Hello everyone
I’ll be joining the 13 day Loire Valley-South of France tour, but will be staying in Paris for 3.5 days first. I’ve booked a hotel in the 7th arrondissement and will arrive early Tuesday afternoon. Saturday morning I’ll be heading to Chartre for the start of the tour. My question is regarding my time in Paris - what itinerary suggestions are there for a first timer? I really want to go to Monets Garden in Giverny - tour or independent travel I’m still deciding. If it’s a choice between Versailles and Giverny, I’d go for the latter. Same for the Louve. I’m not a huge art museum fan, but I do want to go to L’Orangerie and see Monet’s paintings. The architecture of L’Orsay also sounds intriguing. The Tuesday afternoon that my flight arrives I’m contemplating an evening at the Eiffel Tower, after a RS Rue Cler orientation walk. Saint Chapelle is on my list, although the stain glass windows in Chartres are supposed to be good too. Are they comparable? I enjoy parks, gardens, cobblestone streets, cycling, walking alongside rivers and beaches. I prefer to pace myself when seeing new sights, and not wear myself ragged trying to fit everything in. As a GI nurse, the sewer tour sounds quirky, but interesting lol Any itinerary suggestions that won’t send me crazy as I get over the jet lag would be appreciated. Having initially thought that Paris wasn’t my main destination goal, i now feel as though I don’t have enough time. The tour doesn’t start until Sunday, so I guess I could stay an extra day in Paris and go to Chartre Sunday morning instead. Anyone would think this trip is starting next month, and not June, the way I’m trying to figure it all out. LOL
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
You can easily do Versailles or Giverny on your own avoiding the additional expense of a tour. Each is just a train ride. Of course, they are very different, I would do a little research to determine your personal preference. Versailles is on the Paris Museum Pass, but tends to be extremely busy and would definitely take a full day. I'd recommend getting a Paris Museum Pass. (make sure it is NOT the Paris Pass, but the Paris MUSEUM Pass which is on sale at the participating museums) The museum pass would be particularly helpful for you, because you may be popping into some of the places (like the Louvre) for just a short time. Now, keep in mind that the Louvre was formerly a royal palace. The architecture of it is pretty amazing even if you are not terribly excited about the art contained at the Louvre. You can go to the information desk and ask for a map and instructions on seeing the most visited works. The Louvre info desk has been very helpful to me on a couple occasions. The L'Orangerie is small. I love it, but you won't spend a lot of time there. The Orsay can take as long as you want it to. I love it and typically spend at least four hours there. I would say Saint Chapelle and Chartres are very different and would highly recommend both places. In terms of gardens, you can enjoy the toulleries when you walk from the Louvre to the Orangerie. Luxembourg Gardens might be a lovely place for you to stroll on your arrival day. I think the Rue Cler is typically quiet on Tuesdays, but I've only been to Paris in the fall.The Notre Dame is free, but the climb up to the bell tower isn't but its included on the Paris Museum Pass. The view is fantastic and its fun being close to the gargoyles. I've been to Paris four times and have never actually climbed the Eiffel tower. Whatever you decide, do go view it both day and night. You will enjoy walking along the river and the Ile de la Cité. (the island on the Seine where the Notre Dame is located. At that time of year, you will want to figure out "cut the line strategies". I understand that you can now get timed tickets for the Notre Dame gargoyles. For the Orangerie and Orsay the Paris Museum Pass allows you to cut the line. It doesn't allow you to cut the line at Saint Chapelle. I would get in line right away in the morning like 8:30 or 9. If you have time, you might enjoy the Arch de Triomphe for the views. (also on the museum pass) It sounds like you are developing a plan of attack which is good. You won't see everything in 3.5 days, but I bet you could see enough to feel like you've experienced Paris.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
If you were arriving any day but Tuesday I would have suggested a walk through the Tuileries and a visit to the Monet waterlilies at L'Orangerie. (But do see the waterlilies another day when the museum is open. And the impressionists at Musee d'Orsay, which is relatively nearby.) How about a one-hour cruise on the Seine in the fresh air ?
Chartres stained glass windows are phenomenal. Don't miss them!
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2542 posts
A quick overview of Paris takes 4 full days. Resist the temptation to over schedule yourself.
You could include Giverny but Versailles is overcrowded and not really as enjoyable as it should be. Go there on another trip, as there is plenty to see in Paris itself.
If you really enjoy museums, consider a Paris Museum Pass. If you plan on seeing just a few museums, don´t waste money on a pass, purchase the museum tickets you need from a museum´s own website and use the same museums entries as do pass holders.
For transportation, consider purchasing a Navigo Découverte pass (5€) and loading it with a weekly, zone 1-5 Navigo fare (22.80€). You'll be able to travel anywhere in the Ile de France using the bus, train, métro, funicular, or tramway. You´ll need a slightly smaller than passport sized photo of yourself to attach to the card and you must print your name in the space indicated. The weekly Navigo fare is valid from any Monday to the following Sunday.
No point in making a list here of the scores of places to visit in Paris. Any basic guide book will have descriptions of all kinds of locations which should interest you. However, you might check with Paris Greeters about a tour through one of the old neighborhoods of the city.
jules m - I'm sure that you meant to say that Notre Dame is on Île de la Cité and not Ile St Louis.
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
94 posts
I'll endorse Giverny and the Orangerie. There is a combi-ticket for these two, which you can buy at either (and maybe online?). I bought mine at FNAC for a fee, but I was glad I did because I didn't wait in line at Giverny. You can set up that day trip up on your own, no problems. RS France has the instructions. I recommend to go to the garden first, then see the paintings. You have something like 90 days to use the other half of the ticket.
With the limited time you have and the fact you're starting a busy RS tour, I wouldn't plan much else, and I certainly wouldn't get a museum pass. There is plenty to see while cycling or walking along the river, so do that. You're not obligated to go the Louvre or Notre Dame.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Rockville, MD, USA
595 posts
Hi Eleanor,
This website has suggestions for a first-timer: https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/paris-itinerary
Take a look and see what strikes you as a must-see. Then slot things in tentatively, keeping in mind which museums are closed on which days. If you have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities you may want to switch them around at the last minute if it rains.
There's also a trip report section where others have shared their experiences. Here's mine: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/april-in-paris-1e48a51b-4933-490e-9e0d-e8bdf1035b47
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
yes, Tocard, thanks! Will edit
I will argue that with 3.5 days, the Paris Museum Pass is a great idea, but no, do not feel "obligated" to go anywhere. Follow your instincts. Many would suggest a trip up the Eiffel tower, yet in the times I've been to Paris, I've not yet climbed it. I enjoy walking (but not staying) on the champs Elysees. If you are in the area, the Arch de Triomphe is a quick stop (can jump the line with the Paris Museum Pass) and gives you a view of the Eiffel tower and other Paris sights. With your time, I think the museum pass gives you the ability to pop into places without feeling any need to stay longer and get your money's worth. You could get a two day pass and start it the day after you arrive. The Saint Chapelle, Orsay, Orangerie which seem to be priorities to you are all on it. Lastly, the Paris pass does give you to jump the line at some of the sites. (Orsay, Orangerie).