Paris Itinerary - Two Days
Jan 17th, 2011, 05:49 PM
#82
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just back from Paris and the queues at Angelina's (as we walked past) were ridiculous. Not sure if it is such a 'must do' especially in summer. Seems like a 'tourist trap' as it is always full of tourists rather than locals. There are many great outdoor cafes in Paris and I'm not sure a hot chocolate is what you'll really want after all the walking in summer....I know I'd prefer to spend free time in an outdoor cafe rather than inside somewhere like Angelinas. Same goes with Berthilon - many recommendations but really, there are many icecream shops in Paris (Amarino comes to mind) that others prefer.Sometimes you can go out of your way to sample a 'must do/must see" and the reality doesn't always match the expectation. If you are in the area then ok but with such limited time you'll enjoy Paris much more if you don't have to rush around each day trying to 'tick all the boxes"........
Jan 18th, 2011, 05:26 AM
#83
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Truly, I would skip the Louvre. Kids are bored (our 3 year old climbed into a sarcophagus. Have a look at the pyramid and go play in the Tuileries--esp on a Sunday! Luxembourg gardens are wonderful. There's pony rides if the kids are very young (ditto Tuileries). Wander around St. Michel and down Rue de La Harpe. You can grab a quick crepe (with Nutella!) or a sandwich for a cheap fun lunch to eat in any nearby garden. Be aware that, if the weather's bad, you can't go to the top of the eiffel tower, only to the 2nd etage. Buy a copy of Streetwise Paris (map) & Paris Walks!
Jan 18th, 2011, 05:51 AM
#84
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
alienor, FYI the OP has said repeatedly that her sons are very interested in art, and it is they (in addition to the parents) who want to go to the museums. Also, they are much older than your 3-year-old; she says "Our youngest is 8."
Jan 18th, 2011, 07:00 AM
#85
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Still like idea of Trocadero for first view of Eiffel.
If walking to ET, there is a small bistro, Chez Francis, that has outdoor tables with views of ET.
http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/
If walking to ET, there is a small bistro, Chez Francis, that has outdoor tables with views of ET.
http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/
Jan 18th, 2011, 07:01 AM
#86
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi, I've read much of the replies, and I have a question for you. Is Disneyland Paris the size of DisneyLand in CA or Disney World in Florida? If it is the size of Disneyland...it's possible, you might not need 2 whole days, and it's possible that it might be open later into the evening because...it can be! Also, in WDW, you used to (and probably still can, haven't been there in years), be able to get a "pass" for a specific time later in the day, so that you didn't have to wait in line. Is it possible, to do Disney in 1 LONG day?
I'll be in Paris at the end of April for 4 days, so I am reading this and taking notes! Thank you all from me too.
I'll be in Paris at the end of April for 4 days, so I am reading this and taking notes! Thank you all from me too.
Jan 18th, 2011, 08:36 AM
#88
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jtw, I just thought I'd mention something I gleaned from a recent post. I don't know what method you are using to aggregate all this wealth of information (and this is but one of your stops!!), but it seems you could use a map where you could identify all options/suggestions that interest you so you can locate them as needed on the ground.
A website called CommunityWalk seems very promising. You can mark the electronic maps for each area, then print out as needed. (Of course, there are other online tools that enable you to do the same. With all this information coming at you as you plan your trip, I'm sure you've got some kind of system going!)
Here's the thread that mentions a couple of mapping options:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-question.cfm
And the CommunityWalks site:
http://www.communitywalk.com/
A website called CommunityWalk seems very promising. You can mark the electronic maps for each area, then print out as needed. (Of course, there are other online tools that enable you to do the same. With all this information coming at you as you plan your trip, I'm sure you've got some kind of system going!)
Here's the thread that mentions a couple of mapping options:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-question.cfm
And the CommunityWalks site:
http://www.communitywalk.com/
Jan 18th, 2011, 08:58 AM
#89
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would skip the Louvre
I would skip the Champs Elysées (but not the Arc de Triomphe)
I would NOT skip Sainte Chapelle
I would definitely bypass Angelina (hot chocolate in August?? plus it's usually packed and the waitresses are surly)
I wouldn't bother roaming around for a crèpe (it's something you can easily make on your own and hardly a novelty) - there's good, inexpensive food all over Paris that's a lot healthier, for one thing
I think the idea of l'Orangerie is a good one
I would skip the Champs Elysées (but not the Arc de Triomphe)
I would NOT skip Sainte Chapelle
I would definitely bypass Angelina (hot chocolate in August?? plus it's usually packed and the waitresses are surly)
I wouldn't bother roaming around for a crèpe (it's something you can easily make on your own and hardly a novelty) - there's good, inexpensive food all over Paris that's a lot healthier, for one thing
I think the idea of l'Orangerie is a good one
Jan 18th, 2011, 08:58 AM
#90
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 49,560
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would skip the Louvre
I would skip the Champs Elysées (but not the Arc de Triomphe)
I would NOT skip Sainte Chapelle
I would definitely bypass Angelina (hot chocolate in August?? plus it's usually packed and the waitresses are surly)
I wouldn't bother roaming around for a crèpe (it's something you can easily make on your own and hardly a novelty) - there's good, inexpensive food all over Paris that's a lot healthier, for one thing
I think the idea of l'Orangerie is a good one
I would skip the Champs Elysées (but not the Arc de Triomphe)
I would NOT skip Sainte Chapelle
I would definitely bypass Angelina (hot chocolate in August?? plus it's usually packed and the waitresses are surly)
I wouldn't bother roaming around for a crèpe (it's something you can easily make on your own and hardly a novelty) - there's good, inexpensive food all over Paris that's a lot healthier, for one thing
I think the idea of l'Orangerie is a good one
Jan 18th, 2011, 11:25 AM
#91
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the online mapping options!!
Our boys are in French Immersion in Canada. They have studied certain aspects of French culture and they are anxious to check out those things, such as crepes, the Louvre, the Musee D'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. We have traveled with our boys before and they LOVE museums. In fact, it is usually my husband and I that get bored first! They are always anxious to watch the historical documentaries and listen to tour guides. They are used to standing in lines and never complain about heat or walking. We are truly lucky to have such great little travelers!!
My husband wishes to see the Catacombs and Disneyland Paris. We are choosing to do 2 days at DLP because there are two parks and we want to spend a day at each. We have been to Disneyland and Disney World and so there the boys and my husband and looking forward to comparing.
I am hoping to see l'Orangerie and St. Chapelle, for myself. If we can fit these in (and it sounds like we now can due to some amazing advice from posters!!), we will definitely visit these sights.
We are skipping Champs Elysées.
Our main priority is making sure the boys get to see the things they have learned about and are excited to see. My husband and I will likely return to Paris again one day years from now, but probably not with all three boys.
Angelinas, Berthilons, and Gerald Mulot were all suggested by people posting and I really appreciate the suggestions so we have a name to look for. Keep 'em coming! If any were to crowded (or closed!), we would move on, knowing we don't time to waste in line at cafes and such.
Thank you all for your advice!! I'm sure our trip will be authentic to our tastes, but amazing just the same!
Our boys are in French Immersion in Canada. They have studied certain aspects of French culture and they are anxious to check out those things, such as crepes, the Louvre, the Musee D'Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. We have traveled with our boys before and they LOVE museums. In fact, it is usually my husband and I that get bored first! They are always anxious to watch the historical documentaries and listen to tour guides. They are used to standing in lines and never complain about heat or walking. We are truly lucky to have such great little travelers!!
My husband wishes to see the Catacombs and Disneyland Paris. We are choosing to do 2 days at DLP because there are two parks and we want to spend a day at each. We have been to Disneyland and Disney World and so there the boys and my husband and looking forward to comparing.
I am hoping to see l'Orangerie and St. Chapelle, for myself. If we can fit these in (and it sounds like we now can due to some amazing advice from posters!!), we will definitely visit these sights.
We are skipping Champs Elysées.
Our main priority is making sure the boys get to see the things they have learned about and are excited to see. My husband and I will likely return to Paris again one day years from now, but probably not with all three boys.
Angelinas, Berthilons, and Gerald Mulot were all suggested by people posting and I really appreciate the suggestions so we have a name to look for. Keep 'em coming! If any were to crowded (or closed!), we would move on, knowing we don't time to waste in line at cafes and such.
Thank you all for your advice!! I'm sure our trip will be authentic to our tastes, but amazing just the same!
Jan 18th, 2011, 12:01 PM
#92
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll throw out a few tidbits: The Musee du Moyen Age is a small Left Bank museum dedicated to Middle Ages artifacts. It is small and quickly visited. What amkes it especially interesting is the fact the it is house in an old Abbey, built over the ruins of Roman Baths, that you can still see. Also on the Left Bank is the arena de Lutece, which are the ruins of a roman arena. Nice exposure to the history of Paris.
And, talking of the history of Paris, the Carnavalet is the home of artifacts related to the history of Paris, housed in 18th century mansions. What might tweak your youngest are the artifacts related to the sad Louis XVII, who died at the age of ten in prison, after his father and mother (Marie Antoinette) had been guillotined. He was buried in an unmarked grave.There are artifacts related to the imprisonment, including scriblings of him doing his homework on pieces of paper.
I'm not sure if the Louvre and Orsay are exposures to french culture, but rather art history.
P.S. Also Canadian and bilingual.
And, talking of the history of Paris, the Carnavalet is the home of artifacts related to the history of Paris, housed in 18th century mansions. What might tweak your youngest are the artifacts related to the sad Louis XVII, who died at the age of ten in prison, after his father and mother (Marie Antoinette) had been guillotined. He was buried in an unmarked grave.There are artifacts related to the imprisonment, including scriblings of him doing his homework on pieces of paper.
I'm not sure if the Louvre and Orsay are exposures to french culture, but rather art history.
P.S. Also Canadian and bilingual.
Jan 18th, 2011, 12:53 PM
#93
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jtw, I just spent a dreary, rainy afternoon procrastinating by checking out the online mapping options. As I posted on the other thread, I think I'm back to preferring the My Maps option on Google Maps (requires signing up for a free gmail account if you don't already have one, though I personally never use mine for email-!). Of course, it's a little tedious to input all the info... but I'm finding it well worth my time. I hope one of them works for you!
Jan 18th, 2011, 06:56 PM
#94
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
(I don't know how to quote, so I'll just cut and paste!!)
<<I'm not sure if the Louvre and Orsay are exposures to french culture, but rather art history.
P.S. Also Canadian and bilingual.>>
Michel_Paris: True -- art history, not culture. The boys have studied a few artists and are looking forward to seeing the originals!
Also - You understand how exciting it is to go all the way to Paris from Canada!! You sound like you have spent quite a bit of time there. We are so excited for the boys to be able to use their French and help lead us around
Thank you for the other suggestions, too! I will hope to visit those places, too!
ggreen - Thank you so much for your amazing amount of help! I love the idea of the online mapping. I'll check it tonight!
<<I'm not sure if the Louvre and Orsay are exposures to french culture, but rather art history.
P.S. Also Canadian and bilingual.>>
Michel_Paris: True -- art history, not culture. The boys have studied a few artists and are looking forward to seeing the originals!
Also - You understand how exciting it is to go all the way to Paris from Canada!! You sound like you have spent quite a bit of time there. We are so excited for the boys to be able to use their French and help lead us around
Thank you for the other suggestions, too! I will hope to visit those places, too!
ggreen - Thank you so much for your amazing amount of help! I love the idea of the online mapping. I'll check it tonight!
Jan 19th, 2011, 07:47 AM
#95
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jtw99
I like your phrase "authentic to our tastes but amazing just the same". That perfectly describes travel. We might all go to Paris, make different choices while we are there and come away with a unique experience. Years from now your children will recall this trip and have a lot of "remember when" stories that they will treasure.
I visited DLP in 1996 and thought it was more beautiful than the parks in Florida and California. I hope you will post a trip report so we can see how your whole trip turns out.
S
I like your phrase "authentic to our tastes but amazing just the same". That perfectly describes travel. We might all go to Paris, make different choices while we are there and come away with a unique experience. Years from now your children will recall this trip and have a lot of "remember when" stories that they will treasure.
I visited DLP in 1996 and thought it was more beautiful than the parks in Florida and California. I hope you will post a trip report so we can see how your whole trip turns out.
S
Jan 19th, 2011, 12:37 PM
#96
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jtw, you are so very welcome. I do hope you manage some kind of a trip report of this amazing journey you're undertaking! (If not in writing, maybe photos on Flickr or something.) Scootoir is totally right, your children - and you! - will have lots of stories for a lifetime.
Jan 19th, 2011, 01:29 PM
#97
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just went back through our pics, and you cannot really see the arch de Triomphe from Place de la Concorde. Really - just take the metro up from there and get off for a few mins and see the size of it - its amazing - and then take the metro back - it could be done in 30 mins! You wont really see if from Place de la Concorde
Jan 19th, 2011, 03:01 PM
#98
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that you should take the metro #1 from the Place de la Concorde up to the Arc. It is really something to see up close even if you don't climb up.
I am a huge Disney fan having been to both Disneyland and Disneyworld many times. They more or less have the same rides though. Disneyworld has Epcot world showcase which is unique. I have not been to Disneyland Paris so can't comment on it but I imagine the rides would be similar even if they have two separate parks. My thought is that you can go on rides anywhere but to be in Paris, I would want to make the most of seeing the unique sites in the area. However, you said it JTW, each will make his/her own decisions based on what's right for them.
Enjoy and please do write a report.
I am a huge Disney fan having been to both Disneyland and Disneyworld many times. They more or less have the same rides though. Disneyworld has Epcot world showcase which is unique. I have not been to Disneyland Paris so can't comment on it but I imagine the rides would be similar even if they have two separate parks. My thought is that you can go on rides anywhere but to be in Paris, I would want to make the most of seeing the unique sites in the area. However, you said it JTW, each will make his/her own decisions based on what's right for them.
Enjoy and please do write a report.
Jan 19th, 2011, 06:53 PM
#99
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just saw your last post on your plan and it sounds good. You really get alot of great info on this forum (sometimes it's overwhelming). Enjoy your time and if forced to choose between enjoying the moment or rushing somewhere else, remember to enjoy and savor.
Just so you know, I didn't get to Berthillon until my third trip to Paris...there is always a line (that's how you find it). Many places do serve their ice cream, and I do hear Amorino is quite good.
You will see lots of great food even just at street markets that you can make a great lunch or snack out of.
Anyway, you will not see and do everything and while you are there you will see things that you can't get to on this trip, so you will have to go again and again. We really enjoyed our trip in December because we have seen alot of the major sites and now we can just relax and enjoy the city a little more without the urge to rush from site to site. Everywhere you look, it's just beautiful! But we haven't done it all, not by a long shot!
Can't wait to hear all about it.
Just so you know, I didn't get to Berthillon until my third trip to Paris...there is always a line (that's how you find it). Many places do serve their ice cream, and I do hear Amorino is quite good.
You will see lots of great food even just at street markets that you can make a great lunch or snack out of.
Anyway, you will not see and do everything and while you are there you will see things that you can't get to on this trip, so you will have to go again and again. We really enjoyed our trip in December because we have seen alot of the major sites and now we can just relax and enjoy the city a little more without the urge to rush from site to site. Everywhere you look, it's just beautiful! But we haven't done it all, not by a long shot!
Can't wait to hear all about it.
Jan 19th, 2011, 10:06 PM
#100
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>I imagine the rides would be similar even if they have two separate parks. My thought is that you can go on rides anywhere but to be in Paris, I would want to make the most of seeing the unique sites in the area.</i>
The lovely thing is, if they spend a day at DLP and happen to decide against spending the second day there after all... they will by then be pros at hopping the RER back into the city, and jtw will have loads of options to choose from of more things to see! And if not, then like the rest of us, she'll always have reasons to return.
The lovely thing is, if they spend a day at DLP and happen to decide against spending the second day there after all... they will by then be pros at hopping the RER back into the city, and jtw will have loads of options to choose from of more things to see! And if not, then like the rest of us, she'll always have reasons to return.
