This forum has been super helpful. All these timed entrance tickets sure makes planning tough though. I have purchased tickets for the Louvre at 9:00 am on Sat. March 30th. Allotting 4 hours to the Louvre, we will want to eat, stroll through the Tuileries, see Monet's Water Lillies at the Orangerie, then public transport to the Tour Eifel. Sunset is at 7:19 that night so I want to get to the Eifel Tower around 5 or 6 so we can see views in the daylight and see the lights of the tower. I need to know about budget-friendly options for lunch between the Louvre and the Orangerie. Should we eat at a cafe in the Louvre, visit a nearby cafe, or pick up some food items from a nearby market and eat in the gardens? Are there dining options nearby? Should I allot 2 or 3 hours for lunch and Tuileries? That would put me at L'Orangerie at 3 or 4. Is one hour sufficient for L'Orangerie? That would mean we would head for the Eifel Tower starting at 5:00. Tickets for the Eifel Tower for March 30 will not be released until Jan 30, but there are already very limited tickets available 60 days out, though a 5:00 was available when I checked. Any tips on getting to the Eifel Tower from L'Orangerie? And lastly, moderately-priced (for Paris) dinner ideas before heading out to our suburban Disney-area hotel on the RER A?
Posted by
3 posts
It will almost a full day tour.
If you use Google map, you will notice that the distances and time are not realistic. Double the time.
Book tickets for museums in advance.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Hi frekotw, the day you have planned is totally doable. In fact, we just did it in October! The necessity for timed tickets does take away some of the spontaneity but that’s how it is now.
After the Louvre I’d walk through the Tulleries. There is a nice outdoor cafe in the gardens and, if the weather is decent, that’s where I’d have lunch.
After lunch continue walking toward the obelisk, the Orangerie will be on your left. Get advance tickets for 3-3:30 pm. It’s about a 30-40 minute walk from the Orangerie to the Eiffel Tower. Cross over the bridge by Napoleon’s Tomb/military museum and wander through Rue Cler. Or if you prefer, just walk along the Seine.
You could get ET tickets for 7 and be on the tower when it is illuminated at 8. After the twinkling stops (8:05), descend the tower and walk either over the bridge or to the Champs de Mars (park) to take photos.
Hopefully, someone with chime in with help on the RER. You have a wonderful trip ahead of you! Bon voyage!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
If the weather cooperates there is an Eric Kayser bakery kiosk with sandwiches and salads right beside the Arc du Carrousel at the exit from the stairs up from the Louvre. Get food and a drink and head into the Tuileries and grab a green metal chair for people watching. If it’s rainy, head thru the Tuileries to the restaurants there. There are several with some tented eating areas. I like Les Marrioners (chestnuts) on the left as you walk from the Louvre to the Orangerie.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14725 posts
I'm on my laptop this morning so it's easier for me to include a map showing where the Eric Kayser kiosk is as well as the Tuileries restaurant I enjoy. I can't get it to route the walking route down the center of the garden but you'll figure that out when you get there, lol.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nw6RKqM7VaGmW1hV7
There are the Paris classic green metal chairs all thru the garden so I just head toward either shade or sun and enjoy! I do recommend having some kind of plastic bag with you that you can put down on an outdoor chair or bench. If it's been raining they will be wet so I carry a Trader Joes plastic grocery bag with me, lol or sometimes in Paris they are covered with pigeon poo.