Things NOT to do in PARIS!
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:04 PM
#21
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I think people need to decide for themselves what to do and not to do, based on knowledge of themselves and their own interests. There isn't anything I can probably think of that I've done or heard about in Paris that wouldn't appeal to someone.
There are many things I do not want to do in Paris, but many of them are the exact things people are advising others on here that is a must-do or you have to do. Many are very typical tourist things, which I will admit, don't interest me that much. Many are things that are nothing extraordinary at all, but sort of have developed some guidebook or other kind of legend (ie, ice cream at Berthillon's, rue Cler, etc.) I know many tourists enjoy these things, and that's why I don't think anyone can tell someone else what one should not do in Paris. I've never gone up the Eiffel Tower, for example, even though I've visited Paris fairly regularly for about 15 years now, because that kind of thing (standing in line at tourist attractions to go up to see a view) just isn't of any interest to me. I know a lot of people like that kind of thing, though.
I really liked the Pantheon, although I know some would not, but thing is something that is fairly easy to figure out from a description of it as to whether you would enjoy it. I don't like macarons at Laduree, either, but I am not particularly fond of that kind of sweet.
The classes at Marie Lavande are not marketed to tourists, and are not just to learn how to iron, so I don't think that is a fair comment. They are specialized regarding the care and maintenance of antique linens.
There are many things I do not want to do in Paris, but many of them are the exact things people are advising others on here that is a must-do or you have to do. Many are very typical tourist things, which I will admit, don't interest me that much. Many are things that are nothing extraordinary at all, but sort of have developed some guidebook or other kind of legend (ie, ice cream at Berthillon's, rue Cler, etc.) I know many tourists enjoy these things, and that's why I don't think anyone can tell someone else what one should not do in Paris. I've never gone up the Eiffel Tower, for example, even though I've visited Paris fairly regularly for about 15 years now, because that kind of thing (standing in line at tourist attractions to go up to see a view) just isn't of any interest to me. I know a lot of people like that kind of thing, though.
I really liked the Pantheon, although I know some would not, but thing is something that is fairly easy to figure out from a description of it as to whether you would enjoy it. I don't like macarons at Laduree, either, but I am not particularly fond of that kind of sweet.
The classes at Marie Lavande are not marketed to tourists, and are not just to learn how to iron, so I don't think that is a fair comment. They are specialized regarding the care and maintenance of antique linens.
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:05 PM
#22
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Starrs: I agree 100%. I wish I had mastered the bus system when I was there last week because I absolutely hated riding the Metro. I hated the endless stairs, missing the above-ground sights while in transit, the crowded hot cars, the multiple transfers, and riduculously long passageways. I started thinking it may just be as fast to walk. (And yes, I do navigate myself solo around NYC on the subway.)
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:10 PM
#23
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I agree with the Pantheon in Paris. Perhaps if I knew all those buried there I would have been less unimpressed. I'll add Vistor Hugo's home. It must be on the museum pass so I went in. Both are "sites" I wouldn't recommend or plan to visit again when I'm lucky enough to return to Paris. Just my opinion, others may find one or both of the sites interesting.
Jun 19th, 2005, 06:57 PM
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Bus vs Taxi-We found that taking buses usually caused us to have to walk More!
We never found the right bus or got off at the wrong spot LOL therefore making longer walks to our destination. So if the Metro is out of the question for whatever reason, don't hesitate to take a taxi! You can get it right in front of the Ritz
or the Plaza Athenee.
We never found the right bus or got off at the wrong spot LOL therefore making longer walks to our destination. So if the Metro is out of the question for whatever reason, don't hesitate to take a taxi! You can get it right in front of the Ritz
or the Plaza Athenee.
Jun 19th, 2005, 07:08 PM
#26
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I agree with Christina, I have never wanted to go up the Eiffel Tower; we could see it from our room in the distance and that was enough for me on our first trip; on later trips I
never thought about it.
We went to see a play in the Pigalle area;
unmemorable evening, I disliked the area.
never thought about it.
We went to see a play in the Pigalle area;
unmemorable evening, I disliked the area.
Jun 19th, 2005, 07:13 PM
#27
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1) In Paris, DON'T pay 4 euros for a bad cup of coffee.
We loved staying in the Marais district (4th arr.), but unfortunately there were quite a few cafes there selling expensive--and not necessarily even decent--coffee!
If you are walking in the Marais and come across a restaurant called "PAGE 35", avoid at all costs! (They were one of the rip-off places.)
2) DON'T EXPECT THE METRO TO RUN AS LATE AS IN NYC! The metro shuts down completely at 1am. (Some metro lines shut down even before that.)
We loved staying in the Marais district (4th arr.), but unfortunately there were quite a few cafes there selling expensive--and not necessarily even decent--coffee!
If you are walking in the Marais and come across a restaurant called "PAGE 35", avoid at all costs! (They were one of the rip-off places.)
2) DON'T EXPECT THE METRO TO RUN AS LATE AS IN NYC! The metro shuts down completely at 1am. (Some metro lines shut down even before that.)
Jun 19th, 2005, 07:16 PM
#28
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I know many people here recommend the batobus, but I really disliked it.
I also didn't enjoy the sculpture garden at the Rodin museum BUT in all fairness to me and it, there was quite a bit of construction happening there during my visit -- it seemed that they were setting up for a gigantic special event (maybe for the air show?) I was hoping for a more tranquil experience.
I also didn't enjoy the sculpture garden at the Rodin museum BUT in all fairness to me and it, there was quite a bit of construction happening there during my visit -- it seemed that they were setting up for a gigantic special event (maybe for the air show?) I was hoping for a more tranquil experience.
Jun 19th, 2005, 07:29 PM
#29
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amarena, too bad there was construction! That would be so annoying, as the Rodin gardens are very serene and beautiful. We have been there in the spring and in the fall and they are equally beautiful, and quiet (except when there is construction 
Jun 20th, 2005, 02:46 AM
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Thank goodness, Intrepid!
Thanks for the words of support, vivi. I've caught "heck" on this board but feel strongly that taxis work for me. When I'm tired or in a hurry, I want to get where I'm going quickly and without hassles. Other than the taxi from the airport I estimate that we spent less than 100 Euros but for us it was money well spent. Some of my favorite memories and sights were seen from the taxi - and I would have missed those sights if I were underground. Walking combined with taxis was the perfect combination for us! Two nights we came back to the hotel very late, so now I know that the metro would not have been an option anyways
Taxi tip - you can't hail a cab on the street as you can in other cities. Go to a taxi stand (or large hotel).
Thanks for the words of support, vivi. I've caught "heck" on this board but feel strongly that taxis work for me. When I'm tired or in a hurry, I want to get where I'm going quickly and without hassles. Other than the taxi from the airport I estimate that we spent less than 100 Euros but for us it was money well spent. Some of my favorite memories and sights were seen from the taxi - and I would have missed those sights if I were underground. Walking combined with taxis was the perfect combination for us! Two nights we came back to the hotel very late, so now I know that the metro would not have been an option anyways
Taxi tip - you can't hail a cab on the street as you can in other cities. Go to a taxi stand (or large hotel).
Jun 20th, 2005, 05:21 AM
#34
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Okay, I'll rephrase that. I needed a taxi to get from the Latin Quarter to the Gare station for a departure to Vernon. We tried to hail a cab the entire way and no one stopped. We finally grabbed one as he was letting a businessman out at about the midpoint and he was relunctant to take us. He did. We missed the train (and the trip to Giverney) by seconds. We watched the train pull out of the station.
It was a workday morning and no taxis were waiting at stands en route.
I have read elsewhere on this board that taxi drivers are not supposed to pick up on the street.
That's what I know. Don't know the "official" rules - just our experiences.
I was able to hail a cab outside the Lido one night, but it was late, lots of taxis in the area and I thought it was a fluke. That driver was the only rude driver we had on the trip - creepy actually. Asking personal questions (Are you married, how long are you staying, etc.) We needed a taxi in less than 12 hours to get to the Gare to go to Avignon, but no way was I going to ask for his card for a morning pickup. I thought he might have been a rouge driver. Don't know. Still creeps me out to think about him.
It was a workday morning and no taxis were waiting at stands en route.
I have read elsewhere on this board that taxi drivers are not supposed to pick up on the street.
That's what I know. Don't know the "official" rules - just our experiences.
I was able to hail a cab outside the Lido one night, but it was late, lots of taxis in the area and I thought it was a fluke. That driver was the only rude driver we had on the trip - creepy actually. Asking personal questions (Are you married, how long are you staying, etc.) We needed a taxi in less than 12 hours to get to the Gare to go to Avignon, but no way was I going to ask for his card for a morning pickup. I thought he might have been a rouge driver. Don't know. Still creeps me out to think about him.
Jun 20th, 2005, 06:07 AM
#36
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This is so funny! Ironing classes sound great to me now that I read further and saw that it is for antique linens. I have so many and would love to know the best way to take care of them. Unfortunately the class is probably in French and I would not benefit enough from the experience.
I agree that we all have different ways of traveling and things we like/dislike. However, that said I agree with Patrick. Don't step in dog poop. But if given the choice of not going to Paris or stepping in dog poop, I'll take Paris AND the dog poop!!
I agree that we all have different ways of traveling and things we like/dislike. However, that said I agree with Patrick. Don't step in dog poop. But if given the choice of not going to Paris or stepping in dog poop, I'll take Paris AND the dog poop!!
Jun 20th, 2005, 06:52 AM
#38
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I don't flame people for their transportation choices. I merely make information available for the benefit of those who may not be aware of all the alternatives.
If you are comfortable with the cost-effectiveness of a taxi, then grab a cab and go in peace.
If you want to go a short to medium distance economically, an RATP bus may get you to your destination faster than the Métro - in every case it will be more scenic.
If you want to traverse a long distance quickly, <i>e.g.</i> from Étoile to Gare de Lyon, the RER is hard to beat. In this example, it takes 9 minutes to get all the way across Paris.
If you are comfortable with the cost-effectiveness of a taxi, then grab a cab and go in peace.
If you want to go a short to medium distance economically, an RATP bus may get you to your destination faster than the Métro - in every case it will be more scenic.
If you want to traverse a long distance quickly, <i>e.g.</i> from Étoile to Gare de Lyon, the RER is hard to beat. In this example, it takes 9 minutes to get all the way across Paris.
Jun 20th, 2005, 07:13 AM
#39
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On the taxi issue, have your hotel call and order one in advance for you. The driver will have your name and room number. I wasn't aware that you could even do that until a few years ago when the conceierge at a small hotel told us.
Since then we've always had them call in the afternoon and order one for dinner time. They ususally use Taxi Bleu and not once have they ever been late.
One morning we had ordered a taxt the night before to take us to the airport. When we came down to the lobby at the appointed time, it was full of people waiting for taxis they had just called. "Our" taxi had arrived and the driver was fending off all these people who were demanding that they were in line ahead of us. There was quite a scene until we explained that we had ordered it the night before, and even then I don't think they believed us.
Since then we've always had them call in the afternoon and order one for dinner time. They ususally use Taxi Bleu and not once have they ever been late.
One morning we had ordered a taxt the night before to take us to the airport. When we came down to the lobby at the appointed time, it was full of people waiting for taxis they had just called. "Our" taxi had arrived and the driver was fending off all these people who were demanding that they were in line ahead of us. There was quite a scene until we explained that we had ordered it the night before, and even then I don't think they believed us.
Jun 20th, 2005, 07:46 AM
#40
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The Concierge IMO is a sight that can be skipped. I have to disagree with the post on not going to the top of the Eiffel Tower if one has height issues--I would have regretted it forever if I had not gone all the way to the top.
