So my job is sending me to Paris! I'm so excited and although I'll be working, its my first time there and I'm sure it'll be amazing.
So besides being a big AW.. I'm in need of packing tips, as I'm not really sure what to bring and wear. And if anyone has 2-3 "must do/see" suggestions.
I leave on Saturday next week and will have 1 full day Sunday to do sight seeing in Paris. The rest of the week will be busy with work during the day but evenings will be open. We (my coworker and I) are staying near the airport and convention center which is 30 minutes by train outside of the city center. So although I'd like to be ambitious, realistically we might go into the city a couple nights but maybe not every night.
Since its 5 days I'm going to plan on purchasing an international data and text plan for my phone. Do I need to buy a converter for my charger or do you think hotels have that kind of thing already? Or easy to buy in the airport?
Everytime someone mentions they are going to Paris I get so jealous. I want to go back!
When I went to Ireland I purchases a converter and it was needed. I didn't open it until I was there and kept the receipt in case I needed to take it back.
Oh! Must see /do. Hmmm. Eiffel Tower at night, see the Mona Lisa, Notre Dame.
When we went we had a tour which was nice but I wish I could have explored more if you know what I mean. Everything was so set to the minute.
First, what a wonderful opportunity!
Second, I also agree with pivs that if you're only going into the city a few nights, I'd do the Eiffel Tower at night and Note Dame. The Louvre is gorgeous, but I don't remember their opened hours (we went a long time ago). I'd check the times that they are open. Enjoy the patisseries and boulangeries!
Post by FormerCityGirl on Feb 6, 2014 21:30:12 GMT -5
Have fun (even with having to work)! My knowledge of Paris ends at Grace Potter and her Hotel Costes Brown Candles that smell AMAZING from the front row of her concerts.
We found public transit very easy being used to CTA; just that some stations only took cash and not visa.
With a day to look around, I would recommend doing the Fat Tire Bike tour. It is a few hours but takes you around the city to highlights and provides info.
Eiffel Tower view at night is a must; although without a reservation on a Sunday I wouldn't plan on going up. I'd consider going to the only sky scrAper in Paris for an awesome view of Eiffel at Tour Montparnesse.
Tuileries Gardens is wonderful to walk though. Personally I would walk the area and then to the louvre but I would skip Mona Lisa for just one day of time.
I would also recommend the Paris museum pass because you skip lines and get into pretty much every major museum. With that you could buzz through the louvre easily. Plus you buy it for a certain period of time so just get it on the Sunday you're free and it'll be perfect! Right across from the louvre and next to the Westin I believe is the most amazing cafe called Angelina's. The most amazing hot chocolate I've ever had! I've gone back every time! It is quite pricey for sure but so amazing. They also have delicious pastries and macarons. But any boulangerie does there!
The Eiffel Tower may have a long lime to get in so I'd go to the arc d'triompe. It will probably be less crowded but still beautiful views even from there.
The louvre is overrated in my opinion, and only two days to see the city, I'd pass on that. But if you do want to go to a museum, musee d'orsay is my favorite in the world. It's modern art, Monet, Picasso, etc.
I love hiking up to Sacre Coeur and having some wine on the steps. Its a beautiful view!
Awesome! My trip to Paris was a complete whirlwind trip. The city is beautiful at night, I just loved walking around and seeing the city lit up. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, really everything...beautiful at night. You should see if there is a good night walk itinerary online.
I also loved Musee D'orsay, more than the Louvre, but that's because I love Impressionist art. If you like Impressionism (Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh) then you should check this place out.
Also, walking around Le Marais is great too. Cute neighborhood that I think you'll really like. There was a fantastic bakery we went to when there, but I don't remember the name..if I think of it I will let you know, if I don't I'm sure you'll stumble upon a great one while you are there.
There are a ton of free tours that are 1-1.5 hours that are fantastic. I don't remember the name of the one I did, but they use only native Parisians as guides and it's a quick, fun way to see some highlights of the city.
Don't let the line at Notre Dame scare you off, it's extremely quick.
Thanks for the advice on the museums! I think given all the feedback I'd probably have more fun at Musee D'orsay than the Louve. Although I'd love to see the Mona Lisa, I really love Monet and Degas.
I would like to see Notre Dame, so that's good to know the line isn't too long!
I found out my dad was in Paris for his 28th birthday. And I'll be there for his birthday, and I'm 28. Lol. So I'm going to try to recreate a photo op near the Eiffel tower.
Forgot to answer your questions. I would bring a converter or contact the hotel ahead of time to see if they have one. We used ours.
Also, as for what to pack, all I can say is check the weather reports. We went in August and I was cold. I only had sandals for shoes and my feet were freezing. We had a day that was fairly warm, but it was a lot colder than we had anticipated.
I think you posted on IG you were going & I almost unfriended you lol
I hope you have a fabulous time. One of my cw went this past summer. She said the food was amazing. She bought a fabulous purse and wallet from a street vendor for $40. It is the most beautiful leather. I just want to go for the food lol
No suggestions but IF I were to ever go I would definitely be checking out the Eiffel Tower at night. You can't go to Paris and not! I'm beyond jealous.
Post by definitelyO on Feb 7, 2014 10:50:36 GMT -5
I went for work 2 years ago and loved it! but - if you have to go for work why do YOU have to buy an international plan. Your work should pay for that - they cannot expect you to be out of contact for a week.
I second/third, etc... D'Orsay. and we loved walking around Montmartre and to the top of Sacre Coeur. and most definitely the Eiffel Tower!
have a great time!
I don't have restaurant recommendations as we just wandered the city and stopped here and there and ended up with fabulous food everywhere..
ETA: Oh and definitely buy a converter and take it with you - I got mine at Target.
Ohh thanks HZ! We're flying to CDG, leaving Saturday evening and landing at 9:30 am. I plan to sleep on the flight so hopefully I won't be too affected the first day. Last time I was in Europe was 2002. So unsure how I'll handle it but if its like last time I won't feel it until the 2nd or 3rd day.
I went for work 2 years ago and loved it! but - if you have to go for work why do YOU have to buy an international plan. Your work should pay for that - they cannot expect you to be out of contact for a week.
I second/third, etc... D'Orsay. and we loved walking around Montmartre and to the top of Sacre Coeur. and most definitely the Eiffel Tower!
have a great time!
I don't have restaurant recommendations as we just wandered the city and stopped here and there and ended up with fabulous food everywhere..
My data plan etc. will be reimbursed. But it's up to me to put it on my phone since its my phone not a company phone.
Post by msturtle143 on Feb 7, 2014 15:13:54 GMT -5
We might to in May but I chicken out when I think about that 11 hour flight with the little one. I really want to go back though! I fell in love with the city so much that I would have moved if DH had agreed then.
Have fun! You have lots of great suggestions already but definitely the Museum Pass!