topic Re: Paris Recommendations in Travel

Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Wed, 29 May 2019 03:25:22 GMT

DD spending two days for first trip to Paris. Any recommendations for what needs to be seen would be appreciated. She has ticket for The Louvre. Would you think a city bus tour a good idea?
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Re: Paris Recommendations

cactuschic — Wed, 29 May 2019 06:10:53 GMT

Two days is not much time to see Paris. I was lucky enough to visit Paris in 2008 and had three full days, and that was nowhere near enough. The Louvre alone is an all day excursion. But I think the idea of a bus tour of the city is an excellent idea. That way she gets to see a little of a lot of things and then if she has the opportunity to go back, she'll know what she wants to do. I think a visit to the Eiffel Tower and a walk down the Champs-Elysees is a must. It is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am very envious as I would love to go back and see all that I missed. It is the trip of a lifetime and I hope she has a wonderful time.

Re: Paris Recommendations

kaydee50 — Wed, 29 May 2019 12:46:37 GMT

Two days isn't much for Paris! I would do a hop on/hop off bus one of the 2 days; the other the Louvre and just walking the streets, sitting at an outdoor cafe and enjoying the city.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Hoovermom — Wed, 29 May 2019 13:02:52 GMT

So much to do in Paris on two days is quite a challenge. But saying that, it is Paris so enjoy. Personally I thought the Eiffel Tower was a waste of time and a tourist trap. We went to the Louvre for one full day, using the "10 best things to see at the Louvre" guideline and it was fantastic. We also did the "locks of love" walk over the bridge, went to Notre Dame for Mother's Day Mass (sorrry you cannot see it today), went to Versailles for a day, caught an Opera, walked the streets, sipping coffee/espresso and macaroons at the outdoor cafes, and eating at out of the way restaurants. We also stayed on the Champs Elysees and enjoyed shopping along that strip. We had an fabulous time but am somewhat reluctant to visit again with all of the unrest they are experiencing.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Travone — Wed, 29 May 2019 13:05:32 GMT

I agree with all the other suggestions with one more......Versailles.

Re: Paris Recommendations

LindaSal — Wed, 29 May 2019 13:08:48 GMT

Take a luncheon cruise on the Sien river, absolutely gorgeous and you can see all of the famous architecture including the Eifel tower! Bon Jour!

Re: Paris Recommendations

granddi — Wed, 29 May 2019 14:23:52 GMT

Years ago we used a guide to the Louvre called Mona Lisa Winks.

It gives an overview of how to make the most of your time is it is limited.

Most visitors want to see 6 or so of the most famous items. Be ready to change your plans. Yesterday employees went on strike due to complaints of mismanagement of crowds and work conditions. Strike means it closes with no specific time to reopen. We encountered this and it reopened in a few hours.

In a day I just don't know how you can visit specific places without a tour that can get you here and there efficiently.

It is such as special place.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Vivian — Thu, 30 May 2019 16:06:33 GMT

I have been to Paris over 20 times. My recommendation is to take a general guided bus tour of the city. They will show you all the must-sees. With just two days, you cannot do better than that. Beyond that, you can return to sites you want to investigate, take a ride up the Seine on a Bateau Mouche, or choose a new venue to explore. Strolling in Paris and meandering through neighborhoods is the best way to appreciate Paris.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Wed, 29 May 2019 17:52:36 GMT

Since she has experienced several castles in Germany and Versailles a good distance, I think staying in Paris to experience us important. Do appreciate that suggestion however. Dies anyone think Monmatre worth seeing?

Re: Paris Recommendations

dawg lover — Wed, 29 May 2019 20:52:49 GMT

We were in Paris two summers ago and the Hop On-Hop Off bus tour was excellent. You can catch the green bus right by the Louvre.

Re: Paris Recommendations

patbz — Wed, 29 May 2019 22:00:13 GMT

@Twins Mom : Yes, Montmatre is worth seeing (especially Sacre Coeur). I visited Sant Chapelle, which is a beautiful Cathedral (was built to hold Holy Relics brought back from the Crusades.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Wobin — Wed, 29 May 2019 23:54:43 GMT

I had 2 days and an evening for my first trip to Paris and you can pack a lot in if you are organized. That said I would not visit Montmartre or Versailles in that short time. I would also skip the Champs Elysees which is a long walk among chain stores. I loved the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe but don't spend time in the area. The hop-on/off bus tour can be a good idea, she can study the routes online before she gets there and know how she wants to use it.

Since she already has the Louvre ticket she should also determine what she most wants to see there. It can be crowded, hot and overwhelming in summer. Two years ago people clustered around the air vents in the floor of the Louvre so we left and visited the Orangerie nearby on our museum pass. It is fully air conditioned and holds Monet's Waterlilies among other works.

A good strolliing street is the rue St. Dominique in the 7th with lots of small shops and cafes. It runs from the Invalides to the Eiffel Tower. The Bateau Mouches and Bateau Parisens are located in that area. https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/ https://www.bateauxparisiens.com/ There are other companies that also offer 1-hour cruises on the Seine and all are similar. You do not need to reserve if sailing without a meal (the meals have a reputation of being overpriced and not very good). I like to take the cruise around sunset when the lights are coming on across the city (that's when I took this shot of ET).

Someone mentioned the Sainte Chapelle and it is stunning. It is located just a few blocks from Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cite. Go there early as there can be a line. It is a royal chapel located in what is now the justice building. The stained glass is amazing. You can get a combo ticket to visit the Conciergerie around the block. Actually you could make a nice day with a visit to the two locations on one island, walk by the Notre Dame to the Ile St. Louis and have lunch. Cross the bridge to the Hotel de Ville (city Hall) and take the Metro to the Louvre. Or cross the river to the Tuileries and have lunch under the trees. Then continue on to the Louvre. After the Louvre stroll in a preselected area (7th Arrondisement or St Germain) and choose a place for dinner.

It's easy to have a quick lunch as baguette sandwiches are for sale all over. Have a plan what to visit in case of rain.

What area will she be staying in? Hope she has a great time.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Thu, 30 May 2019 15:48:35 GMT

@ Wobin
Thanks for taking time to share such valuable information.
She is staying in Cluny Square area. I think that will be advantageous.
Reason for short visit is group going to Normandy
Commemorations.

Re: Paris Recommendations

bargainsgirl — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:42:11 GMT

2 days is not much time. I was there for 4 days in May. I highly recommend the hop on/off bus tour of the city. You see a lot that way. Also, take a Seine River cruise. Both ways will take you past Notre Dame but you won't get much closer. So sad. I do not recommend the Louvre. It is insanely packed with people and we had a tour guide and front of the line pass.!I did not find it pleasant to be pushed around by people not respecting other people. The building is gorgeous but...other things to do and see in just 2 days. The St. Germaine neighborhood is very nice to walk around too. Enjoy!

Re: Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:47:59 GMT

@bargainsgirl
They having trouble finding hop on bus. The buses were all in left lane. Any trick you can pass on?

Re: Paris Recommendations

Alter Ego — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:02:33 GMT

@Twins Mom Your post confuses me. Hop on busses have specific stops; are you saying the busses aren’t stopping? There’s usually quite a few people that need to get on and off at each stop, so I’m thinking that your daughter isn’t at an official stop. She needs to find a map to see where they are.

I admit the attached came out very blurry. Nevertheless, you can see where the specific stops are - it’s where the flags are.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:38:15 GMT

@ Alter Ego
I was also confused that she could not Find yesterday but then it had been a frustrating day. Baggage did not arrive, barely made flight because of weather detour by airlines, etc. I do think this bus would be perfect. Thanks for explanation. Appreciate

Re: Paris Recommendations

Alter Ego — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:44:38 GMT

@Twins Mom Oh no! Sounds like a horrible first day. Hope she was able to get her luggage and that the rest of her trip goes much smoother!

Re: Paris Recommendations

Twins Mom — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:24:15 GMT

@ Alter Ego
Luggage arrived in tact at 11:00pm after she had gone to bed but happy next morning. Saw Louvre beforehand crowd came. Things looking up.

Re: Paris Recommendations

Wobin — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 00:06:01 GMT

@Twins Mom wrote:

She is staying in Cluny Square area. I think that will be advantageous.
Reason for short visit is group going to Normandy
Commemorations.

Cluny Square is a good location. Sounds like a great trip--would love to hear more about it.