I am travelling to Amsterdam in April, but would like to arrive early and see some sights in Paris. As per my itinerary, this would put me in Paris on Saturday the 9th. Subsequently, my first day of sightseeing in Paris would be on Sunday and as I understand it, there is a marathon taking place this same day. My question: Is it pointless to try and explore Paris on such a busy day? Will the major attractions(Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc.) be open for business on a Sunday and with the marathon taking place? Any insight or alternative suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Merci.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
Jay - Here is a link to the Paris Marathon route: www.parismarathon.com/marathon/2011/us/r1_carte.html
Posted by
partout
71 posts
The museums will definitely be open as usual, I would just note where the route is, because you will have to do some detouring to get around it. The marathons in Paris are also kind of fun to watch too. I accidentally "ran" into one day and I enjoyed listening to the announcers and the other people cheering the runners on, it wasn't mobbed with people either. But anyway, no this won't affect your sightseeing.
Posted by
Ottawa
1446 posts
I watched some of it from the top of the Eiffel Tower. We had no problem getting around that day, but found a LOT of litter on the street along the route.
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
We were in Paris in April several years ago and barely noticed that the marathon was going on. We did everything on our itnerary as scheduled.
Posted by
Anacortes, WA, US
56 posts
The only thing I can think of that might give you pause is to remember to stay away from the bushes. A few years ago we were walking in the Champs de Mars, toward the Tower, as the contestants were gathering for the start of a Mararthon. Hundreds of them passed us, often pausing to adjust their costumes, tie shoes, etc. It sort of surprised us when a great number of the male runners would also seek out a handy bush and, shall we say, "adjust fluid levels". Parisians paid absolutely no attention. We pretended not to.
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
I've seen men "adjusting fluid levels" in Paris many times when there was no marathon going on. With the exception of maybe Italy, this is not something I see often elsewhere.
Posted by
OP
Carlisle, PA, USA
2 posts
Thank you all for your responses. I feel much better, now, knowing what I'm walking into...and I won't be walking into the bushes :) Just one more thing: Will access to Notre Dame be limited due to weekend masses?
Posted by
Kirn, Germany
331 posts
Nothing to do with Notre Dame, but as far as I am aware, provided it is done discreetly and obviously not in shop doorways etc, it is not illegal for men to 'adjust fluid levels' in Germany either. It seems to be mainly the Americans and us British who are uptight about answering the call of nature in public (and I'm not talking about doing it in the street or anywhere else in town where a WC can be easily found). Whilst on this topic why can Americans not call a toilet a toilet - it cannot be a bathroom if there is no bath in it!