Has Anyone Been To Paris?

[TCoys28]

Hi All,

My husband is turning 40 this year in August, and I have a few surprises lined up, one of them being a possible 1 night stay in Paris.

Does anyone have any hotel recommendations? I am planning on flying out first thing and coming back home the following day.

Also, things to do, restaurant recommendations etc.

Thank you in advance

[boxtops]

where do you live, tcoys? You might want to consider going by Eurostar - much less hassle than flying.

[TCoys28]

Hi boxtops, I live right by Heathrow, but am willing to consider the Eurostar

[magsmay]

hi -I lived in paris for 4 years -best hotels in 8th Arrondissement but touristy and expensive - hotels in 15th and 16th quieter and good metro links into heart of Paris -avoid north of Paris at all costs

[VHG]

Do more than one night, you need two or three nights to really appreciate the city.

[Buenchico]

Eurostar would definitely be my preference. Booking well in advance should see you offered a return fare of £69 per person but, since it's a special occasion, you might want to upgrade to Premier class. That would get you a reasonable breakfast on the way out and a decent dinner on the way back (with excellent Champagne and/or wine).

The Latin Quarter is packed with loads of really good (but surprisingly cheap) restaurants. Simply take a Metro or RER train to St Michel-Notre Dame station and wander around until you find something you like the look of.

That station is right next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, which is well worth a visit. Further, it's close to the eastern end of the Batobus route. The Batobus is a hop on/hop off boat service, which runs to the Eiffel Tower (with stops for other attractions, such as the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay along the way). It offers an excellent way to see the sights.

When not travelling by boat, the RER train services provide the best way to get around. They're like a limited-stop version of the Metro, offering faster (and frequently less crowded) services. You can buy 'Paris Visite' tickets, offering one or two days unlimited travel within Zones 1 to 3 at the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras. (They also offer discounts to some attractions). They're valid on bus, tram, Metro & RER services. (Alternatively, you can buy 2-Zone Passe Illimité passes, which is what the locals use, when in Paris).

Batobus info:
http://www.batobus.com/english/index.htm

Public transport guide:
http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/r_50240/paris-public-transport/

Official tourism site:
http://en.parisinfo.com/

Chris

[DTCwordfan]

Budget?

I agree with the hotel comments as to area....and I would also avoid Montmartre as an area to stay in.

[spudqueen]

There are loads of things to do and places to visit in Paris, but if you are only there for one night then you just need to prioritise. The time of day you get there will depend on what you do, but possibly a boat trip along the Seine and a trip up the Eiffel Tower (either at night or you can book in advance so you don't have to wait in the long queues).

[coccinelle]

If you're not familiar with Paris and only there for an overnight stop I'd go for a hop on hop off kind of tour of the capital so you can absorb most of the sights with a running commentary. You might enjoy an evening trip down the Seine before having dinner in the St Michel area as Chris suggests.
Re-hotels; all depends on your budget. Tripadvisor can help you out there and you can book through booking.com so pay only once you're at the hotel.
August is bursting at the seams with tourists so I'd avoid entries into places, even with a ticket the queues are long unless you get there early.
I agree about taking the Eurostar as time is limited. You'll arrive at Gare du Nord and not have the hassle of getting from CDG airport into the city then getting back 45 mins before your flight (if you're just carrying hand luggage) the next day.

[jd_1984]

http://www.ceramic-paris-hotel.com/

Relatively cheap, small, clean but excellent location!
We flew to Beauvais (50min coach ride from the city centre) with Ryanair, again this was a cheaper option, flight time 1hr25mins from Manchester.
I forget who we booked it with now but it was a flight and hotel package. The coach is about 15euros per leg.

[jd_1984]

The Paris metro is fantastic, fairly easy to get used to and the best way to get about. From the hotel I mentioned, we were 3mins walk from the nearest metro. The Louvre was 6 stops away (10 - 12mins). The Tower was 3 stops, 1 change and 3 further stops away (18 - 20mins). We were 2 mins from the Arc De Triomphe and the start of the Champs Elysees

[bushbaby_de]

We went by Eurostar which was very pleasant, and stayed at this little gem right next to the Arc De Triomph http://www.paris-hotel-magda.com/en/