Can anyone recommend a nice, but not too pricey, hotel or B&B in Paris near the Eifel Tower or Train Station? Or even Le Notre Dame?
Also, how much time would need to be allotted for a day trip to Versailles? Should we take a bus/taxi/subway to Versailles? Is there a house tour?
I appreciate all suggestions very much!
Matt, with one day only it would be madness to leave Paris. Go to Versailles on another visit. You really need a full day to see & appreciate Versailles. By the way, don't limit your hotel choices just to be near the Tour Eiffel. I have often stayed in the 15th arrond. and the bus I take back to my hotel passes right by the Tour so I see it every day.
If you want to be right by Notre Dame there is a charming hotel on the top floor of the historic Hopital Hotel Dieu which is just steps away from Notre Dame. It used to be just for the families of patients but is now available even unto thee and me.
A good website for information on the metro system (never called subway in France) is parisbytrain.com
I’ll recommend Hotel de la Tulipe in the 7th arrondissement…several blocks from the Eiffel Tower and a couple east of rue Cler: http://www.paris-hotel-tulipe.com/
We toured the Chateau de Versailles and gardens in about half a day but could have used 2 hours more. If you only have half a day, the essentials can be done with good planning. We were tight on time and already in a taxi, so we took a taxi out and back. It’s not necessarily cost-effective, but it was quick and less painful split four ways. I’m going from memory, but I believe it was around €30 one-way and maybe a 25 minute ride. The train is probably the better option.
