Our trip is set. Lodging, flight and most of our transportation is booked. Now the enjoyable struggle with what to do, what to see and where to eat can begin. A little help with our itinerary would be greatly appreciated. We will be in Paris, Thursday July 7th - Wednesday July 13th. My wife and I arrive first, on Thursday morning, with the other three members of our group arriving Friday and Saturday mornings. I am the only one of the 5 that has experienced Paris (and I for a brief 2 nights). We are staying in an apartment in the 11th, between the Bastille and Voltaire metro stops. Saturday through Tuesday, we will do many of the "can't miss" of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame. . .). One of these days, we would like to visit Versailles also. Suggestions on the best use of our days would be appreciated, especially Sunday and Monday when some things are closed. Thursday, my wife and I will be alone and would love to do something a little different. Has anyone taken a hot air balloon over Paris? We thought about doing this and exploring a different neighborhood than Montmarte, Marais or the Latin Quarter (which we hope to do with the group). Or, if the full group will miss one of these, we will explore that neighborhood. We are budget conscious, but will spend some money to experience something wonderful. Friday, when two more members of the group arrive, we are considering exploring Montmarte. Saturday morning is when the final member of our troup arrives. We are all adults in our early 30s. Our pace could be called leisurely active, hoping to experience as much as possbile while taking some time to reflect, digest and smell the roses. Any and all suggestions on how to organize our days would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
You will be well located to go to either the Saturday morning street market at Place de la Nation or the Sunday morning one at Bastille. Love them both. On the day that you and your wife will be alone perhaps it would interest you to go to Chateau Malmaison, Empress Josephine's residence. It can be reached by public transportation from La Defense (PM me for directions) and there is quite a good restaurant close to where you would get off the bus for the Chateau.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Do you have RS Paris Guide Book yet? If so, good. If not, you should get it as soon as possible and read it as it has lots of good information that we use whenever we go to Paris.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Sean You have been thoughtful in thinking through your stay in Paris and what will work when your friends join you. Unfortunately, there are no hot air balloons in Paris, although they are in the nearby countryside in the Loire Valley. Tell us what your interests are and we will better be able to advise you. Although it is very hard to do, don't just chalk up sights but try to get the feel of Paris. I agree with the writer who suggests the markets. Or Rue Motorgueil for shopping and food stores. Or Rue St Andre des Art and Rue de Buci starting at Place St Michel on the Seine. Take a seat in a cafe twice a day and watch the Parisiens. Consider doing rather than just sightseeing. For instance, a wine tasting. RS has some other ideas. Your group will have a fabulous time! Bobbie
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
On the days you have no obligations, just try walking. Rue Rivoli area, streets one ot two away from the main streets, find streets where the locals eat and shop. Visit one of the big department stores. I think you can still do tours of the Opera. A;lways areas on Left bank. Tuileries Gardns- watch the carousel and the toy boats
Posted by
OP
North Arlington, NJ, United States
19 posts
Thank you everyone for the intelligent suggestions. Norma, we will definitely walk the markets in our neighborhood. Very excited to hear how much you enjoy them. After reading the replies, let me clarify my question a little. What I'm looking for help with is which neighborhood or activity on which day. As an example, on Thursday, my wife and I may venture to the hot air balloon outside of Paris. Friday, Montmarte. Saturday, the group may head to Versailles for the fountain, music and light show, or find another day when the fountain show is going on. Sunday, the Marais neighborhood has been recommended. Any suggestions on what to do on Monday when many of the museums are closed? Tuesday, our last full day, maybe a night cruise of the Seine and a nice dinner. Please share any problems you see with this schedule and any additions or improvements you might suggest. Good journey.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I can't tell you what day and time, but don't miss spending some time in the Luxembourg Gardens. It's an amazing park, beautiful, and very fun to hang out around other Parisians relaxing and interacting with each other.
Posted by
Cottage Grove, MN, US
58 posts
Hi Sean I am researching my next trip to Paris. Trying to find new fun things to do. I found left Bank Scooters and they sound like a blast. They have 3 hour and full day tours in Paris or Versialles and the countryside. After the tour you can keep them for 24 hours to explore more of Paris. Or just rent them and forget the tour. What a fun way to get around. Tripadvisor had some great reviews.
http://www.leftbankscooters.com/paris_Our_Tours.html Have fun Wendy
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Sean It does sound like having a scooter would be fun ! But having lived near Paris for almost a year (in my 20's)and visited many times since, there is no way I would ride a scooter there! Driving there is erratic, stop, and go, lane size changes, etc. Not safe! Especially, if you are not famiiar riding a scooter/motorcycle in the US. This suggestion is going to sound contradictory. Fat Tire Bike Tours has an awesome tour which provides a good overview of Paris sights and helps you get the lay of the land. 3.5 hours and leaves from near the Eiffel Tower. Guides go the back route most of the time. See their website. Might be good for your second day or when your friends arrive. The Versailles tour might be good too. Although I love Versailles on the summer weekends when the fountains are on, many of my friends say it was so crowded they didn't enjoy it as much. Just some thoughts in planning your trip. Bobbie
Posted by
Clawson, MI, USA
199 posts
Sean, here is a suggestion. Instead of a picnic on the Seine or at the Eiffel Tower take your wife to Buttes Chaumont Park. Here are some photos: http://boklm.eu/pg/buttes_chaumont_200908.html http://www.sightseeing-in-paris.com/parc-buttes-chaumont.php Then take the 7 Line from the Buttes Chaumont station (direction Louis Blanc) to the Jaurès station. Then go for a stroll along Canal St. Martin. Since you're budget conscious here is a list of super markets in Paris.
http://www.parisperfect.com/paris-supermarkets.php
Posted by
SoFLa, Florida, USA
14 posts
Mont St. Michel in Normandy...medieval monastery. And the Loire Valley for multiple medieval and Renaissance chateaux. You can take train to Tours and go from there. Or join a tour from Paris to see 3 chateaux in a day. I forget the name. Costs about 90 euro. Eihter day trip would be very special or you caould make it longer by going to Mont St. Malo in Normandy. Or hit Chartres Cathedral while near Loire.