Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Paris report

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Paris report - my 1st time there

I'll try to describe some details here (as I'm sure my words won't do the trip justice). Single woman, mid 30's, travelling solo; took high school & college french, so was able to get by w/my basics & translation book---by no means am I fluent. If anyone would like more details pls email me. Hotel: Familia (Latin Quarter, 5th) http://www.123france.com/europe/fran...s/hofamius.htm OR www.hotel-paris-familia.com tel: 01.43.54.55.27 single room w/bath, incl. breakfast: 69.50Euro; small room, noisy; but adequate accommodations, friendly hotel staff - English speaking. (ask for Sara) Metro: Bought a carnet (of 10 tix): 9.30Euro 1 single tix: apprx. 1.30Euro Subway not difficult to get around at all (just be sure to have a map with you). I'm from NYC so am used to crowds, the hustle-bustle of the subways, the sometimes foul smelling train stations and yes, the peddlers/beggars. Museum Pass: 3 day pass = 30Euro (I still waited on lines at the security checkpoints----no big deal) Transportation to/from airport: Parishuttle: tel: 33 1 43 90 91 91 OR www.parishuttle.com (Mark Harris - Manager). cost 21Euro (one way); be sure to re-confirm your reservation before travel. Friendly drivers, and Mark is very accommodating. Museums: Louvre: I felt I'd need at least 5-6days of visits to begin to appreciate the collections of artwork. Yes, be prepared for dozens of people trying to get their pics in front of the Mona Lisa. Musee Rodin: one of my favorite aspects of my trip (the thinker, the kiss, the gates of hell). definitely worth a visit - and a lovely garden Musee Picasso: has an interesting area where you can read his "family tree". Dining: I had some excellent food in Paris (yes, the French are absolutely "no joke" when it comes to their cuisine ). A memorable meal at Bofinger (in the 4th); waiters very attentive & friendly. Another spot (in the 5th) Le Latin St. Jacques (4, rue Saint Severin). I don't eat pork, nor much red meat; ate plenty of salmon (saumon) and the desserts were very rich (chocolate mousse & cake). Eiffel Tower: cost: 3Euro to walk to the 2nd level/tier. An elevator is available, however I don't know how much. Note: plenty of aggressive peddlers selling all kinds of cheap/tacky souvenirs. Sacre Coeur: the day I went there were 3little boys being baptized & about 25 children celebrating their 1st communion. (this was a priceless experience for me both as a tourist and (more importantly) as a Catholic). Tour Bus: L'Open Tour cost 26Euro for a 2dy pass; it's a hop on - hop off type system that takes you to many top attractions. The only time out of Paris was my trip to Versailles (cost 7.50Euro to visit the Grand Apartments)---didn't visit the Jardin b/c it rained heavily & I'd left my umbrella at the hotel. ** At the RER station while awaiting the train to Versailles, I noticed a suspicious man approach a woman who had a backpack that was open. She had her back to him so couldn't see what he was up to. He placed a jacket around his right arm and approached her from behind. I immediately walked over to her to warn her, the guy ran in the opposite direction. Weather was in the low 60s, a few rain showers most days. I didn't once experience the anti-American sentiment I had heard so much about. Had an absolutely magnificent trip and will most definitely return (God willing).

Annette, so glad to hear how well your trip went.I love the Musee Rodin and the Kiss is so much more than any photograph can convey! How good of you to step forward and scare away the thief! Sounds like you went to the Paris that we always go to, beautiful,full of wonderful experiences and nothing to complain about:) Thank you for the report!Kate

Annette, I had completely forgotten the little communion kids at Sacre Coeur--brought back some memories. Thaks for your report.

annette great to see you looking out for other travellers , pickpockets are the scurge of society

Annette , nice report short but good. question , how much did you pay at bofinger ? & what would you recommend ?

Dava- I ordered one of the prix fixe meals; consisted of white wine (Coteux d'aix en Provence), salad, grilled salmon (which was absolutely delicious), dessert; i also ordered mineral water and tea. All for 40Euro (and that included a 4Euro tip).

Annette: Thanks for you report. My son and I leave October 10th for France. I plan to post a report when I return. Your comments answered some questions I had in my mind especially about buying a carnet and transportation to/from CDG. Thanks again. I posted a question about whether or not the packet of 10 tickets expire if not used within a certain time period? Your response would be appreciated. Rita

Rita, the answer to you question is no, they don't expire.

Thanks Howard. I couldn't stand the thought of wasting money. Rita

Rita- I see you've already gotten your answer. I tried finding out from one of the Paris metro websites, to no avail. However, what I did was any remaining/unused metro tickets I had at the end of my trip, I left at the concierge's desk at my hotel. Have a great time; I miss Paris everyday!

Annette would you stay at the Familia again we are thinking of staying there next month?

"xxx", I'm not so sure I would. Honestly, while the location was definitely convenient to many sites, it was a bit too noisy. Also, make sure the price you're quoted is indeed the price you pay. I was quoted a lower price over the phone and was charged 19Euros more (per day) at the end of my stay. The staff was helpful and the place is clean. (hope this helps).

How did you go about planningyou trip, did you have assistance? I am going to UK in March and taking a week for Paris. Anything you would do differently?

Thanks for the short and concise summary. I have a few short questions if you don't mind: 1) Do you think the carnets are a better solution than the Visite card? Seems like I would have to ride the metro 5-7 times a day for the Visite to be worthwhile. We'll be using the Metro for 6 or 7 days. 2) Was a 3 day Musee Pass enough? I was thinking of the 5 day. 3) What would you say is the best day to see Sacre Couer. I'm staying close by there on Sunday and Monday and planned to visit on Monday, but I could go any day of the week. Thanks in advance, Billy

Enjoyed your post, Annette. I was there my first time in March 2002 and am going back this November. Knew from the moment I arrived I'd be back again, but didn't think it would be so soon. (got cheap airfaire on KLM - great carrier and enjoyable flight also). I stayed in the Latin Quarter also, Hotel de Senlis, which is quietly tucked two blocks from a main street. Ergo it was quiet. (65E night/single). I did a lot in my first visit, but regret missing Rodin. Thanks for your description - i will hit it this time. I concur with just about everything you wrote. I also find the French very hospitable and courteous - my college french (also not fluent) got me far. Plus I have European sensibilities, e.g, love of discussion of ideas (esp. philosophy, art, politics), appreciation of real food, strong sense of privacy, etc. Kudos to you for going alone; I went with my older brother in March and will return with my younger one in November. Thanks for the post on "Familia" - i was curious to try it since it is so highly rated, but noise is a big detriment to me. Small rooms are fine though. Try Hotel de Senlis on your next trip - I think you'd like it. Please feel free to email me. Janelle Matisse Athens

Annie- As far as planning my trip, I tried to be very resourceful. Here's a brief list: 1. Checked out Fodors website OFTEN (as well as other travel websites). 2. Went to the library for language tapes, to brush up on my French. 3. Bought a pocket size translation (travel) book. 4. Checked out the weather for the week I'd be in Paris. 5. Exchanged a few hundred US $ into Euros. 6. Talked to friends who'd been there for any tips they might have. Would I have done anything differently? Yes, I'd have packed warmer clothes (or at least layers). I was preparing for 70-80F weather and only got that my 1st day. It rained and was pretty cool. But that DID NOT ruin my trip.

Me again, this one's for Billy. I hadn't considered the Visite Card during my trip. The carnet worked out for me because I used the metro so much the first few days, until I got to finding my way around on foot (though I did get lost twice). Then I used L'Open Tour bus--and that was a convenient way to get around. The 3-day Museum Pass was not enough (for me). Go for the 5day. Sacre Coeur: can't really guide you on that one. I believe it was a Sat when I went and it was madness! However, that could've been attributed to the Baptism/Communion ceremony taking place when I went.

Annette: Thanks for your great and detailed report. I appreciate your references as to cost of hotel and transportation, etc. Glad your trip was fun! Mary Kay