I'm getting confused about which to use - anyone recently have a good experience with a tour? Semi private would be okay as well. Major sights but more interested in the history, stories etc.
Thx!
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Washington, DC
8 posts
Hello Janet! When I was in Paris I paid to take one of those double-decker red busses that are designed for tourists. If memory serves, they have different routes designated by different colors that intersect at various spots so you can change. It may be a little cheesy but I didn't mind and it was absolutely wonderful to be able to see many different parts of the city, especially with the view from the upper level.
In the evening I paid for a "nighttime bus tour" which was nice to do as well. I think there was narration but I recall that it wasn't super easy to hear. Maybe it was broadcast through a set of headphones?? As with the red bus, you'll probably cover more sights than you could do on foot, and if you don't mind just gawking at the various sights and streets, it was very enjoyable. They stopped at a picturesque spot within view of the Eiffel Tower and parked there for a while so we could enjoy the light show. I registered for that one in a little office on the edge of the left bank across from Notre Dame and north by a block or two. I just looked on google maps and I think this is the place: "France Tourisme Notre Dame" - 33 Quai des Grands Augustins, 75006 Paris -- http://www.francetourisme.fr/. Looks like they have a bunch of tourist excursions and bus trips you can buy.
Another idea -- one afternoon I paid for one of those "pedicabs" (bicycle powered covered taxi) to take me around and it was breathtaking because you're right next to all the cars and motorbikes. A bit scary yes but totally worth it. To see real Parisians up close was fascinating.
FINALLY --- depending on how many more days you have, you might be able to hook up with a walking tour through the volunteer group "Paris Greeter". This is their website::: http://www.greeters.paris/?lang=en
I cannot express how amazing it was to have a real, live, FRIENDLY Parisian walk me around and give me a million inside secrets, historical facts, and cultural info. I highly recommend you contact them!
Good luck!!! Hope you're enjoying it!