France- whatcha got? (1 Viewer)

[3 hour lunch]

Told my daughter we would take her wherever she wanted for her final spring break, and it sounds like a France split between Paris and Nice. Have barely scratched the surface on research into lodging, activities etc….just wondering if anyone has experiences or suggestions to share. Not planning to get a car. Hotel vs Vrbo? Train tickets same day ok? Just learning some basic French phrases enough? Eiffel Tower tour or just go see it on our own? Will be my 18 & 16 year old daughters along with my wife and I. I’ll hang up and listen.

 

[Osaurus]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

 

[jamny]

We did a France road trip a few years back. Paris-Lyon- Aix en Provence-St. Tropez- Cannes-Nice before ending in Milan. Great trip. Maybe it was because it was at the end of the trip but we didn't really care for Nice. Very touristy and packed. I would do Paris and Lyon if you're just picking two. Although, with teen daughters, Nice might be more fun for them. And the airport is right there in town. If you do go to Nice, and consider getting a car, take a ride around Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, maybe stop for lunch there. Monaco also if you're there but there really isn't much there, imo. Also, check out the mountain top village, Eze. Here's the hotel we stayed in Nice Incredible view looking straight up the beach. Spent a lot of time on the balcony enjoying the view.
I've been to Paris 3 times and love it. I would have considered moving there at one time but probably not anymore.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Told my daughter we would take her wherever she wanted for her final spring break, and it sounds like a France split between Paris and Nice. Have barely scratched the surface on research into lodging, activities etc….just wondering if anyone has experiences or suggestions to share. Not planning to get a car. Hotel vs Vrbo? Train tickets same day ok? Just learning some basic French phrases enough? Eiffel Tower tour or just go see it on our own? Will be my 18 & 16 year old daughters along with my wife and I. I’ll hang up and listen.

We took an overnight sleeper train from Nice to Paris when we were there - saves money on a Hotel for one night and got us to our next destination.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Also take a day trip (short bus ride) to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day while in Nice.

 

[Keerock]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

I would spend as little time in Nice as I could. Go to Italy.

 

[johnnycakes]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

I've never been to Nice, but I have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

Talk her into going to Amsterdam or to Italy instead. Lots of great museums in Amsterdam. Beautiful city and you can walk everywhere you want to go. I loved Rome, Florence, and Venice. The vertical city of Positano got old after a few days, though... too damn many stairs, wherever I wanted to go. The island of Capri, off the coast of Positano, is a good catch, though.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Also take a day trip (short bus ride) to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day while in Nice.

Planning to do this, and possibly another into San Remo Italy.

 

[jamny]

Also take a day trip (short bus ride) to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day while in Nice.

Planning to do this, and possibly another into San Remo Italy.

We stopped in San Remo for lunch on our drive from Nice to Milan. Cute beachside town but I'm not sure if it's worth a day trip.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Also take a day trip (short bus ride) to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day while in Nice.

Planning to do this, and possibly another into San Remo Italy.

We stopped in San Remo for lunch on our drive from Nice to Milan. Cute beachside town but I'm not sure if it's worth a day trip.

Yeah I hear what you are saying. Basically, we wanted to at least get them into Italy. The major cities are too far. I would be open to other suggestions if you have them. It might fall off our final agenda altogether, but seemed like a good idea since we were so close.

 

[Drunken knight]

I did a 4 week loop in France before culinary school... loved it. Paris is probably my favorite big city.

Avignon
Beaunne
basque region
Sarlat
Chinon
dordogne

I happen to like nice (used it as a hub for other areas in the south)

 

[Major]

Also take a day trip (short bus ride) to Monte Carlo, Monaco for the day while in Nice.

Planning to do this, and possibly another into San Remo Italy.

I think Cannes and Monaco are a better call. Do a proper trip to Italy another time.

And the TGV is a must from Paris. Cuts travel time significantly.

 

[Tick]

Some suggestions:

• Drive a bit, and get off the highways. So many stone houses and Roman baths and medieval castles that don't show up on highlights, but are just there being ancient. Stop at some castles and take a tour.
• Chamonix - hit the Alps while you're there for some variety.
• Pont d'Arc - raft the river, half a day is worth it. Same valley that has the Chauvet cave paintings.
• Avignon - there's a papal palace from some pope/anti-pope dispute that's worth a tour.
• Pont Du Gard - awesome Roman aqueduct you can see along the route from Paris to the south.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I've never been to Nice, but I have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

LOL

 

[kupcho1]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

I've never been to Nice, but I have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

Yeah, base your decision on someone that got thrown out of a McDonalds.

Speaking of nice museums, Louvre, heard of it? We did a guided tour there that was unbelievable. We saw everything the public sees plus some behind the scenes stuff that was fascinating.
Versailles? Definitely worth checking out.
If, for some reason, your gun isn't working and you can't shoot the lock off to afford an Uber (which was incredibly reasonable and on-call when I was there), you can always walk the Champs Elysees. Stop at an outdoor cafe and have a red wine or a cafe (americano if you must).
For the Eiffel Tower, I don't think you need a tour guide. That you can do on your own.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Spent a week in Paris, it was for work. My boss had been before and he was a super cool guy, so was nice have a guide of sorts. Took me a bit to get the hang of the train system. Went for a trade show but had like 3-4 free days to just chill and tour the city

Would go back, would like to take my wife

That said it was also scary seeing armed guards patrolling the city, and this was over 5 years ago so I think the political climate has gotten worse

I’d say there’s good and bad but a city everyone should visit once

 

[johnnycakes]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

I've never been to Nice, but I have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

Yeah, base your decision on someone that got thrown out of a McDonalds.

Speaking of nice museums, Louvre, heard of it? We did a guided tour there that was unbelievable. We saw everything the public sees plus some behind the scenes stuff that was fascinating.
Versailles? Definitely worth checking out.
If, for some reason, your gun isn't working and you can't shoot the lock off to afford an Uber (which was incredibly reasonable and on-call when I was there), you can always walk the Champs Elysees. Stop at an outdoor cafe and have a red wine or a cafe (americano if you must).
For the Eiffel Tower, I don't think you need a tour guide. That you can do on your own.

Yeah, chief, I went to the Louvre. You ever heard of the Mona Lisa? The painting was roped off for about 20 feet around it and the crowd was several rows deep behind that. Couldn't see it for anything. Like I said, Paris sucked. So did the Louvre. No place to sit down anywhere, and it was jam-packed with people. No way could I recommend anyone go to Paris for a good time.

 

[El Floppo]

lol at "paris sucks".

for first time... it's amazing- and so much to see. take the metro- super easy. it's amazing every time I've been (we took the kids over the last spring break... they'd never been to europe)- just one of the great cities in the world.

I don't even remember Nice, tbh. but anywhere on the riviera is nice (pun). portofino, just over the border into Italy is even nicer. but during spring break with the weather more dicey... probably not as nice. what about the chateaus? loire valley, iirc. or the alps into switzerland? or bretagne?

we flew into London for a few days and then took the highspped train thruogh the chunnel to Paris for the rest... would totally recommend that if she hasn't seen London either.

 

[Major]

I’d spend as little time in Paris as I could. Stick with Nice.

I've never been to Nice, but I have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

Yeah, base your decision on someone that got thrown out of a McDonalds.

Speaking of nice museums, Louvre, heard of it? We did a guided tour there that was unbelievable. We saw everything the public sees plus some behind the scenes stuff that was fascinating.
Versailles? Definitely worth checking out.
If, for some reason, your gun isn't working and you can't shoot the lock off to afford an Uber (which was incredibly reasonable and on-call when I was there), you can always walk the Champs Elysees. Stop at an outdoor cafe and have a red wine or a cafe (americano if you must).
For the Eiffel Tower, I don't think you need a tour guide. That you can do on your own.

Yeah, chief, I went to the Louvre. You ever heard of the Mona Lisa? The painting was roped off for about 20 feet around it and the crowd was several rows deep behind that. Couldn't see it for anything. Like I said, Paris sucked. So did the Louvre. No place to sit down anywhere, and it was jam-packed with people. No way could I recommend anyone go to Paris for a good time.

LOL. Reminds me of someone telling me NYC sucks and that they just hung out in Times Square.

 

[El Floppo]

fwiw, since you asked... as of Feb/March when we went, last minute tickets were basically impossible- eiffel tower, louvre... no chance.

so make some plans and commit early. bunch of museums (obviously) besides the Louvre that are worth seeing, and bunch of neighborhoods as well. even the Notre Dame was cool to see the construction site.. and the little island it's on is always cool to visit.

and I'll reiterate how easy and fun it was to do London-train-Paris-home. and considering we're broke folk, it couldn't have been too expensive for a family of four (the wife made the arrangements)

 

[Sand]

Paris was ok to good. We did a day out to Omaha Beach - that was amazing.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

fwiw, since you asked... as of Feb/March when we went, last minute tickets were basically impossible- eiffel tower, louvre... no chance.

so make some plans and commit early. bunch of museums (obviously) besides the Louvre that are worth seeing, and bunch of neighborhoods as well. even the Notre Dame was cool to see the construction site.. and the little island it's on is always cool to visit.

and I'll reiterate how easy and fun it was to do London-train-Paris-home. and considering we're broke folk, it couldn't have been too expensive for a family of four (the wife made the arrangements)

Mmmm…Berthillion

 

[3 hour lunch]

fwiw, since you asked... as of Feb/March when we went, last minute tickets were basically impossible- eiffel tower, louvre... no chance.

so make some plans and commit early. bunch of museums (obviously) besides the Louvre that are worth seeing, and bunch of neighborhoods as well. even the Notre Dame was cool to see the construction site.. and the little island it's on is always cool to visit.

and I'll reiterate how easy and fun it was to do London-train-Paris-home. and considering we're broke folk, it couldn't have been too expensive for a family of four (the wife made the arrangements)

Yes we are planning a London day trip

 

[3 hour lunch]

lol at "paris sucks".

for first time... it's amazing- and so much to see. take the metro- super easy. it's amazing every time I've been (we took the kids over the last spring break... they'd never been to europe)- just one of the great cities in the world.

I don't even remember Nice, tbh. but anywhere on the riviera is nice (pun). portofino, just over the border into Italy is even nicer. but during spring break with the weather more dicey... probably not as nice. what about the chateaus? loire valley, iirc. or the alps into switzerland? or bretagne?

we flew into London for a few days and then took the highspped train thruogh the chunnel to Paris for the rest... would totally recommend that if she hasn't seen London either.

I think portofino or Milan or any of those is too far for a day trip. It’s probably ventimiglia or sanremo or not go at all. We did Italy a few years ago without the kids, so I will leave it to my daughter if she wants to do it

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

lol at "paris sucks".

for first time... it's amazing- and so much to see. take the metro- super easy. it's amazing every time I've been (we took the kids over the last spring break... they'd never been to europe)- just one of the great cities in the world.

Yep. Listen to Mr Floppo

We went to Paris for our first and 10th anniversary.
I cant speak to the rest of the country except they drive like maniacs
I was doing 100mph from Calais to Paris and getting overtaken like I was on a bicycle
There was no way I was driving into the City, so pulled in at Charles De Gaulle airport to catch a taxi in.
Taxi driver doing 120mph, 1 hand in the wheel, 1 hand on the phone driving like a formula 1 driver.

From then on, it was beautiful. The Metro is magnificent. You can link almost anywhere in outer Paris with 2 trips and yes walk.
Amazing skyline, cause there isnt one. Eiffel Tower rule or something.
Unless you want to waste a day, skip the Eiffel Tower. Sure get close and see it, but it takes a long time to get through the line to go up it.
Plenty to do around it.
Notre Dame, Le Louvre, Sacre Couer, Moulin Rouge, Montmarte, Champs Elysee and Arc De Triumphe can be done in a day or 2 if you are crazy.
Best to relax and pick carefully.
There is so much to see and do depending on your preference.
You could spend 14 days alone looking at museums.

If you want to see the Mona Lisa prepare to be disappointed. Its tiny and has a hundred people around it all the time. Le Louvre is so big, but essentially split into 4 parts, or was.

Food and supermarket shopping are an issue if you arent prepared. It is extremely expensive to eat out there.
Bring your wallet, but the gastronomic delights are worth it.
This restaurant you will either love or hate

best restaurants in paris near sacre couer fondue - Google Search

You get fondue to dip meat or other stuff into. Unusual seating.
Because they are always busy, they tend to only pick attractive girls to sit
Luckily my wife met the target

The Pigalle district is the red light district which should be cautioned if you are taking kids. Or a wife who wouldnt be amused
Sacre Coure, Montmarte, Moulin Rouge all surround it.

Each district has its own charm and there are some you should avoid.
Also beware of street peddlers who will take advantage of you and have you much poorer before you know it.
You need to have your wits about you

Try the horse, the frogs legs and snails. If you can afford it
If not, you can get by on Maccas, Chinese Restauarants, Starbucks etc
Chcken = Poulet
Beef = Bouef
Lamb = d’agneau or agneau
Pork = porc
Horse = Cheval
Frogs legs = cuisses de grenouille
Snails = Escargot

Good luck if you are a vegetarian or vegan

Final word
Most important phrase in France is Parlez Vous Anglaise “Do You Speak English”
The French really do appreciate you making an effort, so learn as much as you can.
A good percentage of French do speak english, even basic, but they do not like tourists expecting them to speak english
If you show any signs of superiority you are ****ed.
They will put you in your place quick smart.
Know your place

 

[3 hour lunch]

Unless you want to waste a day, skip the Eiffel Tower. Sure get close and see it, but it takes a long time to get through the line to go up it.

Plenty to do around it.
Notre Dame, Le Louvre, Sacre Couer, Moulin Rouge, Montmarte, Champs Elysee and Arc De Triumphe can be done in a day or 2 if you are crazy..

If you want to see the Mona Lisa prepare to be disappointed. Its tiny and has a hundred people around it all the time. Le Louvre is so big, but essentially split into 4 parts, or was.
The Pigalle district is the red light district which should be cautioned if you are taking kids. Or a wife who wouldnt be amused
Sacre Coure, Montmarte, Moulin Rouge all surround it

Thanks Madden. I don’t think we’ll be able to skip climbing the Eiffel Tower, even though I’d be fine with it. Will hit the Louvre, and have heard what you mentioned about the Mona Lisa. Montmarte looks cool, and good pics for “Insta” (sigh), so I can see us checking that out. For food, I’ll probably let her pick one nice restaurant in Paris and Nice and the rest of the time we will try to keep it more reasonable. Gonna be an expensive trip for sure.

 

[Mrs. Rannous]

Notre Dame will not be open at that point. If you want to see an amazing church, I suggest Sainte-Chapelle. It's not far from Notre Dame, and is totally gorgeous.

 

[The Z Machine]

have been to Paris. It sucked. Absolutely nothing was within walking distance, ever, it was like a big shopping mall, and I got thrown out of McDonalds for taking a photo of their menu (I wanted to see if they listed a Royale with Cheese).

I've been to Paris maybe 5 or 6 times. Only had good to great experiences there, nothing like this. Lots of walkable areas and the metro is amazing (unless they're on strike). Its probably my favorite big city in the world. It's also gotten way more bike friendly in the last 5 years.

I went to Nice. Wasn't impressed. Italy and Spain are better. Had a nice time in Aix and even in Marseilles, which is a way different big city than Paris.

I don't speak French but I always make sure to address a local in French and ask them if they speak English (in French of course). That's just good customs and manners anywhere, but especially so in France. It did help that I often traveled with a French native but I've gone on my own or with my wife too without issues.

 

[Slumpbusters]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

 

[3 hour lunch]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

 

[3 hour lunch]

Would also be looking for hotel recommendations; mainly just which area to look at. So many places to choose from, and many do not have a family suite that can sleep 4.

 

[Redwes25]

I was also recently in France (Paris and Normandy). I love Paris and it is probably my favorite European big city. My main piece of advice for France is just try to say a little bit of French even if you don't speak any (e.g. Bonjour/Bonsoir, Merci, parlez vous anglais) as the French appreciate it and it is rude to just blurt out to someone in English assuming they speak your language. I think this is true of any country where English is not the native language. In Paris pretty much everyone speaks English so you can go around and be the rude American but you will be treated nicer at least trying to speak a little French.

Must see things to do in and near Paris in my book are - Louvre, Orsay (my favorite museum in Paris), Versailles, Catacoombs, the two islands on the Seine (Isle of City (Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle) and Ile Saint-Louse), Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees/Arc Triompe. While the sites are amazing the best thing to do is take things slow and find a good cafe and eat lunch/dinner and just walk the neighborhoods - St. Germaine, Marais and Mountmarte (Sacre Coeur is in the neighborhood and has the best views of Paris) are just a few of so many great neighborhoods. There is so much good food and amazing neighborhoods to take in and enjoy.

Lastly, you will need tickets for the big sites in advance. Catacoombs are a bit tricky since you can only book a week out but worth the visit to see the underground labrinth of the dead.

I haven't been to French Riviera in like a decade but I remember liking the area and would suggest some trips from Nice to see Cannes and Monaco, which are right near by.

If I had to pick a neighborhood to stay in I pick either the Marais or St. Germaine.

 

[urbanhack]

We did a France road trip a few years back. Paris-Lyon- Aix en Provence-St. Tropez- Cannes-Nice before ending in Milan. Great trip. Maybe it was because it was at the end of the trip but we didn't really care for Nice. Very touristy and packed. I would do Paris and Lyon if you're just picking two. Although, with teen daughters, Nice might be more fun for them. And the airport is right there in town. If you do go to Nice, and consider getting a car, take a ride around Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, maybe stop for lunch there. Monaco also if you're there but there really isn't much there, imo. Also, check out the mountain top village, Eze. Here's the hotel we stayed in Nice Incredible view looking straight up the beach. Spent a lot of time on the balcony enjoying the view.
I've been to Paris 3 times and love it. I would have considered moving there at one time but probably not anymore.

Second Lyon. Easy train ride down from Paris. Great food, restaurants, markets...it's all about the food there.

I spent a weekend in Strasbourg. It's east of Paris and close the German border. Beautiful town with canals and of course amazing architecture.

 

[Drunken knight]

Lyon: while there is wonderful food throughout the country, Lyon is the the "food capital" of France.

 

[Redwes25]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

Subway is very easy and fast in Paris. Bus system seems a bit complicated for me. Honestly, I live in NYC and don't understand the NYC bus system and can't imagine tackling a complicated bus system in a foreign language.

Versailles is a pretty easy train ride from central Paris. Think it is about an hour ride. If you aren't renting a car I would suggest that route. Depending on where you go from Paris and how you get there renting a car and doing Versailles on the way to further destinations in France is a good way to do it. We went to Versailles on the day we drove to Normandy and just spent a big chunk of the day there and then drove the rest of way to Normandy.

 

[Sand]

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

Wife and I had a blast walking down the stairs from the top.

 

[Slumpbusters]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

The museum pass saved us about an hour on the Arc alone. Its not that expensive and I think you would benefit from it even if you don't go nuts on museums. We had a timed entry at the Louve which I think you can book with the museum pass. We didn't wait in line there at all.

For Versailles, you can book a tour with a guide. The company will come pick you up in a little van. Another way to do it is train, which is an easy ride. We used pariswebservices.com, and the guided tour and transportation was about $170 pp. I highly recommend a guide though as you don't have a clue as to what you are looking at without one. You don't need guides at the museums since you can pay for an audioguide which is about $5-7 per person. You can also use Rick Steves app, and he has tours for each location that you can just listen to on your phone with headphones.

Hotels are gonna suck for you. We had 3 people and it was tight most times unless we sprung for a big room (which we ended up doing). You will likely have to book 2 rooms or potentially look into an airbnb type situation.

Paris: Hotel St. Dominique Friday, June 30th
62 Rue Saint Dominique, Paris, 75007 Saturday, July 1st
Phone: +33 144 181 010

Hotel Saint Dominique Paris **** | Hotel Paris Invalides | OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The Saint Dominique Paris Hotel is a charming four-star hotel located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement near the Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.

www.hotelstdominique.com

This is where we stayed. It was $ but worth it. 3 of us fit into a room comfortably, and you may be able to get a 4th in there too. Anything in this area is nice and a simple walk to all the big sites. The Latin Quarter is good too although a little touristy and can be somewhat loud.

Hope that helps -

Turk

 

[Slumpbusters]

PS - you need to look at the accommodations and trip a little like Disney - just be prepared for it to hit your wallet and find ways to save that won't sacrifice your comfort or the experience.

 

[tri-man 47]

I love France …love Paris. Another vote for Giverny and Monet’s Gardens. My wife and I stayed overnight at a neat AirBnB. That allowed us to get into the gardens before the day trippers arrived. It’s really a one road village, but the atmosphere is great. Also, another vote for Avignon. We rented a car and drove east to explore lavender fields and a couple amazing villages.

 

[Mookie]

Spent a week riding bikes in and around Provence, and it was awesome. Such a beautiful area. Great towns (Aix, Saint Remy, Avignon) with great history (Pont Du Gard, the Avignon Popes, Van Gogh asylum). Would highly recommend.

Paris is a wonderful city. Choose a well located hotel and most most everything is in walking distance, which was my favorite thing to do - history, cathedrals, and beautiful gardens all over. We stayed in an AirBNB in the Marais District, and stayed away from the really touristy stuff and the long lines, with the exception of the museums which could take days each because there is so much to see. The D'Orsay is unreal - Pro tip - get an early ticket/reservation and go straight to the top floor where the impressionists are, and then work your way down - its far less crowded that way. The Metro is easy if you want to explore further. I think we spent a day at Montmarte, which was a fun area to explore.

 

[Slumpbusters]

One more comment on time -

Miles in Paris or any big city do not equal miles anywhere else. You'd be best to use the trains (very clean, cheap, easy to figure out) to get from one spot to another in Paris. Will save $ and time.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

Subway is very easy and fast in Paris. Bus system seems a bit complicated for me. Honestly, I live in NYC and don't understand the NYC bus system and can't imagine tackling a complicated bus system in a foreign language.

Versailles is a pretty easy train ride from central Paris. Think it is about an hour ride. If you aren't renting a car I would suggest that route. Depending on where you go from Paris and how you get there renting a car and doing Versailles on the way to further destinations in France is a good way to do it. We went to Versailles on the day we drove to Normandy and just spent a big chunk of the day there and then drove the rest of way to Normandy.

Dumb question maybe, but if I look on Maps for Paris train stations, 25 of them come up. I’m assuming I couldn’t just go to any one of them and hop on a train to Versailles?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

Subway is very easy and fast in Paris. Bus system seems a bit complicated for me. Honestly, I live in NYC and don't understand the NYC bus system and can't imagine tackling a complicated bus system in a foreign language.

Versailles is a pretty easy train ride from central Paris. Think it is about an hour ride. If you aren't renting a car I would suggest that route. Depending on where you go from Paris and how you get there renting a car and doing Versailles on the way to further destinations in France is a good way to do it. We went to Versailles on the day we drove to Normandy and just spent a big chunk of the day there and then drove the rest of way to Normandy.

Dumb question maybe, but if I look on Maps for Paris train stations, 25 of them come up. I’m assuming I couldn’t just go to any one of them and hop on a train to Versailles?

Probably need to do a few connections
From what I recall you can use google maps and select the public transport option and it will map out the route

 

[Slumpbusters]

Just got back from 14 days in France.

Paris is great. Walk the Champs Elysees and shop (the Adidas store is cool and top notch, as is their St. Germain Store). Food/Cafes are good. Prices very similar to the US. Cologne is about 1/2 of the cost of what it is in the US if you like to smell good.

Get a museum pass and get a reservation for the Louve and the Orsay Museum. Hit the majors in both. The lines for Mona were long but still worth seeing. Moved quickly (took maybe 20 minutes), and we were able to get family selfies with her.

The museum pass will also get you a short cut to the top of the Arc D Triumph so you can get 360 degree city views of Paris. Well worth it and rivals the top of the Empire State Building views. The bonus of taking photos here is the eiffel tower will be in them.

The Sainte Chapelle suggestion is a good one, and even though Notre Dame is closed it is worth walking around it to check out the architecture and read about the restoration methodology and efforts.

The eiffel tower is kind of boring. We just walked through to check the box.

You can grocery shop in Paris to save money, also hit the laundromat very easily to save on packing, etc if you want to travel lighter.

Versailles is a must see. Amazing, spend the full day there and book a guided tour for it.

D Day beaches in Normandy also very worthwhile and a can't miss. Gives you perspective.

Giverny is pretty cool, Monet's gardens are amazing (but packed), but it fun to see Water Lillies in the museum and then the garden that inspired it.

Castles are also cool but if you hit Versailles the others just feel like variations of it.

Train and bus system is great.

We found the French to be very nice. We put in minor efforts to start the conversation in French.

We were even there during the supposed riots but they are pretty crappy rioters and the media on it is way overblown.

Cheers,

Turk

Thanks, Turk. Will probably only have a few full days in Paris, so museum pass likely wouldn’t save us money but still might be worth it if saving us time. Any idea the potential time saved at Louvre and Arc? I’d love to make it out to Versailles but it might be tight…we’ll see. I’ve heard many people mention the bus system, but I’m sort of hesitant to dig into that if we will just be going a handful of places. Can you elaborate a bit on it? For example, going from Louvre to Eiffel is only about 3 miles….maybe an Uber is easier? Versailles is much further though- maybe we do try to find a bus to that….

Subway is very easy and fast in Paris. Bus system seems a bit complicated for me. Honestly, I live in NYC and don't understand the NYC bus system and can't imagine tackling a complicated bus system in a foreign language.

Versailles is a pretty easy train ride from central Paris. Think it is about an hour ride. If you aren't renting a car I would suggest that route. Depending on where you go from Paris and how you get there renting a car and doing Versailles on the way to further destinations in France is a good way to do it. We went to Versailles on the day we drove to Normandy and just spent a big chunk of the day there and then drove the rest of way to Normandy.

Dumb question maybe, but if I look on Maps for Paris train stations, 25 of them come up. I’m assuming I couldn’t just go to any one of them and hop on a train to Versailles?

Apple maps will do it as well, but yes they all connect and you can get to the Versailles line from about anywhere.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I can't vouch for the quality of recommendations but Chris Munn is a guy I read on Twitter for business stuff.

https://twitter.com/chrisxmunn/status/1681311626174304257?s=20

Paris is the best city in the world.

So in 2018, I moved there.

Here’s my comprehensive non-tourist mega guide to the city

:

First off you need AT LEAST 4 days. Don’t try to do Paris in 2 days. It’s a mistake.


Museums


Musee D'Orsay

Picasso Museum

Centre Pompidou (Such a cool building)

Do the Louvre if you must (But Not Necessary)


Restaurants (D = Dinner / L = Lunch)

(Go to dinner late (9p). Stay out late. Drink wine. It’s Paris!)


French

-Frenchie (D)

-Septime (D)

-Les Papilles (D)

-Chez Janou (D)

-Frenchie to Go (L)


Croissants

-Dont run around the city looking. The one closest to wherever you're staying will be the best one you ever had. I prefer the pain au raisin myself)


Burgers

-Il Etait un Square (Good lord...nothing better. Seriously. Le Max Burger and please don’t ask for it to be cooked a certain way) (D or L)

-Le Ruisseau (L)


Italian

-Presto Fresco (They sometimes speak Italian, sometimes french, sometimes english) (D)

-Pizza Mancini (L)

-Il Timo (my fav fast casual spot in Paris. Imagine Chipotle but for pasta)


Thai

-Tuk Tuk Thai (D)

-Steet Bangkok (Etiennce Marcel)
The duck fried rice is RIDICULOUS
(L)


Other

-L'As du Fallafel (L)
a tourist spot but still good

-Kraft (L) (Amazing hot dogs. Yes…Hot Dogs)

-Itacate Cocina Mexicana (L) (pretty good tacos)


Drinks

-Lavomatic (Very cool speakeasy in a functioning laundromat)

-Experimental Cocktail Club

-Les Tres Particulier

If you’re in Paris in the winter, get the chaud vin (hot wine) off the street. It’s like the French Hot Chocolate…but wine!


Day Trips


-Reims - the home of champagne (their cathedral is more intricate than Notre Dame...really cool)

-Versailles (as soon as you step on the grounds you will immediately understand why Louis and Antoinette got their heads chopped off)


Neighborhoods



Le Marais

My favorite neighborhood. Lots of cool shops. Be sure to swing by La Chambre aux Confiture (the bedroom of jam). 100’s of jams. All amazing. What a place.


Montmarte

Another amazing neighborhood atop a hill. The best views in Paris are here. Van Gogh lived here.


Republique

If you like more gritty, Berlin like vibes…this is the neighborhood for you.


Opera

The nicest hotels and restaurants are here. Go here if you go out the country just to say you did it. You can even eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. (if you do this please unfollow me)


Tips


Take the train or walk everywhere. You’ll see so much more of the city that way.

Galeries de Lafayette is the most amazing department store you’ve ever seen. If you’ve been to Harrod’s in London, you can skip it…but otherwise, check it out.

Go to the grocery store (monoprix was my fav) grab some cheese and the jam you bought from La Chambre aux Confiture and sit out on the Seine. Nothing like it in America.

Things may be randomly closed in August because the owner is on “vacance”

The train from CDG (airport) goes right into the heart of Paris. But feel free to Taxi as well. Not much to see on the ride.

If you’re a shopper go during Les Soldes. Amazing sales. 2x per year.

If you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, or Champs de Mars…GO EARLY.

If you want to stick out, wear athleisure. If you want to fit in, chinos, tee shirt, scarf if its cold)

If you want to feel “nature” Bois de Boulogne is their central park. Jardin du Luxembourg is also nice.

Their neighborhoods (arrondissements) are numbered from 1 to 20. Starting in the heart of the city with 1 and moving clockwise like a shell.


Quick hack: the last 2 digits of the zip code of a store/restaurant says what arrondissement it’s in. i.e. I lived in 75003. Or the 3rd arrondissement)


As long as you say "Bonjour! Parlez vous anglais?" to anyone, they'll be very nice. The french are big on greeting people (so say hi) and people attempting French. Everyone in Paris speaks english.

Paris is my favorite city in the world. If you go to any of these places, I’d love to see it. I miss it greatly.

Sante mon amis!

 

[3 hour lunch]

I can't vouch for the quality of recommendations but Chris Munn is a guy I read on Twitter for business stuff.

https://twitter.com/chrisxmunn/status/1681311626174304257?s=20

Paris is the best city in the world.

So in 2018, I moved there.

Here’s my comprehensive non-tourist mega guide to the city

:

First off you need AT LEAST 4 days. Don’t try to do Paris in 2 days. It’s a mistake.


Museums


Musee D'Orsay

Picasso Museum

Centre Pompidou (Such a cool building)

Do the Louvre if you must (But Not Necessary)


Restaurants (D = Dinner / L = Lunch)

(Go to dinner late (9p). Stay out late. Drink wine. It’s Paris!)


French

-Frenchie (D)

-Septime (D)

-Les Papilles (D)

-Chez Janou (D)

-Frenchie to Go (L)


Croissants

-Dont run around the city looking. The one closest to wherever you're staying will be the best one you ever had. I prefer the pain au raisin myself)


Burgers

-Il Etait un Square (Good lord...nothing better. Seriously. Le Max Burger and please don’t ask for it to be cooked a certain way) (D or L)

-Le Ruisseau (L)


Italian

-Presto Fresco (They sometimes speak Italian, sometimes french, sometimes english) (D)

-Pizza Mancini (L)

-Il Timo (my fav fast casual spot in Paris. Imagine Chipotle but for pasta)


Thai

-Tuk Tuk Thai (D)

-Steet Bangkok (Etiennce Marcel)
The duck fried rice is RIDICULOUS
(L)


Other

-L'As du Fallafel (L)
a tourist spot but still good

-Kraft (L) (Amazing hot dogs. Yes…Hot Dogs)

-Itacate Cocina Mexicana (L) (pretty good tacos)


Drinks

-Lavomatic (Very cool speakeasy in a functioning laundromat)

-Experimental Cocktail Club

-Les Tres Particulier

If you’re in Paris in the winter, get the chaud vin (hot wine) off the street. It’s like the French Hot Chocolate…but wine!


Day Trips


-Reims - the home of champagne (their cathedral is more intricate than Notre Dame...really cool)

-Versailles (as soon as you step on the grounds you will immediately understand why Louis and Antoinette got their heads chopped off)


Neighborhoods



Le Marais

My favorite neighborhood. Lots of cool shops. Be sure to swing by La Chambre aux Confiture (the bedroom of jam). 100’s of jams. All amazing. What a place.


Montmarte

Another amazing neighborhood atop a hill. The best views in Paris are here. Van Gogh lived here.


Republique

If you like more gritty, Berlin like vibes…this is the neighborhood for you.


Opera

The nicest hotels and restaurants are here. Go here if you go out the country just to say you did it. You can even eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. (if you do this please unfollow me)


Tips


Take the train or walk everywhere. You’ll see so much more of the city that way.

Galeries de Lafayette is the most amazing department store you’ve ever seen. If you’ve been to Harrod’s in London, you can skip it…but otherwise, check it out.

Go to the grocery store (monoprix was my fav) grab some cheese and the jam you bought from La Chambre aux Confiture and sit out on the Seine. Nothing like it in America.

Things may be randomly closed in August because the owner is on “vacance”

The train from CDG (airport) goes right into the heart of Paris. But feel free to Taxi as well. Not much to see on the ride.

If you’re a shopper go during Les Soldes. Amazing sales. 2x per year.

If you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, or Champs de Mars…GO EARLY.

If you want to stick out, wear athleisure. If you want to fit in, chinos, tee shirt, scarf if its cold)

If you want to feel “nature” Bois de Boulogne is their central park. Jardin du Luxembourg is also nice.

Their neighborhoods (arrondissements) are numbered from 1 to 20. Starting in the heart of the city with 1 and moving clockwise like a shell.


Quick hack: the last 2 digits of the zip code of a store/restaurant says what arrondissement it’s in. i.e. I lived in 75003. Or the 3rd arrondissement)


As long as you say "Bonjour! Parlez vous anglais?" to anyone, they'll be very nice. The french are big on greeting people (so say hi) and people attempting French. Everyone in Paris speaks english.

Paris is my favorite city in the world. If you go to any of these places, I’d love to see it. I miss it greatly.

Sante mon amis!

Thanks Joe! I figure much of our dining will depend on where we end up staying, but I always like to have recommendations. Sounds like Versailles is really a must. Thought the Louvre “if you must” was interesting. Doubt we’d be able to fit both that and Orsay.

 

[Drunken knight]

I can't vouch for the quality of recommendations but Chris Munn is a guy I read on Twitter for business stuff.

https://twitter.com/chrisxmunn/status/1681311626174304257?s=20

Paris is the best city in the world.

So in 2018, I moved there.

Here’s my comprehensive non-tourist mega guide to the city

:

First off you need AT LEAST 4 days. Don’t try to do Paris in 2 days. It’s a mistake.


Museums


Musee D'Orsay

Picasso Museum

Centre Pompidou (Such a cool building)

Do the Louvre if you must (But Not Necessary)


Restaurants (D = Dinner / L = Lunch)

(Go to dinner late (9p). Stay out late. Drink wine. It’s Paris!)


French

-Frenchie (D)

-Septime (D)

-Les Papilles (D)

-Chez Janou (D)

-Frenchie to Go (L)


Croissants

-Dont run around the city looking. The one closest to wherever you're staying will be the best one you ever had. I prefer the pain au raisin myself)


Burgers

-Il Etait un Square (Good lord...nothing better. Seriously. Le Max Burger and please don’t ask for it to be cooked a certain way) (D or L)

-Le Ruisseau (L)


Italian

-Presto Fresco (They sometimes speak Italian, sometimes french, sometimes english) (D)

-Pizza Mancini (L)

-Il Timo (my fav fast casual spot in Paris. Imagine Chipotle but for pasta)


Thai

-Tuk Tuk Thai (D)

-Steet Bangkok (Etiennce Marcel)
The duck fried rice is RIDICULOUS
(L)


Other

-L'As du Fallafel (L)
a tourist spot but still good

-Kraft (L) (Amazing hot dogs. Yes…Hot Dogs)

-Itacate Cocina Mexicana (L) (pretty good tacos)


Drinks

-Lavomatic (Very cool speakeasy in a functioning laundromat)

-Experimental Cocktail Club

-Les Tres Particulier

If you’re in Paris in the winter, get the chaud vin (hot wine) off the street. It’s like the French Hot Chocolate…but wine!


Day Trips


-Reims - the home of champagne (their cathedral is more intricate than Notre Dame...really cool)

-Versailles (as soon as you step on the grounds you will immediately understand why Louis and Antoinette got their heads chopped off)


Neighborhoods



Le Marais

My favorite neighborhood. Lots of cool shops. Be sure to swing by La Chambre aux Confiture (the bedroom of jam). 100’s of jams. All amazing. What a place.


Montmarte

Another amazing neighborhood atop a hill. The best views in Paris are here. Van Gogh lived here.


Republique

If you like more gritty, Berlin like vibes…this is the neighborhood for you.


Opera

The nicest hotels and restaurants are here. Go here if you go out the country just to say you did it. You can even eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. (if you do this please unfollow me)


Tips


Take the train or walk everywhere. You’ll see so much more of the city that way.

Galeries de Lafayette is the most amazing department store you’ve ever seen. If you’ve been to Harrod’s in London, you can skip it…but otherwise, check it out.

Go to the grocery store (monoprix was my fav) grab some cheese and the jam you bought from La Chambre aux Confiture and sit out on the Seine. Nothing like it in America.

Things may be randomly closed in August because the owner is on “vacance”

The train from CDG (airport) goes right into the heart of Paris. But feel free to Taxi as well. Not much to see on the ride.

If you’re a shopper go during Les Soldes. Amazing sales. 2x per year.

If you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, or Champs de Mars…GO EARLY.

If you want to stick out, wear athleisure. If you want to fit in, chinos, tee shirt, scarf if its cold)

If you want to feel “nature” Bois de Boulogne is their central park. Jardin du Luxembourg is also nice.

Their neighborhoods (arrondissements) are numbered from 1 to 20. Starting in the heart of the city with 1 and moving clockwise like a shell.


Quick hack: the last 2 digits of the zip code of a store/restaurant says what arrondissement it’s in. i.e. I lived in 75003. Or the 3rd arrondissement)


As long as you say "Bonjour! Parlez vous anglais?" to anyone, they'll be very nice. The french are big on greeting people (so say hi) and people attempting French. Everyone in Paris speaks english.

Paris is my favorite city in the world. If you go to any of these places, I’d love to see it. I miss it greatly.

Sante mon amis!

Thanks Joe! I figure much of our dining will depend on where we end up staying, but I always like to have recommendations. Sounds like Versailles is really a must. Thought the Louvre “if you must” was interesting. Doubt we’d be able to fit both that and Orsay.

I prefer the Orsay to the Louvre

 

[Slumpbusters]

I can't vouch for the quality of recommendations but Chris Munn is a guy I read on Twitter for business stuff.

https://twitter.com/chrisxmunn/status/1681311626174304257?s=20

Paris is the best city in the world.

So in 2018, I moved there.

Here’s my comprehensive non-tourist mega guide to the city

:

First off you need AT LEAST 4 days. Don’t try to do Paris in 2 days. It’s a mistake.


Museums


Musee D'Orsay

Picasso Museum

Centre Pompidou (Such a cool building)

Do the Louvre if you must (But Not Necessary)


Restaurants (D = Dinner / L = Lunch)

(Go to dinner late (9p). Stay out late. Drink wine. It’s Paris!)


French

-Frenchie (D)

-Septime (D)

-Les Papilles (D)

-Chez Janou (D)

-Frenchie to Go (L)


Croissants

-Dont run around the city looking. The one closest to wherever you're staying will be the best one you ever had. I prefer the pain au raisin myself)


Burgers

-Il Etait un Square (Good lord...nothing better. Seriously. Le Max Burger and please don’t ask for it to be cooked a certain way) (D or L)

-Le Ruisseau (L)


Italian

-Presto Fresco (They sometimes speak Italian, sometimes french, sometimes english) (D)

-Pizza Mancini (L)

-Il Timo (my fav fast casual spot in Paris. Imagine Chipotle but for pasta)


Thai

-Tuk Tuk Thai (D)

-Steet Bangkok (Etiennce Marcel)
The duck fried rice is RIDICULOUS
(L)


Other

-L'As du Fallafel (L)
a tourist spot but still good

-Kraft (L) (Amazing hot dogs. Yes…Hot Dogs)

-Itacate Cocina Mexicana (L) (pretty good tacos)


Drinks

-Lavomatic (Very cool speakeasy in a functioning laundromat)

-Experimental Cocktail Club

-Les Tres Particulier

If you’re in Paris in the winter, get the chaud vin (hot wine) off the street. It’s like the French Hot Chocolate…but wine!


Day Trips


-Reims - the home of champagne (their cathedral is more intricate than Notre Dame...really cool)

-Versailles (as soon as you step on the grounds you will immediately understand why Louis and Antoinette got their heads chopped off)


Neighborhoods



Le Marais

My favorite neighborhood. Lots of cool shops. Be sure to swing by La Chambre aux Confiture (the bedroom of jam). 100’s of jams. All amazing. What a place.


Montmarte

Another amazing neighborhood atop a hill. The best views in Paris are here. Van Gogh lived here.


Republique

If you like more gritty, Berlin like vibes…this is the neighborhood for you.


Opera

The nicest hotels and restaurants are here. Go here if you go out the country just to say you did it. You can even eat at the Hard Rock Cafe. (if you do this please unfollow me)


Tips


Take the train or walk everywhere. You’ll see so much more of the city that way.

Galeries de Lafayette is the most amazing department store you’ve ever seen. If you’ve been to Harrod’s in London, you can skip it…but otherwise, check it out.

Go to the grocery store (monoprix was my fav) grab some cheese and the jam you bought from La Chambre aux Confiture and sit out on the Seine. Nothing like it in America.

Things may be randomly closed in August because the owner is on “vacance”

The train from CDG (airport) goes right into the heart of Paris. But feel free to Taxi as well. Not much to see on the ride.

If you’re a shopper go during Les Soldes. Amazing sales. 2x per year.

If you want to go to the Eiffel Tower, Arc du Triomphe, or Champs de Mars…GO EARLY.

If you want to stick out, wear athleisure. If you want to fit in, chinos, tee shirt, scarf if its cold)

If you want to feel “nature” Bois de Boulogne is their central park. Jardin du Luxembourg is also nice.

Their neighborhoods (arrondissements) are numbered from 1 to 20. Starting in the heart of the city with 1 and moving clockwise like a shell.


Quick hack: the last 2 digits of the zip code of a store/restaurant says what arrondissement it’s in. i.e. I lived in 75003. Or the 3rd arrondissement)


As long as you say "Bonjour! Parlez vous anglais?" to anyone, they'll be very nice. The french are big on greeting people (so say hi) and people attempting French. Everyone in Paris speaks english.

Paris is my favorite city in the world. If you go to any of these places, I’d love to see it. I miss it greatly.

Sante mon amis!

Thanks Joe! I figure much of our dining will depend on where we end up staying, but I always like to have recommendations. Sounds like Versailles is really a must. Thought the Louvre “if you must” was interesting. Doubt we’d be able to fit both that and Orsay.

I would say if you have the museum pass you could probably hit the highlights of both. I preferred the Louve to the Orsay simply because it was more recognizable to neanderthals like me (the building and its works) than most of what is at the Orsay. We hit the impressionists at the Orsay and the major highlights of the Louve as my family knows nothing about art and we aren't really museum folks to begin with (but its cool to see the famous ones).

 

[Major]

I was also recently in France (Paris and Normandy). I love Paris and it is probably my favorite European big city. My main piece of advice for France is just try to say a little bit of French even if you don't speak any (e.g. Bonjour/Bonsoir, Merci, parlez vous anglais) as the French appreciate it and it is rude to just blurt out to someone in English assuming they speak your language. I think this is true of any country where English is not the native language. In Paris pretty much everyone speaks English so you can go around and be the rude American but you will be treated nicer at least trying to speak a little French.

This is a good one. If you're ever in a restaurant and they're not providing good service or you need the waiter's attention yell out "Garcon, Garcon" and snap your fingers. They will know you mean business and instantly respect you.

 

[titusbramble]

I believe the Champs Elysees is shut this weekend, hope this helps