Le vélo = popular transportation when in Paris.
Bonjour!
We are working on another city guide and when I say “we” I mean you and me! If you have been to Paris recently please help us out by sharing:
- hotel or apartment or B&B suggestions
- restaurants, cafés, bistros
- nightclubs, theaters, shows
- unique shops, bookstores…
- kids or teens – fun stuff and ideas for young ones
- babysitters in Paris?
- outdoor attractions (parks, markets, landmarks…)
- helpful websites & books
- taxi cab, train station and metro tips
- tipping information or fees to expect
- ATM and bank info
- free or unusual things to do in Paris
- best time/season to visit Paris
- any place one should visit or any thing one should do when in Paris….
Click here to leave a tip or suggestion – or to see the recommendations. I’ll post a link to the answers in Monday’s post.
See the “share buttons” at the end of this post and be sure to forward this Paris guide to someone who is planning to visit France.
Mille mercis!
Kristin
P.S. Where to Rent a Car in Paris? Readers have sent in their favorites in the France Car Rental guide. Thanks for adding your recommendations, too!
Love locks in Paris. Note: I have just erased my previous message, here, about wanting to put up a lock next time I’m in Paris. After L&C wrote in (see first comment) I realize these locks are becoming damaging to the city’s landscape. It is good to be aware of the issue and it brings me to one more tip I could have mentioned, in the bullet above: How to be a good guest when in Paris? Thanks for sharing your Paris suggestions in the comments box.
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And what about Versailles? Takes a bit of a walk from the train station to get into the gardens, but what sheer delight, especially on the weekends in warm weather when they pump the old fountains and play baroque music. It’s like being inside a film production! You can rent bicycles or rowboat on the Grand Canal, or discover Marie Antoinette’s little farm. A charming day trip, Best to visit on a day that is not too hot.
And what about Versailles? Takes a bit of a walk from the train station to get into the gardens, but what sheer delight, especially on the weekends in warm weather when they pump the old fountains and play baroque music. It’s like being inside a film production! You can rent bicycles or rowboat on the Grand Canal, or discover Marie Antoinette’s little farm. A charming day trip, Best to visit on a day that is not too hot.
Forgo the do it yourself options and ask your hotel’s front desk staff (something you might only ask a concierge here in the states) to make restaurant reservations for you. They have better relationships/connections to local restaurants than the casual tourist. I have found they have been able to get us better tables, and a warmer reception, at restaurants we request and they have made recommendations for wonderful local spots.
Our favorite small hotel has done this for us by email, prior to our arrival, as well as a day or two in advance or last minute.
Remember politeness is key. Don’t be demanding and let them show you a bit of their Paris.
Forgo the do it yourself options and ask your hotel’s front desk staff (something you might only ask a concierge here in the states) to make restaurant reservations for you. They have better relationships/connections to local restaurants than the casual tourist. I have found they have been able to get us better tables, and a warmer reception, at restaurants we request and they have made recommendations for wonderful local spots.
Our favorite small hotel has done this for us by email, prior to our arrival, as well as a day or two in advance or last minute.
Remember politeness is key. Don’t be demanding and let them show you a bit of their Paris.
Tell yourself to be lucky enough to be in the Luxembourg Gardens when plain air painters are about. If you can find Laurie and Blair Pessemeier you’ve struck oil. Or maybe acryclic. For sure, gold!
Tell yourself to be lucky enough to be in the Luxembourg Gardens when plain air painters are about. If you can find Laurie and Blair Pessemeier you’ve struck oil. Or maybe acryclic. For sure, gold!
Please remind future visitors to Paris that when purchasing a Metro ticket from Paris to CDG or Orly, be sure to purchase the correct one. Because any ticket will get you on the train, but if you don’t have the right one you will get stuck in the purgatory between the trains and the airport with no staff to assist you – if your ticket is wrong, the gate won’t open. You will ultimately need to jump the gate, which is a horrible experience for those of us who are staunch rule followers. Not to mention you have to do it with all of your luggage. There really is no other option. I hope the lesson I (and about 15 other random strangers) learned on a recent trip will eliminate this frustration for someone else.
Please remind future visitors to Paris that when purchasing a Metro ticket from Paris to CDG or Orly, be sure to purchase the correct one. Because any ticket will get you on the train, but if you don’t have the right one you will get stuck in the purgatory between the trains and the airport with no staff to assist you – if your ticket is wrong, the gate won’t open. You will ultimately need to jump the gate, which is a horrible experience for those of us who are staunch rule followers. Not to mention you have to do it with all of your luggage. There really is no other option. I hope the lesson I (and about 15 other random strangers) learned on a recent trip will eliminate this frustration for someone else.
I can’t wait to see this new book. I’m sure it will be posted on the blog when ready. You’re great.
I can’t wait to see this new book. I’m sure it will be posted on the blog when ready. You’re great.
I am crazy for Velibs – the rental bikes found all over the city. You can liberate them from a locked “parking lot,” and return them in all populated and even slightly remote areas of the city. There’s a map at the kiosk to plan where to deposit the bike. For the most part they are very well maintained (do little elves come out at night?). However, like most kiosks in France, you MUST use a credit card with an EVM (Europay-Visa-MasterCard) chip. Most U.S. Amex cards have the chip. Of course the bicycle kiosks in Nantes didn’t take Amex.
I am crazy for Velibs – the rental bikes found all over the city. You can liberate them from a locked “parking lot,” and return them in all populated and even slightly remote areas of the city. There’s a map at the kiosk to plan where to deposit the bike. For the most part they are very well maintained (do little elves come out at night?). However, like most kiosks in France, you MUST use a credit card with an EVM (Europay-Visa-MasterCard) chip. Most U.S. Amex cards have the chip. Of course the bicycle kiosks in Nantes didn’t take Amex.
I’m a fan of these walk cards: http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Paris-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811838439
Just pick a card and you have an itinerary for a walking tour somewhere in Paris.
I’m a fan of these walk cards: http://www.amazon.com/City-Walks-Paris-Adventures-Foot/dp/0811838439
Just pick a card and you have an itinerary for a walking tour somewhere in Paris.
I love the Montparnasse Tower for its spectacular view over the entire city. Parisiens are not fond of le tour Montparnasse because it is a bleak monolith not in keeping with the other beautiful vistas. But when you ascend to the 56th floor, you see every landmark of the city without seeing the incongruous Montparnasse skyscraper. Take the metro to the Montparnasse-Bienvenue station and you will be at the foot of the huge office building. Go up the outdoor steps and into the lobby, then find the ticket office for the elevator to the 56th floor. It is 13 euros, but one time I was there, the price was reduced because of foggy conditions. We were warned that the view would not be as good as usual, but it was still lovely, affording a view to many landmarks, but not quite all the way to Montmartre as on a clear day. After enjoying the view from the 56th floor and all the cool interactive screens and the movie, walk up the steps to the 59th floor and outdoors to the roof for a truly breathtaking sight. ON the way back to the elevator, you can stop at the cafe for a glass of wine and a snack.
After exiting the building, walk down the Boulevard Edgar Quinet to the metro stop there. If it is a Wed or a Sat there will be a wonderful street market.
check out the web site tourmontparnasse56.com/index_EN.php
I love the Montparnasse Tower for its spectacular view over the entire city. Parisiens are not fond of le tour Montparnasse because it is a bleak monolith not in keeping with the other beautiful vistas. But when you ascend to the 56th floor, you see every landmark of the city without seeing the incongruous Montparnasse skyscraper. Take the metro to the Montparnasse-Bienvenue station and you will be at the foot of the huge office building. Go up the outdoor steps and into the lobby, then find the ticket office for the elevator to the 56th floor. It is 13 euros, but one time I was there, the price was reduced because of foggy conditions. We were warned that the view would not be as good as usual, but it was still lovely, affording a view to many landmarks, but not quite all the way to Montmartre as on a clear day. After enjoying the view from the 56th floor and all the cool interactive screens and the movie, walk up the steps to the 59th floor and outdoors to the roof for a truly breathtaking sight. ON the way back to the elevator, you can stop at the cafe for a glass of wine and a snack.
After exiting the building, walk down the Boulevard Edgar Quinet to the metro stop there. If it is a Wed or a Sat there will be a wonderful street market.
check out the web site tourmontparnasse56.com/index_EN.php
Go to the Messe Gregorian at 10am at Notre Dame. Experience the cathedral being used for it’s original purpose. The music is superb. If you really like church music, go early for Matins at 9:30am.
The concerts given about 8 times per year by the professional Maitresse du Notre Dame are also quite special. Get your tickets before the night of the concert at the ticket desk off to the right when you enter the cathedral.
You can find out about music at Notre Dame on the website:
http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-
Go to the Messe Gregorian at 10am at Notre Dame. Experience the cathedral being used for it’s original purpose. The music is superb. If you really like church music, go early for Matins at 9:30am.
The concerts given about 8 times per year by the professional Maitresse du Notre Dame are also quite special. Get your tickets before the night of the concert at the ticket desk off to the right when you enter the cathedral.
You can find out about music at Notre Dame on the website:
http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/-English-
Le vieux Auberge à Montmartre
le restaurant est Le Basilique
ambiance charmante, bonne nourriture, dans un endroit parisien agréable pour se promener
Le vieux Auberge à Montmartre
le restaurant est Le Basilique
ambiance charmante, bonne nourriture, dans un endroit parisien agréable pour se promener
Stop at Bon Marche the Grande Epicerie [across the street from the famous department store of the same name], Rue de Sevres, 7th, to experience the array of truly spectacular foods of all descriptions – you can eat there as well. Immediately behind Bon Marche, on Rue de Bac, is a shrine that I walked by for years and wondered what all the fuss was about – people streaming in and out every day – It is The Shrine of the Miraculous Medallion [N.D.de la Medaille Miraculeuse]. The story that goes with it is amazing…..Also, plan a visit to the fine Musee Eugene Delacroix, 6 Rue de Furstenberg,6th. Interior garden, studio, home, and the street outside much filmed, and charming…..Vist the Roman amphitheater, Arenes de Lutece, Rue de Nevarre, 5th, rediscovered in 1869….And last, a favorite I have visted and re-visted, Musee Marmottan Monet, 2 rue Louis Boilly, 16th. There are more Monet paintings here than anywhere else, including “Impression Sunrise,” which gave the name to the Impressionist movement…..You are never done visiting Paris – it takes a lifetime….
Stop at Bon Marche the Grande Epicerie [across the street from the famous department store of the same name], Rue de Sevres, 7th, to experience the array of truly spectacular foods of all descriptions – you can eat there as well. Immediately behind Bon Marche, on Rue de Bac, is a shrine that I walked by for years and wondered what all the fuss was about – people streaming in and out every day – It is The Shrine of the Miraculous Medallion [N.D.de la Medaille Miraculeuse]. The story that goes with it is amazing…..Also, plan a visit to the fine Musee Eugene Delacroix, 6 Rue de Furstenberg,6th. Interior garden, studio, home, and the street outside much filmed, and charming…..Vist the Roman amphitheater, Arenes de Lutece, Rue de Nevarre, 5th, rediscovered in 1869….And last, a favorite I have visted and re-visted, Musee Marmottan Monet, 2 rue Louis Boilly, 16th. There are more Monet paintings here than anywhere else, including “Impression Sunrise,” which gave the name to the Impressionist movement…..You are never done visiting Paris – it takes a lifetime….
Lauren and I have had many wonderful meals at Le Volcan
http://www.restaurant-levolcan.fr/
always a warm welcome, quite near Place Monge, and the food is quite good in all prix fixe menus and of course a la carte..
Lauren and I have had many wonderful meals at Le Volcan
http://www.restaurant-levolcan.fr/
always a warm welcome, quite near Place Monge, and the food is quite good in all prix fixe menus and of course a la carte..
instead of buying maps and books about paris , try some apps for your ipad or cell phone.
smart maps paris is excellent, and paris metro is fabulous. it covers buses and the rer as well.
Eva quackenbush
instead of buying maps and books about paris , try some apps for your ipad or cell phone.
smart maps paris is excellent, and paris metro is fabulous. it covers buses and the rer as well.
Eva quackenbush
The most fun I’ve had in Paris (and I’ve had lots) is skipping around the lake in Jardin du Luxembourg with my then 8 year old son. I visited there with my mother when I was 23 and had taken photos of children playing with the small sailing boats you can rent. To return 22 years later and have my husband take lots of photos of my son and I doing this same activity was a life highlight.
The most fun I’ve had in Paris (and I’ve had lots) is skipping around the lake in Jardin du Luxembourg with my then 8 year old son. I visited there with my mother when I was 23 and had taken photos of children playing with the small sailing boats you can rent. To return 22 years later and have my husband take lots of photos of my son and I doing this same activity was a life highlight.
A PREMIERE IN PARIS
HYMNE A PIAF by Caroline Nin
HELPMANN AWARD NOMINATED SHOW
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Now in the HEART OF PARIS
At the ESSAION THEATRE 75004 PARIS
http://www.essaion-theatre.com/spectacle-hymne-a-piaf-caroline-nin-513.html
APRIL 10TH to JUNE 26TH
Every Wednesday at 8PM
Book online or for an English box office dial 07 77 25 37 64 or email
info@carolinenin.com
A PREMIERE IN PARIS
HYMNE A PIAF by Caroline Nin
HELPMANN AWARD NOMINATED SHOW
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
Now in the HEART OF PARIS
At the ESSAION THEATRE 75004 PARIS
http://www.essaion-theatre.com/spectacle-hymne-a-piaf-caroline-nin-513.html
APRIL 10TH to JUNE 26TH
Every Wednesday at 8PM
Book online or for an English box office dial 07 77 25 37 64 or email
info@carolinenin.com
Someone posted about getting a carte orange for Paris transportation. It’s replaced sometime ago by a week long pass called a “Navigo”. You need a small photo of yourself (smaller than passport) to start it up, but then you just have to renew it every Monday. It works for bus and metro from Monday morning through Sunday midnight. No worry about wasting a ticket going only a few blocks, or getting on the wrong bus or metro…you have unlimited use with this pass. We take one even if we land mid-week because of it’s ease to use. And, just a note…use the buses. They aren’t going to get you there as fast, maybe, but you can see the view as you ride along. Bus 69 for example goes past a lot of monuments as well as going through the gates and past the Louvre on it’s way to the Tour Eiffel, where it ends at the Champs de Mars. Not as much crowd as the Trocadero end of the Tour, and great place to picnic and take pictures. Bus and metro maps are online at RATP website and inside the metro.
Someone posted about getting a carte orange for Paris transportation. It’s replaced sometime ago by a week long pass called a “Navigo”. You need a small photo of yourself (smaller than passport) to start it up, but then you just have to renew it every Monday. It works for bus and metro from Monday morning through Sunday midnight. No worry about wasting a ticket going only a few blocks, or getting on the wrong bus or metro…you have unlimited use with this pass. We take one even if we land mid-week because of it’s ease to use. And, just a note…use the buses. They aren’t going to get you there as fast, maybe, but you can see the view as you ride along. Bus 69 for example goes past a lot of monuments as well as going through the gates and past the Louvre on it’s way to the Tour Eiffel, where it ends at the Champs de Mars. Not as much crowd as the Trocadero end of the Tour, and great place to picnic and take pictures. Bus and metro maps are online at RATP website and inside the metro.
I posted before about the benefits of buying a Navigo bus and metro pass. I forgot to include the cost. It’s 19Euros for the week. (carnet of 10 tickets is about 13 now)
I posted before about the benefits of buying a Navigo bus and metro pass. I forgot to include the cost. It’s 19Euros for the week. (carnet of 10 tickets is about 13 now)
In March 2013 Paris was cold but always beautiful, especially walking round Le Marais and Ile Ste-Louis. I stayed in a hotel in Rue Monge near the Rue Moufftard another interesting market street. Musee Cluny is worth a visit and do not miss Malmaison a little way out of Paris but not so crowded as Versailles, filled with the treasures of Napoleon and Josephine.
In March 2013 Paris was cold but always beautiful, especially walking round Le Marais and Ile Ste-Louis. I stayed in a hotel in Rue Monge near the Rue Moufftard another interesting market street. Musee Cluny is worth a visit and do not miss Malmaison a little way out of Paris but not so crowded as Versailles, filled with the treasures of Napoleon and Josephine.
Restaurant Pramil in the 3rd is one of the best at an affordable price. Chef Alain Pramil and his charming and hard working staff has elevated this restaurant to one of Zagat’s top rated in Paris. Check it out! Looking forward to dining there again soon.
Restaurant Pramil in the 3rd is one of the best at an affordable price. Chef Alain Pramil and his charming and hard working staff has elevated this restaurant to one of Zagat’s top rated in Paris. Check it out! Looking forward to dining there again soon.
Cooking classes at la Cuisine Paris are great . Fun, affordable and engaging if you are a beginner or experienced cook. And you get to take away samples of your cooking. They are now offering a guided tour of the kitchen gardens at Versailles which are run by the national School of horticulture. There aren’t nearly the crowds you find at Versailles and you will see possibly every form of espallier known to mankind. It really is a worthwhile outing made even better by the lovely folks at la Cuisine Paris.
Cooking classes at la Cuisine Paris are great . Fun, affordable and engaging if you are a beginner or experienced cook. And you get to take away samples of your cooking. They are now offering a guided tour of the kitchen gardens at Versailles which are run by the national School of horticulture. There aren’t nearly the crowds you find at Versailles and you will see possibly every form of espallier known to mankind. It really is a worthwhile outing made even better by the lovely folks at la Cuisine Paris.
What wonderful ideas everyone has shared on this post! I’m looking forward to my next trip. I always buy a batobus pass when I’m there. I love seeing Paris while cruising down the Seine, and it’s spectacular during sunsets and full moons.
What wonderful ideas everyone has shared on this post! I’m looking forward to my next trip. I always buy a batobus pass when I’m there. I love seeing Paris while cruising down the Seine, and it’s spectacular during sunsets and full moons.
http://www.parisapartmentsbynumbers.com/
Particularly LOUIS02, where I stayed last summer. Perfection. And a lovely company to deal with, as well.
http://www.parisapartmentsbynumbers.com/
Particularly LOUIS02, where I stayed last summer. Perfection. And a lovely company to deal with, as well.
The love locks are a cutesy practice; but, I’ll-advised. Visual pollution and the potential for structural damage make them a foolish practice for anyone thinking beyond themselves. Thanks for your comments.
The love locks are a cutesy practice; but, I’ll-advised. Visual pollution and the potential for structural damage make them a foolish practice for anyone thinking beyond themselves. Thanks for your comments.