Trying to play tour guide for our family and plan out itinerary and we'll be doing all the "walks" listed. I'm confused about the timing listed for the "walks" in the Paris Guidebook. Is this only actual walking time between sites? Does this include visiting the interiors of all the sites that have a "blurb"? Or maybe it's just the free ones? ie-Historic Paris Walk, Does this include visiting interiors of Deportation & Concierge since they're written up along the way? I'm guessing it does not include the Tower Climb or the Crypt since they're only mentioned at the very beginning and not along the way? RS says I can do the H.P.W. in 4 hours (1 morning on the 5-7 day itin.). So will that cover all interiors (except tower/crypt) or do I need to leave a whole day for all this? I started to question this when I was looking at the Montmarte Walk and saw there are 4 church/museums interiors on the walk, but only 90 min. for the walk...not possible? I know you can spend however much time you want at a museum, but a ballpark on what the timing would be is helpful in planning an itin. Confused...help! Thanks.
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
We would advise that you take the walks and see the sights and do the things that appeal to you. Forget any consideration of how much time is involved. Paris is too wonderful to be on a stopwatch. See what you can in the amount of time that there is. If time is that i,portant to you, use the Metro to get around. Be sure to get a good metro map that includes the sights on it.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY, United States
9 posts
I agree. Definitely don't plan/organize yourself to death. I like to pick one or two major things to see a day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon... and then see if there are any minor things I wanted to do near by. Then I play it by ear - give yourself time to wander around. That is the best part of being in Paris.
Posted by
Pearland, TX, USA
852 posts
http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/int/tpl/hme/MaHomePage.htm
Nancy, the above is one of two references which may be useful. (1)You can determine distances between points in Paris via the Michelin web site. Thereby, one might judge time to walk such distances. (2)You may find practical advice on recommended walks in this book: PARISWALKS by Alison and Sonia Landes. These ladies are long-time residents of Paris. This guide is very intersting in every way... You'll be able to notice things you might otherwise walk right past without seeing anything ...
bon voyage!... P.
Posted by
Canton, GA, United States
7 posts
We did the walk on Sept 22 and it took us about 4 hours including the sites. We did the crypt but didn't do the tower. I had a foot injury earlier in the trip so we weren't walking as fast as we normaly do. I think 4 hours should be enough unless you like to linger longer than we do or if the crowds are larger (we only waited in line at Sainte-Chapelle - about 30 minutes). You might want to add a little cusion to your schedule though because even if the walk goes over, it's worth it. You won't believe how much history you walked through when you're done!