Paris

[Chi829]

Hey Krisitie-
DH and I are going to Paris the 29 of october thru the 1st of November. We are staying at the Westin Paris. What is the best way to get to central Paris from the airport? What are the "must see" things since we are only there 2 nights? Any input would be awesome.

[skibum515]

Take the Paris metro - it's super easy to get around and it goes practically everywhere.

I'd suggest the Eiffel Tower (go up it in the day and see it all lit up at night), Notre Dame (watch out for the beggers) - hit up the awesome crepes place across the river- if you're facing the wierdish looking statue, it's to your left, off the main street about a block, past a used book place - it's a blue building!
Arc de Triomph, go to the Louvre courtyard (but I wouldn't go inside)

that's about what I can think of for now!

[roz]

Don't ask me. I was molested in Paris. I hate Paris. But, I did enjoy the French countryside, the many times I visited.

[Chi829]

Hey,, thanks! Overall, how's the food? I have heard good and bad things.

[Chi829]

why not go inside the Louvre? Do you remember the name of the crepes place?

[Kristie]

You'll find Crepes anywhere... just make sure you get it from a small stand outside of a restaurant - that's where they're the best... I had the best ones right outside the Cafe Du Marche which is on the Rue De Cler (famous produce/meat market).

Arc De Triumph is an absolute MUST do (walk all the way up)...Louve will take you 2 days alone if you go inside.. the outside is a good area to watch the sunset with the Eiffel Tower in the background (the lights on the tower start twinkling at sunset).

Another MUST do is the Palace De Versailles.. it's about a 45 minute train ride outside of the city but absolutely aweomse....altho i'm not sure it's open in the fall, so you'll have to check their website for operating info

I thought Notre Dame was very interesting, the gargoyles are amazing.. we haven't yet been able to get inside as there are hours you can go in and can't go in...

the Musee De Orsay is pretty cool if your into museums.. will take a few hours but not 2 days like the louve will!!

The food, I thought, was excellent EVERYWHERE!! but your gonna want to make sure you try to speak french otherwise they will think your an "ugly" american by not trying to incorporate yourself into their culture...

only place i suggest staying away from is the Latin Quarter... all the restaurants are right next to each other...the waiters literally pimp you to come into the restaurant and they prefer you speak english (i HATE that when i'm in a different country) and watch for dog poop, they do not clean up after their dogs.

Roz, you were molested in Paris?? that must have been absolutely awful!!!!!! I can't imagine what you went thru esp being in another country...

[Lurker]

I don't like Paris either...the Algerian blacks make it pretty intimidating...but - that said, you can do a 'been there done that' tour in 2 days no worries.

I would agree with Kristie on the Musee D'orsay..I would also put my head into the Pompidou Centre..or at least sit around outside and watch the world go by. Check out the cultural passes you can buy that give you entry into all museaums for a fixed price. Same with the Metro - check out buying an 'ebdomidaire' - I think its called...its an X day unlimited pass (you might need to have passport pics for this)....do your internet reearch before you go.

I never bothered going up the Eiffel Tower or the L'Arc du Triumph...but I did do the Sacre C'oeur (sp)..and that was fantastic - well worth it!!

I also liked Pere lechaise (sp??) - the cemetary...but thats just me.

Food - I'm not a fan of French anyway (and I'm a Brit - so we are allowed not to like them too lol). Just don't wear trainers and they shouldn't despise you too much. hahaha

Enjoy!

[Kimberly]

Trainers?? What are those?

[flygirl813126]

I'm guessing tennis shoes...