Quick help please. Had a business trip to Nice France first week of Feb. Made a last minute decision to visit Paris Feb 28th until 31st before heading down to Nice. I have never been to Paris. Any suggestion on sightseeing, museums, ticket purchase in advance, local transportation options and foods are greatly appreciated. Interests have in mind are Nortre-Dam, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and Palace of Versailles. I did try to purchase the Eiffel tower ticket this morning but unfortunately for visits between Jan 4th to Feb 5th, no online sales tickets in advance of top floor. Still debating the travel option between air and train down to Nice. Any suggestion? Thank you all in advance.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
It's difficult to suggest things like that for other people, as everyone has different interests and preferences. Your best bet for answers to the questions on "sightseeing, museums, ticket purchase in advance", etc. will be found in either the Pocket Paris, Paris or France guidebooks (available on this website or as E-books in some cases). I'd suggest packing along a copy on your trip. As you're also going to Nice, the full sized RS France would probably be the best choice.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Start each day with a big ticket sight and finish at a museum. Find a relaxation place and a nearby quick visit for the time in between.
With just 2 full days...
Day 1
Notre Dame
Sainte Chapelle or Orangerie
Tuileries
Louvre
Day 2
Eiffel Tower
Invalides or Pantheon
Luxembourg Gardens
Musee d'Orsay
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
We took the train between Paris and Nice.. its 5 hours and 50 minutes.. which puts it about the same amount of time as flying ( the flight is 1.5 hours.. but you would have to be at airport an hour to an hour an half before flight minimally, and it takes about 20 minutes to airport from Nice.. then from airport in Paris to Paris is 45 minutes..
So , I would look at prices to help me decide.. check out Easyjet and for train the sncf website ( French rail) website.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Thanks djp_spd.
Would you please clarify for buy a big ticket? Should I buy them now or as I go given it is not busy travel season? Some websites for tickets purchase are greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
'Big ticket' sight ? Meaning the big ones to visit, must-dos.
Louvre
Musee d'Orsay
Notre Dame
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
In Paris, really only the Eiffel Tower requires pre booking. Paris Museum Pass for 2 days may appeal. http://www.parismuseumpass.com
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Thanks again
Posted by
Chicago
8060 posts
Most guidebooks have 2 day and 3 day itineraries; Trip Advisor has those also and I am pretty sure Rick Steves organizes his guide that way. If you have no clue then that is a good place to start and then edit for your interests.
What is your dream of Paris? Do that and fill it out with other elements of suggested short itineraries.