My wife and her 27 year daughter and I are planning a week in Paris around Bastille Day. It is my first visit, but my wife and step-daughter were there 16 years ago. I am anxious to see all I can so will be pouring over Rick's books. The girls are more interested in just seeing the major Paris sights (Eiffel Tower- the Louvre-Notre Dame & a couple more), enjoying the cafe scene, seeing Markets and probably 1 day trip to Versailles. We are looking for lodging. Neither of the girls want to walk a lot so a central location that is close public transport and to the central parts of the city would be helpful. We need two rooms and prefer a bed & breakfast, but would consider a hotel. More concerned about safety and location, but would like to keep the cost as reasonable as is possible in Paris. Any lodging suggestions would be appreciated. Other than Rick's 7 day suggestions, are there any other sights to see you would recommend?
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Well if you don't like to walk then the best place to stay would be home ;-) Of course there will be walking in Paris...that's what people do. Of course you will take the metro to the big sites, and the metro stations are plentiful. We usually stay in the Hotel Latin Excelsior just below the Pantheon and near the Sorbonne. It's a nice place and the nearest metro is just out the front door to the right and down the road a couple of blocks. We've also stayed in the Hotel Agora St Germain which is another winner in the same general vicinity and very very near to the Maubert Metro. Walking along the sidewalks and see the city is part of its attraction.
Posted by
Milwaukee, WI, USA
197 posts
My suggestion would be to make air conditioning a priority in any lodging you choose. Many of the chain hotels have it; finding an apartment with A/C will be harder and probably more expensive. I was in Paris for a month this past July and the temps soared to near 100 F (32-34 C) on some days. I second Tim; walking is an integral part of the beauty of Paris; even making connections in the Metro requires it. My friends and I stood on the Pont de l'Alma (Mo: Alma Marceau) for the fireworks on the 14th of July ("le quatorze juillet" in France); crowded but not jammed like the Champ de Mars; spectacular view (the fireworks shoot out of the Eiffel Tower and from the Trocadero). Enjoy!
Posted by
Paris, France
131 posts
B&B's are not common in Paris. It would be helpful to know you budget in order to make meaningful suggestions.
Other than Rick's 7-day suggestions, I would suggest that you head to the library or book store to look at some other guidebooks to see what appeals to you.
It will be difficult for "the girls" to avoid walking, because that's what you do in Paris. Sure, they can combine it with using the bus or metro, but they will be walking - like it or not. Just remind them that the walking will help to work off all of the croissants they will be eating.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1075 posts
I enjoyed the neighborhood around Montmartre for sightseeing. I especially liked Place du Tertre which is just west of Sacre le Coeur. The square is filled with artists and it is fun to look at all the paintings. There is also a large number of cafes to choose from.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
One pair of walking shoes for each of them. Sneakers would work, or Sketchers or anything with good soles and support. As others have said, walking around is the way to see Paris and if your feet don't feel good, nothing is fun.
We like the area around Luxembourg Gardens which is near RER from/to airports, several Metro stations, funky Latin Quarter cafes and Notre Dame/Louvre touring (and Seine cruise.)
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Not a lot of B&B options in Paris, I'd suggest a hotel. We liked the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles in the Latin Quarter, but I don't think they have AC, which I agree would be a big help in July. There are lots and lots of good hotels, but for reliable AC I'd consider one of the chains like Ibis or Mercure, part of the Accor hotel system. Or look for a Paris location of a US-based chain you may like here (but don't expect everything to be the same as in US).
Safety isn't really an issue, though pickpocketing can be in crowded places full of tourists. If you're reading the RS books you know how to protect your money and such. In general, the closer to the river you stay, the closer you'll be to most of the sights, and the more you'll pay. Metro stations are everywhere, it's hard to be far from one in central Paris. And buses, also everywhere, are a fun though slower way to get around.
"Reasonable" cost is in the eye, or wallet, of the beholder. I doubt if you'll find much under 100 euros a night, per room, especially with AC. Try booking.com to at least get a sense of the marketplace. And don't wait too long -- rooms for July will be getting booked in the next month or so.
Posted by
Chicago
8552 posts
You definitely need AC. I spend a couple of June nights at the Hotel des Grandes Ecoles and our room measured over 100F in the afternoon and didn't cool down much at night as there is very poor air circulation on upper floors. We spent the great heat wave of 2003 in an un air conditioned apartment in Paris and it was beyond miserable. Almost no apartments have AC -- and those that advertise it often have those worthless portable units that you wheel around, have it only in the living room or in some cases have AC but turn it off at 10 pm for noise restrictions -- just of course when you really need it.
I would get two hotel rooms with AC. B&Bs are not really a thing in Paris.
Paris is a walking town -- its beauty if best observed on foot. So this may not be the best option for people who don't think that is fun.
My advise to anyone traveling with teens is to put them in charge of significant planning. Our kids introduced us to things we might not have thought of and when kids plan for their and their parents' pleasure they are generally more engaged in the trip and more understanding of the planning done by the folks.