Mike's 24 Hours in Paris! |
 10 votes |
I left Dallas-Fort Worth at 5.30pm Tuesday, April 11, Returned at 5.00pm Thursday, April 13th 2006. I had exactly 3-days off work and needed to get out of town.
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After the 9 hour flight from Dallas, I arrived in Paris at 9.50am. I had exactly 24 hours until my return flight. I caught the Air France Shuttle Bus to the Arc de Triomphe, arriving at 11.30. With no reservations for a hotel, as I stepped off the bus, I notice a hotel right next to the stop. It was called MacManon ($99EU).
After dropping my stuff and changing clothes, I started for the train station to the Loiuve. After 3 hours of the usual sights and sounds of this wonderful museum, I walked down the Seine River toward the Effel Tower (30 Minute walk). Along the way, I stumbled across many old churches, side-walk cafes, and locals walking about. Upon arriving at the Effel Tower, I was unsure which line to get in (there is a line at the 4 bases, depending on where you want to go). I ask for help and was assisted by a wonderful young woman named Isabelle. We ended up walking 2/3 the way to the top and chatting about our different cultures and politics. After 2 hours spent at the Effel Tower, Isabelle decided she was willing to give me a historical walk though the city while she was walking to meet a friend for dinner.
After the informative walk and Isabelle met her friend for dinner, I walked back toward my hotel taking the famous Champs-Elysées. The walk turned out to be close to an hour. I ended up at a wonderful cafe named Le Fouquet's. It was a favourite of the French Pilots during the first World War. A bit on the expensive and stuffy side, but good food and even better wine.
After dinner, I made my way back to the hotel for some much needed rest. I woke up at 4am to catch a 5am shuttle to the airport (CDG). My flight left at 10.40am. Only change would be carrying a list of all hostels for the city in which I am travel. After returning, I found hostels that were $9EU a night and a lot closer to town.
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| Favourite spots: |
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The Effel Tower, the Loiuve, the Seine River Walk. I also enjoyed the people. The stereotypes of how rude the French are....well, not in my experience. Everyone I encounted was very friendly and helpful.
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| What's really great: |
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Meeting Isabelle was great. She was a wonderful person with a lot of character. She was of great help and assistance to me. Thank you Isabelle.
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| Sights: |
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Walking the Seine River from the Loiuve to the Effel Tower, while cutting through side streets was amazing. It was the real Paris the tourist never see. I kept the tip of the Effel Tower in sight and made my way.
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| Accommodations: |
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The MacMahon Hotel. It was $99Eu for a very small room/bath. Being right next to the Train/Subway Station and the Air France Airport Shuttle was a plus.
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Published on Monday April 30th, 2007 by txflyinlo
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