Paris trip in September 2010
 

How many days do we need to see Paris without rushing around. We are 66 and 67 and we would prefer to take our time. We have up to 10 days to see the sites. Maybe a day trip here and there as well outside of Paris. Which area would be best to stay in for our age. Need, of course, to be near a metro line. We don't mind travelling on the metro to get to wherever. Thanks.

Maxine

Ten days would be good. When I go, I plan for 2 "things" a day, be it a museum, a walking tour,etc. Rest of time if walking arounf neighbourhoods, leisurely lunch,etc...

In general, the 4th/5th/and 6th arroundissements are good. Being near Seine, Notre Dame, Metro lines, RER to airport. To me, finishing every day by a visit to the Seine...nice. Yes, they are the more touristy areas, but for a first visit, good choices.

The 5th and 6th are not sedate. These are busier, but also you will find that walking will get you to interesting sites. The 7th (Eiffel tower) is also recommended, but you may find that you will need public transit a bit more.

The 4th includes the Islands and the Marais. I've stayed on Ile St Louis and it is a prime location IMHO. The Marais is a bit...funkier(?), with some interesting old mansions, Place des Vosges (must see), shopping.

Budget may define where you stay.

We can help you plan an itinerary and hotel picks. I've been 9/10 times, and still have things to see. So don't feel bad if you don't see everything...we can help you with a nice plan.

In looking at your options, do not forget that renting an appartment is also an option. Even if you don't want to cook (French food is..good :) ) it is nice to have a place of your own. Many people here have rented, so there are lots of recommendations. It can also be economical.

You will see plenty in 10 days, and you don't need to rush.

Don't forget the buses and the Batobus as ways to see a bit more as you travel.

I agree with everything Michel wrote.

I usually stay in the 5th and like the proximity to Notre Dame and the Seine and being able to walk almost everywhere.

I tried something different one year and stayed in a charming hotel, which I enjoyed, in the 7th, but, although I still did a lot of walking, did spend far more time on the metro than I do when I stay in the 5th.

Last trip I stayed in the 16th, in a hotel a couple of blocks from the Seine. I wanted to be a bit more 'local' environment. nad it was. I had my cafe at the end of the street where I started my day with a basic 'dejeuner' of OJ, cafe creme and a croissant. Also there would be the little old lady from the area, business men who can in for a quick coffee,etc.. No tourists. One night, went to see local movie..another I went searching for a good restaurant, and narry a non-french person. So I felt a little bit more...grounded there.

But...everyday I would need to Metro to get where I wanted to be. The trip to come home and then go out to dinner...bit more of a hassle. Mind you, it was about 20-25 mins to the Marais. So not hours on the Metro..

So you could stay further out if you want that sort of a visit..or closer in.

I agree that the 4th, 5th and 6th are the most centrally locaated and nice especially if this is your first trip to Paris. I would recommend a hotel for that reason, also. It is nice to have a concierge to help you with dinner reservations, directions, etc. We always stay in the 6th at the Hotel des Saints Peres very close to the Blve. St. Germaine, near two Metro stations and very centrally located. 10 days is a wonderful amount of time for Paris. It will allow you to see a lot but also to stroll and appreciate the city. When are you going? Check back often as your plan your trip so we can help out.

That is a great length of time. We are a little older than you but used to be your age!! We love the 7th for just the reason you give--Metro AND bus lines. Take a look at the bus lines. We much prefer them, stay on top, see the sights, and even get off if we see something we like. We stay at teh Hotel Muguet, and it is near bus, Metro, restaurants, sites.

I will just add about an apartment. I think it would be fun, BUT sometimes you just want the hotel desk to make a reservation for you, or tell you how to get somewhere.

Thank you everyone! I have just had a chance to get back to your comments on this site. They have changed Fodors' forum so I have a bit more trouble finding things. I have just read your comments and I will check out the hotels, etc. I will need more help and I will ask for it. Has anyone done the KLM airline thing that takes you to Amsterdam and a free stopover there for a couple of days and then on to Paris? I'm thinking of doing that if they will recognize a free stopover. Since Delta, Air France and KLM are owned by the same company, the people working there are clueless. Some say there is a free stopover, some say they have never heard of it. Go figure!!!

Maxine

I like Amsterdam and have done an Amsterdam/Paris combo. Amsterdam for a couple of days is not a bad idea. Get rid of jet lag,walk around the downtown core, maybe a museum, canal cruise...

You could TGV from there to Paris.

i have and will, stay in the 4th or 5th.
It is best to be in the thick of things.

I would like to suggest this apt. The owners are awesome.
The location is perfect. Tell them I sent ya.

http://www.vrbo.com/250968

Maxine, my husband is your age and the 6th (hotel located between St. Germain/Odeon/St. Michel) is perfect for us. It is lively, and that's what we like about it--if you need quiet ask for a court-side, not a street-side, room.

I think you would really enjoy Amsterdam is you are able to swing it on a stop-over; I wouldn't do it for one night, though, but two. We went a couple of years ago, and it almost replaced Paris as our favorit big city! FYI-we stayed in the Leidsplein neighborhood when we were there.

You better hurry and secure a hotel thought; it was getting booked up for Sept. a couple of weeks ago when I was hunting.

Happy Travels!

What is your hotel budget?

Our perfect Paris location is Ile St. Louis, our perfect accommodation is an apt. with www.guestapartment.com
That's a bit pricy so we have done lesser priced apts. also, but that was our favorite trip in the Hibiscus apt.----fabulous!. They have an office right on the Ile so can make any reservations for you.

Otherwise I would stay as close to the Seine as possible. www.vrbo.com has many affordable apts. Our first trip to Paris was 3 days, second 5 days, and several trips after that for a week at a time. How many days is up to you---we still have things on our list to do after 7 trips to Paris.

As a day trip, I would suggest Versailles. You'll never forget it and it is quite easy to get to.

Then you could take the TGV to the Loire Valley for 3 days or so. Amboise is a good location to visit the chateaus.

I Like Ile St Louis. A good choice.

A few years back I took my parents to Paris and we staeyd at the Hotel Notre Dame

http://www.hotelnotredameparis.com/

Its not cheap but...the RER station to the airport is across the street. Notre Dame and the Islands is across the bridge. Seine Cruise is 5 min walk, Left Bank restaurants..nearby. We had top floor room, and we could see the sun rising over Notre Dame every morning. Noise was not an issue in our room

Sounds like your first trip? You might want to consider Hiring Michael Osman for your first full day. He can be contacted at [email protected]. I think he has a web site too. I have used him(and his partner Scott) as have others on this forum and he has a good reputation - he can get you oriented to the city, using the metro etc. And, last time I was there his fee was a fraction of all others.

Does Michael charge a fixed rate? I've seen one price for a tour of his.

Just wondering, since he gets recommended, but no one mentions the cost.

Maxine:
we are close to your ages,and we were in Paris last september(for the 5th and longer time); this time one full week; toy can see our report at :
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...1-to-oct-3.cfm
we enjoyed the trip inmensely,take really long walks and yhis time didn't leave the city,We really lpve Paris and enjoy everything,walking at La Defense or Ile de Sant Louis; the Musee Rodin,the churches...etc...please,enjoy your trip and don't forger to take a bateau(we liked les bsateaux at Pont Neuf)
Nice trip!!!

Michael's cost--I prefer not to say what it is except it is SO reasonable. I don't think it fair to publish it--he could have adjusted it.

Michael's cost--I prefer not to say what it is except it is SO reasonable. I don't think it fair to publish it--he could have adjusted it.