Paris - First Timer for 4 days in December

Getting around. I would invest in a Navigo pass. You need a small photo - smaller than passport size (about 1" x 1.25"). I downsized one using a copier machine. It's easier to have one with you than to get one there, though there are machines. You can buy it at the metro station at Gard du Nord when you arrive. You pay €5 for the card itself. Either you or the station attendant will put it together, then charge it with a one-week pass (€21.25) and you're on your way. If you are penny-pinching, you can do the math if this is worthwhile for you. A single ticket costs €1.80, a pack of 10 tickets costs €14.10. Unless you love to walk, you may save a little by buying tickets, but the pass is very convenient. It also covers the RER to CDG and to Versailles, for which you'd have to buy more expensive single tickets. The pass also allows you to hop on a bus for a stop or two. If you want to use a combination of bus/metro to get somewhere, you'll need 2 tickets. Use this site to find the best way to get from point A to point B. Download a map of the Metro to get an idea of the lines. Metro is almost always the fastest way to travel. Buses often get bogged down in traffic and the batobus (on the Seine) is just slow.

What time is your flight out? Which airport?

Sight-seeing. The Paris Museum Pass is for you (not to be confused with any other Paris pass). Most of the sights on your list are included in the pass and you will avoid some lines. You can buy the Pass at most sights and at TI kiosks (there's one in the plaza in front of Notre Dame). You may even be able to buy in in London while you're waiting to board the Eurostar.

Seine River Cruise - I like Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf and for me the best time is right around sunset. They are near Sainte-Chapelle/Notre Dame. You can buy a ticket online (print a voucher) at a discount, if you're sure you're going to do this. Or you can print a discount voucher and save a couple euro.

Sainte-Chapelle. There are often lines for the security check and the Pass won't help you. One option is to buy a ticket to an evening concert. Get there early for the 1st concert (there are usually 2) and you'll have time to look around at the chapel and take photos before the music begins. Opera glasses/binoculars will be useful to really enjoy the stained glass, whether you go during the day or in the evening.

Christmas markets. Allow some time to see the markets and enjoy the holiday lights and decorations. I have yet to be in Paris then, but it may be nice to be on top of the Arc de Triomphe after dark to see the lights.

Versailles. Check the official website - they may have special events for Christmas. Others have said the best way to see the palace is by taking a private tour. In any event, plan to be there first thing in the morning, so you see it before it's swamped with visitors. Know in advance which entrance to use. Versailles's grounds are extensive. Use the shuttle train to get to the Trianon and Marie Antoinette's hamlet - not to be missed.

Orsay. Get there 5-10 minutes before they open. Join the Pass-holder line, on the right as you face the museum with your back to the Seine. Go immediately to the top floor for the Impressionist collections, before the rooms get too crowded. It's tricky to get back down to the other floors, since they've designed a one-way route ending there. Since you're interested in the Opera House, check out the scale model - it's a the opposite end of the museum to the clock - not sure, but I think it's on the 2nd floor.

continued . . .

Louvre. Huge, huge, huge. The long lines are for security checks at the Pyramid entrance, so don't use it (though sometimes, there's a separate line for pass holders). Use the Carousel entrance, with a much shorter security line, though these days, who knows how long the lines will be. The audio guides are pretty good. You'll have to leave photo ID as security. Use your driver's license. Pay attention to which station you rent from, so you know where to return the guide to get your ID back. The Louvre's website has a Thematic Trails section. They are self-guided tours. I have used the "from Palace to Museum" one - it will take you past nearly all the highlights ( though they aren't mentioned!) and is a good overview. Some of the walking directions are a little tricky - if you aren't sure, ask one of the guards. When to go? Usually Wednesday and Friday evenings are less crowded. Or first thing in the morning.

Tour Montparnasse. Your hotel is very close. The views are great (if visibility is good). Check that the terrace (rooftop) is open and wear your warmest clothes! Go in daytime. One of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

Centre Pompidou. If you enjoy modern art, visit. Otherwise skip it and just walk around the outside. Lunchtime is good, when the locals are on their lunch break and enjoying the sunshine (if indeed there is any in December).

Download Rick's self-guided audio tours of Paris and print out the maps.

Hi Chani,

Thanks for your detailed response, my flight on the 20th is at 7.30am from CDG Airport. Again, appreciate your time and thoughts.

Baskaran A

I find it odd that you have opened this 2nd thread on exactly the same topic.

David,

Agree with you, I did mention about my earlier post and the reason for the second post. The intent was to get more response & not to confuse any one.

Thanks/Baskaran

OK. Fair enough.

I think you have chosen the absolute best hotel location. With weather cooperating you should be able to see most of your list. Going in December means you will be a bit cold, but there are no crowds. I agree with your asterisked items, and I would say that Sainte Chapelle is also a must see. I think the best way to see it is an evening concert, as suggested above. Versailles takes so much time, I would not recommend. When in the Louvre, to save time, decide what you want to see, since you really can't see it all. I recommend using the RS book to help you with planning your days. That time of year, the Champs d'Elysees is pretty at night with all the holiday stuff. Enjoy!

Someone mentioned this on the forum here, but you can buy a 10-pack of Paris metro tickets in the cafe car on the Eurostar. It was very convenient.

Julie,

Thanks, I did the research on this forum & other places for the best district to stay within the 20 & narrowed down the 6th. This forum is an awesome resource to learn & share. I will get RS guide & choose the attractions.

Baskaran

Nordheim - thanks. I am blank on the tickets, but will take your suggestion into consideration.

Baskaran

7.30 am. ouch. Plan on taking a taxi or shuttle service to CDG - the trains/buses won't be running early enough. Expensive but I don't know if there's another option.

The Louvre is open evenings on Wed. and Friday and should also be less crowded then, but expect the room with Mona to be a zoo at any time of day. Pick a few highlights you really want to see or bugdet your time then wander aimlessly. You will find that most of the museum is empty while the wing with Mona is always busy.

Plan time for strolling and cafe sitting, this time is as much a part of being in Paris as seeing the sites!

Your hotel can arrange an airport shuttle for your early departure, something like 3:30am should get you to your flight on time.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Chani!

Beth - thanks for sharing the info about The Louvre's opening hours, much appreciated.

Baskaran

Tue 15
Arrive from London on Eurostar
Seine River Cruise ... http://vedettesdupontneuf.com/home/

Wed 16
Versailles
Pompidou Centre (closes 10pm Wed)

Thu 17
Saint Chapelle
Notre Dame
Pantheon
Jardin de Luxembourg
Musee d'Orsay (closes 9.45pm Thu)

Fri 18
St Germain des Pres
Invalides
Walk ... Invalides >> Pont Alexandre III >> Grand+Petit Palais >> Champs Elysees >> Place de la Concorde >> Madeleine >> Opera >> Place Vendome >> Tuileries Gardens >> Orangerie >> Pyramid du Louvre
Louvre (closes 9.45pm Fri)

Sat 19
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
Sacre Coeur & Montmartre

Sun 20
Depart for London and LA

Double OUCH !! One option for that 7:30 flight - Stay the night before at CDG . There are a bunch of very good hotels at terminals 1 to 3 (Ibis , Hilton , Pullman , Novotel , etc. ) next morning take the CDGVAL to the terminal , about ten minutes . My flight out is usually 8:30 ( Delta to JFK ) and it sure beats allowing extra time in the morning to make the trip up from town . Keep in mind what Chani says about the cab , you will have the expense regardless , so it doesn't matter what you spend it on . Better to get up an hour later in the morning and be comfortable

Baskaran,

As a first timer, you might find it very helpful to pack along a copy of the Pocket Paris guide book (there's also a full size version). That has lots of information that will help make your trip easier, such as transportation, opening and closing days of different museums, dealing with the language, etc.

Also, be sure to wear a Money Belt when out touring, as there will be pickpockets and other scammers operating.

Thanks everyone , awesome responses! I am better informed now.

Baskaran

David's itinerary makes a lot of sense to me, though Friday might wear you down. I'd also echo the suggestion to spend the last night at an airport hotel. We do that with any morning flight and it makes the departure morning a lot easier.

Hope you have good weather to allow plenty of strolling and café-sitting as well as the sights you've planned. Have a great trip!

Put an asterisk by the Luxembourg Gardens... my favorite place in Paris.

I agree with Beth and Dick, to make time for strolling and café sitting. It's the best part, and essential to truly experience and enjoy Paris.