Bonjour! My 17 y/o daughter and I are traveling for the first time to Paris Apri 18-25. I've booked a 9:30 am TGV leaving from Gare de l"Est for a day in Reims April 20.
What is the easiest way to get from the hotel to the Gare de l"Est train station?
Secondly, we were considering a day trip to Versailles but don't want to overbook. . Already have tickets to Eiffel, planning a museum day, shopping day (Champs-Elysees?), and just exploring walking.
Thanks for your feedback! -Lisa
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Your closest metro stop is Ecole Militaire. Hopefully you know how to navigate a metro system. The following is copied from another site:
Line 8 Metro from ECOLE MILITAIRE to STRASBOURG-SAINT DENIS...then transfer over to the #4 Metro to GARE de l'EST. The trip from Ecole Militaire to Gare de l'Est should take approx 20-25 mins.
Otherwise grab a taxi.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
And I can't imagine a first time trip to Paris with as many days as you have and NOT going to Versailles. For a most interesting Versailles experience consider taking a bike tour.
Posted by
california
292 posts
Hi Lisa! What fun to do Paris with your daughter-you will have a blast...I agree with the other traveler-take the metro! You are close, and since there is only one transfer, it will be simple. If you are nervous about it, just take a taxi. I travel to Paris every year...sometimes I feel like I can navigate simply, other times, I take the easy route. I have stayed near Rue Cler, and it is fun being close to the Eiffel tower, at any time of day. Champs-Elysees is alright-but not what it used to be, IMO. For shopping, there are fabulous small boutiques everywhere-you might like the Marais-young, trendy, fun area. Small winding streets-and in the 6th, St. Germain, are lots of small streets with great boutiques. Just wander in-much more fun than the chain stores. Also, consider Le Bon Marche and Galleries Lafayette-beautiful buildings with everything. Versailles is lovely-just depends on your time frame-also Monet's Garden can be very beautiful this time of year. Remember, you will love what you see and do-don't worry about what you cannot fit in-NEXT TIME! However, Versailles is such a magnificent part of French history, and wandering the gardens and having lunch by the lake is really a peaceful, beautiful experience.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Useful info Tim-do you recommend a particular bike tour group for Versailles?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Linda thanks for your thoughts-it's so nice to get inside info on the trip in addition to reading about it in books. Going to take your advice about the shopping since that is high a high priority for the teen! I'm sensing the true highlights of our trip will be those not planned or scheduled! -Lisa
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
There are lots of good bike companies, but we have used this company on 2 or 3 different trips including June 2016:
http://www.bikeabouttours.com/
If you go with a tour (such as the bike tour) you'll enter through a special gate for tour groups and not via the snaking endless line of normal visitors most all of whom possess a "skip the line" ticket. If you just go on your own then be prepared to wait in a long line to enter the palace.
Posted by
885 posts
I think you will be comfortable with the metro by the 20th. It is easy to use and a great way to get around. But as the others have said, there is nothing wrong with a taxi.
As far as Versailles goes, that would really be your personal preference. It is enormous! I'm glad I have seen it (30 years ago) but I have no real desire to go back. But, others love it! You will have a genuine French vacation if you go or if you don't go. If you do go, get there early!
I'm glad you're going to Reims. It's a very historic town and it's nice to see something besides Paris.