My wife and I (early 60s) will be taking a cruise at the beginning of October 2013. The ship arrives in Le Havre at 8 AM on Monday 10/1 and leaves at 8 PM on Tuesday 10/2. We are considering an overnight in Paris, taking the train to Paris (arrive about 12 Noon on 10/1) and return on 10/2 (leaving Paris at 3:50P). Any thoughts? This is our first trip to Paris.
Michael
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1869 posts
Here's what I would do: Stay near the Eiffel Tower so you can easily walk over and enjoy seeing it all lit up in the evening. (I don't know if October is too late in the year for the sparkly lights on the hour, but you should be able to google for that info.)..We liked the Relais Bosquet Hotel which was in that area. They were very accommodating when we were there, so they will probably let you leave your bags even if your room isn't ready yet.)..... On your arrival day, walk over to the Luxembourg Gardens, then amble around the Latin Quarter, just soak up the ambiance. Enjoy a cafe. You might have time for the gardens at the Rodin Museum.....Next day, take a cab to Notre Dame. Join the queue for access to the tower (I think access starts at 9 A.M.), then tour the interior of Notre Dame, walk around behind it, cross the little bridge to Ile St. Louis. Explore that area, then either check out a bit of the Marais or retrace your steps and check out the pyramid and the outside of the Louvre, then walk back along the gardens. Take good walking shoes - all those cobblestones and concrete are hard on the feet!....I have deliberately NOT suggested places where you will waste a lot of time standing in line (going up the ET, touring the Louvre or St. Chapelle) or Montemartre which is quite far from the other principal tourist attractions......For a little fun light reading before your trip, you both might enjoy some of Cara Black's mysteries set in Paris.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I think it's a great idea, it will give you a taste and hopefully you'll be back for more someday. Totally agree with Cynthia on how to spend your time except I would highly recommend staying on Ile St. Louis (little island east of Notre Dame). It's my favorite neighborhood in Paris and the most beautiful and charming imo, as it's surrounded by the Seine river. My favorite cafe is there, La Flore en l'Ile, right by the pedestrian bridge. I recommend Hotel de Lutece, Hotel des Deux Iles and Saint Louis en Lisle Hotel, in that order. Definitely spend time in the Luxembourg Gardens, they are beyond wonderful. And a walk from Ile St. Louis to Place de la Concorde, cross over the river, and back is my favorite. And be sure to eat Berthillon ice cream! And pastries!... ;)