A week in Paris..

Sam Mac

Hi guys

Myself & my father will be travelling to Paris for a week at the start of July for a summer trip. The 3rd to the 10th to be exact.

I have been given charge of the planning duties

Anyway, just looking for some recommendations to keep us busy & interested throughout the week;

-Good places to sightsee and tour in Paris, we are open to anything and everything.
-Good places to eat, we would be having breakfast and also snacks throughout the day and a dinner or two out of the hotel during the week.

Also, I booked a 4* Novotel hotel just outside Paris (approx. 5km from the city centre) for the 7 nights & also the return flights to & from Cork for €701 total including all fees/charges- is this a good deal for two people do you guys think?

Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated, not been out of the country much before this so completely new to all this!

Sam

anne burnell

a few suggestions of things to see and do in Paris..., The Catacombs, versailles palace and gardens, seine river cruise, montparnasse tower, the momart walk, it bring you on a guided tour around the area, showing u sacre coeur basillica and moulin roughe and plenty of other interesting things, visit notre dame, Louve (dont go there on tuesday as its closed) the eiffle tower. Hope this is of some help to you, you will love Paris...

Sam Mac

anne burnell wrote: »

a few suggestions of things to see and do in Paris..., The Catacombs, versailles palace and gardens, seine river cruise, montparnasse tower, the momart walk, it bring you on a guided tour around the area, showing u sacre coeur basillica and moulin roughe and plenty of other interesting things, visit notre dame, Louve (dont go there on tuesday as its closed) the eiffle tower. Hope this is of some help to you, you will love Paris...

Thanks Anne, will add all these places to my 'list'!

Really looking forward to going!

peckerhead

Sam Mac wrote: »

I booked a 4* Novotel hotel just outside Paris (approx. 5km from the city centre)

Whereabouts? As in, what's the nearest Métro/RER station?

Just asking because, depending on your Dad's age and general level of fitness (not to mention your own! ), walking around Paris can be lovely — but also pretty tiring. Even taking the Métro, with a couple of line changes, can involve a lot of underground tunnels/steps and (in July) it can get quite hot, smelly and airless. If you overdo it on the first couple of days, it could kinda spoil the rest of the week. If you post up the hotel location I'll try and recommend a couple of alternative bus routes and/or nice places within walking distance, for the days you feel like taking it a bit easier.

It would also help to know what kind of stuff he's/ye're into normally. E.g. if you're into art/culture/history, you could spend an entire day in somewhere like the Louvre and still only scratch the surface. But that could be pure torture for some people...

Sam Mac

peckerhead wrote: »

Whereabouts? As in, what's the nearest Métro/RER station?

Just asking because, depending on your Dad's age and general level of fitness (not to mention your own! ), walking around Paris can be lovely — but also pretty tiring. Even taking the Métro, with a couple of line changes, can involve a lot of underground tunnels/steps and (in July) it can get quite hot, smelly and airless. If you overdo it on the first couple of days, it could kinda spoil the rest of the week. If you post up the hotel location I'll try and recommend a couple of alternative bus routes and/or nice places within walking distance, for the days you feel like taking it a bit easier.

It would also help to know what kind of stuff he's/ye're into normally. E.g. if you're into art/culture/history, you could spend an entire day in somewhere like the Louvre and still only scratch the surface. But that could be pure torture for some people...

Hi

Good question - this is the hotel we are staying in; http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g196558-d197370-Reviews-Novotel_Paris_Est-Bagnolet_Seine_Saint_Denis_Ile_de_France.html

There is a nearby Metro station according to the site.

Both of our fitness levels are just fine, and while we aren't hugely into art, we would love to spend maybe half a day just wandering around the Louvre, because both of us have never had to chance to do that before. We want to get as much out of Paris as we possibly can, but without rushing things too much. One big thing we are looking forward to is trying all the different French foods and cuisines. I have spotted some nice cafes and restaurants that we would like to possibly go to aswell.

Any help and advice would be much appreciated!

peckerhead

OK, that's good 'cause where you're staying is right on the edge of the "Périphérique", the 6-lane ring road that runs around the outside of Paris, and you're near a fairly busy bus & coach station. But if it's a 4**** hotel there shouldn't be any noise problems (once you don't leave the windows open!)

It's not what I'd call a particularly "dodgy" area, but not exactly the most scenic part of Paris either (well worth using Google Earth/Sreet view to do a little virtual reconnaissance in advance of the trip). The Gallieni Métro station is at one end of the ligne n° 3, which will get you right into the city centre in 15 minutes. The most obvious touristy thing on your doorstep — well, 15 mins. walk away — is the famous Père Lachaise cemetery, which is well worth a visit. And on Sunday morning, the flea market at Montreuil is interesting to wander around and observe, although you may find the "cheap tat" quotient a little high. Don't buy any "genuine antiques", LOL....

Lemme scratch my head a bit and investigate bus routes and I'll post back later. I'm sure others here will keep the suggestions coming, in the meantime!

Sam Mac

peckerhead wrote: »

OK, that's good 'cause where you're staying is right on the edge of the "Périphérique", the 6-lane ring road that runs around the outside of Paris, and you're near a fairly busy bus & coach station. But if it's a 4**** hotel there shouldn't be any noise problems (once you don't leave the windows open!)

It's not what I'd call a particularly "dodgy" area, but not exactly the most scenic part of Paris either (well worth using Google Earth/Sreet view to do a little virtual reconnaissance in advance of the trip). The Gallieni Métro station is at one end of the ligne n° 3, which will get you right into the city centre in 15 minutes. The most obvious touristy thing on your doorstep — well, 15 mins. walk away — is the famous Père Lachaise cemetery, which is well worth a visit. And on Sunday morning, the flea market at Montreuil is interesting to wander around and observe, although you may find the "cheap tat" quotient a little high. Don't buy any "genuine antiques", LOL....

Lemme scratch my head a bit and investigate bus routes and I'll post back later. I'm sure others here will keep the suggestions coming, in the meantime!

Thanks for that. Good to know we are not too far away from everything!

The hotel isn't in the best area, I know, but to be honest it is only going to be a base for us to sleep and a few drinks at the bar at night.

Let me know any other tips you have if possible, thanks again

peckerhead

Sam Mac wrote: »

The hotel isn't in the best area, I know, but to be honest it is only going to be a base for us to sleep and a few drinks at the bar at night.

Zigackly. Good call; spend the money on more interesting things...

Incidentally, you also have an enormous Auchan supermarket just around the back of the Métro station, open 'til 10pm every night. Stock up on your snacks and mineral water there instead of in the small shops. The price differentials can be staggering, especially on "convenience" items.

Sam Mac

peckerhead wrote: »

Zigackly. Good call; spend the money on better things...

Incidentally, I see you have a big Auchan supermarket just around the back of the Métro station, open 'til 10pm every night. Stock up on your snacks and mineral water there instead of in the small shops.

Yep, that's the plan

Yeah I saw that supermarket mentioned in a few reviews, will be nice to have it next to us.

ScottSF

Consider one day trip to get away from the city. Versailles will be mad busy in July so I'm not sure if I would recommend visiting if you don't like huge crowds, especially loads of tour groups. The Louvre will also be incredibly busy will long queues - search online for tips on how to buy tickets and avoid the crowds. Must see is more manageable Musee D'Orsay.

I always enjoy going to Montparnasse to have crepes - the kind that originated from Brittany which are unique. Here is a blog post that shows what I mean: Weekend in Paris Day 2 - Montparnasse

If you enjoy champagne then you can take a fun day trip to Reims where it is produced. You can go by train and walk to a couple of places to tour the cellars and taste. Other popular scenic day trips include Chantilly, Giverny, Fontainbleau, Chartres (search on Google image search for each to see what they offer).

Sam Mac

ScottSF wrote: »

Consider one day trip to get away from the city. Versailles will be mad busy in July so I'm not sure if I would recommend visiting if you don't like huge crowds, especially loads of tour groups. The Louvre will also be incredibly busy will long queues - search online for tips on how to buy tickets and avoid the crowds. Must see is more manageable Musee D'Orsay.

I always enjoy going to Montparnasse to have crepes - the kind that originated from Brittany which are unique. Here is a blog post that shows what I mean: Weekend in Paris Day 2 - Montparnasse

If you enjoy champagne then you can take a fun day trip to Reims where it is produced. You can go by train and walk to a couple of places to tour the cellars and taste. Other popular scenic day trips include Chantilly, Giverny, Fontainbleau, Chartres (search on Google image search for each to see what they offer).

Thanks!

Would you recommend buying the Louvre tickets online, and picking them up at a box office/shop? http://www.fnactickets.com/place-spectacle/manifestation/Musee-MUSEE-DU-LOUVRE--TARIF-JOURN-E--LOUV1.htm

ScottSF

I haven't been in several years but I think that's a good idea, but from looking online it seems even if you have tickets the security queue can still be quite long. In the past there have been several entrances and some are better/faster than others, but things change all the time. Hopefully someone else can help provide more recent advice.

Looking at Rick Steves' who publishes excellent guidebooks to Europe including Paris, people are recommending the Paris Pass which covers museums and transportation. That could save time and money so worth investigating.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/buy-louvre-tickets-in-advance-with-museum-pass

Sam Mac

Thanks for that. Anyone have any experience with the Paris Pass?

Sam Mac

http://en.parismuseumpass.com/rub-faq-16.htm

I am under 26, does the free entry to attractions for EU citizens under 26 still apply to July?

Strumms

ScottSF wrote: »

Consider one day trip to get away from the city. Versailles will be mad busy in July so I'm not sure if I would recommend visiting if you don't like huge crowds, especially loads of tour groups. The Louvre will also be incredibly busy will long queues - search online for tips on how to buy tickets and avoid the crowds. Must see is more manageable Musee D'Orsay.

I always enjoy going to Montparnasse to have crepes - the kind that originated from Brittany which are unique. Here is a blog post that shows what I mean: Weekend in Paris Day 2 - Montparnasse

If you enjoy champagne then you can take a fun day trip to Reims where it is produced. You can go by train and walk to a couple of places to tour the cellars and taste. Other popular scenic day trips include Chantilly, Giverny, Fontainbleau, Chartres (search on Google image search for each to see what they offer).

You never hear Chantilly get mentioned in the context of somewhere to visit on a trip to Paris but it's a must see. A great way to get out of the city for an afternoon and relax, it's stunning out there and very tranquil.

Regardless of crowds OP don't miss the Louvre or Versailles on that basis.

Also at the start of July it will be VERY hot in Paris, late 20s early 30s. So plan to take a backpack and some water with you, the metro can be stifling as well as the streets too.

I've lived in Paris and return regularly but I often hesitate to tell people where they MUST eat or do or see because with Paris I awlays find that it's best that people find their own Paris it's a great city for exploring by foot and coming across little interesting bars and cafes and interesting squares with shops and restaurants. Just try avoid the dreaded Irish bar at ALL costs ha.

Sam Mac

Thanks alot!