OT: Oui, Oui, Two Perfect Days In Paris, ...help me put together a to do list. Options

[okieflyr]

My wife and I went to Paris for 2 days last May.
We used the www.Rick Steves.com info and it set us up very well.
LOT's of insight to opening times, and we used his condensed Louvre tour on our ipods. Our landing at the Norde train station was an experience from no supplied toilet paper in the restroom, to all the gypsys.
We spoke very little French, and had NO rude experiences with anybody(except the gypsys).
We stayed at the worn Hilton hotel, and had tower view from our balcony on our wedding aniversary. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/grouphug.gif)
Alot of the restaurants in the area had dual or translated menus, and we never had a bad meal, as they take pride in their food. (I never found the spit anyway).
Our second night we stayed by the rue Cler market (great for lunch).
They will inspect your bags for certain restricted items that are not allowed to go up the tower. Watch out for the pickpockets, and gypsys young and old.
We enjoyed it alot!

I got lots of night pics...

[ClayPerrine]

Betty and I got married in 88, and we finally went on our honeymoon in 93. Paris was great, we spent a week there. Don't ride with a French taxi driver, all of them think that they should be driving Formula 1. Forget a car, ride the Metro, it will get you where ever you want to go in Paris.

The Lourve was great, but I spoiled it for Betty. We were looking at the Venus De Milo, and I leaned over and said "What does she do when her alarm clock goes off in the morning?". Betty started laughing, and so did the English couple behind us.


Loved the Tower. We did it in daylight, and the view was great. But beware the Pigeons that live below the tower... they are fearless and attack anyone who has food. Get the baugette with the hot dog inside. It was great for a walking around lunch.


Also, make sure you see the Arch... it is great looking down at the traffic.. no lane markers and everyone is changing lanes. Add the motorcycles and it is amazing they don't have more fatalities.


Oh.. and make sure to ask a Pretty French girl if you can see her "BoBos".

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

BoBos... check. (Where's Betty and the frying pan when ya need her?) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

All good stuff. Thanks gang! I have a feeling two days is going to go quickly. So far it's

Champs Marriott
Arc
Louvre
Tower

[mudfoot76]

Under no circumstance should you spend even one attosecond in fuchin' disney world. You only have two days in Paris - if you've never been before don't waste any time at Disney...

L'Arc during the day - watch the traffic below. Head towards the Tower near sunset and plan to stay up there until the lights turn on. If you're into art, there are too many museums to choose from - pick an artist or style and the hotel desk can tell you where to go. Most definitely ride the metro or walk - avoid the taxis. Find a sidewalk creperie and enjoy! Try to avoid anything that looks even remotely like a chain restaurant.

I had a wonderful time in Paris but that is not always the case, especially if you don't know any French. The small shop keepers don't always like people just wandering around, so you can ask "entre libre" and if they say 'oui' (yes) then it is OK to go in and browse.

Bon chance!

[PRS914-6]

Eric, go to a book store and get Rick Steve's Paris. Take his recommendations and you won't go wrong. Musee Jacquemart-andre is great. A walk on Rue Cler in the morning and a afternoon at Louver.

You can order direct from Rick Steve's as well. They are really fast at shipping. Order on line HERE

Paris has mixed reviews on how they treat Americans but seems to be getting worse. The further you get away from Paris the better it gets.

Try to remember to first "attempt" to communicate in French despite how uncomfortable you are about it. By asking them first to speak English without a word of French from your mouth puts them in the discomfort zone since they won't want to sound wrong (second language) Once the ice is broken with your blunder, it should go better. I think Americans "expect" them to speak English which perpetuates the problem.

[r_towle]

BoBos... check. (Where's Betty and the frying pan when ya need her?) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

All good stuff. Thanks gang! I have a feeling two days is going to go quickly. So far it's

Champs Marriott
Arc
Louvre
Tower

Dont forget Crepes...

Funny, I speak no french, but at the time I spoke german pretty well.
I would ask in German if they spoke german...they said no..then we talked in English...it worked.
No one is rude, they are french.
Dont forget the cathedral...its awesome to look at from outside and inside.

[jimtab]

Stay in the City of light, wherever, La Louvre especially the Egyptian stuff...you can't begin to see it all in 2 days...Notre Dame from the outside at least, ice creme (glace) at Berthillon on Ile St-Louis, have lunch in the student district in the Latin Quarter, DRINK the best wine you can afford, particularly the Bourgone...you can't afford here what you can there, and vintages are prohibitive here, just expensive there...and a good champagne before bed if your sweetie is there....if not a nice Kir Royale. Bon Chance et Bon Voyage...I am very jealous...the French are wonderful folks.

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

You gotta know that we all expect and want pics of this trip, eh? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Paul

[bigkensteele]

I lived in Holland for most of 1997 and went to Paris 3 or 4 times. Each and every time the people were rude, and the last time, my father's wallet was stolen within 30 minutes of our arrival. I was sure that I would never return.

However, my wife and I went back in 2004, and while on the train between London and Paris, we picked up as much of the fundamental French phrases as we could. It made all the difference in the world. Learn how to say "hello, do you speak english" and "thankyou", and you will have a much nicer time.

Paris is probably the most beautiful city in the world, and there is much to do. I always go back to Jim Morrison's grave, but that is a hike from the center of the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Jim-Mor..._Lachaise_2.jpg

You have to go up the Eifel tower and the Arch. Go to Notre Damme.

You could spend two days just in the Louvre, but get a map beforehand and hit the things you want to see in 4 hours.

Take a boat ride on the Seine. We picked ours up basically right in front of the Eifle tower, and it was a nice two hours off our feet.

Get the one or two day subway pass and become familiar with the map and destinations before you go. Will save you lots of time.

I have always wanted to see the catacombes, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

Depending on your idea of fun, Amsterdam is also amazing. The Dutch are very nice and fun people, and even if you aren't into dope and hookers, Amsterdam is an amazing city.

Have a great time - I wish I could get back sometime soon. Take some pictures and post when you return.

Ken

[roadster fan]

Eric,

You can't go wrong with Rick Steeves' advice on Paris. I agree with attempting to converse in your best french, everyone seemed to appreciate the fact we did not expect them to speak english. Almost everyone did (better english than my french for sure) and were very friendly if we attempted our version of french first.

On my must do list:

Tower Eiffel
Musee' de Orsay, see the impressionist gallery, you need more time for the Louvre
Arch de Triomphe. climb the steps to the top and enjoy the chaos from above!
eat Pan au Chocolat
eat Apricot preserves
enjoy a prix fixe meal at a fine restaurant. I enjoyed a dinner in the Dordogne region with a different wine for each course. I think it cost about $6 million but I would do it again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif)

These are my personal favorites. Do as much as you can, plan ahead, and definitely eat and drink the best they have. Never had a bad dining experience.

Oh, and I agree with SirAndy, do not order meat well done. My wife was convinced (first and possibly last time) by a waiter not to do so our last night in Paris. I think the waiter was afraid HE would be butchered if he returned to the kitchen with the order!

Jim

[Skaferlatine]

HELLO Everyone,
I live in France and I am French but I am in the south of France.
I will be charmed to meet you if somebody came to make tourism in my area. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chowtime.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/flag.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
I don't have bilingual. I will make the effort.
to the wise.

[johannes]

Hi ! I am french too ...

You are always welcome in my region (Alsace) in the east of France.

Watch this video :

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x31x1a_vi...erre-de-tresors

Once I will make a tour suggestion because in a 200 miles circle around Strasbourg we have a ton of great things to see. Especially for you all car enthousiasts.
Strasbourg is now 2 1/2 hours from Paris by Train (New TGV line)
So when in France, visit Paris then go to Strasbourg and rent a car.

Suggestions for your trip ...

Cars:

Porsche and Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart ( new Porsche Museum will open next year).
Peugeot Museum in Sauchaux
National Car Museum in Mulhouse (One of the largest in the world )

Cars + Planes and trains:

Technic Museum in Speyer and Sinsheim
Trains
National Train Museum in Mulhouse

Fun:

Europapark : Better than Disney
Autobahn ... You now ! no speed limit !
Nurburgring : Greatest track on earth ...
Vosges and Schwartzwald ... nice small roads

Culture:

Strasbourg and Colmar are some of the most beautifull towns and all around dozens of cute villages...
Haut Königsburg: Medieval Castle 3rd most visited monument in France

Food and Wine ... Well, it's France after all.

I have friends from California who stayed in Alsace last year for a few weeks...
They were so pleased they will come again this year ! ...

[Eric_Shea]

Johannes,

Thanks for the info. I've already been to both the Mercedes and Porsche Museum. I'm happy to see they are finally getting something better than the "hallway" they've had.

I think two days in Paris is going to go fast. I'd like to come back for a week with the family and Alsace may be in the cards. Can you make it to Paris?

I guess I'll go dig into the Rick Steve's stuff.

I know a bit of Portuguese and a bit of German... I guess I'll spend the next 30 days learning a bit of French. Let's see; "BoBo", "BoBo", "BoBo" Got it.

[So.Cal.914]

Have a good time and be careful Eric... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Eric_Shea]

You have to go up the Eifel tower and the Arch. Go to Notre Damme.

You could spend two days just in the Louvre, but get a map beforehand and hit the things you want to see in 4 hours.

Take a boat ride on the Seine. We picked ours up basically right in front of the Eifle tower, and it was a nice two hours off our feet.

Get the one or two day subway pass and become familiar with the map and destinations before you go. Will save you lots of time.

I have always wanted to see the catacombes, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

All good ideas... Wondering about the river cruise. Does it pick up and drop off in the same location? The reason I ask is; I liked the other suggestion of hitting the tower around dusk, so I'd like to do the river cruise before hand and have it drop me off there.

I wonder if I could fit the catacombes in a two day schedule... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[bigkensteele]

You have to go up the Eifel tower and the Arch. Go to Notre Damme.

You could spend two days just in the Louvre, but get a map beforehand and hit the things you want to see in 4 hours.

Take a boat ride on the Seine. We picked ours up basically right in front of the Eifle tower, and it was a nice two hours off our feet.

Get the one or two day subway pass and become familiar with the map and destinations before you go. Will save you lots of time.

I have always wanted to see the catacombes, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

All good ideas... Wondering about the river cruise. Does it pick up and drop off in the same location? The reason I ask is; I liked the other suggestion of hitting the tower around dusk, so I'd like to do the river cruise before hand and have it drop me off there.

I wonder if I could fit the catacombes in a two day schedule... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Man, you are asking me to remember 4 years ago! I don't think that we stopped anywhere, which would allow getting off and back on. However, there are a lot of those tour boats, and I would bet that some would allow you to do that.

That reminds me of a couple of other suggestions - talk to the concierge at your hotel about boat tours and such - he can answer those kinds of questions. But we also asked the doormen and clerks where to eat. I think that kickbacks are pretty common over there, and you might get your most honest answers out of people who have to take their lunch and dinner breaks in the area. Put all of your valuables that you won't need in the hotel safe-deposit box.

Put your wallet in your front pocket, and touch it every 2 minutes. If you witness anything out of the ordinary that would draw your attention, check all of your valuables including your watch. The thieves there are amazing in their skill and ability to draw you away from the fact that you are being robbed. Have fun, but be careful.

Ken

[carreraguy]

Eric:
My wife, son and I were in Paris about 5 years ago around Bastille Day - had a blast! We stayed at the Hotel Ceramic - not too far from the Arch d' Triumphe. I've heard the the "Rue Clerc" neighborhood near the Eiffel Tower is a great place to stay too - lots of flower vendors etc. in the area and very colorful. Never experienced anything but friendly French people. Some actually spoke English! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)) However, you can tell they really like it if you at least try to speak French and you don't stick out as an "Ugly American". Don't over/under dress and be obviously American, try to blend in and be polite and not demanding and watch your wallet/purse. We all enjoyed the fantastic art museums such as the Orsay and the Louvre. No way you can spend more than a few hours at the Louvre considering your schedule; but you have to at least try to see the Mona Lisa and the "Winged Victory"! I especially remember the great Impressionist paintings we saw - hard to believe you could actually get nose to nose with Renoir, Degas, Manet, Monet and Van Gogh. We even saw "Whistler's Mother" at an exhibition on loan from the US! Try to get museum passes form the tourist office on the Champs Elysses - inexpensive and you get head of the line privileges! Highly recommend a sunset cruise on the Seine - very romantic with the wife, some French red (wine), and a great way to see the city. Take a double deck tour of the city and you can get off and on as much as you want all day. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower (can be a loooong wait to get to the top), the Left Bank, the Tuleries garden, Place de La Concorde, Les Invalides, climbing to the top of the Arch d' Triumphe, walking the Champs Elysses, all very memorable. You likely won't have the time, but we took a day trip to Caen by train to see the D-Day landing beaches and the American and German cemetaries; there is a very memorable D-Day museum in Caen that was definitely worth the time.
We crammed a lot of stuff into three days but it takes an early start. I highly recommend Rick Steve's paperback book on Paris - an invaluable resource. Sorry for the verbosity here -but it ll comes flowing back and it's nice reminiscing! Bon chance!

[Eric_Shea]

Digging lots of nuggets from that. Thanks Tom.

I guess it pays to be a bit street-wise from the sound of things. Double decker bus may be the transportation of choice.

Yesterday I ordered Rick Steve's "Paris" and "French/English" dictionary. God Bless Amazon... whoppin $12.00 for both. Enough to make any CSOB teener owner blush.

[okieflyr]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) We took the glass boat tour from the Tower as it had been raining off and on. Some of the tour boats make stops along the way, to be hop on and off as needed like the tour buses. Our boat had a rear covered deck that we stayed on most of the time so we could see better. (the glass was wet from the rain). We struggled at times to find the right bus at times, but ALWAYS traveled on tera firma to see more of the city since we only had two days.
We used the early morning Metro to return to the Norde station for our departure.
By the way, the Tower has multiple entrances, so check others if the line is long.
Have fun!

[Ian Stott]

Not a good idea to " pretend " you are Canadian, they will find out very quickly you are not and they will show you the definition of rude in a heartbeat. Rather than saying the french are arrogant I use the word proud, and they have excellant food, and many other things to be proud of, lived on the other side of the Rhine for 4 years and was in France quite often. Treat them with respect and you will most likely get the same, all above suggestions regarding your wallet, heed them! River cruise very romantic with your wife, ranks as one of the top 3 things to do every time.

Bon Chance

Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province and Moncton is an officially bilingual city, my oldest daughter was an exchange student in France for 6 month's. But I prefer German cars!!