Paris France TR for first two days

Posted by bostonphil7 (TX) on 05/07/26 11:46 PM

I like to write my TR as I go along

I have been in Paris two days and it is going very well, much better than I expected.

Immigration at CDG took about a minute I was taken out of the general line and brought to the line for those with disabilities. I know they took my picture. I do not remember being fingerprinted but I was waved on and it was over.

I followed what forum told me about taxis. Followed the feet to the stand but a male came up to me and wanted to take my bag. I said no and walked a very short way to the stand where a staff person stood I told her that I needed a cab. She pointed to the man who tried to take my bag and said that he was my my driver.

I thought that he told me it would be 65 euros but he charged me 85 euros so I may have been overcharged …. I may have heard wrong. I know that it is supposed to be a flat rate but he had a sort of meter that read over 100 euros when we got to my hotel.

I expected to be at hotel about 1 pm and I arrived about 9 am because everything went so well with my flight and at CDG

Hotel staff was so kind and got me in my room early but I took a long walk before I was in room. I got lost it was very upsetting but it got figured out and I am learning my way around.

Posted by bostonphil7 OP

05/07/26 11:59 PM

3573 posts

Continuing on

The Cluny

I have been doing a lot of walking looking for the Toot Bus or Big Bus stop. Saw the buses quite often but could not find a stop. Only late afternoon today did I find a Toot Bus stop. Will take it maybe Saturday.

However I have been discovering

Today I went to the Cluny and loved it. What a wonderful museum, loved it I got there early afternoon no line walked right in but when I left later afternoon, lines were forming.

Notre Dame

Went back to hotel and took a nap. Woke up very late afternoon and walked to Notre Dame. It was after 6 pm I approached a guard to ask him where St Chapeller was and he asked me if I wanted to visit Notre Dame he took down the rope for me and there I was entering Notre Dame no line whatsoever.

Sometimes old with a limp and cane is a plus

I was in Notre Dame when there was some sort of service and there was some beautiful singing or chanting. Not enough. I wanted more. Perhaps it was the equivalent of Evensong for The Church of England.

Was very spiritual.

Later today, my Paris Greeter is supposed to meet me and walk me around for one or two hours

Saturday, I hope to take the Toot Bus.

Thus far, I am greatly enjoying my time in Paris. It is going better than expected

Posted by KD

05/08/26 01:30 AM

1808 posts

After all the pre travel worry, your enjoyment of Paris is coming through loud and clear! Thanks for posting! I'm upset that even though you absolutely did everything right with the taxi, they managed to take advantage of a senior solo traveler. Shame on their 20 euro overage. I'm glad others are extending you extra courtesy. Look forward to reading more!

Posted by Barbara

Brooklyn, NY

05/08/26 01:49 AM

4980 posts

Oh Phil, you crack me up. Glad your being old with a cane helped you get into Notre Dame.
Just an FYI, if you visit the Arc de Triumph, use your age and cane for a ride up in the elevator. They don’t advertise it, but they have one. It doesn’t take you to the roof, but it goes high enough for beautiful views from inside.
I’ll be following along.

Posted by fred

Seattle, WA

05/08/26 02:30 AM

859 posts

Enjoy your trip. We’ve never had a problem, other than once paying in dollars rather than in Euros on our credit card, when one merchant asked which we would prefer. Always pay in Euros for the best exchange rate. Your own credit car company will be kinder to you than the merchant’s. By quite a bit.

Sorry to hear the taxi driver ripped you off. So, remember …

Stay alert. Clarify when needed, so … “I am sorry, did you say ——?” Be clear. Be assertive. Keep your eyes (and ears) open.
Keep valuables where they belong and cannot be easily pickpocketed. Use your hotel room safe for extra valuable items that you don’t need on your person, eg, a spare credit card or extra cash. LATE NOTE. Make sure you wear your purse cross body and not just off your shoulder. Keep track of your bag, in hand or firmly under your arm.
Always be polite, even if firm. Remember to always begin with a cheery Bonjour or an Excusez Moi (Es-coo-zay … Mwa.). And a cheery Bonne Journee or Bonne Soiree (good day; good evening) on departure, as appropriate.

Enjoy this trip. Amusez vous bien.