have fun!
Mal
Dec 18th, 2006, 08:50 AM
#27
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Didn't realize you'll be there in summertime... We picked up wine & cheese at the market on Rue Cler and had a picnic on the grassy lawn in front of the Eiffel tower. Lots of others out there doing the same. Good times. Also, you might want to walk through the Palais and Jardin du Luxembourg... Everyone just sits out in the sun reading books and hanging out.
Dec 18th, 2006, 10:43 AM
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Some really great advice here. If you want a smaller museum than Orsay but similar art, try the Orangerie in Tuilerie Gardens.
If it were me, I would try to stay on the islands. That first night I would walk from the Arc to the Tower, watch the fireworks, and go to bed.
I would wake up early, hit Notre Dame and St. Chapelle, then walk through the Louvre (outside through the court yards), through Tuilerie, to the Orangerie. Walk to the 6th and rest your feet with a nice drink at a cafe. Walk over to St. Sulpice then to Lux. Gardens. Eat a great dinner in the 6th and take the last cruise from Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf. This is a long day, and you will be worn out by the end.
Day 2: Orsay very first thing, lunch near Les Invalides, go to Les Invalides, then the Rodin museum. All are close to each other. Then a long ride (read resting feet) on the metro to Sacre Coeur.
Day 3: Louvre in the morning and then whatever else you feel is a must (Picasso, Carnavalet, shopping).
Overrated in my opinion include the Pompidou and going up in the Tower. Done both many times, and they do not do anything for me.
If it were me, I would try to stay on the islands. That first night I would walk from the Arc to the Tower, watch the fireworks, and go to bed.
I would wake up early, hit Notre Dame and St. Chapelle, then walk through the Louvre (outside through the court yards), through Tuilerie, to the Orangerie. Walk to the 6th and rest your feet with a nice drink at a cafe. Walk over to St. Sulpice then to Lux. Gardens. Eat a great dinner in the 6th and take the last cruise from Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf. This is a long day, and you will be worn out by the end.
Day 2: Orsay very first thing, lunch near Les Invalides, go to Les Invalides, then the Rodin museum. All are close to each other. Then a long ride (read resting feet) on the metro to Sacre Coeur.
Day 3: Louvre in the morning and then whatever else you feel is a must (Picasso, Carnavalet, shopping).
Overrated in my opinion include the Pompidou and going up in the Tower. Done both many times, and they do not do anything for me.
Dec 18th, 2006, 11:23 AM
#29
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wow..thanks for all the suggestions. No matter what hotel we choose, we will be staying in St Germain/Latin Qt near Notre Dame. Our first evening, I'm thinking we'll walk from the hotel to the Tower to see the fireworks.
The next morning we'll hit Notre Dame, Saint Chappelle, walk through the Louvre, Toulleries Gardens to Champs Elysse and the Arc...I think just a simple cafe outside near the hotel in St Germain will do.
Day 2 I think early on we'll go to d'Orsay, Invalides and Eiffel Tower...grab lunch and head (walking or train) to Montmartr and spend the rest of the day there. In the evening, maybe we'll do diner in Pompidou as dcmalia suggested.
Day 3 we'll try to go to the Louvre only to see the Mona Lisa and not spend more than an hour there. Just stroll and enjoy St Germain/Latin Quater, St Sulpice, Lux Gardens and take a cruise on the Sein in the evening.
Thanks guys for all the advice
The next morning we'll hit Notre Dame, Saint Chappelle, walk through the Louvre, Toulleries Gardens to Champs Elysse and the Arc...I think just a simple cafe outside near the hotel in St Germain will do.
Day 2 I think early on we'll go to d'Orsay, Invalides and Eiffel Tower...grab lunch and head (walking or train) to Montmartr and spend the rest of the day there. In the evening, maybe we'll do diner in Pompidou as dcmalia suggested.
Day 3 we'll try to go to the Louvre only to see the Mona Lisa and not spend more than an hour there. Just stroll and enjoy St Germain/Latin Quater, St Sulpice, Lux Gardens and take a cruise on the Sein in the evening.
Thanks guys for all the advice
Dec 18th, 2006, 12:20 PM
#30
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<i>Our first evening, I'm thinking we'll walk from the hotel [near Notre Dame] to the Tower to see the fireworks.</i>
That's a long walk for your first night.
Your hotel will be near the Hotel de Ville bus stands. Go over there, catch Bus 72 (direction Parc de Saint-Cloud), ride to Pont d'Iena. Walk up to the Trocadero and claim a good spot to watch the fireworks. You'll get in plenty of walking.
That's a long walk for your first night.
Your hotel will be near the Hotel de Ville bus stands. Go over there, catch Bus 72 (direction Parc de Saint-Cloud), ride to Pont d'Iena. Walk up to the Trocadero and claim a good spot to watch the fireworks. You'll get in plenty of walking.
Dec 18th, 2006, 12:22 PM
#31
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I hit the button too soon. Perhaps others can advise you as to what you should expect after the fireworks. Ordinarily I would say catch the RER at Champ de Mars and ride it back to Saint-Michel. But I imagine the crowds would be huge leaving the ET area.
Dec 19th, 2006, 04:38 PM
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You will love Georges at the Pompidou, it's amazing.
If you are looking for a hotel in the Latin Quarter, we stayed at a great place just steps from the Place St.-Michel Metro stop called Hotel D'Albe. My friend had stayed there before and loved it. The place was quaint yet modern, and you couldn't beat the creperie downstairs! Yum! Also, we became nightly regulars at Cafe Saint Severin, which was right across the footpath. We lucked out and got a corner room for three with a balcony.
Here is their Web site: http://www.albe-paris-hotel.com/
If you are looking for a hotel in the Latin Quarter, we stayed at a great place just steps from the Place St.-Michel Metro stop called Hotel D'Albe. My friend had stayed there before and loved it. The place was quaint yet modern, and you couldn't beat the creperie downstairs! Yum! Also, we became nightly regulars at Cafe Saint Severin, which was right across the footpath. We lucked out and got a corner room for three with a balcony.
Here is their Web site: http://www.albe-paris-hotel.com/
Dec 19th, 2006, 05:33 PM
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According to this thread, transportation will be running on Bastille Day.
http://tinyurl.com/y5ebfm
Of course, everything will probably be packed to the gills! One poster says they'll be running extra hours; another says the system will be on weekend/holiday hours.
As the time draws closer, you might post a separate thread to get a better idea of what to expect. I imagine it's going to be mobbed no matter what you do that night.
http://tinyurl.com/y5ebfm
Of course, everything will probably be packed to the gills! One poster says they'll be running extra hours; another says the system will be on weekend/holiday hours.
As the time draws closer, you might post a separate thread to get a better idea of what to expect. I imagine it's going to be mobbed no matter what you do that night.
Dec 22nd, 2006, 01:13 PM
#37
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Georges is maybe a good place to go for a drink but NOT for dinner. Food is mediocre, small portions, service is rude. And you won't be seated by a window. It was by far our worst dining experience in Paris in the last 20 years of frequent visits.
Dec 22nd, 2006, 05:21 PM
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Public transportation runs in Paris every day of the year. I have been there many times on Bastille Day and there is, of course, transportation by metro, etc.. I don't know who told you there wasn't any, as I don't recall that post, but there is. The trains may not be as frequent, but as far as I know, Paris never shuts down public transportation except in the middle of the night. Perhaps someone said there wouldn't be public transportation after a certain time or something.
Dec 22nd, 2006, 06:55 PM
#39
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Versailles is nice but is not so nice as to compromise a 3 day trip.
I agree that d'orsay is a very nice visit for 1/2 day. The problem with the Louvre is that it is almost better not to go if you can't devote over a full day to it - it is just too expansive. To me, the Architecture of the d'Orsay is as breathtaking as the art in it. Was definitely my favorite. if you get a museum pass ( recommended) You'll get into the d'Orsay, Arc, and a bunch of other museums you may want to get into and it clearly bypasses the lines - well worth it. If you are heading from the d'Orsay to invalides ( a good idea) I also recommend the Musee Rodin. This is one museum you _can_ just pop into and out of quickly. And unlike the grandiosity of most of the other Paris sites you are going to, Musee Rodin has more of a quiet intimacy that is most charming. Depends on if you like sculpture or not, but the cool thing is that Rodin collected a lot of art from his contemporaries, so there is a lot of neat impressionist art in there. Very convienient to Invalides. We stayed in the L. Quart. and loved it.
I agree that d'orsay is a very nice visit for 1/2 day. The problem with the Louvre is that it is almost better not to go if you can't devote over a full day to it - it is just too expansive. To me, the Architecture of the d'Orsay is as breathtaking as the art in it. Was definitely my favorite. if you get a museum pass ( recommended) You'll get into the d'Orsay, Arc, and a bunch of other museums you may want to get into and it clearly bypasses the lines - well worth it. If you are heading from the d'Orsay to invalides ( a good idea) I also recommend the Musee Rodin. This is one museum you _can_ just pop into and out of quickly. And unlike the grandiosity of most of the other Paris sites you are going to, Musee Rodin has more of a quiet intimacy that is most charming. Depends on if you like sculpture or not, but the cool thing is that Rodin collected a lot of art from his contemporaries, so there is a lot of neat impressionist art in there. Very convienient to Invalides. We stayed in the L. Quart. and loved it.
