Hello,
Does anybody know trips to Paris work? And approximately how much it would cost?
I'm in the UK, wish to fly out from Birmingham- going for about 2-3 nights. I understand I would need to get a metro card?
Please send some decent travel agents my way if u know of any!
1
The way you phrased your question is a little strange. I mean the way a trip works is that you get to your destination and then you enjoy yourself.
You'll just have to be a little more specific about what you are looking for.
Paris is a city that plans itself. There is so much to do and see in a very small area that you don't need a travel agent. Just a map and a list of things you want to see. You can practically get to all of them by foot.
No you would probably not get a Metro card (Navigo) for just a 3 day stay. The Navigo system in Paris is a buzz card that allows you to get on and off of the metro for a week for the cost of 21 euros. the card costs 5 euros at any cashier inside of the metro and then you fill it with credit for the week. However you can very well just use single trip metro tickets that cost 1.37 each and there also exists full day passes. You can choose the way you want to operate in the metro to what suits you.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Bag stolen in Paris 1 week ago, where to get police help?
My bag been stolen with my phone, ipad, wallet, house & car keys inside at Paris Gare du Nord on 31/7/2013, around 8:30am. The French police is absolutely unhelpful and not care of your loss at all. It happened only 5 mins ago when I told a police officer nearby, my son saw the thief face and saw the direction he went but they were not interested in this at all. Only directed us to the Police station, as our train was leaving in 15mins, we were unable to log a complaint there. When we arrived at Brussel station, the lady officer said we should log in in Paris. And when we arrived back in UK and went to police station yesterday, the police officer said they same thing and asked me to go back to Paris to log the complaint. Isn't that a joke? I have no where to report the case!!! All these people not interest in I lost my driving licience that got all my personal detail on and maybe the loss of passport number (got the passport safe un luck!) Anyone know what should I do? Many thanks
First thing for future advice and anyone who may read this in the future:
When you travel you should NEVER put all of your documents, valuables and devices in the same bag!!! You have to divide them among your person that way if something like this happens to you it is not such a disastrous blow. This is the first thing I tell all of my readers when they are preparing for a trip to Paris. It seems dumb but think like a squirrel and protect your nuts!
I hate to say "you should've.." because now it is too late to look back on somethings but really when you find yourself in that sort of situation you should not have gotten onto your next train, you should have stayed and filed suit in Gare du Nord. Since I imagine that it happened on a platform between trains, with the bags in your possession the only jurisdiction is that of Paris so obviously you can't file any claim with the train company or your city of destination. So yes if you need to file a complaint for insurance you HAVE to do it in Paris.
The truth of the matter and the reason that the police acted that way is because Gare du Nord is not a secure place of travel. It is just like any other public place in Paris and has tons of thefts everyday. You have to be careful; even more so at Gare du Nord than other gares in Paris because it is in this neighborhood where the largest pickpocket and crime rings are centered. Gare du Nord is also situated in a way that it is easy to disappear in seconds because of how open it is. Sadly because of all of these factors the police are desensitized to these crimes and have little to no sympathy because they see it every single day.
It is sad to say but even if you did get the pity of the Police, which you wouldn't because basically the theft was under what they would conciser negligence unless someone physically attacked you in taking the bag from you, you wouldn't get very far in the way of justice. These criminals just disappear as fast as they can. They are so numerous and can't be properly identified even with a precise description, they are all the same, and almost always get off scot-free. If someone was not physically harmed or violated the police usually write a report to ease the victims insurance woes and then it gets chalked-up to statistics.
The whole situation is awful and frustrating and I'm very sorry that it happened to you. I personally have dealt with the French Police system in a more severe situation and a few times where it wasn't so much and I can tell you in general it is aggravating. I have written a blog on how to deal with a stolen iphone in Paris (though obviously your case is a much heavier loss) Perhaps just reading about how to proceed and the correct language to use in your reports can help you some. http://wp.me/pTZuD-8K
I hope that you find some solace in all this and at least that you were able to have a nice holiday before.
First thing for future advice and anyone who may read this in the future:
When you travel you should NEVER put all of your documents, valuables and devices in the same bag!!! You have to divide them among your person that way if something like this happens to you it is not such a disastrous blow. This is the first thing I tell all of my readers when they are preparing for a trip to Paris. It seems dumb but think like a squirrel and protect your nuts!
I hate to say "you should've.." because now it is too late to look back on somethings but really when you find yourself in that sort of situation you should not have gotten onto your next train, you should have stayed and filed suit in Gare du Nord. Since I imagine that it happened on a platform between trains, with the bags in your possession the only jurisdiction is that of Paris so obviously you can't file any claim with the train company or your city of destination. So yes if you need to file a complaint for insurance you HAVE to do it in Paris.
The truth of the matter and the reason that the police acted that way is because Gare du Nord is not a secure place of travel. It is just like any other public place in Paris and has tons of thefts everyday. You have to be careful; even more so at Gare du Nord than other gares in Paris because it is in this neighborhood where the largest pickpocket and crime rings are centered. Gare du Nord is also situated in a way that it is easy to disappear in seconds because of how open it is. Sadly because of all of these factors the police are desensitized to these crimes and have little to no sympathy because they see it every single day.
It is sad to say but even if you did get the pity of the Police, which you wouldn't because basically the theft was under what they would conciser negligence unless someone physically attacked you in taking the bag from you, you wouldn't get very far in the way of justice. These criminals just disappear as fast as they can. They are so numerous and can't be properly identified even with a precise description, they are all the same, and almost always get off scot-free. If someone was not physically harmed or violated the police usually write a report to ease the victims insurance woes and then it gets chalked-up to statistics.
The whole situation is awful and frustrating and I'm very sorry that it happened to you. I personally have dealt with the French Police system in a more severe situation and a few times where it wasn't so much and I can tell you in general it is aggravating. I have written a blog on how to deal with a stolen iphone in Paris (though obviously your case is a much heavier loss) Perhaps just reading about how to proceed and the correct language to use in your reports can help you some. http://wp.me/pTZuD-8K
I hope that you find some solace in all this and at least that you were able to have a nice holiday before.
Fun places to go in Paris, France?
So far, I want to go to the Eiffel Tower. Any other places to visit?
1
I'll rank them in order of importance; and well, "fun-ness":
1. Eiffel tower (obviously)
2. The Louvre (a must)
3. Notre Dame (still a must)
4. Riverboat tour on the Seine River (very fun)
5. Bus tour around the center (don't forget to sit on the top deck)
6. Shopping (even if you're male)
7. Palace of Versailles (informative; don't forget to bring a gallon of sunblock)
8. Metro (even this is fun)
There are tons more to do. This is just from my trip to Paris.
2
or the Museum of Aeronautical and Space at Le Bourget or sewers, catacombs, the city of science, museum quay d'Orsay, the "Saint Ouen flea market"
3
Disneyland Paris
4
I had been to Paris for 4 days on a trip in 2009 and i can tell you where all i have been and the most famous places you can visit,Since you want to visit Eiffel Tower i will tell you the three most famous places in Paris i have Visited:
1.Disnleyland Paris-If you are a fan of Disney,then you would want to go to one of the most visited Disneylands and one of the most popular Disneylands in the World ever.
2.Musee du Louvre-This Musuem is one of the most visited Musems in the world,as there is the World's most famous and amazing painting called as the Mona Lisa.
3.Palace of Versailles-Which is one famous palace which is definetly worth while to visit.
These are the places i have gone to,as i was just travelling for 4 days,there are other many places in Paris to visit,but however since these 4 places took 4 days to visit,and as these places were really famous in Paris,i decided to visit all these places in Paris,France
I Hope you really enjoy these places
1
I'll rank them in order of importance; and well, "fun-ness":
1. Eiffel tower (obviously)
2. The Louvre (a must)
3. Notre Dame (still a must)
4. Riverboat tour on the Seine River (very fun)
5. Bus tour around the center (don't forget to sit on the top deck)
6. Shopping (even if you're male)
7. Palace of Versailles (informative; don't forget to bring a gallon of sunblock)
8. Metro (even this is fun)
There are tons more to do. This is just from my trip to Paris.
2
or the Museum of Aeronautical and Space at Le Bourget or sewers, catacombs, the city of science, museum quay d'Orsay, the "Saint Ouen flea market"
3
Disneyland Paris
4
I had been to Paris for 4 days on a trip in 2009 and i can tell you where all i have been and the most famous places you can visit,Since you want to visit Eiffel Tower i will tell you the three most famous places in Paris i have Visited:
1.Disnleyland Paris-If you are a fan of Disney,then you would want to go to one of the most visited Disneylands and one of the most popular Disneylands in the World ever.
2.Musee du Louvre-This Musuem is one of the most visited Musems in the world,as there is the World's most famous and amazing painting called as the Mona Lisa.
3.Palace of Versailles-Which is one famous palace which is definetly worth while to visit.
These are the places i have gone to,as i was just travelling for 4 days,there are other many places in Paris to visit,but however since these 4 places took 4 days to visit,and as these places were really famous in Paris,i decided to visit all these places in Paris,France
I Hope you really enjoy these places
Where to buy "Fresh Scents" sachets in Paris, France?
I will be visiting Paris soon and I was wondering if anyone could help me find these beautifully scented sachets for refreshing the rooms in a house. A friend of mine bought them in Paris a couple of years ago, but she can't remember where exactly she found them there. They are made in USA, but their website doesn't mention any stores in Europe which are authorized resellers or something like that. My friend discovered them by accident, she was walking across town and just saw them in a random store somewhere. This is the link to see exactly what product this is, so any help would be appreciated.
1
There are no "authorised resellers" listed as such in France. Individual retailers who want to sell them order them centrally.
http://www.senteurs-interieur.fr/2_fresh…
They are likely to be found in shops that sell decorative goods for interiors, or sell a miscellany of presents, dress jewellery, ornaments, perfumed candles, etc...
In France shopkeepers generally tend to sell sachets made in France since the French are the world experts in scented goods and perfumes, rather than buying in imported goods, so shops that sell the brand you are looking for are likely to be few and far between, I am afraid.
Your post is marked as being from the USA and I have seen them in various shops there in different states.
You could easily buy them on the net. Amazon sells them
They are retailed in the UK under the name Willowbrook fresh scents.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/fresh-scents-sac…
also see:
http://www.homeofhomefragrance.co.uk/wil…
2
I agree with 1, the product you'd like to buy is made in USA, it'd be cheaper to buy it on Internet than in Paris. In Paris you'll find that kind of products at the main street of Saint Louis island or at the Latin Quarter, very touristic places.
You could buy some French, natural lavender to perfume towels etc.
http://www.plantesetparfums-provence.com…
3
You may want to try ''Monoprix'' on the Champs Elysées or any Department Store such as "Galeries Lafayette"...
1
There are no "authorised resellers" listed as such in France. Individual retailers who want to sell them order them centrally.
http://www.senteurs-interieur.fr/2_fresh…
They are likely to be found in shops that sell decorative goods for interiors, or sell a miscellany of presents, dress jewellery, ornaments, perfumed candles, etc...
In France shopkeepers generally tend to sell sachets made in France since the French are the world experts in scented goods and perfumes, rather than buying in imported goods, so shops that sell the brand you are looking for are likely to be few and far between, I am afraid.
Your post is marked as being from the USA and I have seen them in various shops there in different states.
You could easily buy them on the net. Amazon sells them
They are retailed in the UK under the name Willowbrook fresh scents.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/fresh-scents-sac…
also see:
http://www.homeofhomefragrance.co.uk/wil…
2
I agree with 1, the product you'd like to buy is made in USA, it'd be cheaper to buy it on Internet than in Paris. In Paris you'll find that kind of products at the main street of Saint Louis island or at the Latin Quarter, very touristic places.
You could buy some French, natural lavender to perfume towels etc.
http://www.plantesetparfums-provence.com…
3
You may want to try ''Monoprix'' on the Champs Elysées or any Department Store such as "Galeries Lafayette"...
Average temperature n Paris in the monthe of April?
Average temperature n Paris in the monthe of April?
As far as I recall there is only one April in Paris. Average temperatures in C low; 6c - high 15c
in F low 42.8f - high 59f
Paris in April is still quite cold. We get spring at the end of May it seems. So you are going to still need to dress warm.
You will need to wear sweaters and have at least a light jacket with you at all times. In Paris you should ALWAYS have a scarf...you just never know when you'll catch a strong wind by the seine and catch cold.
As far as I recall there is only one April in Paris. Average temperatures in C low; 6c - high 15c
in F low 42.8f - high 59f
Paris in April is still quite cold. We get spring at the end of May it seems. So you are going to still need to dress warm.
You will need to wear sweaters and have at least a light jacket with you at all times. In Paris you should ALWAYS have a scarf...you just never know when you'll catch a strong wind by the seine and catch cold.
Going to Paris for a month?
My girlfriend and I are going to Paris, France for one month I was wondering about how much USD I would have to bring for the hotels, transportion, and food. We already have the plane tickets.
Thanks in advance.
1
US Dollars are useless in Paris. Bring Euros.
2
Don't bring cash. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and you might also be able to use your ATM card in the machines here, to get money from your own bank account at home, you'd get it in the local currency Euros. But do contact your bank first and let them know where you are going and for how long.
3
To find out the cost of accommodation, try www.hostelworld.com - but Paris is expensive. Food-wise, just go away from the main tourist drags, and go where the locals go. You could also get items from markets and cook your own meals, if you have a place with a kitchen. Transportation is handy, you could get a 'carnet', which is a little package of 10 tickets for the metro, or there are transport passes available for buses and metros.
4
You must give far more details - There are great extremes in Paris between highs and lows.
HOTELS: The lowest close around $100 a night and that would probably mean a room on the 5th floor in a building with no elevator (lift) - Fine hotels - will be over $350 a night - That would mean between $3000 and $10500 a month - Transportation - Do you mean just in and around Paris? If that is the case - the metro is not expensive and there are many ticket purchasing plans - Many taxis - and much free walking or taking the on and off sight seeiing buses or the Seine river tours. Really a guess but I think if you do not leave Paris maybe $30 a day or $750 for the month. Now if you plan to visit other places it can get expensive for two and depending on the day or hour many round trip tickets for two can cost you $500 - Food similar as hotels. Yes you can "eat" without spending much money - You can go to a bakery (boulangerie) and have light breakfast for two for $15 or at a better hotel close to $100 for two - Lunch and dinner same - you can find some cafeteria style or bistros and find good meals for two for about $30 or go to a market like Monoprix and find good takeout meals for about $14 of the two - Now the other extreme - if you are thinking
2 or three star well known places, you might be expecting got pay for the two $500 -$600 for a famous dinner
Thanks in advance.
1
US Dollars are useless in Paris. Bring Euros.
2
Don't bring cash. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and you might also be able to use your ATM card in the machines here, to get money from your own bank account at home, you'd get it in the local currency Euros. But do contact your bank first and let them know where you are going and for how long.
3
To find out the cost of accommodation, try www.hostelworld.com - but Paris is expensive. Food-wise, just go away from the main tourist drags, and go where the locals go. You could also get items from markets and cook your own meals, if you have a place with a kitchen. Transportation is handy, you could get a 'carnet', which is a little package of 10 tickets for the metro, or there are transport passes available for buses and metros.
4
You must give far more details - There are great extremes in Paris between highs and lows.
HOTELS: The lowest close around $100 a night and that would probably mean a room on the 5th floor in a building with no elevator (lift) - Fine hotels - will be over $350 a night - That would mean between $3000 and $10500 a month - Transportation - Do you mean just in and around Paris? If that is the case - the metro is not expensive and there are many ticket purchasing plans - Many taxis - and much free walking or taking the on and off sight seeiing buses or the Seine river tours. Really a guess but I think if you do not leave Paris maybe $30 a day or $750 for the month. Now if you plan to visit other places it can get expensive for two and depending on the day or hour many round trip tickets for two can cost you $500 - Food similar as hotels. Yes you can "eat" without spending much money - You can go to a bakery (boulangerie) and have light breakfast for two for $15 or at a better hotel close to $100 for two - Lunch and dinner same - you can find some cafeteria style or bistros and find good meals for two for about $30 or go to a market like Monoprix and find good takeout meals for about $14 of the two - Now the other extreme - if you are thinking
2 or three star well known places, you might be expecting got pay for the two $500 -$600 for a famous dinner
Sunday, June 2, 2013
A birthday present to do with Paris/France?
My best friend loves Paris any ideas on what I can buy her?
A little eiffel tower ornament and a non-tacky t-shirt with paris on it? look in New Look or something, they have really nice t-shirts in there and I bought one saying "Paris, City Of Love" with a picture of the eiffel tower on it, for only £7
- French perfume
- French cupcake book
- French recipe book
- Eiffel tower miniature version that lights up like the real one
- Clothes that has French slogans on it
A T-shirt "I Love Paris"
A little eiffel tower ornament and a non-tacky t-shirt with paris on it? look in New Look or something, they have really nice t-shirts in there and I bought one saying "Paris, City Of Love" with a picture of the eiffel tower on it, for only £7
- French perfume
- French cupcake book
- French recipe book
- Eiffel tower miniature version that lights up like the real one
- Clothes that has French slogans on it
A T-shirt "I Love Paris"
Can you walk past the pyramid of the Louvre at night?
Can you walk past the pyramid of the Louvre in Paris at night, or is it in the museum precincts?
Yes, you can walk around the pyramid of the Louvre museum at night. It's at the cour Napoléon of the museum, it's opened, there are galleries and a restaurant. And you can get into the museum at night on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the museum close at almost 10 PM.
There's a shopping centre under the pyramid. Shops close at 8 PM but the gallery remains opened until 11 PM.
Yes, you can walk around the pyramid of the Louvre museum at night. It's at the cour Napoléon of the museum, it's opened, there are galleries and a restaurant. And you can get into the museum at night on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the museum close at almost 10 PM.
There's a shopping centre under the pyramid. Shops close at 8 PM but the gallery remains opened until 11 PM.
Is the weather in Paris always nasty in May?
I traveled to Paris last week and the weather was horrible. London is notorious for its wet and gloomy weather but the weather in Paris was worse last week.
Late May is supposed to be warm and pleasant in much part of the US and East Asia; however, this may not be the case in Western Europe.
The weather in Paris fluctuates so much within a day - raining in the early morning → cloudy in the morning → sunny at noon → raining in the afternoon → cloudy and windy in the evening → raining at night again. When it's sunny, it was like a nice summer day but when it's raining, it almost felt like the winter.
My questions are:
1. Does the weather usually fluctuate a lot within a day in Paris?
2. Is the weather in Paris as nasty as it is in London?
3. When is the best time to travel to Paris? What months?
You were unlucky. The weather this year has been dreadful and this spring has been the coldest and wettest in years both in France and the UK.
1) Paris is prone to sudden showers, and the weather does fluctuate in early spring.
This year the weather in May was more like it is in very early April.
2)Usually the weather in Paris is more pleasant than in London, and London has been so cold this year that the central heating kicks in now and it is June. It can be extremely extremely hot in Paris in July and August but this year the weather is predicted to be colder and much wetter than usual.
3) Normally May and June are very pleasant.
The recent poor weather is due to climate change. The Gulf Stream which warms the west coast of Europe is not following the same pattern as it normally does as a result of which the weather is much worse than we normally experience and if this trend continues we shall have a similar climate in Europe to that of Canada.
Late May is supposed to be warm and pleasant in much part of the US and East Asia; however, this may not be the case in Western Europe.
The weather in Paris fluctuates so much within a day - raining in the early morning → cloudy in the morning → sunny at noon → raining in the afternoon → cloudy and windy in the evening → raining at night again. When it's sunny, it was like a nice summer day but when it's raining, it almost felt like the winter.
My questions are:
1. Does the weather usually fluctuate a lot within a day in Paris?
2. Is the weather in Paris as nasty as it is in London?
3. When is the best time to travel to Paris? What months?
You were unlucky. The weather this year has been dreadful and this spring has been the coldest and wettest in years both in France and the UK.
1) Paris is prone to sudden showers, and the weather does fluctuate in early spring.
This year the weather in May was more like it is in very early April.
2)Usually the weather in Paris is more pleasant than in London, and London has been so cold this year that the central heating kicks in now and it is June. It can be extremely extremely hot in Paris in July and August but this year the weather is predicted to be colder and much wetter than usual.
3) Normally May and June are very pleasant.
The recent poor weather is due to climate change. The Gulf Stream which warms the west coast of Europe is not following the same pattern as it normally does as a result of which the weather is much worse than we normally experience and if this trend continues we shall have a similar climate in Europe to that of Canada.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
How much does it cost to paris honeymoon?
The restaurant in the Eiffel Tower is EXTREMELY expensive. I would not eat there unless you expect to spend a ton of money. (I'm not sure how to convert the cost for you) but I think it was about 75-100 dollars a plate. Hotels will vary depending on when you go and where. If you stay outside the city, it will cost less and stay in a big chain hotel like Holiday Inn or something. The Paris Chateau's are beautiful but they cost a ton! August is the most expensive month to go. Prices will double in August because Paris becomes the number 1 tourist spot for Europe.
I'm sorry I don't have a direct price for you, but hopefully these tips will give you an idea of what you need to do to save money.
I'm sorry I don't have a direct price for you, but hopefully these tips will give you an idea of what you need to do to save money.
Why don't people in Paris talk back?
Hi, I'm 28
I've lived in 9 countries because my job makes me move every year (Also I have been an student exchangee 3 times).
- Canada
- Mexico
- U.S.
- Turkey
- Spain
- China
- India
- Chile
- Ukraine
In that order.
I left Ukraine 2 weeks ago
It's a habit for me to meet new people while I'm taking the bus or the train or just walking in the street. I talk to random strangers and I've made very interesting friends. Even lifetime friendships. I've even dated one chick or two.
But in Paris, when I try to talk to random strangers; very, very few people have answered back. Most of them look at me like trying to say: "You don't deserve to talk to me. Get out, moron."
This has happened to me before, but it wasn't the norm until now.
I wonder what are they thinking. What makes them give such a distasteful answer? Is it excessive shyness? Are they snobs? Do they not trust strangers?
How to meet new people in Paris?
As Wise Owl said you are in fact being rude to the French. They are not saying 'you don't deserve to talk to me' but 'you have no right to intrude in my private space'.
French people are extremely reserved, there's a clear separation between private life, which includes chatting, laughing with people, and public life which includes going around in a city without engaging in other than formal exchanges with people who are not part of their private circle.
Add that cultural rule to the fact that Paris is one of the most densely crowded capital city in the world and you can understand that this makes people there in no hurry to engage conversation with total strangers. If you don't want to blow your top being regularly crushed in with other people you need to have a mental privacy bubble to help you ignore the overcrowding. By talking to people you breach that bubble. You might have more chances striking a conversation in a smaller less crowded space which is not overrun by tourists.
You can also try that around where you live, in your building, the shops you go to, people who have seen you around will be more likely to stop and answer, if they understand you.
I've lived in 9 countries because my job makes me move every year (Also I have been an student exchangee 3 times).
- Canada
- Mexico
- U.S.
- Turkey
- Spain
- China
- India
- Chile
- Ukraine
In that order.
I left Ukraine 2 weeks ago
It's a habit for me to meet new people while I'm taking the bus or the train or just walking in the street. I talk to random strangers and I've made very interesting friends. Even lifetime friendships. I've even dated one chick or two.
But in Paris, when I try to talk to random strangers; very, very few people have answered back. Most of them look at me like trying to say: "You don't deserve to talk to me. Get out, moron."
This has happened to me before, but it wasn't the norm until now.
I wonder what are they thinking. What makes them give such a distasteful answer? Is it excessive shyness? Are they snobs? Do they not trust strangers?
How to meet new people in Paris?
As Wise Owl said you are in fact being rude to the French. They are not saying 'you don't deserve to talk to me' but 'you have no right to intrude in my private space'.
French people are extremely reserved, there's a clear separation between private life, which includes chatting, laughing with people, and public life which includes going around in a city without engaging in other than formal exchanges with people who are not part of their private circle.
Add that cultural rule to the fact that Paris is one of the most densely crowded capital city in the world and you can understand that this makes people there in no hurry to engage conversation with total strangers. If you don't want to blow your top being regularly crushed in with other people you need to have a mental privacy bubble to help you ignore the overcrowding. By talking to people you breach that bubble. You might have more chances striking a conversation in a smaller less crowded space which is not overrun by tourists.
You can also try that around where you live, in your building, the shops you go to, people who have seen you around will be more likely to stop and answer, if they understand you.
Would I be able to stay in Paris for 10 days off of $2 500?
So it would just be me, I intend to use it as more of sightseeing and immersion of culture than a vacation. I plan to stay in a cheap hostel, and the plane is $1 200 round trip. The hostel has free breakfast and other small amenities. Would I be able to pass by with this and enjoy myself, even if I was living light?
Here is the financial breakdown, based off data but only approximate numbers:
Flight - $1 200
Hostel - $590
Eating Out - $270
Transport (Public) - $108
Transport (Airport to City) - $30
Recreational Money - $200
Leftover - $102
*Total*: $2 500
You can probably get away with it. The above budget should allow you to do stay and get around Paris, not starve to death, and visit the city's various high points. If possibly I'd suggest getting more than $2,500-- on that amount you'll be able to visit the big museums, but I doubt you'll be able to splurge much, and it's amazing how often trips cost more than you intend (especially if you drink at all...)
You might check out hostelworld.com and/or hostelbookers.com--you might be able to find cheaper accommodation if you're willing to stay in a dorm room with other people. This is actually a good way to meet fellow travelers if you're going alone.
If it is ten days including your day of arrival and that of your departure, you would just about make it. There are ways of saving such as buying a Navigo card to travel about. If you are a student and can present a bona fide student card you will get reductions on entry to State owned sites and museums. If you have had a substantial breakfast at the hostel where you are staying you may only need a snack at lunch time and can carry about a bottle of water with you that you can replenish from the tap as the water is safe to drink. Some hostels provide a decent evening meal at very reasonable rates, enabling you to spend more in a restaurant now and again.
Here is the financial breakdown, based off data but only approximate numbers:
Flight - $1 200
Hostel - $590
Eating Out - $270
Transport (Public) - $108
Transport (Airport to City) - $30
Recreational Money - $200
Leftover - $102
*Total*: $2 500
You can probably get away with it. The above budget should allow you to do stay and get around Paris, not starve to death, and visit the city's various high points. If possibly I'd suggest getting more than $2,500-- on that amount you'll be able to visit the big museums, but I doubt you'll be able to splurge much, and it's amazing how often trips cost more than you intend (especially if you drink at all...)
You might check out hostelworld.com and/or hostelbookers.com--you might be able to find cheaper accommodation if you're willing to stay in a dorm room with other people. This is actually a good way to meet fellow travelers if you're going alone.
If it is ten days including your day of arrival and that of your departure, you would just about make it. There are ways of saving such as buying a Navigo card to travel about. If you are a student and can present a bona fide student card you will get reductions on entry to State owned sites and museums. If you have had a substantial breakfast at the hostel where you are staying you may only need a snack at lunch time and can carry about a bottle of water with you that you can replenish from the tap as the water is safe to drink. Some hostels provide a decent evening meal at very reasonable rates, enabling you to spend more in a restaurant now and again.
Where is central paris in viator?
I'm very confused where exactly do you meet up with your tour guide in central paris ALL IT SAYS IS CENTRAL PARIS.
Paris is a very large place and many areas could be considered as the center, so you will have to contact the tour agency and find an exact location.
Viator only works through local operators in Paris, that's why they don't mention the address where the tour starts. It's almost for sure that the local operator in Paris is Cityrama and if you look at Cityrama's website, you'll see the address.
You can call Viator, the phone number is at the link below but anyway, when they say central Paris, in the case of tour operators, in general, it means between the Louvre museum (rue de Rivoli) and place de l'Opéra (Garnier), which is very central.
Paris is a very large place and many areas could be considered as the center, so you will have to contact the tour agency and find an exact location.
Viator only works through local operators in Paris, that's why they don't mention the address where the tour starts. It's almost for sure that the local operator in Paris is Cityrama and if you look at Cityrama's website, you'll see the address.
You can call Viator, the phone number is at the link below but anyway, when they say central Paris, in the case of tour operators, in general, it means between the Louvre museum (rue de Rivoli) and place de l'Opéra (Garnier), which is very central.
What time of year is the best to go to Paris?
It's always been a dream of mine to travel to Paris . I just want to know when is it the best time to go to Paris?
Usually in end May/June, when the weather is nice and the crowd not yet too dense. However this year the weather is expected to be bad during the whole summer, getting better only in September October.
Anytime in the warm months is good as long as you avoid the school holidays. That is a general rule for all European countries, in fact, and there is some variation from country to country. You cannot have any guarantees on the weather, though. I am sitting in Bordeaux right now and it is raining and quite cool which is not seasonable.
Summer's are usually extremely expensive. Especially August. All of Europe takes off of work and school and they will travel and it's usually to Paris so the price of the flights and hotels are double and sometimes triple. Not to mention how crowded it gets! September until mid October is still somewhat expensive but not as much and the whether is perfect because it won't be as hot. May and June are also beautiful.
Usually in end May/June, when the weather is nice and the crowd not yet too dense. However this year the weather is expected to be bad during the whole summer, getting better only in September October.
Anytime in the warm months is good as long as you avoid the school holidays. That is a general rule for all European countries, in fact, and there is some variation from country to country. You cannot have any guarantees on the weather, though. I am sitting in Bordeaux right now and it is raining and quite cool which is not seasonable.
Summer's are usually extremely expensive. Especially August. All of Europe takes off of work and school and they will travel and it's usually to Paris so the price of the flights and hotels are double and sometimes triple. Not to mention how crowded it gets! September until mid October is still somewhat expensive but not as much and the whether is perfect because it won't be as hot. May and June are also beautiful.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Branded Outlets Shops in Paris?
Q: What are the average of prices and what brands are there?
You'll find the best brands at La Vallée Village http://www.lavalleevillage.com/ it's in The outskirts of Paris, train RER A (you can take it at La Defense), articles are cheaper than if you buy them in Paris but not really given.
The cheapest is not in Paris but in the city of Troyes, 1:25' from Paris by train from Gare de l'Est. Good brands and great prices.
http://www.mcarthurglentroyes.fr/fr
There's also Usines Center in the outskirts of Paris at Velizy but they don't sell the best brands.
http://www.usines-center.fr/
You'll find the best brands at La Vallée Village http://www.lavalleevillage.com/ it's in The outskirts of Paris, train RER A (you can take it at La Defense), articles are cheaper than if you buy them in Paris but not really given.
The cheapest is not in Paris but in the city of Troyes, 1:25' from Paris by train from Gare de l'Est. Good brands and great prices.
http://www.mcarthurglentroyes.fr/fr
There's also Usines Center in the outskirts of Paris at Velizy but they don't sell the best brands.
http://www.usines-center.fr/
What is the weather like in Paris at Christmas?
Q:Weather in paris at christmas?
A-1: Paris is north of all the major USA cities. It is almost at the 49th parallel. However the climate is almost always much milder and probably closer to cities like Washington DC. Last December,
there was a 4in snowfall and closed the airport and attraction like the Eiffel Tower. The snowfall was the biggest in 23 years. If you are coming from a tropical area, Paris and all northern European cities appear very dark and dreary. So, Christmas is generally a lovely time to visit. Great just shopping and taking in the sites. Not that cold, but for some visitors the darkness can be depressing.
A-2: Often a bit cold but not crazily like 10°C ( 50°F ), could be rainy, rarely snowing.
Weather is a bit hard to predict in France generally
A-3: its like new york
A-1: Paris is north of all the major USA cities. It is almost at the 49th parallel. However the climate is almost always much milder and probably closer to cities like Washington DC. Last December,
there was a 4in snowfall and closed the airport and attraction like the Eiffel Tower. The snowfall was the biggest in 23 years. If you are coming from a tropical area, Paris and all northern European cities appear very dark and dreary. So, Christmas is generally a lovely time to visit. Great just shopping and taking in the sites. Not that cold, but for some visitors the darkness can be depressing.
A-2: Often a bit cold but not crazily like 10°C ( 50°F ), could be rainy, rarely snowing.
Weather is a bit hard to predict in France generally
A-3: its like new york
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
What are some really great things that shouldn't be missed in Paris?
A1:
Go to the Louvre, see the famous Mona Lisa, just cause it's Paris.
The cafes are really nice, you can find a lot of nice ones.
RESTAURANTS- need to visit and experience. Plenty of ones to go to and brag to your friends about.
SHOPPING/browsing the original big name stores that you can't find in America.
I'll add more when I remember what else.(:
EDIT: I didn't really go to the shadier parts I went to the really highclass shopping amazing restaurants part
AND check out the Flea Markets and Jazz club thingys-AMAZING to go to
A2:
for nightlife you must pass a night at Lido nightclub.
Take a ferry-tour on the Seine River
Visit euro Disney
Walking in Champ-elisee and enjoy time in its cafes
Paris is fantastic City, you will enjoy each minutes there
A3:
the place du tertre is a square where artists paint outside all day. it's right behind the sacre coeur cathedral on top on montmartre. at the bottom of that hill is pigalle and the moulin rouge. also the catacombes, the jardin du luxembourg, there is a cafe on the bastille roundabout called cafe des phares and every sunday morning at 11 they have philosophy debates. the centre pompidou is the cool modern art museum, and some of the cathedrals not as famous as notre dame but still very pretty are the madelaine, and st germain. try to make it to versaille too.
shady sections are mostly the suburbs, the ritzy sections are the champs elysee, most of the center, and the 16th...
Go to the Louvre, see the famous Mona Lisa, just cause it's Paris.
The cafes are really nice, you can find a lot of nice ones.
RESTAURANTS- need to visit and experience. Plenty of ones to go to and brag to your friends about.
SHOPPING/browsing the original big name stores that you can't find in America.
I'll add more when I remember what else.(:
EDIT: I didn't really go to the shadier parts I went to the really highclass shopping amazing restaurants part
AND check out the Flea Markets and Jazz club thingys-AMAZING to go to
A2:
for nightlife you must pass a night at Lido nightclub.
Take a ferry-tour on the Seine River
Visit euro Disney
Walking in Champ-elisee and enjoy time in its cafes
Paris is fantastic City, you will enjoy each minutes there
A3:
the place du tertre is a square where artists paint outside all day. it's right behind the sacre coeur cathedral on top on montmartre. at the bottom of that hill is pigalle and the moulin rouge. also the catacombes, the jardin du luxembourg, there is a cafe on the bastille roundabout called cafe des phares and every sunday morning at 11 they have philosophy debates. the centre pompidou is the cool modern art museum, and some of the cathedrals not as famous as notre dame but still very pretty are the madelaine, and st germain. try to make it to versaille too.
shady sections are mostly the suburbs, the ritzy sections are the champs elysee, most of the center, and the 16th...
Which zones pass to take to travel to eiffel tower?
Q: I am staying at Adagio aparthotel XV Paris. I would like to know which zone pass to buy. Is it Zone 1-3 or Zone 1-6. I cannot see the Metro station- Porte de Versailles on the Metro Map available on line. Please help!
A: Adagio to Eiffel Tower is a 15 minutes walk - no need for metro. Paris center is covered by zones1 and 2 and if you need to use it for other attractions get a carnet of 10 tickets - Your nearest metro is Bir-Hakeim (walk 10min).
A: Adagio to Eiffel Tower is a 15 minutes walk - no need for metro. Paris center is covered by zones1 and 2 and if you need to use it for other attractions get a carnet of 10 tickets - Your nearest metro is Bir-Hakeim (walk 10min).
Thursday, August 4, 2011
How far is the Eiffel Tower from Charles de Gaulle airport?
Q:
I have an overnight layover in Paris arriving at 8pm and leaving at 9:30am the next day. I would like to visit the Eiffel Tower and any other attraction that would be open during these hours. Is this possible? Can you suggest best form of transportation and approximate costs?
A-1:
The Eiffel Tower is about 26 miles (42 kms) from the CDG airport There is a metro (rer) from the airport but you will have to make some connections. Best way would be a taxi. Taxis are on meters and should run round trip about 100 --140 euros, The eiffel tower has a nightly light show. You probably will miss it. At the time you will be in Paris all the attractions will be closed. You can stroll down Champs Elysee and people watch or go to one of the club areas like Montmartre or if you have time just stop in one of the late night bistros. Paris is not that large a city and most areas can be reached by taxi or metro in a short time.
A-2:
From the moment you step off the airplane, it will take you about 2 hours to get thru "stuff"; (baggage/customs/ make train/metro transfers) to finally sit down at one of the benches at the base of the tower. The night show is good and the place is barren of most people..it is a good time to watch without having to beat the crowd (check out how the top rotating light is actually 4 lights which turn on and off in sequence). I got off at the Berkhim(?) stop and walked along the river until I came to the Eiffel..then I walked the Champ de Mars (there are several bathrooms there) and saw only 2 couples. You won't be able to hit the place during the day because of your early departure.
You will probably want to check into your hotel first. The train and metro are good..where are you staying? If you study the metro map, it is probably faster than a taxi. There is less traffic at night, but I still think the metro is best.
If you only have a backpack..maybe it's best to to do the Eiffel first, possibly hit the Arch of Triumph and then walk all the way down to the Louvre and maybe cross a couple of bridges. You might find a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. You can reverse your direction using the metro and go see the Grand Arch at La Defense (you need a metro ticket each way; buy a carnet of 10 tickets before the windows close..maybe buy them at CDG). Montmarte is lively until 1am-ish..use the Anvers stop for the Sacre Coeur (very high spot..sit on the steps and see the city). The metro stops about 1am so plan to do most of your far searches first and then do the areas around your hotel..unless you get a taxi from a late night bar. There are some clubs which stay open till 6am. Stay away from the Barbes-Rouchechoart area!
Next morning: going back via metro and train, it will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours to find yourself sitting at your gate with time to take a breather before almost immediately boarding...take the 2 hours and you will be sure to catch your flight.
Bring Euros from your home bank to save time.
A-3:
The absolute earliest you will be able to get into Paris is around 10pm and it might be tough to get tickets to go to the top.
As Nars said, Sacre Coeur in Montmartre is a great place to visit at night. The Basilica may be closed by the time you get there, but the view of the city at night is well worth the trip to the top.
BTW - the metro doesn't go to CdG. You can take the RER B line and then hop onto the metro...
A-4:
We had seven hours to spare at Charles de Gaulle between flights, so took the metro into Paris, €9.10 each way. It took an hour and a half, including a short walk from the station (Gare du Nord/Tour Eiffel) to the Eiffel Tower itself. It was daytime, and there were long queues. By the time you have collected your luggage and got to your hotel, it will be at least 10 pm. The Tower is open until midnight June - September.
If you are taking the metro back to the airport, watch the screen showing the next destination. The line forks and not every train goes to the airport.
The train we were on was heading for terminus B5, and Charles de Gaulle is at B3, but we were lucky to spot this at an earlier station (before it diverted) so got off and waited for the next train. If we hadn't noticed, we might have missed our flight.
I have an overnight layover in Paris arriving at 8pm and leaving at 9:30am the next day. I would like to visit the Eiffel Tower and any other attraction that would be open during these hours. Is this possible? Can you suggest best form of transportation and approximate costs?
A-1:
The Eiffel Tower is about 26 miles (42 kms) from the CDG airport There is a metro (rer) from the airport but you will have to make some connections. Best way would be a taxi. Taxis are on meters and should run round trip about 100 --140 euros, The eiffel tower has a nightly light show. You probably will miss it. At the time you will be in Paris all the attractions will be closed. You can stroll down Champs Elysee and people watch or go to one of the club areas like Montmartre or if you have time just stop in one of the late night bistros. Paris is not that large a city and most areas can be reached by taxi or metro in a short time.
A-2:
From the moment you step off the airplane, it will take you about 2 hours to get thru "stuff"; (baggage/customs/ make train/metro transfers) to finally sit down at one of the benches at the base of the tower. The night show is good and the place is barren of most people..it is a good time to watch without having to beat the crowd (check out how the top rotating light is actually 4 lights which turn on and off in sequence). I got off at the Berkhim(?) stop and walked along the river until I came to the Eiffel..then I walked the Champ de Mars (there are several bathrooms there) and saw only 2 couples. You won't be able to hit the place during the day because of your early departure.
You will probably want to check into your hotel first. The train and metro are good..where are you staying? If you study the metro map, it is probably faster than a taxi. There is less traffic at night, but I still think the metro is best.
If you only have a backpack..maybe it's best to to do the Eiffel first, possibly hit the Arch of Triumph and then walk all the way down to the Louvre and maybe cross a couple of bridges. You might find a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts. You can reverse your direction using the metro and go see the Grand Arch at La Defense (you need a metro ticket each way; buy a carnet of 10 tickets before the windows close..maybe buy them at CDG). Montmarte is lively until 1am-ish..use the Anvers stop for the Sacre Coeur (very high spot..sit on the steps and see the city). The metro stops about 1am so plan to do most of your far searches first and then do the areas around your hotel..unless you get a taxi from a late night bar. There are some clubs which stay open till 6am. Stay away from the Barbes-Rouchechoart area!
Next morning: going back via metro and train, it will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours to find yourself sitting at your gate with time to take a breather before almost immediately boarding...take the 2 hours and you will be sure to catch your flight.
Bring Euros from your home bank to save time.
A-3:
The absolute earliest you will be able to get into Paris is around 10pm and it might be tough to get tickets to go to the top.
As Nars said, Sacre Coeur in Montmartre is a great place to visit at night. The Basilica may be closed by the time you get there, but the view of the city at night is well worth the trip to the top.
BTW - the metro doesn't go to CdG. You can take the RER B line and then hop onto the metro...
A-4:
We had seven hours to spare at Charles de Gaulle between flights, so took the metro into Paris, €9.10 each way. It took an hour and a half, including a short walk from the station (Gare du Nord/Tour Eiffel) to the Eiffel Tower itself. It was daytime, and there were long queues. By the time you have collected your luggage and got to your hotel, it will be at least 10 pm. The Tower is open until midnight June - September.
If you are taking the metro back to the airport, watch the screen showing the next destination. The line forks and not every train goes to the airport.
The train we were on was heading for terminus B5, and Charles de Gaulle is at B3, but we were lucky to spot this at an earlier station (before it diverted) so got off and waited for the next train. If we hadn't noticed, we might have missed our flight.
Train-Tram route in Paris from CDG Airport?
Q: Hi, I have the following directions:
RER B from CDG to Cluny Sorbonne
Cluny Sorbonne: Line 10 metro to Michel Angel Molitor
Michel Angel Molitor: line 9 to Point De Sevres
Could someone kindly tell me what tickets should I buy at the CDG so that it is cheapest for me. I have to go to zone3. A "t" ticket allow transfer only between trams, or tram-RER, so am not sure that would work.
A: I've been to Paris twice and both times I used my train ticket to my final destination..which was in zone 1 (Anvers stop). I think your train ticket will be good to your last stop, but I think it would be easiest to ask the ticket agent at CDG to be sure. I also bought a Navigo pass at the same time. I did get a good street map and metro map as it is sometimes hard to figure out where you will pop out of the ground.
RER B from CDG to Cluny Sorbonne
Cluny Sorbonne: Line 10 metro to Michel Angel Molitor
Michel Angel Molitor: line 9 to Point De Sevres
Could someone kindly tell me what tickets should I buy at the CDG so that it is cheapest for me. I have to go to zone3. A "t" ticket allow transfer only between trams, or tram-RER, so am not sure that would work.
A: I've been to Paris twice and both times I used my train ticket to my final destination..which was in zone 1 (Anvers stop). I think your train ticket will be good to your last stop, but I think it would be easiest to ask the ticket agent at CDG to be sure. I also bought a Navigo pass at the same time. I did get a good street map and metro map as it is sometimes hard to figure out where you will pop out of the ground.
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