My husband and I will be arriving in Paris around 8:30 AM (most likely not sleeping on the plane and very jet-lagged- coming from Seattle). Any ideas for activities on the first day that would be more "slow-paced"?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Last time that I flew from Seattle to Paris, I guess I got to my hotel about noon, dropped bags there, then had a nice, leisurely lunch, while waiting for my room to be available. A visit the Luxembourg Gardens, Champs de Mars, or another park would be relaxing, and I am not above taking a nap in a park. You could explore the Isle St Louis - it's small - if that's convenient to your hotel. None of this necessarily matches Rick's advice to keep active on your first day. But I wouldn't plan any major museum or timed ticket.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Might be a nice day for a Seine boat ride -- fresh air and beautiful sights.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I'd urge the two of you to look into ways to mitigate jet lag. Doing so will make that first day better, and may prevent jet lag from persisting over multiple days.
You don't say when you are traveling, or whether it's 8:30 in Paris or 8:30 at deGaulle. But assuming the weather and season cooperates, and assuming that you will be pulling into town around 10 or 10:30, I would emphasize parks and churches, outdoors as much as feasible especially before noon. Or a cafe crawl.
The boat ride is a good idea, but not if you are at the point where sitting will lead to into slumber. It's worth fighting that as far as you can.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA
10 posts
Thank you, everyone! We'll be traveling in early May 2015 and arriving at CDG then taking a train to our apartment. I've traveled to Paris once before, landing around a similar time, and did a lot of go-go-go activities the first day. This caused us to be a bit moody with the lack of energy/sleep and thus made Paris the least-liked city. I think checking out some parks, and cafes or churches sound great. Do you think Montmarte is a good idea?
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi Suzy, I think Montmartre is a fine idea! Take a look at Rick's walking tour or take the little train (board in front of Sacre Cour) to get a nice overview. Lots to see in the area. Hope you have a great time in Paris!
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1382 posts
I like to check in to my hotel and then go find a fabulous place for lunch. Following that I see what tours "Paris-Walks" is offering and try to catch up with one of those. Last November I ate at La Rotonde and took a tour of the Montparnasse area of Paris. By that time I am normally exhausted at the end and am ready to check back into my hotel and take a nice shower before going to bed for the next day. Jet lag never bothers me going west to east. East to west is always the killer for me.