I'm planning a one-day, two night trip with my boyfriend to Paris and I'm thinking the best thing to do is get the eurorail...but I wondered if anyone had any recommendations on somewhere to stay that isn't too expensive, but that has good transport links to the sights around Paris, as we won't have a car. ThanksGoing to Paris...any recommendations?
Once you get to Paris you do not need a car -- in fact you do not want a car. Use the Metro. If you like museums and art, I would suggest the Orsay. It is slightly less crowded that the Louvre but (due to horrid security) get there at least a half hour before opening. If you like modern art, visit the Georges Pompidou Centre. They have a fantastic collection. There are specific museums for several great artists and areas of art -- Rodin and Picasso museums specifically come to mind. If you like impressionist art, the Orangerie is the place to go. None of these last three are terribly crowded (usually). If you want to take pictures to last a lifetime, here's what you need to do. 1. Climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and take pictures of Champs Elysees and the Grand Arche and the Eiffel Tower. Walk (or take a bus or metro if you aren't a great walker) along the quais, stop at Pont Alexandre III, turn right and take great pictures of the Assemblee Nationale and Les Invalides. Then turn the other way (north) and take a picture of Place de la Concorde and beyond it, the Opera Garnier. Keep walking along the quais or give in and take a bus. Stop and take pictures of the boats passing on the Seine. Take some distant photos of the Pantheon and Notre Dame. Walk a bit further on and cross onto Ile de la Cite. If you are like me you have taken about 300 pictures by now. Walk toward the middle of the island and then toward Notre Dame. Take the picture of the whole front facade, then get closer and take pictures of the entryway. Now walk around toward your left and get some great pictures of the flying buttresses and gargoyles. In the back you can take some pictures from less traditional angles that really highlight the place. Cross over onto the left bank and turn back and take pictures from the Quai de la Tournelle, making sure to the the view of the whole church and of the tip of the island. From here, you can go to the Cluny (Moyen Ages) museum or the Pantheon. I prefer the Pantheon. Make sure to go up inside it (take the tour if you must) because the pictures from the upper level are fantastic. Get lunch on Avenue Sufflot and then walk down toward the Luxembourg Gardens and Palace. You get the idea. Now, make your way (on the metro) to Trocadero. Take some really awesome pictures there. Get one of the zillion people there to snap a pic of you two smooching (I did that for passersby just a couple weeks ago) and earn karma by smiling at people trying to get their loved ones into a photo. You hold the camera for them so they can all be in it. Now, the long walk down from the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower (it is down, down, down and across a bridge). Next, be prepared to wait about 1.5 to 2 hours in line for your trip up the tower. The best pictures are at the second level but you may feel obligated to go to the top. You need a darn good zoom to get good pics up there. Now, go to the Champs-de-Mars metro and find your way to Boulevard St. Michel. Have a glass or two at the Boul' Mich' cafe, or if your budget is more pedestrian buy a bottle of wine at one of several shops there and open it in Luxembourg gardens. Dinner -- wait until near dark (8 pm) and find something that suits your fancy.
One problem (for me anyway) is that the nearest no smoking section is in Dublin, Ireland.
Actually, some of the smaller ethnic restaurants and cafes are completely no smoking. They understand Californians, thank goodness.
The next morning, make him take you to Galleries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann, near the Opera. Take 15 minutes out of shopping and take the escalator to the rooftop viewing area. It is the only thing that is free at Galleries Lafayette. Take some really good pictures of downtown and some slightly longer shots of Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Pompidou Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and the Pantheon.
Go to the Auber RER station about 3 blocks away, catch the RER to Chatelet (shat-lay) and then catch another train all the way to Roissy / Charles de Gaulle. Or walk to the bus queues by the Opera (also only a few blocks from GL) and catch the RoissyBus for only 8 euros and it will take you right to the international terminal at CDG.
Have fun.
PS, make the cheapskate spring for at least a 3-star.
-MathTeacherGuy
Personally, I'd check out the WWII sites on the beaches. Awesome view, free to see. It's out on the countryside.Going to Paris...any recommendations?
I am sure you would enjoy the Hotel de Nesle. It is in the 6th arrondissement and an easy walk to Notre Dame or the Louvre.
The rooms are very nice and although it is a simple place without things like minibars and cable TV it is comfortable and clean.
The area it is in is very lively and full of pleasant places to have a drink or a meal.
Prices for a double range from 75-100 euros.
Check out their website: http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/
stay away from . I don't know how to spell it, shock ze cur?
It's packed with tourists and the drunken homeless like to fu*k with people.
The metro is color coded and easy. There was a hostel called three ducks. I paid 20 bucks a night. I don't know what the rat paid.
They like to put eggs on everything. know that. Be glad that you don't have a car. You wouldn't want to drive. Say Merci after everything. and sivil play (spelling) before you speak. Everything will work out better for you.
Oh, and go to the louvre in the morning. Start at the top and work down. That is how smart people enjoy it. You will see why when you get there. You will never see a collection of art any better, so plan on spending some time.
lot of people don't realize but Batobus is a great option for Paris. You get a very nice view of Paris while can hop on and off at the main sights.
here's the main site
http://www.batobus.com
and here's a video tour of it
http://www.geobeats.com/videoclips/france/paris/seine-cruise
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