Please critique PARIS itinerary...
Apr 17th, 2005, 11:55 AM
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Please critique PARIS itinerary...
Helllo,
We are leaving for Paris in two weeks (5/4 to 5/10). It is our first time, we are an energetic couple in our 30's who want to see EVERYTHING (haha) BUT don't want to overplan/overbook ourselves. Here is what I have so far. I am not planning by day as we will pick our itinerary according to weather and of course hours/days closed for museums, etc.
1. First day arrive @ 7:20 am. We are staying at LeVerneuil in St. Germain. We plan on just exploring the neighborhood and maybe doing an open bus tour that afternoon. Dinner close to hotel.
Other days:
A. Rodin Museum, Hotel Des Invalides, Eiffel Tower at sunset.
B. Notre Dame, St Chappelle, Berthillon, shopping Marais
C. D'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Latin Quarter Shopping, Sacre Coeur (sunset)
D. Louvre, La Samaritane, Vendome,
E. On the 8th make it to Arc Triomphe to see flag, stroll down Champs Elysees, Boat ride
We also wanted to get to Versaille but think it may be too much. We only have 5 full days!
Where are the best outdoor markets? In particular for cheap clothes, jewelry, bags, etc?
Best church to see a concert?
Should we get tickets to the ballet?
Want to do fun dance or jazz club one night, any recommendations?
We have some restaurants in mind, but are not sticking to an itinerary for food. We will talk to hotel staff and just check out restaurants while we sightsee during the day.
Critique, suggestions, too much/too little????
THANKS-Brenda
We are leaving for Paris in two weeks (5/4 to 5/10). It is our first time, we are an energetic couple in our 30's who want to see EVERYTHING (haha) BUT don't want to overplan/overbook ourselves. Here is what I have so far. I am not planning by day as we will pick our itinerary according to weather and of course hours/days closed for museums, etc.
1. First day arrive @ 7:20 am. We are staying at LeVerneuil in St. Germain. We plan on just exploring the neighborhood and maybe doing an open bus tour that afternoon. Dinner close to hotel.
Other days:
A. Rodin Museum, Hotel Des Invalides, Eiffel Tower at sunset.
B. Notre Dame, St Chappelle, Berthillon, shopping Marais
C. D'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Latin Quarter Shopping, Sacre Coeur (sunset)
D. Louvre, La Samaritane, Vendome,
E. On the 8th make it to Arc Triomphe to see flag, stroll down Champs Elysees, Boat ride
We also wanted to get to Versaille but think it may be too much. We only have 5 full days!
Where are the best outdoor markets? In particular for cheap clothes, jewelry, bags, etc?
Best church to see a concert?
Should we get tickets to the ballet?
Want to do fun dance or jazz club one night, any recommendations?
We have some restaurants in mind, but are not sticking to an itinerary for food. We will talk to hotel staff and just check out restaurants while we sightsee during the day.
Critique, suggestions, too much/too little????
THANKS-Brenda
Apr 17th, 2005, 12:18 PM
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I cannot answer all of your questions, particularly about shopping. That is not my forte.
The big stumbling block for Paris is the Louvre. I am an art liker, if not an art lover, hence time in the Louvre becomes an issue.
If you go there without a plan, two things often happen. One, you become entrapped because there is so much to see and you stay until you start wandering aimlessly. Two, you end up spending far more time that planned.
My strategy is to have definite targets I want to view. Then, having seen them, I leave. Otherwise, I start the aimless wandering.
The Musee d'Orsay is much smaller, but it features what I want to see. I have been there twice and spent 4 hours both times. So it too can click hours off the clock.
The Rodin Museum is equally fascinating, but I don't think you will use up 4 hours viewing the sculptures. That much time is conceivable, but most likely only for Rodin specialists or people with an assignment of some type.
My favorite church for a concert is Ste. Chapelle, particularly if you can time your arrival to coincide with the late evening sun.
The rosy glow of the late sun shining throw those beautiful stained glass windows is most impressive.
I don't think you have too much in your game plan, which is wise. Paris has a way of presenting something unplanned that is worthy of time and attention. I remember we were on our way for our first visit to Musee d'Orsay when we found a huge street market along Boulveard Raspail. We got to the museum over an hour later than I had planned.
We had something else on the agenda, but we never got to "somethsing else."
I don't recall now what it was, but I remember the street market very well.
I think you are wise to allow time for the unexpected.
You can blend in Versailles, but it is a 6 to 8 hour endeavor to make the effort worthwhile. It may mean something else must be sacrificed.
I think you have a good plan. And let me suggest you have some alternatives in case you move faster than anticipated.
There are many smaller museums that are fascinating and/or beautiful.
I think you will get hooked and develop reasons to return.
The big stumbling block for Paris is the Louvre. I am an art liker, if not an art lover, hence time in the Louvre becomes an issue.
If you go there without a plan, two things often happen. One, you become entrapped because there is so much to see and you stay until you start wandering aimlessly. Two, you end up spending far more time that planned.
My strategy is to have definite targets I want to view. Then, having seen them, I leave. Otherwise, I start the aimless wandering.
The Musee d'Orsay is much smaller, but it features what I want to see. I have been there twice and spent 4 hours both times. So it too can click hours off the clock.
The Rodin Museum is equally fascinating, but I don't think you will use up 4 hours viewing the sculptures. That much time is conceivable, but most likely only for Rodin specialists or people with an assignment of some type.
My favorite church for a concert is Ste. Chapelle, particularly if you can time your arrival to coincide with the late evening sun.
The rosy glow of the late sun shining throw those beautiful stained glass windows is most impressive.
I don't think you have too much in your game plan, which is wise. Paris has a way of presenting something unplanned that is worthy of time and attention. I remember we were on our way for our first visit to Musee d'Orsay when we found a huge street market along Boulveard Raspail. We got to the museum over an hour later than I had planned.
We had something else on the agenda, but we never got to "somethsing else."
I don't recall now what it was, but I remember the street market very well.
I think you are wise to allow time for the unexpected.
You can blend in Versailles, but it is a 6 to 8 hour endeavor to make the effort worthwhile. It may mean something else must be sacrificed.
I think you have a good plan. And let me suggest you have some alternatives in case you move faster than anticipated.
There are many smaller museums that are fascinating and/or beautiful.
I think you will get hooked and develop reasons to return.
Apr 17th, 2005, 03:53 PM
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Since you're energetic, you could fit in Versailles by rearranging days 2 & 3.
Day A - Early to Versailles - get there by 9:00 and sign up for guided tours (there's an info tent in the courtyard). Do the Kings/Queens chambers, hall of mirrors and some of the gardens. You can take the little train from behind the chateau.
On the return trip get out at Champs de Mars (I think - don't have a map in front of me). There's a stop on the RER C and the Eiffel Tower is a five minute walk. If you go in the evenings the lines are shorter.
Day B - Begin at the Rodin museum; opens at 9:30. As Bob above says, you won't need lots of time there unless you're a great Rodin fan. I love his work and 2 hours is plenty. Stop in the outdoor cafe behind the museum for a break - it's a lovely place to rest. Then walk to Les Invalides. It's not large and you can see everything in 30 minutes.
If I read your dates correctly this would be a Saturday and Notre Dame has an English tour (1.5 hours) at 2:30 (meet the guide just inside the church to the right of the entrance). It's a great tour and I would recommend it. If you have time before the tour you can buy a ticket to the treasury and go through there.
After Notre Dame stop in to see the Deportation Memorial behind the church (on the other side of the small park) Open 9-12 & 2-7.
Then over to Ste-Chappelle which is open until 6:30.
Of course, you've missed your Marais shopping but if this is Saturday you don't want to go to the Marais since many things are closed. You can stroll over to the Marais the day you do the Louvre.
Day C - Sunday? St-Sulpice has a great organ and choir during the Mass. It's near the Luxembourg Gardens.
I agree with Bob about having a plan for the Louvre. Take a look at their web site - there's a map of the museum so you can plan where you want to go. The popular exhibits are very crowded.
Rue Mouffetard is a great outdoor market, especially on Sundays but it's mostly food. The markets I've seen in Paris with clothing have had very cheap goods. You're better off with the shops.
Day A - Early to Versailles - get there by 9:00 and sign up for guided tours (there's an info tent in the courtyard). Do the Kings/Queens chambers, hall of mirrors and some of the gardens. You can take the little train from behind the chateau.
On the return trip get out at Champs de Mars (I think - don't have a map in front of me). There's a stop on the RER C and the Eiffel Tower is a five minute walk. If you go in the evenings the lines are shorter.
Day B - Begin at the Rodin museum; opens at 9:30. As Bob above says, you won't need lots of time there unless you're a great Rodin fan. I love his work and 2 hours is plenty. Stop in the outdoor cafe behind the museum for a break - it's a lovely place to rest. Then walk to Les Invalides. It's not large and you can see everything in 30 minutes.
If I read your dates correctly this would be a Saturday and Notre Dame has an English tour (1.5 hours) at 2:30 (meet the guide just inside the church to the right of the entrance). It's a great tour and I would recommend it. If you have time before the tour you can buy a ticket to the treasury and go through there.
After Notre Dame stop in to see the Deportation Memorial behind the church (on the other side of the small park) Open 9-12 & 2-7.
Then over to Ste-Chappelle which is open until 6:30.
Of course, you've missed your Marais shopping but if this is Saturday you don't want to go to the Marais since many things are closed. You can stroll over to the Marais the day you do the Louvre.
Day C - Sunday? St-Sulpice has a great organ and choir during the Mass. It's near the Luxembourg Gardens.
I agree with Bob about having a plan for the Louvre. Take a look at their web site - there's a map of the museum so you can plan where you want to go. The popular exhibits are very crowded.
Rue Mouffetard is a great outdoor market, especially on Sundays but it's mostly food. The markets I've seen in Paris with clothing have had very cheap goods. You're better off with the shops.
Apr 17th, 2005, 03:58 PM
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I would rethink some of your itinerary and definately fit in Versailles. That is only a half day trip. Don't forget you have alot of light and will be able to do more. You could hit Versailles and the Eiffel T on the way back from Versailles. Going to Sacre Coeur from the Latin Quarter is hoofing it. It is a long way. Also if you go to S.C. Pere Lachaise is fairly close and worth a quick visit. Don't short yourselves on the first day. There is alot to do. Maybe the Eiffel, Invalides (not the greatest), Napoleons Tomb and Rue Clere. Luxembourg gardens are close to where you are staying i think. They are all very close together. You will have fun no matter what you do. Take it easy but don't fall asleep until evening on your first day. I would be happy to give any other info if you need it. Email me. Au Revoir
Apr 17th, 2005, 04:02 PM
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brenda,
Your itinerary looks just fine which may be why it's not getting a lot of responses.
You are smart to hit the places with the longest lines first thing in the day.
Saving Versaille for your next trip is also a good idea (you WILL return sooner than you think).
There is no "best church" for a concert: it depends on the program being offered and your taste.
Here is one resource for going out in the evenings:
http://www.gogoparis.com
Also, buy a Pariscope at the airport or any newstand in Paris for COMPLETE current listings of all concerts/shows/etc.
Your itinerary looks just fine which may be why it's not getting a lot of responses.
You are smart to hit the places with the longest lines first thing in the day.
Saving Versaille for your next trip is also a good idea (you WILL return sooner than you think).
There is no "best church" for a concert: it depends on the program being offered and your taste.
Here is one resource for going out in the evenings:
http://www.gogoparis.com
Also, buy a Pariscope at the airport or any newstand in Paris for COMPLETE current listings of all concerts/shows/etc.
Apr 23rd, 2005, 10:50 AM
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I think your goals are fine, they are the usual big things a first-timer might want to see.
THe only thing that looked unusual to me was a special note about wanting to do shopping in the Latin Quarter. I don't know what kind of shopping you want to do, but I would never think of the Latin Qtr as notable for shopping, except for souvenirs. St-Germain would be much better.
There isn't any one church that is best for concerts, as someone else noted. I go to the one that has the program I want to hear. Many of them have good acoustics, and many folks like the ones at Ste Chapelle because they think it is pretty and like the windows.
I would suggest you get tickets to the ballet if you like ballet and like the program offered, as the Paris Opera Ballet is a very good company.
I can't think of any outdoor market I would go to for cheap clothing and jewelry.
THe only thing that looked unusual to me was a special note about wanting to do shopping in the Latin Quarter. I don't know what kind of shopping you want to do, but I would never think of the Latin Qtr as notable for shopping, except for souvenirs. St-Germain would be much better.
There isn't any one church that is best for concerts, as someone else noted. I go to the one that has the program I want to hear. Many of them have good acoustics, and many folks like the ones at Ste Chapelle because they think it is pretty and like the windows.
I would suggest you get tickets to the ballet if you like ballet and like the program offered, as the Paris Opera Ballet is a very good company.
I can't think of any outdoor market I would go to for cheap clothing and jewelry.
Apr 23rd, 2005, 12:25 PM
#11
Think about getting a 3 or 5 day museum pass so as to save line time.
Get a copy of Pariscope at any newsstand. It lists the week's concerts, exhibitions, etc. including concerts in churches.
That's how we found out about the medieval music concerts at Cluny (Musee du Moyen Ages) which is something that should be on your list anyway (Unicorn Tapestries). It's better than "shopping" in the Latin Quarter (it's not a shopping area).
Go to the top of the Tour Montparnasse about 10:30 PM for the best view of Paris at night. There is an entry fee but it's the only place in Paris where the view does not include the Montparnasse Tower.
Get a copy of Pariscope at any newsstand. It lists the week's concerts, exhibitions, etc. including concerts in churches.
That's how we found out about the medieval music concerts at Cluny (Musee du Moyen Ages) which is something that should be on your list anyway (Unicorn Tapestries). It's better than "shopping" in the Latin Quarter (it's not a shopping area).
Go to the top of the Tour Montparnasse about 10:30 PM for the best view of Paris at night. There is an entry fee but it's the only place in Paris where the view does not include the Montparnasse Tower.
