We are planning a trip to Paris in early June and need following advice
1)Private trip to Normanby - husband is war buff and wants to explore on a day trip. The 1 day tours is not complete.
Is there a possiblity of hiring a car with a English speaking driver for 1 day to take us to the places around WW2 action ?
2) Apartmenthotels - any recommendation walking distance to Galleries Lafayette/Printemps
3) Jump queue to Louvue and Eiffle Tower - how to do that
Thanks
Stephanie
The department stores are in the 9th arrondissment, so you should look for hotels/apartments in this area. Try www.vrbo.com for apartment rentals, there are many other sites that are good also-- search this site for more. You can skip the line to the Louvre and other museums by purchasing a Museum Pass. You cannot skip the queue to the Eiffel Tower, just be patient and wait. It's worth it.
I don't know about Normandy, but also if you search this site there is a lot of discussion about it.
Stephanie,
A few thoughts on your questions....
1.) Could you clarify your statement "The 1 day tours is not complete"? The best option would be to plan at least one night in Bayeux and take a BattleBus tour. The WW-II sites cover a large area, so the best you can hope for in a short visit is to get a brief "summary" of the important sites.
When do you expect to be in Normandy? Keep in mind that this year is the 65th Anniversary, and that's going to be a VERY busy place. I doubt that you'll find many Hotel vacancies in the area, and some of the tours will probably be suspending operations for a few days around 6 June so their Guides can attend the ceremonies.
Regarding "English speaking driver", you might check the France Guidebook as there are a few listings there for Guides.
2.) Can't help with that as I use budget Hotels.
3.) You can't "jump queue" at the Eiffel Tower, you'll have to wait in line with everyone else. Note that to go to top, there's an extra charge. You can minimize queue times to a slight extent by choosing the time of day that you visit the tower. You might try later in the afternoon or very early in the morning, as queues might be a bit smaller.
Regarding the Louvre, as the previous post mentioned a Paris Museum Pass will definitely help, as you'll be able to use a separate queue (there may still be a short wait). The Louvre is enormous so you may want to focus only on one wing (perhaps the Denon wing where the Mona Lisa is located). You might also enjoy the Musee d'Orsay or others (may as well get lots of use out of the Museum Pass if you buy one). The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe is also awesome - provides a great view of the Eiffel Tower, which is great at night when the strobe lights are flashing). As your husband is a "war buff" you might enjoy the Invalides also. Lots of WW-II displays and an awesome Cathedral.
Happy travels!
Citadines has an aparthotel that might work for you. I think it's Citadines Louvre.
The beach areas are massive and it is difficult if not impossible to see the whole area given the distance from Paris. To see it well, need to plan at least one overnight. I would not try it as a day trip from Paris.
3) You cannot skip lines at Eiffel Tower , unless, you have a reservation at the restaurant for a meal, or you are on a tour. Both are expensive options just to avoid line time. Time your visits, and better yet, take the stairs. The line for the stairs is always shorter, I have waited only 20 minutes for them, as opposed to more then 1. 5 hours for elevators.
Louvre, I have never purchased a Pass, and I have never waited more then 10 minutes, ,oh, except once years ago I made the mistake of going on a "free day".
I always go in July and August too,, the trick is very simple.
Do not use Pryramid Entrance. Enter off of Rue Du Rivoli, there is an entrance to the underground shopping mall, under an awning, marked "Caroseul " . Or enter from metro entrance( also underground). Buy ticket from machines, walk in. Simple.
3) You cannot skip lines at Eiffel Tower , unless, you have a reservation at the restaurant for a meal, or you are on a tour. Both are expensive options just to avoid line time. Time your visits, and better yet, take the stairs. The line for the stairs is always shorter, I have waited only 20 minutes for them, as opposed to more then 1. 5 hours for elevators.
Louvre, I have never purchased a Pass, and I have never waited more then 10 minutes, ,oh, except once years ago I made the mistake of going on a "free day".
I always go in July and August too,, the trick is very simple.
Do not use Pryramid Entrance. Enter off of Rue Du Rivoli, there is an entrance to the underground shopping mall, under an awning, marked "Caroseul " . Or enter from metro entrance( also underground). Buy ticket from machines, walk in. Simple.
Normandy tours.
If one day tour is not enough for your husband. He can take 2 or 3 days of tours.
Have him check this link for ALL the tours that BattleBus has to offer:
I don't believe there is much they do not offer.
Trust me ... he will not be disappointed.
We were very impressed with the knowledge of the tour guide.
I thought I was an expert on this area of WW11 but the guide knew more.
