Paris for a week

[zibazinski]

I'm going to try to take DD to Paris for a week in March. Although I'm sure the weather will be terrible it's her only break. How should I best plan it out?

[Jake 48]

However it plans out , I hope you have a great time, 

[Value Buy]

Get hopping!
Time is a wasting!

With Paris virtually burning and people being shot by Jhadhists, you are a brave woman.

Too bad you cannot be packing!

[Gardening Grandma]

My suggestion is not to plan every minute. Save some time for just meandering at will. 

[wmpeon]

Think out some museums you'd like to see, as well as some landmarks.  Otherwise just soak in the sights, sounds and cuisine.  I certainly recommend getting subway pass, because Paris is a big city and you won't want to walk everywhere.  No matter how close you think you are to the Eiffel tower, you are farther away than you think.  I recommend visiting the catacombs.  It's creepy, yes, but also pretty amazing and was one of the things I really enjoyed.  And if you get bored with it all, there is always DisneyLand Paris.  It's the only DisneyLand I've ever visited. 

It's been a long time since I visited (pre-9/11), however I also recommend having a hidden neck/waste pouch, and keeping backpacks/baggage securely attached to your person while roaming.  In the 3 days I was there, I saw two people robbed on the subway.  One had a backpack snatched from their shoulder (they had it dangling over one shoulder) and the second had their wallet snatched.  It happened quickly, and the thieves sprinted away.  So be mindful of your possessions.

I hope you have a fantastic time!

[zibazinski]

I absolutely do not want to go. I've been there before when it was still nice. Now flooded by invaders, I'm not thrilled at all but will do it for DD. I plan on at least 3-4 days in Louvre. Didn't see it before. Didn't take the river cruise either. I've done the rest. She's done nothing. 

[Peace Of Mind]

YES - DO THIS!!!  Get you some sexy but comfy boots and other warm clothes and have a great time with that lovely girl of yours! Try to see things through her eyes like it's your first time again and have a wonderful time.  And remember to drink lots of wine for the both of us and take tons of pictures! 

[weltschmerz]

Don't forget to pick up some tea at Mariage Freres.

Best tea on earth.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariage_Fr%C3%A8res

[Deleted]

Notre Dame has been my favorite cathedral. Versailles is s quick train away, if the weather is good, so beautiful to wander.

[Apple]

You can do the Louvre in a day.  Yes, it's big, but I'm not one to look at painting after painting after painting.  I'd take one of those days and go to Versailles instead.  

Public transportation is easy there.  You'll spend around $15 (if I recall correctly) getting from the airport (CDG) into Paris, but those tickets are easy to purchase.  We were there for a few days at the beginning of the trip, and then a day at the end, so we bought the subway tickets in packs of ten (good for an hour or 90 minutes after the first use? So you can get to where you need to on one ticket, usually).  We had the Eurail pass as well, but if you're just in Paris, you don't need it.

As for planning...

I just get a general idea of what we want to see, and then see what is in that general area.  I try not to do a lot of criss-crossing in one day.

We booked the first night through booking.com.  I didn't find out until Debt posted that they are considered a "bully" over there, we only had really good experiences with it, and no one at the rooms gave us any indication it was a "bad" way to reserve a room.  I just looked for the following as a requirement:  Inexpensive (even in Paris), rated well, near a metro stop, bus stop, or train station.  

Have cash on hand, as well as a debit and credit card.  Cash withdrawals will be cheaper with your debit card (I opened a second account for travel only, that way, if my card was lost/stolen, only my vacation money would be in the account, it would not be tied to my regular checking or savings account).  Some places will only let you use a card if it's a purchase of more than 15 Euro.

If you don't already have tickets for the museums, have one of you get in line, and the other go buy the tickets (especially at Versaille and the Louvre if possible).  By the time DS got to the front of the line, I'd finally got the tickets purchased.

What we did-- 

Full day one, Notre Dame, Musee de Armee, Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triumph (we did not go to the Bell Tower at Notre Dame, because by the time I found the entrance there was a huge line).  We had started walking, and ended up going the wrong direction for like an hour before we realized it.  However, during that walk, we found some cool scenery, and found a WWII memorial we would not have found if we went the right direction.  So, it turned out ok.  We did not go up the Eiffel Tower because DS didn't want to, so we just went under it.  The elevator was down at the Arch de Triumph, so it was a long climb up the stairs, but the views from the top were awesome.  Musee de Armee is where Napolean's Tomb is kept.

Full day two, Versailles.  It's huge.  The grounds are huge.  But the gardens were pretty and there was a little "train" you could take for a few Euros if you wanted (we walked one way, but it was really hot that day, and we were meeting with Debt afterward, so we took the little train back).  

Full day three, The Louvre.  We separated once we were inside so we could both see what we wanted.  We made a plan to meet in x spot at x time at the end of the day.  One day was definitely long enough to see what I wanted.


(at this point we did the rest of our stuff in other locations)

Full day four, our last day in Europe, we were back in Paris.  We just wanted to spend our last day relaxing.  I asked DS what he wanted to do, and he said "just sit and feed the pigeons", lol.  So we wandered around looking for an art supply store that had an item DS had wanted (unfortunately, we found it right off, but that store was closed, so we had to keep looking).  We did find one though.  Then we went to the Père Lachaise Cemetery ( cool graves to check out while if you go: listverse.com/2011/10/27/top-10-fascinating-graves-in-pre-lachaise/

After that, on our walk back to the room, we found a park bench and fed pigeons with some bread I had stashed in my purse earlier that day (we had bought some at a local market the night before).

I'll go back again some day and see some of the things I missed.  But I think our pace was just right for us, we got to see a lot of things, stayed in different areas around the city, and just did some walking around in the evening, dropping into a cafe or restaurant when we got hungry.

I'd suggest getting a list of the "must see" places, verify the days they will be open, and then just plan your day to be in that area, doing the must-see site and then just enjoying yourselves the rest of the day.

[mroped]

Loved the Versailles gardens, Notre Damme and the inner court at Louvre. Didn't care much for the inside and all that precious art.
I'm not sure how the whether is at the beginning of March but by the beginning of April is beautiful.
Have fun! 

[zibazinski]

March 19 - 26. Is what she can do safely. She's got to be back in school the 28th.

[Bonny]

Jan 17, 2016 18:02:37 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

March 19 - 26. Is what she can do safely. She's got to be back in school the 28th.

We've gone to Paris during that time. Our wedding anniversary is March 19th. DH was determined to hate it but wound up loving it. We stayed at a little pension near the Musee de Rodin. I love being within walking distance to the river. Weather was a little chilly but not too bad.

What does DD like to do? Among other things I think it's worth seeing the Musee D'Orsay andthe Cluny.

The catacombs was a highlight for DH; it IS incredibly weird but also very educational. That and DH and my childhood BFF singing "Dem bones, dem bones" after two bottles of wine at lunch.

Another good time (different trip) was renting bikes outside the train station and cycling the couple of miles to Giverney. I think we did that in November and the gardens were still beautiful and with fewer tourists.

I think I've visited Paris 7 or 8 times now? Still love it and would go back in a heartbeat.

Paging debthaven !

[zibazinski]

That sounds like a great idea. I actually have no clue what she'd like to do. Probably see the typical tourist stuff. I missed the Lourve and the cruise bcuz I got Napoleans revenge but that was in 1975 when I was there. I'm sure everything has changed big time

[debthaven]

Zib I have to leave for work soon but I'll post tonight or tomorrow.

[debthaven]

Some thoughts: 

- Giverny is indeed a WONDERFUL place but I'm not sure it's open then, I think it may only open in April. You need to check. 
- Versailles is definitely worth the trip
- I'd get VERY stabby with 3-4 days at the Louvre. To me one day is plenty. 
- Don't forget the gardens. 
- Le Musee d'Orsay
- Sainte Chapelle for the beautiful stained glass windows (Chagall). Tix to this are sold with the Conciergerie, an old prison. REALLY interesting. Very YM ... you see the (furnished) prison cells for the upper class, middle class and lower class. Both places would be a half-day together.

The weather can be very variable at that time of year. You can have a snowstorm like you can eat lunch outside. So be sure to check the weather before you go. 

I would love to meet up but it will depend on work and what days you do what. Versailles is (generally) easy for me but it depends on if I'm working that day and whether or not I have to pick DS3 up from school, have rehearsal, etc. I was planning on meeting TD and Mich but Shit Happened (big time) and it never happened. 

[zibazinski]

I'm waiting to hear back from travel agent. I'm assuming she took yesterday off to be with her kids.

[debthaven]

Good idea, Bonny ... I love the Cluny Museum! Zib, it has the unicorn tapestries. 

Also, you should either get a travel pass, or if it's not worth it (depending on where you're staying and how much you like to walk) get a "carnet" of 10 bus / metro tickets, it costs 20% less. The tickets work for the bus / metro / RER (but only within the city limits).

 

[zibazinski]

We do like walking but with the weather being iffy and the invaders lurking I don't want to be two small
Blondes walking around like potential victims waiting to happen.

[debthaven]

You're in no danger walking around Paris, Zib, unless you go to crappy neighbourhoods at night. 

If there is another terrorist attack, the fact that you are small and blonde will be totally irrelevant. 

[debthaven]

ETA: Zib we posted at the same time before, so I'm not sure you saw my post N° 17. 

[kittensaver]

Jan 19, 2016 17:25:13 GMT -5 debthaven said:

You're in no danger walking around Paris, Zib, unless you go to crappy neighbourhoods at night. 

If there is another terrorist attack, the fact that you are small and blonde will be totally irrelevant. 

 Project "victim" and you will be a victim. Project confidence and people will leave you alone - regardless of your looks or your size. There are wonderful humans and awful thugs EVERYWHERE in the world. The USA does NOT have a lock on being nice to or safe for tourists, by any far stretch of the imagination.

It might even shock you (the Big You, not Zib or anyone else here in particular) to know that there are actually many (many) people in many (many) countries around the world who would NOT want to trade passports with you. They tell the same horror stories about negative incidents with tourists (many of them tragic) in the USA as we tell about things that happen in their countries.

I saw a billboard on the way to work today that is very apt for this situation. It said: "Everything you've always wanted is waiting for you on the other side of your fears."

Just food for thought . . .  

[debthaven]

There is a problem with pickpocketing here. I'd get a neck bag (is that what they're called?) Pickpockets operate in crowds, so popular tourist attractions, or crowded metro lines (i.e. Line 1, which is called the "backbone" of Paris). And never leave your phone on a cafe table outside. 

But that's just common sense in most cities around the world.

[Apple]

Jan 19, 2016 17:35:57 GMT -5 debthaven said:

There is a problem with pickpocketing here. I'd get a neck bag (is that what they're called?) Pickpockets operate in crowds, so popular tourist attractions, or crowded metro lines (i.e. Line 1, which is called the "backbone" of Paris). And never leave your phone on a cafe table outside. 

But that's just common sense in most cities around the world.

I bought this and really liked it: Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bag

The zippers can be "latched" in place, it was roomy enough for my phone, camera, sunglasses, kleenex, passport, wallet, and even a waterbottle so I wouldn't have to carry it when we were walking around.  

[debthaven]

haha I meant a little bag / wallet you put around your neck (that's what I use), but that looks great. 

[Apple]

Jan 19, 2016 17:50:53 GMT -5 debthaven said:

haha I meant a little bag / wallet you put around your neck (that's what I use), but that looks great. 

I bought one of those years ago, but didn't like it, even though I thought it would be really handy.  Loved the bag I linked above though (and, you can't see it in the photos, but there is a zippered pocket on the back as well, and I was able to store our Eurail pass there (around the size of a long envelope).  I also had two little gnomes I had to carry around everywhere as well though

ETA: completely unrelated photo of gnomes at the Eagle's Nest

[debthaven]

Apple that's absolutely gorgeous! 

[debthaven]

Our Greek friend recommended the neck bag when we went to Greece a few years ago, again, because of pickpockets in Athens. 

I think pickpockets / petty thieves are the scourge of many big cities. Our Greek friend told us to be very careful in Athens, especially getting on and off the bus that took us to / from the port, because we'd be busy rounding up our luggage. She was absolutely right. DH grabbed a man's hand, it was literally deep inside DH's (empty) pocket (because our wallets / papers were in our neck bags, haha). 

I'm from NY so a lot of it is just common sense. I can't remember where Zib is from but she seems very street smart lol. 

To give you an example, the first time DS3 went to Paris alone, he had his first iphone pickpocketed on the Metro (Line 1). The second time he went to Paris alone, he went with his best friend, it was her first time (they were younger teens, about 14). They went to a cafe, she put her first iphone down, and someone grabbed it and ran. They told a police officer, and the police actually managed to catch the guy and get it back. But the thief had put it down his underwear, which obviously totally freaked her out. Apparently she told her parents she needed a new iPhone.

Her mom pulled out the hand sanitizer.

I keep my phone out during my suburban train ride. But before I get off the train, I put it in a pants pocket, or in the zipper compartment of my handbag with my wallet.  

[zibazinski]

Yeah, if we are out at night, it'll be just to grab some dinner. I know DD wants to do Eiffel Tower at night.  

[debthaven]

Also, Zib, I don't know where you're staying but I know the hotel industry is suffering because of the terrorist attacks (although the tourists ARE coming back). They did NOT target tourist areas ... they targeted the sort of places your DD could have been in on a Friday night if she lived here, Gd forbid. 

If you're into fancy restaurants, dinners are always expensive at those places, but you can get good deals for lunch, even at some extremely nice restaurants. I don't know if you're into that or not. 

If you haven't booked a hotel yet, I'd encourage you to book one that's VERY close to a good metro stop. DH has a lot more stamina than I do, but the one time we booked a posh hotel in London, I was up for doing a lot more, because we were literally a 2-minute walk to the Tube stop. 

As far as money goes, my routine post when ppl say they are going to Paris is that once you get to your hotel, find a grocery store, and stock up on water / snacks / fruit. Buy one or two small 6-packs of mineral water. You will pay pennies per bottle rather than 2 or 3 dollars if you get thirsty on the Champs Elysees. 

Don't eat in restaurants ON the main streets, go to perpendicular / nearby streets. You will generally get better food and better value for money.