London and Paris for 3 weeks - Comments?

[Northendzone]

i'd throw in a visit to Kitchener-Waterloo as well as it make a nice triangle between london and Paris. There is a really nice bike trail from Cambridge to Paris as well - little ice cream shop at about the halfway point....the trail is an abandon rail line, so it is pretty easy cruising on packed gravel.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

Is a trip to Normandy / Juno / other D-day / war relates sights a day-trip from Paris? I ask because we've already bought and paid for (rather expensive...) accommodations in Paris-proper, so it would need to be either

A) straight balling and worth paying for two hotels
B) A doable day trip.

Thanks CP!

It's a doable road trip from Paris, but it would be a really long day. Maybe rent a car after getting off the train from Paris and pick a couple locations.

[sa226]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

Is a trip to Normandy / Juno / other D-day / war relates sights a day-trip from Paris? I ask because we've already bought and paid for (rather expensive...) accommodations in Paris-proper, so it would need to be either

A) straight balling and worth paying for two hotels
B) A doable day trip.

Thanks CP!

Can't say if its worth it as I don't know your financial situation or frugalness. But if you have an interest in War History in my opinion it is absolutely worth it, if you do a tour.

Day trips would be exhausting, we are talking roughly 6hrs travel roundtrip.

There are guesthouses\bed and breakfasts in Bayeux for 60 euros a night,

All I can say is that you are going to have a great time regardless. But in my modest European travel experience (London, Paris, Edinburgh, Portugal, Rome, Amalfi coast etc) The D-Day beaches were probably Top 3 in trip highlights, maybe the best, hard to say.

[Icon]

Originally Posted by THE SCUD

Random tidbit... from almost the exact spot this photo is taken, is where I proposed to my now wife.



As for ideas on London & Paris:
- London: Tower of London & British Museum are must-sees. We also did a day bus trip to Bath, Stonehenge & Windsor Castle, which was great value and a good tour of each place.
- Paris: My favorite part of Paris was just wandering around between the sights more than seeing them. So my recommendation would be to walk from touristy-spot to touristy-spot instead of taking transit... and when you can, take the water taxis on the Seine for a break from walking.

[starseed]

I did not have much time in Paris a couple months ago, so I did the hop-on hop-off bus tour for two days, and saw quite a bit of the city. As for London, I think the memorable moment for me was going to a gay club in Soho and making out with a dude, as well as walking along the Thames river and seeing the reconstructed Globe Theatre. You might want to check those places out.

[Cowperson]

Do a lot of walking in London. We stayed eight days across the street from Buckingham Palace and just immersed ourselves with walking, eating, exploring.

In Paris, we were just married, dirt poor and kinda clueless. We'll probably do that one over and, if we do, we'll stay away from tours and just walk around and explore, maybe throw in a few taxi rides. We saw all the highlights in three days but with a group and it lacked a personal feel.

Get out and mingle with the locals would be my advice.

Cowperson

[icarus]

Well if it's your first time in London you'll probably do all the main sights but if you are looking for inspiration here are just a few thoughts.

I agree with Cowperson, just walk around. I never get bored of walking around in London, there is always somewhere new and interesting to explore. There are some interesting areas to walk around not just some of the more obvious ones like Soho, Belgravia, and Chelsea but maybe some other ones that tourists might not think of like Camden or Wapping. I highly recommend following London's canals, say from Little Venice (around Warwick Avenue tube stop) to Camden or take the Olympic site tour (Bromley-by-Bow tube) and then once its finished follow the canals along there which is part of the Lea Valley Walk.

Use this site for inspiration; it's got the 152 mile London Loop on it amongst others if you are feeling perky.

There are many great museums, some of which are obvious choices, but one of my favourites is the National Army Museum in Chelsea. Most people go to the Imperial War Museum, and it is great as well, but it only starts at WWI. If you wish to learn anything about the English civil war, the Seven Years war, the American wars of independence, the Napoleonic wars, the war of 1812, the Crimean war, the Indian Mutiny, the Zulu wars, the Boer war, or any of the other little wars in between then go to the NAM. That's about half the museum, the other half is WWI to present.

Originally Posted by starseed

I did not have much time in Paris a couple months ago, so I did the hop-on hop-off bus tour for two days, and saw quite a bit of the city. As for London, I think the memorable moment for me was going to a gay club in Soho and making out with a dude, as well as walking along the Thames river and seeing the reconstructed Globe Theatre. You might want to check those places out.

Insert "Not Sure If Serious" pic here...

[CofR]

-The Vimy Memorial is an incredibly moving experience as a Canadian, I'd absolutely recommend it.
-Normandy is very interesting, especially if you have an interest in 20th Century History. Juno Beach is pretty amazing to see, as well as the countless war cemetaries and memorials in the area.
- The Imperial War Museum in London is a great way to spend a day as it is quite large and takes some time, not really something you can do in a few hours. If you only have a little bit of time to go there I'd recommend the Holocaust Exhibit that they have, I've never been so moved by a museum or gallery in my life... In a sense its not for the faint of heart, and at times can be very hard to just comprehend what you're seeing, but nothing helped me to understand the vastness and significance of the Holocaust like that exhibit and other then Vimy its my most vivid memory that I have from Europe.

[J epworth]

I second the Jack the Ripper tour. Wayyy better than you would expect, it makes you really feel like your walking through 19th century London.

Also, for the double decker bus tours, just jump on a bus and have a tour for much cheaper (I assume your wife has already planned to get an oyster card, essential for getting around in London)

[bigtmac19]

Originally Posted by Kybosh

You can't really go wrong in either city. I'm a huge museum and art gallery guy so those two cities are pretty amazing IMO (ie. Tate modern art, British National museum, British museum of natural history, Musee d'Orsay, Louvre, Pompidou centre etc.).

Don't go to Versailles though. Versailles = VerSuck. I'm 100% serious as well.

I had a friend who visited France last summer and they thought Versailles was the highlight of their trip.

[afc wimbledon]

Ok then London, depending on the time of year, a walk on Hampstead Heath up to Kenwood House, the heath is gorgeous and Kenwood House has enough 17th century masters in it to make it the best art museum in Canada and, like all museums its free, great little cafe on the grounds for lunch, it is a very traditional spot for londoners to go for a walk and then take lunch.

Hampton Court, a short trip out of London and spectacular, give yourself time to check out the grounds as well as the palace.

Boat trip to Greenwich to see the Admiralty and the Royal Observetory

Hotel Les Invalides in Paris, the french version of the war museum (although suprisingly lacking in surrender notes) sort of shabbier the the Imperial and stuff all over the place haphazardly but very cool.

[Kjesse]

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".

[VO #23]

Hit Borough Market in London at about 10 AM on Saturday...walk around, have some samples, and then decide what you want to do for lunch there. Lots and lots of great food. Then take a walk down South Bank, or over to Tower Bridge and across to the East End for drinks on Saturday night. On Sunday, hit Camden Market and have beers at some of the many pubs up in that area. Great weekend.

[Robotic]

There has been some great suggestions here and perfect timing for me as work is sending me to Paris for 18 days. I'm thinking of taking a weeks vacation afterwards and travel the surrounding areas (particularly Normandy and D-day tours).

Does everyone think Paris would still be as enjoyable seeing the city solo? From reading here and talking with others from work it really wants me to experience this with my girlfriend, who won't be able to come.

[Kjesse]

Originally Posted by Robotic

There has been some great suggestions here and perfect timing for me as work is sending me to Paris for 18 days. I'm thinking of taking a weeks vacation afterwards and travel the surrounding areas (particularly Normandy and D-day tours).

Does everyone think Paris would still be as enjoyable seeing the city solo? From reading here and talking with others from work it really wants me to experience this with my girlfriend, who won't be able to come.

Way better with a girl, but you'll have a blast solo too. 18 days? I'm envious.

You can take a high speed train from Paris to Munich, and if you're going soon, Oktoberfest is an event like no other. Even without Oktoberfest, there's a lot to see in Munich.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by bigtmac19

I had a friend who visited France last summer and they thought Versailles was the highlight of their trip.

Different strokes for different folks. Of all the places I've been in France and Europe as a whole, Versailles is not something I recommend. I appreciate it's historical significance and the palace/grounds are stunning, but it is an entirely irritating experience in my opinion.

Simply strolling around Paris, and getting away from the tourist areas, is the ultimate highlight.

[Robotic]

Originally Posted by Delgar

Way better with a girl, but you'll have a blast solo too. 18 days? I'm envious.

You can take a high speed train from Paris to Munich, and if you're going soon, Oktoberfest is an event like no other. Even without Oktoberfest, there's a lot to see in Munich.

It's paid by work for the 18 days, and anytime I spend afterwards is on my dime. I'm leaving October 9th and can leave Paris on the 26th if need be.
When is Oktoberfest?

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Robotic

It's paid by work for the 18 days, and anytime I spend afterwards is on my dime. I'm leaving October 9th and can leave Paris on the 26th if need be.
When is Oktoberfest?

October .

Seriously though, it's the last week of September to the first week of October (if I remember correctly).

[Robotic]

Damn, just missed it.

[Kjesse]

Originally Posted by Robotic

It's paid by work for the 18 days, and anytime I spend afterwards is on my dime. I'm leaving October 9th and can leave Paris on the 26th if need be.
When is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is in the last 2 weeks of September, oddly enough.

Edit: This year, September 17 to October 3.