Paris
laurentian
Posts: 2,220
For my birthday, Mrs Laurentian has bought us Eurostar to Paris and tickets for Le Louvre (a place I have wanted to visit for a long, long time).
We'll be there for 3 days and are also going to see Versailles (her thing).
Staying in Arr 7 near La Tour Maubourg Metro Station
Any suggestions on what to do/not do, see/not see, where to eat/not eat, good cafes etc . . . I have a suspiscion this is going to cost a bomb!
We'll be there for 3 days and are also going to see Versailles (her thing).
Staying in Arr 7 near La Tour Maubourg Metro Station
Any suggestions on what to do/not do, see/not see, where to eat/not eat, good cafes etc . . . I have a suspiscion this is going to cost a bomb!
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I'd bought one of those tourist things that gets you into museums for free/cheap, not sure if they still do them.
Some ideas for quirky things here: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheTimTraveller/search?query=paris
For reference and comparison, we also ate at Tour d' Argent and know which one we preferred.
https://chez-lescure.zenchef.com
I am not sure. You have no chance.
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On a fine day, the Rodin Museum is a lovely place to be.
Both close to your lodgings.
https://2cvparistour.com/the-classic-tour/
In terms of getting about, as with all big cities I prefer to stroll around as you get to see so much more but if using the Metro I've always bought a carnet of tickets.
It's worth a trip to Montmartre for the Sacre Coeur and the views of the city. If you're planning a trip to the Eiffel Tower book tickets in advance, going up for sunset is the best time. Last time I went was just after the terrorist attacks so security checks were tight there adding to delays (and there was a heavy armed police presence at all the key tourist spots).
Cafes etc will most likely have changed since we were there in 2013 but we loved going to a brasserie in the Île de la Citi called Le Saint Regis. (Just checked and it is still there) .
Musée Rodin (as mentioned above) has lovely grounds to walk around - a very romantic space!
Montmartre is worth the trip for the views over Paris but does feel much more touristy than other areas.
Musée de l'Orangerie Is well worth going - it has the famous huge waterlily paintings by Monet. Never been in a gallery before where I literally went ‘wow’ when entering.
If you go up the Eiffel Tower expect to be disappointed - great views, but when we got to the top it didn’t feel like Paris - why not? Because you couldn’t see the Eiffel Tower any more as you were on it!!!!
Google the ‘Halles’ and you’ll find some lovely old-worldly covered shopping centres full of small independent and interesting shops.
Take in the Latin quarter or go for a stroll through the Tuileries.
If you can find a nice tabac, late afternoon, there’s no better way of having a snack and just people watching.
Wish I could recommend specifics but there were so many decent places I think you’ll be ok taking a chance.
Enjoy!
Edit - if going to Montmartre be aware that pickpockets are quite active (possibly the same at all the main tourist areas). Keep valuables safely out of site and ignore any attempts at distracting you.
There are also more thefts etc. from tourists than usual. Take care if you use the metro with pickpockets - usually Romanian children or youths and also with the usual tourist scams - fake deaf people with petitions, fake gold rings etc, all the usual censored eastern Europeans get up to. Don't make eye contact or talk to people you don't know and don't look like a tourist. Just take what money etc. you need for the day and leave the rest at the hotel.
A trip on the river (not on a bateau mouche) on a regular commuter boat or up the canal st Martin is nice if it is warm. Unpleasant if it is windy.
You are close to the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars (apparently you should avoid it after dark at the moment due to hold ups etc - which is new). Not too far over to the Luxembourg gardens although if you've seen one park, you've seen them all really. A long way from the Latin Quarter to eat and it is very touristy. Better to eat around la Tour Maubourg where there are pleasant cafes etc, rue Dominique is full of cafes, particularly: Bistro Saint Dominique and the other traditional cafes in that square. You've got les Invalides in front of your door if you like military stuff. Bercy is ok if you don't mind a bit of a trek.
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Thanks again.
A couple of old churches for me tomorrow morning, before an afternoon flight.
I went in there about 15 years ago, though I see now it's all ticketed and can get busy. Easter hols and all. Will see. St Sulpice will be the first stop.
And the catacombs were really interesting...
https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/
Despite my not being at all religious, so many churches just blow me away, especially when you consider their age and the technology of the time. And then if you get into how they bear witness to social history (and not to mention building design and techniques), and you start looking closely, they get more and more fascinating.
Incidentally, this is still on my to-do list, as SNCF cancelled my Ouigo train for 7 September, which was just as well, as I'd forgotten I'd got the ticket, and had also bought one direct to Charles de Gaulle airport for the 8th. Idiot.