Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - London and Paris for 3 weeks

Kjesse · 09-09-2011, 07:12 PM

I have not been to London, but for Paris:

-See the Eiffel Tower and grounds during the day, but go to the top at night. The lines are shorter, and the view of the "City of Light" is spectacular.

-Absolutely visit the catacombs, as some have suggested. Its not on most peoples' lists, but I remember that experience much more than the Louvre, the Arc, etc.

-During the day, find a cafe/restaurant with chairs and tables outside. There are plenty, find one near a busy pedestrian area. Have lunch, sit and talk with those around you. That is Paris. If you choose, you will meet very interesting people, the culture is infectious, the wine and deserts seem to taste better there.

-Go to the Great Canadian Pub, on the south side of the Sienne, sort of east of the Louve, near the shore. West and South of Notre Dame Cathedral. The hockey memorabilia is... interesting, though not the best collection. Their staff often includes Canadians studying in Paris, chat them up for tips on where to go.

-Hit up the Latin Quarter in the early evening for food one night, its near (and mostly to the south and east of) the Great Canadian Pub. Many small side streets, quaint restaurants, good times.

-If you're going to the Louvre, pre-plan your visit. You could spend a week there and not see everything. The Mona Lisa is small and underwhelming, but I still needed to see it. There are some amazing pieces of art there, but I was glad we just ran through to what we wanted to see then left.

-Versailles: Its the grounds that I enjoyed most. They were stunning. The Palace was interesting but don't spend most of your time in there if you go, hit the gardens and marvel at how massive and well kept they are. Also is a short trip outside of Paris, plan on at least a 1/2 day.

-Arc: you have to see it, but move fast, there's much better to do.

-Walk or better yet, take the public bikes from time to time. Avoid taxis, you'll miss a lot of the culture.

-The breakfast crepe shops serve delicious crepes.

EDIT: Oops: Shakespeare and Company, its a must see, but won't take long, its near Notre Dame.

OH! THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: Do not stay at the "Hotel Home Latin".

09-09-2011, 07:12 PM	#32
Kjesse Retired Join Date: Oct 2003 Exp:	I have not been to London, but for Paris: -See the Eiffel Tower and grounds during the day, but go to the top at night. The lines are shorter, and the view of the "City of Light" is spectacular. -Absolutely visit the catacombs, as some have suggested. Its not on most peoples' lists, but I remember that experience much more than the Louvre, the Arc, etc. -During the day, find a cafe/restaurant with chairs and tables outside. There are plenty, find one near a busy pedestrian area. Have lunch, sit and talk with those around you. That is Paris. If you choose, you will meet very interesting people, the culture is infectious, the wine and deserts seem to taste better there. -Go to the Great Canadian Pub, on the south side of the Sienne, sort of east of the Louve, near the shore. West and South of Notre Dame Cathedral. The hockey memorabilia is... interesting, though not the best collection. Their staff often includes Canadians studying in Paris, chat them up for tips on where to go. -Hit up the Latin Quarter in the early evening for food one night, its near (and mostly to the south and east of) the Great Canadian Pub. Many small side streets, quaint restaurants, good times. -If you're going to the Louvre, pre-plan your visit. You could spend a week there and not see everything. The Mona Lisa is small and underwhelming, but I still needed to see it. There are some amazing pieces of art there, but I was glad we just ran through to what we wanted to see then left. -Versailles: Its the grounds that I enjoyed most. They were stunning. The Palace was interesting but don't spend most of your time in there if you go, hit the gardens and marvel at how massive and well kept they are. Also is a short trip outside of Paris, plan on at least a 1/2 day. -Arc: you have to see it, but move fast, there's much better to do. -Walk or better yet, take the public bikes from time to time. Avoid taxis, you'll miss a lot of the culture. -The breakfast crepe shops serve delicious crepes. EDIT: Oops: Shakespeare and Company, its a must see, but won't take long, its near Notre Dame. OH! THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: Do not stay at the "Hotel Home Latin". Last edited by Kjesse; 09-09-2011 at 07:40 PM.