My husband and I are going to Paris next March. It%26#39;s my second time but first time for him. I know he would want to hit the major tourist sites because they are so famous and he loves art and history.
We usually take public transportation when we visit Europe. Any recomendations on where is a good area to stay? Hotel not too expensive, not only surrounded by expensive resturant, local, cozy, easy access to transportation...etc.
If we want to get out of Paris for a couple of days, where will be the most worthywhile place to go?
Any suggestions will be great. Thanks!
SC
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We stayed in the 1st arrondisement between the Louvre and Les Halles, in the middle of the broken (by another street) Rue Jean Jacque Rousseau. This meant we were 2 blocks from walking through the Louvre to cross the Seine to the left bank, 2 blocks in either direction to a metro (Louvre or Les Halles), 4 blocks from Rue Monmartre, the market end and parallel to the food street Rue Montorguiel, and longer- about 20 minutes to the Marais. Going the other way you can go through the Louvre and then through the Tuilieries to the Champs Elysee. We took the metro (10 ticket carnet) to Moffartard market street, Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse and Sacre Couer, and then walked back - different days for each of course. If we go again, we%26#39;d stay in the Marais because we liked it, but it is not as central as where we were. We took a couple of longer train trips and were surprised at cost (high compared to Sydney train travel), so it would be worthwhile investigating several means of transport. (my French spelling is not perfect sorry).
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We just got back and stayed in the 16th at Le Parc. It had very easy access to 2 metro lines, a short walk to The Arc de Triomphe and short walk to Trocadero and The Eiffel Tower. The area was very quiet in the evening and since I found the hotel prices for food to be on the expensive side we found quite a few dining options right on our street or around the corner for breakfast and dinner. During March you might even find that this hotel offers a %26quot;free night%26quot; reduction along with breakfast included in your rate! Good luck planning, you will get lots of recommendations I am sure.......
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oopps forgot about the second question. We visited Monet%26#39;s house and gardens (probably not too much in bloom in the gardens though) in Giverny and since your husband likes art this might be a worthwhile day trip. Trains run frequently to Veron and you could take a taxi out to Giverny......not too far at all.
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A day trip by train to Mt Saint Michele is a must. You can also stay overnight in the town, which has cobbled streets and is very charming. Unless you are physically challenged, make “the walk”. You will need a guide as timing is everything there...and to avoid the quick sand. It will be memorable.
Also there are amazing ancient cave drawings in France. Some of them not too far from Paris
I am not sure if Monet%26#39;s house is open in March but that is a great suggestion.
Bon Voyage
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We always stay in the 5th near the Luxembourg Gardens. Less touristy, less expensive, many nice hotels, cafes, and, of course, when you want a nice quiet stroll and break from the busy streets a wonderful thing to do is just take a book and sit in the gardens. Remember, everywhere in Paris can be easily accessed generally by metro or RER .
When we went to Giverny, we had a car. But, I believe I remember seeing buses from Vernon. You might search that possibility.
If I were going to stay out of the city I%26#39; might stay in Versailles. A nice town in its own right . Easy to get to via RER or French rail. Just remember to decide which rail station you want to use., as they are separate. Think its the RER that is directly across from the palace.
And, if you like Van Gogh, Auvers is a very pretty village.
Also, a favorite village of ours is Rambouillet. Very pretty with a nice market on Sat., chateau for strolling.
Liz
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We loved the Marais, check it out on www.parismarais.com
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Personally I prefer to stay in the 4th through 6th districts because I like the atmosphere of these areas. You can always travel easily within Paris; I just prefer these particular districts.
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We stayed in the 1st by the Louvre which was convenient to walk to the Opera, Louvre, Concorde, Notre Dame, Left bank, Orsay, L%26#39;Orangerie, and Invalides. Staying in the Latin Quarter is also very central, and also more night life.
If you want a change of pace, Brussels is a train ride away.
T
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