Paris Information
Oct 12th, 2005, 01:28 AM
#21
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Hi
Some info re the Louvre
The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays and certain public holidays, from 9am to 6pm. Evening openings until 9.45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. We went on the Wednesday about 2pm and crowds were quite bearable.
For tickets buy two metro tickets and entrance ticket from the Tourist Office or metro ofice (for return train ticket and admission to the permanent collections NOT temporary exhibits).
A highly-recommended entrance is the underground entrance from the metro stop “Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre”. Either splurge and use a ticket to enter the metro or, if you are already coming off a metro train, exit at the far end of the platform where the sign says “direct access to the Louvre” and you will walk through a security check, then the Carrousel shops, and into the central ticket and information area. There are other entrances : Porte des Lions (on the Seine bank) & 99 rue de Rivoli (this one is less crowded too).
The Louvre is unbelievable. You are not going to be able to view everything. The brochure from the Museum details the star exhibits. I suggest you do some research beforehand to work out what other items you want to see. I have some notes on tackling the exhibits in a systematic way. If you need them I can email them. Just email me for them on [email protected]. To whom it may concern - please no spam!
Cheers
Some info re the Louvre
The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays and certain public holidays, from 9am to 6pm. Evening openings until 9.45pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. We went on the Wednesday about 2pm and crowds were quite bearable.
For tickets buy two metro tickets and entrance ticket from the Tourist Office or metro ofice (for return train ticket and admission to the permanent collections NOT temporary exhibits).
A highly-recommended entrance is the underground entrance from the metro stop “Palais Royal-Musee du Louvre”. Either splurge and use a ticket to enter the metro or, if you are already coming off a metro train, exit at the far end of the platform where the sign says “direct access to the Louvre” and you will walk through a security check, then the Carrousel shops, and into the central ticket and information area. There are other entrances : Porte des Lions (on the Seine bank) & 99 rue de Rivoli (this one is less crowded too).
The Louvre is unbelievable. You are not going to be able to view everything. The brochure from the Museum details the star exhibits. I suggest you do some research beforehand to work out what other items you want to see. I have some notes on tackling the exhibits in a systematic way. If you need them I can email them. Just email me for them on [email protected]. To whom it may concern - please no spam!
Cheers
Oct 12th, 2005, 04:00 PM
#22
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Thanks for the information regarding the Louvre. That will come in handy. I am going to email privately, your notes sound great.
How about best way to tackle Eiffel tower? I figure it is very busy at sunset because everyone wants to watch the city light up.
Sounds like we are best to hit Notre Dame first thing in the morning. My daughter wants to climb up.
How about best way to tackle Eiffel tower? I figure it is very busy at sunset because everyone wants to watch the city light up.
Sounds like we are best to hit Notre Dame first thing in the morning. My daughter wants to climb up.
Oct 12th, 2005, 05:58 PM
#23
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Hi Debbie -
You're in for a wonderful adventure. Paris is fascinating!
In September, we got to the Eiffel about 9:00 (opens at 9:30). There were others ahead of us, but we were fairly close to the beginning of the line. Once the doors opened, we were inside within 10 or 15 minutes. Go straight to the top and enjoy it before the crowd gets too bad. BTW, I guess you already know that the museum pass doesn't cover the Eiffel, nor can you buy tickets ahead of time.
Not sure what to tell you about Notre Dame. We were around there at all hours, and the line was never bad. I know it CAN be - have heard it too often. The concensus of opinion seems to favor getting there before the towers open.
You're in for a wonderful adventure. Paris is fascinating!
In September, we got to the Eiffel about 9:00 (opens at 9:30). There were others ahead of us, but we were fairly close to the beginning of the line. Once the doors opened, we were inside within 10 or 15 minutes. Go straight to the top and enjoy it before the crowd gets too bad. BTW, I guess you already know that the museum pass doesn't cover the Eiffel, nor can you buy tickets ahead of time.
Not sure what to tell you about Notre Dame. We were around there at all hours, and the line was never bad. I know it CAN be - have heard it too often. The concensus of opinion seems to favor getting there before the towers open.
Oct 13th, 2005, 11:17 AM
#24
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Don't believe you can walk all over Paris, as some posters here have said! Use the Metro. We got the same advice, but found out for ourselves it's not always the case. My husband and I went to Paris in May, and we found the distance out there to be vast even though we're in our early 30's and very active. And when it rains or is cold, it's best to minimize your walking.
When we first got to Paris, we walked all over before our carte orange was activated. It was do-able but quite a killer. The worst day was on Sunday--the 2nd day we just got in Paris and still jetlagged. We started from the Marais, walked to the Bastille Sun market, went over to St. Louis, and Ile de la Cite, over to the Latin Quarter, to Luxembourg Garden. Crashed on the lawn of the Luxembourg and napped on top of each other. French police gave us a kick to wake us up--for obscenity I guess. I was on top of my husband as I didn't want to get grass stain on my clothes.
From there to St. Germain de Pres and along the left bank of the Seine to Eiffel Tower. And then we CLIMBED up the Eiffel Tower for the sunset and evening view. By the end of the day, we had to take the metro back to the hotel and had to climb up a narrow, winding, steep, treacherous stairs to our room on the 6th floor. We were so happy to get our carte orange for the rest of the week!
Anyway, walking up the Eiffel Tower is very easy. It took us less than 20 minutes w/ stops to take photos and look around. Why any able body wouldn't walk it. And it's cheaper too!
When we first got to Paris, we walked all over before our carte orange was activated. It was do-able but quite a killer. The worst day was on Sunday--the 2nd day we just got in Paris and still jetlagged. We started from the Marais, walked to the Bastille Sun market, went over to St. Louis, and Ile de la Cite, over to the Latin Quarter, to Luxembourg Garden. Crashed on the lawn of the Luxembourg and napped on top of each other. French police gave us a kick to wake us up--for obscenity I guess. I was on top of my husband as I didn't want to get grass stain on my clothes.
From there to St. Germain de Pres and along the left bank of the Seine to Eiffel Tower. And then we CLIMBED up the Eiffel Tower for the sunset and evening view. By the end of the day, we had to take the metro back to the hotel and had to climb up a narrow, winding, steep, treacherous stairs to our room on the 6th floor. We were so happy to get our carte orange for the rest of the week! Anyway, walking up the Eiffel Tower is very easy. It took us less than 20 minutes w/ stops to take photos and look around. Why any able body wouldn't walk it. And it's cheaper too!
Oct 17th, 2005, 08:29 PM
#25
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Ok, so we decided no museum pass. Doesn't seem cost effective for our needs.
Sunday
arrive at CDG airport, RER/metro to hotel. Bus or boat overview of Paris. Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysse, Napoleons Tomb. Effiel Tower evening.
Monday
Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Deportation Memorial, Latin Quarter, Bastille?
Tuesday
Disneyland Paris
Wednesday
Cemetrie Pere Lachaise, Sacre Cour, Jardin de Tuileries, Louvre (evening pass)
Thursday
RER/metro to CDG, fly home
Disneyland is a priority for 15 year old and husband. They want to be able to say "been there, done it." Plus, brother and family might come to visit us that day from Germany. So they say. We'll see.
How do the days look regarding areas. Other suggestions of things to do if time, on what day.
Someone posted not to go to Chalet metro/RER stop. It seems almost necessary from our location. Is this an unsafe stop?
Thanks!
Debbie
Sunday
arrive at CDG airport, RER/metro to hotel. Bus or boat overview of Paris. Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysse, Napoleons Tomb. Effiel Tower evening.
Monday
Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, Deportation Memorial, Latin Quarter, Bastille?
Tuesday
Disneyland Paris
Wednesday
Cemetrie Pere Lachaise, Sacre Cour, Jardin de Tuileries, Louvre (evening pass)
Thursday
RER/metro to CDG, fly home
Disneyland is a priority for 15 year old and husband. They want to be able to say "been there, done it." Plus, brother and family might come to visit us that day from Germany. So they say. We'll see.
How do the days look regarding areas. Other suggestions of things to do if time, on what day.
Someone posted not to go to Chalet metro/RER stop. It seems almost necessary from our location. Is this an unsafe stop?
Thanks!
Debbie
Oct 17th, 2005, 10:54 PM
#26
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WARNING: LONG-WINDED POST AHEAD
My mother & I stayed at the Kyriad Bercy Village in May! The room was small, but very clean & tidy and in perfect working order. My mother loved it so much, we're staying there when we visit again next March.
My two cents: If you have more than one bag of luggage, take a shuttle from the airport to the hotel! We only had one carry-on & handbag each, and it was very interesting, getting our bags through the Metro turnstiles *giggle*
We bought an RER ticket and a carnet of tickets to split between the two of us. We used all of the tickets in two days, but I am a ride hog. I took the bus and Metro at will, just ogling the views. Don't forget to buy a new RER ticket BEFORE you get onto the Metro on the way back, if you take it.
There was a long line at the cash machine on the main floor of CDG- go down(?) to La Poste, and an obscure, handy machine is right there- as well as well as the post office, of course(I can't remember the business hours, sorry).
If you are staying at The Kyriad Bercy Village as part of a package from Gate1travel, consider buying a phone card while at the airport. We found out that the hotel puts a block on the in-room phones when booking through that company (and perhaps others, I don't know); we had to go down to the basement to make calls via the payphone. Bizarre!
My mom & I walked to Notre Dame on Sunday morning from the hotel; it was an absolutely gorgeous walk, and Mass was heartbreakingly beautiful. Get there early to climb the towers.
If tennis shoes make you comfortable, wear them; folks might look at you like you're a tourist (oh no), but they'll look at you even funnier when you're limping along in pain from blisters. You may want to keep in mind that the average temp in November is about 50 degrees, and there's some precipitation. A sturdy pair of boots may be a better bet.
A couple last things (at last!): the hotel has a lovely (and I mean lovely, unless they've changed it) breakfast included with stays: yogurt, fresh fruit, soft-boiled eggs, croissants, a couple of other flaky breads, and the most luscious cafe au lait I've had in about 15 years. If that doesn't suit your fancy, exit to the right out of the hotel, go up a block, and on the right is a little market store where you can grab something else to eat (and drink). There are also restaurants in the "Village" proper, but I've no idea if they serve breakfast.
I can't remember anything about the Chalet stop; I'll dig up my travel journal and see if I wrote anything of interest about it in it.
How exciting! I do hope you enjoy your stay. I wish many fond memories-in-the-making for all of you.
My mother & I stayed at the Kyriad Bercy Village in May! The room was small, but very clean & tidy and in perfect working order. My mother loved it so much, we're staying there when we visit again next March.
My two cents: If you have more than one bag of luggage, take a shuttle from the airport to the hotel! We only had one carry-on & handbag each, and it was very interesting, getting our bags through the Metro turnstiles *giggle*
We bought an RER ticket and a carnet of tickets to split between the two of us. We used all of the tickets in two days, but I am a ride hog. I took the bus and Metro at will, just ogling the views. Don't forget to buy a new RER ticket BEFORE you get onto the Metro on the way back, if you take it.
There was a long line at the cash machine on the main floor of CDG- go down(?) to La Poste, and an obscure, handy machine is right there- as well as well as the post office, of course(I can't remember the business hours, sorry).
If you are staying at The Kyriad Bercy Village as part of a package from Gate1travel, consider buying a phone card while at the airport. We found out that the hotel puts a block on the in-room phones when booking through that company (and perhaps others, I don't know); we had to go down to the basement to make calls via the payphone. Bizarre!
My mom & I walked to Notre Dame on Sunday morning from the hotel; it was an absolutely gorgeous walk, and Mass was heartbreakingly beautiful. Get there early to climb the towers.
If tennis shoes make you comfortable, wear them; folks might look at you like you're a tourist (oh no), but they'll look at you even funnier when you're limping along in pain from blisters. You may want to keep in mind that the average temp in November is about 50 degrees, and there's some precipitation. A sturdy pair of boots may be a better bet.
A couple last things (at last!): the hotel has a lovely (and I mean lovely, unless they've changed it) breakfast included with stays: yogurt, fresh fruit, soft-boiled eggs, croissants, a couple of other flaky breads, and the most luscious cafe au lait I've had in about 15 years. If that doesn't suit your fancy, exit to the right out of the hotel, go up a block, and on the right is a little market store where you can grab something else to eat (and drink). There are also restaurants in the "Village" proper, but I've no idea if they serve breakfast.
I can't remember anything about the Chalet stop; I'll dig up my travel journal and see if I wrote anything of interest about it in it.
How exciting! I do hope you enjoy your stay. I wish many fond memories-in-the-making for all of you.
Oct 18th, 2005, 06:22 AM
#27
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The Châtelet station is a huge maze where five Métro and three RER lines converge. If you know what you're trying to accomplish (<i>i.e.</i> which line and direction you're going to), it is not diffucult to navigate, as the signage is very clear. Some connections require walking for five minutes or so.
You will see more shady creatures there than most other places (I suppose the size of the place confers anonimity of a sort), but your chances of being bothered are small, and decrease with the size of the party you are traveling in.
You will see more shady creatures there than most other places (I suppose the size of the place confers anonimity of a sort), but your chances of being bothered are small, and decrease with the size of the party you are traveling in.
Oct 18th, 2005, 06:34 PM
#28
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Thanks Robespierre! That is reassuring. We travelled the tube everywhere in London and never had any problems. As everywhere (NYC, London, ATL, etc), some places look a little shadier than others.
Pooka- Super thanks for the post! Nice to hear about the hotel with good reviews. We are going through Gate1. We always wonder about the low budget hotels, but two other experiences have been great. Nothing fancy, which is fine with us- clean and tidy is good. For us, the low cost travel is allowing us to share these trips with our daughter. Beijing, London, and now Paris- what a childhood!
It is good to hear that you walked to Notre Dame. That gives me a little perspective of distance from the hotel. We will schedule our climb first thing in the morning and head out early.
The breakfast information was a reassurance to my daughter. Since breakfast is included we try to take advantage of that. Will bring a few snacks with us, but with all the pastries- sounds like we would much prefer that!
Is it common for people to wear jeans? And our winter coats are down feather jackets, will we be really out of place?
Pooka- Super thanks for the post! Nice to hear about the hotel with good reviews. We are going through Gate1. We always wonder about the low budget hotels, but two other experiences have been great. Nothing fancy, which is fine with us- clean and tidy is good. For us, the low cost travel is allowing us to share these trips with our daughter. Beijing, London, and now Paris- what a childhood!
It is good to hear that you walked to Notre Dame. That gives me a little perspective of distance from the hotel. We will schedule our climb first thing in the morning and head out early.
The breakfast information was a reassurance to my daughter. Since breakfast is included we try to take advantage of that. Will bring a few snacks with us, but with all the pastries- sounds like we would much prefer that!
Is it common for people to wear jeans? And our winter coats are down feather jackets, will we be really out of place?
Oct 19th, 2005, 09:56 AM
#29
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Hi tb,
>Is it common for people to wear jeans?
Yes
>..our winter coats are down feather jackets, will we be really out of place?
Might be too warm for Paris, but it won't matter. None of the locals will mistake you for a native no matter what you wear.
>Is it common for people to wear jeans?
Yes
>..our winter coats are down feather jackets, will we be really out of place?
Might be too warm for Paris, but it won't matter. None of the locals will mistake you for a native no matter what you wear.
Oct 19th, 2005, 03:17 PM
#31
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Another hop-on/hop-off transit option that we enjoyed is the Batobus (i.e. boat) on the Seine. It runs till about 10 p.m., a two-day pass is only about 13 EU apiece, and you can use it for unlimited number of rides during that time. It stops at 7 or 8 of the most popular sights. Be sure to ride some boat on the Seine at night-- so beautiful to see the city lights from the river.
Oct 21st, 2005, 07:33 AM
#32
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Ok, so I have read everything regarding the RER passes. Tell me if this is correct:
2 adults
Sunday- RER from CDG to Cour St. Emillion ticket
*either carnets or mobilis for travel on Sunday
Monday- 5 zone Carte Orange (this will get us to Disneyland Paris Tues and back to CDG Thurs and unlimited travel around zone 1-2 for Mon-Thurs)
daughter (15)
Sunday- Ticket Jeunes (which will get her from CDG and unlimited travel for the day)
Monday- 5 zone Carte Orange (same as above)
So, do I have all this information right? And if there anything I missed, please let me know.
2 adults
Sunday- RER from CDG to Cour St. Emillion ticket
*either carnets or mobilis for travel on Sunday
Monday- 5 zone Carte Orange (this will get us to Disneyland Paris Tues and back to CDG Thurs and unlimited travel around zone 1-2 for Mon-Thurs)
daughter (15)
Sunday- Ticket Jeunes (which will get her from CDG and unlimited travel for the day)
Monday- 5 zone Carte Orange (same as above)
So, do I have all this information right? And if there anything I missed, please let me know.
Oct 21st, 2005, 08:00 AM
#33
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Sounds good. Note that you can buy everything at once when you get your RER tickets at CDG. For the <i>Cartes Oranges</i>, you will each need a 1" square photo, which the clerk will attach to your permanent ID cards.
For Sunday: two (unlimited) <i>Mobilis</i> cards costs 10.80€, which is .10€ more than a (10-ride) <i>carnet</i>. Also, <i>Batobus</i> gives a 4€ discount if you have an RATP pass (daughter is 5€, no discount).
For Sunday: two (unlimited) <i>Mobilis</i> cards costs 10.80€, which is .10€ more than a (10-ride) <i>carnet</i>. Also, <i>Batobus</i> gives a 4€ discount if you have an RATP pass (daughter is 5€, no discount).
Nov 19th, 2005, 06:13 PM
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Thanks for asking all the right questions, Debbie! Our family trip is at Christmas and 6 of us are picking up #2 daughter who is in school north of Paris. We are very excited (4 have been before) but and these responses are SO GOOD that I'm printing them and we are studying them after we eat our turkey dinner. We'll think of you and have a great Thanksgiving! MM
Nov 19th, 2005, 06:38 PM
#37
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I spent 9 days in Paris in March (it snowed while I was on the Eiffel tower, very cool) We walked the whole city. Each day we picked a direction and went. I wouldnt do the open bus thing you wont get the feel of the city by looking down on it. I did use the metro only once and thats because we got out of a show late.
One note on the metro you have to open the doors on your own!! I missed a train because i didnt know.
One note on the metro you have to open the doors on your own!! I missed a train because i didnt know.
