We are active, early 60s couple arriving in Paris 6/5 for Rick Steves tour Paris and the Heart of France 6/6-6/16) and interested in ideas on how to spend afternoon/evening of 6/5 and day of of 6/6 (tour meets up at 5pm) as well as during "free time" on tour (Paris). So much info in guide books! We are staying at the Lenox Montpararnasse in 14E while in Paris but love to walk. This is our first time in Paris. Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Seattle
331 posts
We took this tour (and stayed at that same hotel) in May, 2017. For our pre-tour day-and-a-half, we went to Versailles, took a Seine River cruise, and, of course, went to the Eiffel Tower. We also did a lot of walking to familiarize ourselves with Paris since it was our first time there, as well. We visited Cimetière du Père-Lachaise after the tour ended, but it’s something you can do pre-tour.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9208 posts
If you're too jet lagged to go far, you can go up the nearby Tour de Montparnasse (tower). The Rue de Montparnasse is a small side street just west and across the street from the hotel where there are several good crêperies. While we were there, there was an open air art market a few blocks west. But Versailles would be a priority.
Posted by
OP
NH
9 posts
thank you both!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1737 posts
brenda,
I would think twice about visiting Versailles after a plane ride from the US. IMO Versailles needs a full day (at least 6-8 hours for the chateau and grounds) and requires lots of walking, as well as train time to and from there via Gare St. Lazare (about 1 hour each way). It sounds a bit exhausting. If you go on the day the tour begins, you will not have as long there as you might prefer. Of course, many people only visit the chateau and many visit only the grounds, so that is doable on either of your days.
Arrival day is problematic for most of us arriving from the US, especially the West Coast. Unless you are a good sleeper on a flight, you may want to pick something less ambitious than Versailles. And as tempting as it sounds, Seine boat rides (one of my favorite things!) may put you to sleep as jet lag kicks in. So something not too tiring, but not soporific either.
I would go through the things your tour covers in Paris, and pick a couple of things that aren't included. Notre Dame? Ste. Chapelle?
Opera Garnier? Luxembourg Gardens?
Have a wonderful trip! You will fall in love with Paris!
Posted by
OP
NH
9 posts
Thank Judy! We have looked at Versailles and agree will do when come back from tour as spending a week with plans not yet defined (but hoping to meet up friends in Greece) so thinking the 16th June would be the day for Versailles. Brenda