We will be arriving at the Paris airport at 8:10 am on a Friday in August and are planning to take a train to our airbnb to drop off our luggage (if the place is available that early - we will contact them when we arrive), freshen up, and either eat lunch near our place or travel back to Paris to eat lunch. My question: what do you suggest we see midday and into the evening? Is there anything that we must see on day 1 to give us an overview of the city? My thought is Notre Dame and walking around that area? Then Luxemberg park? Any other place in walking distance from Notre Dame that are must sees? Then, we'll have 2 (possible 3) days to see the other big attractions. Should we do 1 big attraction on day 1????
Posted by
Paris
6920 posts
Day 1 is difficult. Arriving at 8.10 am (2.10 am eastern), you'll be unlikely to have slept well on the plane, as that'll still be the middle of the night in your body clock.
I would focus on an area close to your Airbnb. If it is still the one at Rue des Vinaigriers from your other post, you could head to the Marais. It is walkable in less than 30 minutes, or a quick hop on bus 38. The Marais is almost adjacent to Notre Dame so you could see that too.
Day 1 is not the day for a museum, or for a long ride on the metro. You will need daylight to keep you awake. And try to have a light lunch!
Regarding luggage: there are plenty of private luggage facilities in Paris. A Google Maps search should yield some options, check also Nanny bag. I never needed such service but I see them all over the city, especially in central areas. Or you could use facilities at Gare de l'Est if you're still at the rue des Vinaigriers location. It's super close!
Posted by
Chicago
8097 posts
Luxembourg Gardens is a nice idea on day one when you really do need to be out of doors in the sunlight to help re-adjust the clock. You can rent a small sailboat to sail on the fountain pool -- great photo op -- and fun. I might also suggest getting a map or book of walking tours and do a walking tour of areas near the park. Mouffetard market street in the fifth is fun to walk and grab lunch; the Lutece Roman amphitheater is in this area, free and fun to discover. Lots of cute shops, places to grab coffee at a sidewalk cafe etc etc.
With a walking tour and park in your plans you can stop and rest -- read a book by the Medici Fountain in the park, sit at a cafe and watch the world go buy and just generally pace yourself. Moving and being out of doors and then an early dinner and bed is the best way to re-set the clock for the next day. Another great spot to walk is along the Seine -- we often walk from the Mitterand Library down the Seine to the center on the left bank -- in summer there are people doing the tango (you can join if you tango) in the little theaters along the river, nice parks, sometimes pop up cafes and lovely views.
It really helps to have a map or two of curated walking routes but you can also just wander.
If you ever use sleeping pills, sometimes using one that first night helps too -- as sometimes jet lag keeps one from sleep-- maybe take it at midnight if sleep doesn't come easy.