21may23
Going to Paris for 4 days in late August with our two teenagers (15 and 13). We've found a AirBnB in the 15th a booked it. We know that it is a bumper year for Americans to visit Paris - but we'd like to make the best of it anyway.
Can you help with suggestions or plans for how to get a taste of Paris in 4 days?
With many thanks for all the info that Steve has shared in his films and books and from this forum.
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
Is four days five nights? In July, Rick’s Paris Pocket guidebook 5th edition will be available. I would buy that and take his two self-guided walking tours and, also visit the Louvre and Orsay museums. Don’t worry about visiting the Eiffel Tower because you’ll see it when you’re out and about. You may also want to take a day trip to Versailles.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Nights are at the BnB in the 15th. We're trying to plan out the 4 dawn to dusk from 15 (late arrival) to 20 August (early to CDG). Yes, we'd like to see all the landmarks, but waiting in lines can eat up much of the time - unless you're on a Rick Steves tour. (g)
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Great idea! Will the walkers guide be available by pre-order?
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
Buy tickets in advance to eliminate lines. Download Rick Steves app on your phone if you don't buy the book. Do this before leaving home.
Posted by
Washington DC
87 posts
The walking tours on the app have been updated recently, so yes, download the app and add the Paris tours to your playlist.
Posted by
Ohio
2124 posts
Lots of good info on this recent thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/suggestions-for-2-1-2-days-with-2-teen-males-in-paris
Solicit input from the kids and let them each plan a day. I bet one or both will want to do the Eiffel Tower. Tickets sell out fast, check the official website https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
Get a Rick Steves guidebook, Paris or Pocket Paris. Good ideas on how to structure a trip for 2, 3, 4 days. Love Paris. Have fun!
Posted by
Boston
113 posts
In late August, you might consider planning from dawn til dark, which is around 10:00pm. Paris is bustling in summer evenings. There are loads of fun things to do in the evenings.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks to all! trip was a success.
One Find: the bateau-bus for getting around Paris. On and off at multiple stops so you can plan a tour of sites as you wish and an easy way to see all sites along La Seine. We used the single day ticket and it provided easy and interesting sights on the way to other objectives. No loudspeaker tour guides! Main stop and place to get tickets is by the Tour Eiffel under the Pont d'Iéna (but it's not necessary to start there and tickets available at other stops too).