I actually just got back from a trip through Europe and I stayed in Paris. Ideally, you want to stay somewhere central, yet not too expensive. I found the Hotel Innova near Pasteur subway station and it was perfect. Affordable (50 euros for a room with 2 beds), an ensuite bathroom, and in a great location.
It is right next to one of the train station exits, and is a 10-15 minute walk from Hotel les Invalides (Napoleon's tomb) and the Eiffel Tower. It connects well with trains to Notre Dame as well as the Arc de Triomphe and other major sights around town.
for major sights, other than those I've already mentioned, the Louvre, the Latin Quarter and Chinatown are all worth seeing (IMO). For places to eat, I can't say much other than I couldn't find a bad place. If you are looking for cheap eats, try kebabs (AKA gyros or donairs). They are everywhere, very filling and generally pretty cheap (5-6 euros including fries and a drink). If you're looking for expensive upscale restaurants, check out the Michelin guide maybe.
I didn't go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, but did do the Arc de Triomphe. To go to the top of the Eiffel it was about 5 euros to take the stairs and 10 euros take the elevator. At the Arc, you can climb to the top for 7 euros.
There are plenty of good reports on Paris here on Globo. check a couple of the higher rated ones out and you'll get at least some ideas of what you want to see and do.
--- Live abroad and learn something about yourself!
Paris was the first place i went alone - age 14, to stay with a friend and have returned many times since. I agree that you should try to stay fairly central.
The metro is fast and efficient and you can get carnets of tickets or travelcards that will make journeys cheaper. Many places to eat but avoid the Champs Elysse as prices tend to be higher here. The student area on the left bank has some cheap places with good food.
A view from the top of La Tour Eiffel on a clear day is wonderful. There are also great viewpoints from Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Tour Montparnasse, L'Arc de Triomphe and the Arche de la Defense! There is also a free view from the roof of the department store Samaritaine.
A trip around Montmatre on a Sunday is wonderful.
Entrance to some museums used to be free on certain days so check this out.
There's a lot of things to see in Paris and around. Here are some things I found interesting among those already mentioned:
- On the smallest of the two islands on the center of the city (near Notre Dame): you've got to eat a "Berthillon" ice-cream. They are the best ones you can find in the whole world.
- You can do a day-trip to the castles and wines of the LoireValley: Tours is only 55 minutes away with the TGV fast-train.
If you are looking for a b&b, I found some nice places on www.franceinns.com for southern france and they may have some hostels in Paris too.
Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 42254 Posts: 189
Posted: 2005-04-22 15:39:00
I hope you have a wonderful time is Paris; it is truly an awesome city.
The last time I went to Paris, I stayed in the Hotel Maxim which I believe is a 2*. It is in the Latin Quarter and there is a metro stop right across the street. Not sure whether this will help, but good luck.
During April '05, I stayed in this hotel Ibis Republique (** hotel) together with my wife and daughter for 7 nights. I paid, Euro 83 for the weekdays and euro 72 for the weekends (Fri, Sat and Sun). Modest but good breakfast at euro 6.50 in the hotel cellar, I found this to be very interesting indeed. The hotel maintains very good safety standards.
The hotel is just across the street from metro and bus station and several metro lines pass through republique station. The major station 'Gare du Nord' is about 5 minutes from Republique. You have airport connections from Gare du nord, if you need.
Dont know if this helps, have a great trip in Paris.
Premium account Joined: Jun 03 Points: 1117 Posts: 23
Posted: 2005-05-05 13:56:00
Hi,
I stayed in the 6th neighborhood called "St. Germain", I think a good compromise between money and central position (the hotel I choosed was normal not exceptional therefore does not mention it).
To move easy and fast you HAVE TO buy the "Paris Visite" travel card. It provides unlimited rides on Metro, RER, ..., in particular fare zone and for a limited number of days. It's very cheap if you choose the zone 1,2,3. For example Château de Versailles is in zone 4, but it is better to buy the ticket separately.
I was used to take the metro about 10 times a day because one museum is in a neighborhood, one church in another one, then you eat lunch in another (latin quarter), in the evening you prefer a pub in a different point of Paris.... it's a extra-large city!
