Transportation in Paris. Any advice?
Nov 3rd, 2012, 10:57 AM
#121
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Even if you don't stay in the 11th, you can still hang out there. Hop on the bus and the Metro and go experience the city.
Sounds like an uncomfortable dynamic with the cousin and her overprotective dad. Paris is plenty safe! Honestly, a 10 year old can make hotel reservations....why is she letting her dad do it, unless she needs his credit card? She doesn't sound like a very grown up 22 year old.
Make sure you don't let the cousin take over your trip! Have a plan of where you want to go and want you want to do and if she wants to tag along, great! If not, say, "no problem, see ya later and have fun".
If she does go with you, I recommend you have a carnet of tickets you can use for the bus or the Metro, so you can send her back to the hotel.
I wish you luck with this and I hope you have a great time. Make sure you have fun even if cuz can't!
Sounds like an uncomfortable dynamic with the cousin and her overprotective dad. Paris is plenty safe! Honestly, a 10 year old can make hotel reservations....why is she letting her dad do it, unless she needs his credit card? She doesn't sound like a very grown up 22 year old.
Make sure you don't let the cousin take over your trip! Have a plan of where you want to go and want you want to do and if she wants to tag along, great! If not, say, "no problem, see ya later and have fun".
If she does go with you, I recommend you have a carnet of tickets you can use for the bus or the Metro, so you can send her back to the hotel.
I wish you luck with this and I hope you have a great time. Make sure you have fun even if cuz can't!
Nov 3rd, 2012, 11:30 AM
#122
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I am not comfortable in any way with the new arrangements. I guess slightly was the wrong word to use. But either way, I don't want to come off as an ingrate since he's already reserved the hotel.
But, I don't think I'm making any more concessions here. I think she's trying to bully me into not going to Père Lachaise. Making comments, and making fun of me, essentially saying I'm into the occult or she doesn't want to get cursed or whatever.
I'm quite disappointed about not being in the 11th, but whatever. I don't want to insult anyone by complaining.
But, I don't think I'm making any more concessions here. I think she's trying to bully me into not going to Père Lachaise. Making comments, and making fun of me, essentially saying I'm into the occult or she doesn't want to get cursed or whatever.
I'm quite disappointed about not being in the 11th, but whatever. I don't want to insult anyone by complaining.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 11:55 AM
#123
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Anyways, What are some great restaurants in Paris? Obviously, none near my hotel, because from what I gather, I won't be able to afford that stuff. What french delicacies do I have to try? Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, or are there better macarons to be found? Nightlife?
Nov 3rd, 2012, 12:22 PM
#124
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Don't get all hung up on getting the "best" macarons. Just try them whenever you see them (same with chocolates and candy in general), same with cheese, same with bread. That way you can decide for yourself which is best! And the best croissants and deserts in general we had were from Le Pain Quotidien.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 02:14 PM
#125
I think if they're footing the hotel bill it's not really that big of a deal where you're staying. I know if I were 22 again, or even at my age which is nearly 20 years older than you, I'd be pleased to have my generous uncle pay--especially if he wasn't coming on the trip. You can spend the money you'll be saving on lodgings eating, drinking and dancing.
Last time I was in Paris--and I am a food-focused tourist when I visit France and pay dearly if I feel like it--I enjoyed a great meal at Auberge du 15 in the 13th (classic food updated, pricey a la carte but worth it), a pleasant lunch at Septime in the 11th (I much prefer Le Chateaubriand for this type of thing), a relaxed meal up at Au Clocher du Montmartre (great food up by Sacre Coeur--a miracle!). And of course millefeuille and caramels at Jacques Genin.
http://www.laubergedu15.com/index.php
http://septime-charonne.fr/
http://www.auclocherdemontmartre.fr/
http://jacquesgenin.fr/
http://www.lechateaubriand.net/
Le Chateaubriand has a wine bar now, too, if you cannot get in for dinner.
Have fun!
Last time I was in Paris--and I am a food-focused tourist when I visit France and pay dearly if I feel like it--I enjoyed a great meal at Auberge du 15 in the 13th (classic food updated, pricey a la carte but worth it), a pleasant lunch at Septime in the 11th (I much prefer Le Chateaubriand for this type of thing), a relaxed meal up at Au Clocher du Montmartre (great food up by Sacre Coeur--a miracle!). And of course millefeuille and caramels at Jacques Genin.
http://www.laubergedu15.com/index.php
http://septime-charonne.fr/
http://www.auclocherdemontmartre.fr/
http://jacquesgenin.fr/
http://www.lechateaubriand.net/
Le Chateaubriand has a wine bar now, too, if you cannot get in for dinner.
Have fun!
Nov 3rd, 2012, 03:34 PM
#129
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Jeans, boots, scarf, hat.
Don't feel like you and your cousin have to do everything together. Simply say, "I'm going to Pere Lachaise this morning. Do you want to come with?" And then LEAVE! No discussion. She can go or not.
Ann Marie
Don't feel like you and your cousin have to do everything together. Simply say, "I'm going to Pere Lachaise this morning. Do you want to come with?" And then LEAVE! No discussion. She can go or not.
Ann Marie
Nov 3rd, 2012, 03:52 PM
#130
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I agree with Ann Marie. You need to do what you want to do. I travel with others a lot. We do some things together but not everything.
You should not give up something you want to do because a travel companion does not want to do it. You will both welcome the opportunity to be on your own after a few days together.
You should not give up something you want to do because a travel companion does not want to do it. You will both welcome the opportunity to be on your own after a few days together.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 04:42 PM
#132
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Have you ascertained that the uncle is indeed PAYING for this hotel? If not, you're in for major budget issues. If he is indeed paying for it, sure, you've saved a bundle, suck it up, and get on the métro and buses and get to the parts of the city you'll actually enjoy.
Do NOT plan to be joined at the hip to this cousin during your stay. Do your own research and go off on your own. You shouldn't have to cow-tow to her desires. Saying you're into the occult wanting to go to Père Lachaise is just bizarre. It's a cemetery where some of the most famous people in the world are buried, and a really interesting venue just because of its layout. If she doesn't want to see it, ditch her and go yourself - you will no doubt find it fascinating.
Bring whatever clothes you'd normally wear in a cold winter climate. Unless you speak perfect French everyone's going to know you're a tourist anyway, which you are, and French people (except those who inhabit the area around your current hotel) dress like attractive slouches everywhere. Make sure you have what it takes to be warm and dry.
What do you need an "adapter" for?
Do NOT plan to be joined at the hip to this cousin during your stay. Do your own research and go off on your own. You shouldn't have to cow-tow to her desires. Saying you're into the occult wanting to go to Père Lachaise is just bizarre. It's a cemetery where some of the most famous people in the world are buried, and a really interesting venue just because of its layout. If she doesn't want to see it, ditch her and go yourself - you will no doubt find it fascinating.
Bring whatever clothes you'd normally wear in a cold winter climate. Unless you speak perfect French everyone's going to know you're a tourist anyway, which you are, and French people (except those who inhabit the area around your current hotel) dress like attractive slouches everywhere. Make sure you have what it takes to be warm and dry.
What do you need an "adapter" for?
Nov 3rd, 2012, 05:01 PM
#133
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A power adapter. To charge my phone, my camera.
I'm from a pretty cold place, and I'm almost certain Paris does not get as cold as where I'm from. Would just a wool jacket be fine? With a scarf and gloves? I'm not to keen on bringing my parka.
I'm from a pretty cold place, and I'm almost certain Paris does not get as cold as where I'm from. Would just a wool jacket be fine? With a scarf and gloves? I'm not to keen on bringing my parka.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 05:05 PM
#134
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You will love Père Lachaise! Try to get a detailed map of it because it's a tricky place to negotiate. There are some good maps that you can download from the internet. Closing time in fall and winter is 5:30 PM but try to get ready to leave by 5 PM unless you want to be scared for life 
by the legendary lady warden... She is perhaps the rudest person I came across in my last trip to Paris. She comes running, screaming and waving her arms to expel visitors with maximum ferocity - a good half an hour before the official closing time!
Last time I was in Paris I chose a budget hotel near the Bastille and the Oberkampf area - and not far from Père Lachaise. I have never had such a pleasurable time. A terrific neighborhood and my best ever home away from home.
Have fun.
by the legendary lady warden... She is perhaps the rudest person I came across in my last trip to Paris. She comes running, screaming and waving her arms to expel visitors with maximum ferocity - a good half an hour before the official closing time!Last time I was in Paris I chose a budget hotel near the Bastille and the Oberkampf area - and not far from Père Lachaise. I have never had such a pleasurable time. A terrific neighborhood and my best ever home away from home.
Have fun.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 06:52 PM
#135
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Passionfruit, How exciting for you to be going to Paris at your age, 20. But, as you are beginning to realize, there are now a few things to think about.
The location of your hotel: I agree with St. Cirq, Jamikins and Kerouac….the Champs d’Elysees area is dead, sterile and exorbitantly expensive. My last visit to the area (about 7 years ago) , was depressing. I didn’t bother to go my last 2 visits. And, I am older than you and your cousin. Somehow, the feeling of the Champs d’Eylysees that I was looking for ended about 60 years ago? Your uncle seems to have an outdated idea of what is safe and special in Paris. But, he is kind and generous to pay for your luxurious accommodations. Enjoy it.
To reverse the common advice: You will be in the key tourist arrondissements. Leap to the Metro to get OUT of your staid arrondissement. (8th) Sorry, but I wish that you had decided to stay at the Cosmos Hotel in the 11th.
Yes, it is a modest hotel...but the area is alive, vibrant, artistic. As are the 10th, 12th, 19th, 20th…at the very least, they feel fresh. (And, cheaper, leaving you money for great things to do in Paris!) However, just take the Metro and explore.(get OUT of your area)
Transport and passes? I think you should simply buy the weekly pass, Carte d’Orange, cheap, about 18 Euros. Go to museums when you are in the mood, most of them are free.
Passionfruit, this is a special trip for you. Do not be browbeaten by ANYONE (including me) or your uncle’s “hotel gift’. Ie: Pere La Chaise is beautiful and unforgettable. Your dreams are worth your efforts. You will remember this trip forever. Please, don’t diminish your dreams and ideas. Take care and have a fabulous trip!
Here is a video about Pere laChaise that I love, (long, about 25 mnutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxywsQnVRQ
The location of your hotel: I agree with St. Cirq, Jamikins and Kerouac….the Champs d’Elysees area is dead, sterile and exorbitantly expensive. My last visit to the area (about 7 years ago) , was depressing. I didn’t bother to go my last 2 visits. And, I am older than you and your cousin. Somehow, the feeling of the Champs d’Eylysees that I was looking for ended about 60 years ago? Your uncle seems to have an outdated idea of what is safe and special in Paris. But, he is kind and generous to pay for your luxurious accommodations. Enjoy it.
To reverse the common advice: You will be in the key tourist arrondissements. Leap to the Metro to get OUT of your staid arrondissement. (8th) Sorry, but I wish that you had decided to stay at the Cosmos Hotel in the 11th.
Yes, it is a modest hotel...but the area is alive, vibrant, artistic. As are the 10th, 12th, 19th, 20th…at the very least, they feel fresh. (And, cheaper, leaving you money for great things to do in Paris!) However, just take the Metro and explore.(get OUT of your area)
Transport and passes? I think you should simply buy the weekly pass, Carte d’Orange, cheap, about 18 Euros. Go to museums when you are in the mood, most of them are free.
Passionfruit, this is a special trip for you. Do not be browbeaten by ANYONE (including me) or your uncle’s “hotel gift’. Ie: Pere La Chaise is beautiful and unforgettable. Your dreams are worth your efforts. You will remember this trip forever. Please, don’t diminish your dreams and ideas. Take care and have a fabulous trip!
Here is a video about Pere laChaise that I love, (long, about 25 mnutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBxywsQnVRQ
Nov 4th, 2012, 12:02 AM
#137
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>.Sorry, but I wish that you had decided to stay at the Cosmos Hotel in the 11th.<<
Check out that area for another visit. You'll be back.
A couple of museums that are free:
http://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en
http://www.paris.fr/english/museums/...museums/p8229F
Check out that area for another visit. You'll be back.
A couple of museums that are free:
http://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en
http://www.paris.fr/english/museums/...museums/p8229F
Nov 4th, 2012, 05:32 AM
#139
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Passionfruit, for most current devices you will not need a currency converter but you will need a plug adapater. For France, it will will have two, round holes and I recommend you buy two of them. You should not need to pay much (a few dollars each) for the plus adapters. The reason I like to have two of themis that some of the receptacles are recessed, and you needtwo of them plugged in for you to plus in your device,
Check the items you will need to charge to be sure they are dual currency...things like ipods, iphones are. If youi have items that are not dual currency, then you will need a currency converter. Don't get the all in one $50 variety...have never seen one work!
I wouldn't feel bad about your uncle making a hotel reservation. Anyone can make a hote reservation in about 2 minutes online. He didn't go to any trouble. If he is paying for your room, well that's lovely and be gracious about that. But, you don't have to eat at the hotel or spend your time in the hotel area. So, you won't need a new wardrobe. (Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with staying in a nice hotel, if that's what you like)!
Regarding macarons, my favorite are in the 6th at Un Dimanche a Paris right by Cafe Procope. The ginger/citrus and strawberry are my favs! The shop also has a restaurant and they also serve afternoon tea. The desserts are works of art. I don't love Laduree even though they are very famous. The macarons I got there were stale.
Check out this website for advice on the best patisseries and desserts in Paris.
http://www.parispatisseries.com/
I love Gerard Mulot for pain au chocolat, but I haven't had a bad one (that I can remember) in Paris! Try as many as you can. I enjoy the quest of nfinding the best one in Paris and I don't mind the research at all!
My only issue with Le Pain Quotidien is that it is a Belgian chain with locations everywhere in the world. If I am in Paris, I want to sample the Paris patisseries and boulangeries.
I second petit palais...free, nice and uncrowded! I love the garden courtyard there. Musee Carnavalet is also free of charge. It is located in the Marais and is worthwhile.
Check this link for free options:
http://en.parisinfo.com/guide-paris/...nd-good-deals/
Check the items you will need to charge to be sure they are dual currency...things like ipods, iphones are. If youi have items that are not dual currency, then you will need a currency converter. Don't get the all in one $50 variety...have never seen one work!
I wouldn't feel bad about your uncle making a hotel reservation. Anyone can make a hote reservation in about 2 minutes online. He didn't go to any trouble. If he is paying for your room, well that's lovely and be gracious about that. But, you don't have to eat at the hotel or spend your time in the hotel area. So, you won't need a new wardrobe. (Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with staying in a nice hotel, if that's what you like)!
Regarding macarons, my favorite are in the 6th at Un Dimanche a Paris right by Cafe Procope. The ginger/citrus and strawberry are my favs! The shop also has a restaurant and they also serve afternoon tea. The desserts are works of art. I don't love Laduree even though they are very famous. The macarons I got there were stale.
Check out this website for advice on the best patisseries and desserts in Paris.
http://www.parispatisseries.com/
I love Gerard Mulot for pain au chocolat, but I haven't had a bad one (that I can remember) in Paris! Try as many as you can. I enjoy the quest of nfinding the best one in Paris and I don't mind the research at all!
My only issue with Le Pain Quotidien is that it is a Belgian chain with locations everywhere in the world. If I am in Paris, I want to sample the Paris patisseries and boulangeries.
I second petit palais...free, nice and uncrowded! I love the garden courtyard there. Musee Carnavalet is also free of charge. It is located in the Marais and is worthwhile.
Check this link for free options:
http://en.parisinfo.com/guide-paris/...nd-good-deals/
