Paris Pass: small warning!
#1
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Paris Pass: small warning!
We had the Paris Pass (DH bought it w/o my knowledge). In it there was a 'Notre Dame Tour'. We though it meant a tour of the Cathedral. WRONG! After waiting in line at the side for nearly an hour, we entered a small doorway only to discover that we were inside a very narrow, spiral staircase which was ONLY ONE WAY! We were actually in the stairway going up to the TOWER at the cathedral.
In the Paris Pass book, it mentions the TOUR. We think it must be a translation error, as TOUR in French means TOWER. Whoever translated it into English missed that bit.
Anyway, it's a very l-o-n-g way up, and something we never would have done had we known that is what was offered in the Paris Pass.
So, this is just a warning to people who do buy the Paris Pass that there is this error in translation. The Notre Dame Tour is actually the Notre Dame Tower.
Unless you can easily walk up over 400 steps, DON'T GO! We had to then come back down another narrow, winding staircase after this.
In the Paris Pass book, it mentions the TOUR. We think it must be a translation error, as TOUR in French means TOWER. Whoever translated it into English missed that bit.
Anyway, it's a very l-o-n-g way up, and something we never would have done had we known that is what was offered in the Paris Pass.
So, this is just a warning to people who do buy the Paris Pass that there is this error in translation. The Notre Dame Tour is actually the Notre Dame Tower.
Unless you can easily walk up over 400 steps, DON'T GO! We had to then come back down another narrow, winding staircase after this.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Thanks for the information but...
1. I don't consider this to be a trip report because you're only writing about a very small part of your trip and a very small part of Paris.
2. Many people already know that the line on the side is for the tower.
3. Many people do not buy the Paris Pass since it is very expensive for what it offers and on this forum advice is given not to buy it.
4. There is a free Notre Dame tour given 3 times a week by church volunteers. It's a great tour.
1. I don't consider this to be a trip report because you're only writing about a very small part of your trip and a very small part of Paris.
2. Many people already know that the line on the side is for the tower.
3. Many people do not buy the Paris Pass since it is very expensive for what it offers and on this forum advice is given not to buy it.
4. There is a free Notre Dame tour given 3 times a week by church volunteers. It's a great tour.
#4
This is a useful piece of information. If I ended up in that situation with my bad knees and ankles, it would not work out well for me.
That said, this sounds like one of those unplanned travel moments where unexpected things happen and you ended up with a stupendous view of Paris and a story to tell forever.
That said, this sounds like one of those unplanned travel moments where unexpected things happen and you ended up with a stupendous view of Paris and a story to tell forever.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2012
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I'm glad some of you appreciated my post. It's really a nasty experience to post an advisory to help others and then get criticized in a comment by someone like adrienne.
I deactivated my account because of this. But your comments, ira, and Nikki, have made me sign up again as tinydancerll.
Fodor's would be a much better site and much nicer to participate in without all the snobs who seem to get their egos pumped up by knowing so much.
I deactivated my account because of this. But your comments, ira, and Nikki, have made me sign up again as tinydancerll.
Fodor's would be a much better site and much nicer to participate in without all the snobs who seem to get their egos pumped up by knowing so much.
#9
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"Many" people may know that the line on the side is for the Tower, but I did not so thanks tinydancer. I have some health issues and it would not be a good thing for me to be in that line.
If someone already knows information that is posted, then they can
1. acknowlege it
2. agree with it
3. correct possible misinformation
4. add to it
If you can't do that, then you don't have anything to say. and no, "everyone" does NOT already know that.
If someone already knows information that is posted, then they can
1. acknowlege it
2. agree with it
3. correct possible misinformation
4. add to it
If you can't do that, then you don't have anything to say. and no, "everyone" does NOT already know that.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2007
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<Fodor's would be a much better site and much nicer to participate in without all the snobs who seem to get their egos pumped up by knowing so much.>
ah the Fodorgarchs - at least the downright rude and cold ones - chase another newbie poster away - be very PROUD of yourself - this happens over and over again and it drives folks like this away - folks who actually buy things from advertisers here and Fodor's itself - again FodorGarchws - you know it all FodorGarchs be very PROUD of yourself.
tinydancer posts a thoughtful tip for others and gets lambasted like this:
<1. I don't consider this to be a trip report because you're only writing about a very small part of your trip and a very small part of Paris.>
WHO the heck are you to determine what is or is not a trip report? to me it is a trip report or a report from a trip. Lose the attitude! Very disgusting.
ah the Fodorgarchs - at least the downright rude and cold ones - chase another newbie poster away - be very PROUD of yourself - this happens over and over again and it drives folks like this away - folks who actually buy things from advertisers here and Fodor's itself - again FodorGarchws - you know it all FodorGarchs be very PROUD of yourself.
tinydancer posts a thoughtful tip for others and gets lambasted like this:
<1. I don't consider this to be a trip report because you're only writing about a very small part of your trip and a very small part of Paris.>
WHO the heck are you to determine what is or is not a trip report? to me it is a trip report or a report from a trip. Lose the attitude! Very disgusting.
#13
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TD, you have given me an idea for my next trip. How does the Notre Dame tower compare with climbing to the top of St Peter's dome? I must admit that was a bit of a struggle for me with the sideways tilt.
#15
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Let me add a small warning about the free tours of Notre Dame Cathedral.
We tried it twice and failed both times.
First time, the guide was so low-voiced and the sun so soothing, we were almost lulled into a doze. We left that tour before she led us into the Cathedral.
Second time, the guide had a missionary complex, and seemed more intent on soul salvation than the history of Notre Dame.
Perhaps the third time would be the charm, but I'm not planning another try.
IIRC, the free English tours are 2pm Wed and Thur, 2:30pm Sat.
OTOH, very much enjoyed the Towers climb!
We tried it twice and failed both times.
First time, the guide was so low-voiced and the sun so soothing, we were almost lulled into a doze. We left that tour before she led us into the Cathedral.
Second time, the guide had a missionary complex, and seemed more intent on soul salvation than the history of Notre Dame.
Perhaps the third time would be the charm, but I'm not planning another try.
IIRC, the free English tours are 2pm Wed and Thur, 2:30pm Sat.
OTOH, very much enjoyed the Towers climb!
#17
TinyDancer, you made my day! Back in ancient times when I took a little French in High school (a VERY little French!), we were warned about "false friends," words that looked like words we knew but had a rather different meaning. They cost me exam points, let me tell you.
Don't let the snipers get to you. They can bark but they can't bite.
Don't let the snipers get to you. They can bark but they can't bite.
#20
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great info! Don't let a few louts ruin what for many is a fabulous forum with many genuinely helpful folks that do know everything just about IMO but do not try to show off their knowledge and smartness as some way above have.