I don’t think you would have to be bored. I had 7 nights and wasn’t at all finished with Paris, and I didn’t even take any daytrips. But you’re the one who knows your travel style best.

Get a few guidebooks to get some ideas. Look at the sample Paris itineraries on the Fodors and Frommers sites.

And enjoy just walking and walking and walking around Paris.

No, 8 days isn’t too much in Paris in my opinion. Just explore Paris. There are so many little neighborhoods that arent really famous, that are just great to wander around and absorb. Be a Parisian for a few days. Go to Luxemberg Gardens. Walk up to Sacre Cour and enjoy the view. Check out the catacombs. Go to Opera and see the school, go to neighboring Galeries Lafayete shopping mall and hit up the food court… 8 days isnt much in the big scheme of things..you’ll have a fine time.

I’ve been to Paris three times and I love it. I can stay for days and still not be sick of it. If you can find nothing else to do, it’s always nice to just sit in a cafe (in a non-touristy area) and peoplewatch or wander around.

You can also do daytrips to Giverny (Monet’s gardens) and Chartres (never been there, but it sounds pretty). And if you go to Versailles, go on a Sunday (unless things have changed in the past few years, they turn the fountains in the gardens on every Sunday).

I also liked the Opera Garnier, Musee d’Orsay, and Rodin’s house/gardens. There are many more things to do, but 8 days is a good amount of time!

You can never have enough time in Paris, it’s a marvelous city. If you do get a little bored you can always take the chunnel to London for a day, or perhaps a train to Brussels or Luxembourg if you wish to break out of France for a day. With Paris’ location, you won’t have a problem filling up 8 days in Paris.

Make sure to stop and just enjoy an afternoon sitting at an outdoor cafe with some wine, maybe cheese, and enjoy watching the people go by. To me this is the very best part of Europe. Pure relaxation.

I’m not a Paris fan at all, but I don’t think that is too much time, provided of course you really love the city

Also, you need to account for the costs for that amount of time. It won’t be cheap. We found food to be the most costly part of our stay there. Maybe you can do some self-catering, or McDonaldsing, but otherwise, be ready to pay for your eight days!

Have a great trip

-A

Self-catering is a good idea. There’s a chain of supermarkets in Paris called Monoprix.

I recommend seeing the countryside for a few days. Take an excursion to Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Micchel in Bretagne/Normadie regions, or take the TGV (bullet trains) south to Provence region to the towns of Arles and/or Nîmes for a night or two. For a first timer to France, I think you should incorporate the country along with your stay in the capital, rather than trying to see the entire capital. As Traveler says, take a look at some guidebooks, preferably illustrated, to see what pops out for you.

Paris: you don’t have to stay a full week to enjoy the neighborhoods. Some of the most charming neighborhoods are located in the heart of the city, not far from major sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, such as the neighborhoods on Île-Saint-Louis.

quote:
Self-catering is a good idea. There’s a chain of supermarkets in Paris called Monoprix.

I recommend seeing the countryside for a few days. Take an excursion to Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Micchel in Bretagne/Normadie regions, or take the TGV (bullet trains) south to Provence region to the towns of Arles and/or Nîmes for a night or two. For a first timer to France, I think you should incorporate the country along with your stay in the capital, rather than trying to see the entire capital. As Traveler says, take a look at some guidebooks, preferably illustrated, to see what pops out for you.

Paris: you don’t have to stay a full week to enjoy the neighborhoods. Some of the most charming neighborhoods are located in the heart of the city, not far from major sights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre, such as the neighborhoods on Île-Saint-Louis.

Unfortunately, due to our stay at Warwick, we are really confined to stay in Paris all 8 days. The hotel is over $300/night and we just don’t want to waste any night. But hopefully, we can go see Versailles and places not too far off from Paris…I guess I would have to look at some maps to do that

Thanks for all your input guys!
It’s such a relief to know that 8 days won’t be too long.
My boyfriend originally wanted to go for 7 days but I convinced him to stay an extra day. If he gets bored he’d probably get mad at me..hehe..although if he’s gonna be bored on day 8, he’d be bored by day 7 anyway…I know I probably can stay 2 weeks there!

I really like the idea of strolling down neighbourhoods and drinking wine or coffee at cafes…I can’t wait!

Do you guys know any places to buy art pieces? Like galleries or streets? My boyfriend just moved and the designer is asking him to buy some artworks to fill spaces

quote:
I’ve been to Paris three times and I love it. I can stay for days and still not be sick of it. If you can find nothing else to do, it’s always nice to just sit in a cafe (in a non-touristy area) and peoplewatch or wander around.

You can also do daytrips to Giverny (Monet’s gardens) and Chartres (never been there, but it sounds pretty). And if you go to Versailles, go on a Sunday (unless things have changed in the past few years, they turn the fountains in the gardens on every Sunday).

I also liked the Opera Garnier, Musee d’Orsay, and Rodin’s house/gardens. There are many more things to do, but 8 days is a good amount of time!

ooh…thanx for all the suggestions! it really helps! I’m gonna go look up those gardens and museum for sure! I did plan on going to Chartres cuz I love beautiful architecture work!

With respect to Versailles, I went to their website and it appears that all the accessible places in the castle are opened on saturday and sundays so we’ll probably head there on a saturday and louvre on a sunday…do you think we should go with a guide?

$300/night for the hotel? I hope it’s worth it. But for that price, definitely take your time getting out of bed in the morning.

for 300 a night, they better be pampering you with tons of freebies.

why so expensive a place? your hotel a lone for the 8 nights is 2400! you could spend like a month and half in europe on that!

wow.

my boyfriend is crazy…
i told him i didn’t want to stay in a hotel this expensive (less than 3 minute walk to Pointe-Ronde or something and it’s 4 star) because I rather spend less on hotel and more on going to places but he decided to book that hotel for several reasons

1. I only have 10 days off before I have to go back to work
2. He says the whole point of going to Paris for him is to see nice buildings and be able to sleep at a nice one
3. He’s used to staying at nice hotels and he likes to concierge to do everything for him
4. He’s just plain crazy

The greatest thing about Paris is the atmosphere! I highly doubt you’ll get bored in your 8 days there. If you feel tired of seeing museums and churches, then make sure you just chill out at a cafè and soak everything in. I’ve been there three times and I’m going again next weekend and I’m still excited (even though last time I went my friend and I were robbed at the eiffel tower on new year’s eve…..don’t ask – moral being – make sure you keep all your valuables close to you and wear a money belt at ALL times).
Enjoy that hotel. I hope it’s top notch. And if you have the money, why not go to the Moulin Rouge? I haven’t been myself, but it I had the cash to do so, I’d do it for the experience. I hear it’s fantastic, although you can’t trust another person’s opinion 100%. It’s totally up to you to make the most of your trip! I know you’ll have a blast doing what you love best.
Soph

$300 a night? Your boyfriend wants the concierge to do everything? That concierge better be your personal chauffer and cook for that kind of money. If it’s just the luggage he’s worried about, tell him to be a man and carry it himself. $300. $Wow$.

(lol I dont mean to sound rude, I’m just trying to absorb this.)

As for buying things to decorate his home, there’s stores in the Louvre that should have art pieces, maybe even reproductions. I’ve never gone inside these stores, but from the outside it looks like they have quite a bit of things.

Folks,

For those of you who haven’t booked a trip to Paris yet, there’s plenty of nice hotels you can get for a bargain. Beautiful old buidings located in key areas, and very beautifully furnished, and well-staffed, but no spa (boo hoo). Try looking at current and past editions of Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, and Travel & Leisure. Every now and then they have an article about great lodging deals in Paris and other major cities around the world. I think I have one such article about Paris in my archives at home, I can try to find it if anyone’s ever interested.

quote:
my boyfriend is crazy…
i told him i didn’t want to stay in a hotel this expensive (less than 3 minute walk to Pointe-Ronde or something and it’s 4 star) because I rather spend less on hotel and more on going to places but he decided to book that hotel for several reasons

1. I only have 10 days off before I have to go back to work
2. He says the whole point of going to Paris for him is to see nice buildings and be able to sleep at a nice one
3. He’s used to staying at nice hotels and he likes to concierge to do everything for him
4. He’s just plain crazy

funny you come to a website dedicated to budget/backpacker traveling.

i mean 300! your only in the hotel to sleep. if i was spending 300 a night for a hotel, i would never leave! wow….you must have lots of money to burn then for that.

quote:
funny you come to a website dedicated to budget/backpacker traveling.

i mean 300! your only in the hotel to sleep. if i was spending 300 a night for a hotel, i would never leave! wow….you must have lots of money to burn then for that.

yeah…i never knew that this is what the website is for….my friend sent it to me after she found out I was going to Paris

However, I have to note that I don’t have money to burn…haha…my boyfriend is only spending a lot of money on hotels because he does (which is why he’s paying for the hotel since it’s not my choice). Although I have to say that he <i>is</i> quite stingy and if I want to have fun on the rest of the trip, i would have to depend on myself…which perhaps can justify my being on this forum

Plus, this is my first time travelling all the way to Europe so I really have no idea what to expect, so I am hoping to learn something here

I really wish I had the time and money to back pack through europe

quote:
$300 a night? Your boyfriend wants the concierge to do everything? That concierge better be your personal chauffer and cook for that kind of money. If it’s just the luggage he’s worried about, tell him to be a man and carry it himself. $300. $Wow$.

(lol I dont mean to sound rude, I’m just trying to absorb this.)

As for buying things to decorate his home, there’s stores in the Louvre that should have art pieces, maybe even reproductions. I’ve never gone inside these stores, but from the outside it looks like they have quite a bit of things.

lol…it’s fine really..i realize myself how ridiculous this sounds but i really have no say in this.

Thanx for the tip about Louvre, I have been looking into that. Unfortunately, the designer and his dad both said they dont want reproductions..they said they rather find something real and not famous than to have reproductions…I know nothing about art so i am just researching for possible places where they can buy pieces

I think it’s stupid for him to want to buy some big pieces of unknown artwork in paris and ship it all the way across sea..but this may be because I don’t know anything about art. Maybe Parisian artworks are just better? haha

quote:Thanx for the tip about Louvre, I have been looking into that. Unfortunately, the designer and his dad both said they dont want reproductions..they said they rather find something real and not famous than to have reproductions…I know nothing about art so i am just researching for possible places where they can buy pieces

I think it’s stupid for him to want to buy some big pieces of unknown artwork in paris and ship it all the way across sea..but this may be because I don’t know anything about art. Maybe Parisian artworks are just better? haha

If he’s not concern about something being famous, then I would instead look for something back home. Most reasonable sized towns/cities have art galleries. Doesn’t make sense to me buy something in Paris because you have to worry about shipping and you’ll get hurt by the exchange rate. You can find something as good near home. Unless if he just wants to be able to say "oh, I got that in Paris" if/when somebody asks.

I completely agree with ricecloudine.

Of course, your boyfriend is free to do as he wishes, but in my opinion a really good, original artwork would be a picture that he took himself, and likes very much. Blow it up when you return home and frame it. Is he into photography?

Another thing, if he’s loaded, then we can say, fine, spending $300 a night (ay caramba) is no big deal. But if he’s going to be stingy about everything else on the trip, maybe he should reconsider staying at this hotel. If it’s the location he’s after, trust me, the Champs Elysées is not worth $300 a night (has he been to Paris before?) But whatever floats his boat. I did an internet search and found the Warwick on Rue de Berri (a side street off the Champs Elysées). There’s a great pub on that street called Freedom, I’ve forgotten which are its busy days and which are its slow days.

Have fun!

quote: 3. He’s used to staying at nice hotels and he likes to concierge to do everything for him
4. He’s just plain crazy

5. He’s just plain…lazy!

p.s.-if the two of you ever want to come to New Jersey, I have a nice room available for ONLY $299. It offers sweeping panoramic views of MY BACKYARD, bathroom en suite, and free taxi service to the bus station!

quote:
The greatest thing about Paris is the atmosphere! I highly doubt you’ll get bored in your 8 days there. If you feel tired of seeing museums and churches, then make sure you just chill out at a cafè and soak everything in. I’ve been there three times and I’m going again next weekend and I’m still excited (even though last time I went my friend and I were robbed at the eiffel tower on new year’s eve…..don’t ask – moral being – make sure you keep all your valuables close to you and wear a money belt at ALL times).
Enjoy that hotel. I hope it’s top notch. And if you have the money, why not go to the Moulin Rouge? I haven’t been myself, but it I had the cash to do so, I’d do it for the experience. I hear it’s fantastic, although you can’t trust another person’s opinion 100%. It’s totally up to you to make the most of your trip! I know you’ll have a blast doing what you love best.
Soph

I really appreciate you reminding me about theft there cuz I have been pondering about what kinda stuff I should bring…especially handbag wise…i’m thinkiig about buying something that is less easily stolen, which means nothing small…haha…

i was thinking that if you wear and carry expensive things on you, would you be more of a target for robbery? but then im thinking it’s paris, don’t people walk around with expensive couture stuff? what was your experience like in respect to that?

I thought about Moulin Rouge before, but isn’t the district a little dangerous? (i apologize if i sound really ignorant…i’m such a last minute person that i have no motivation to do research until i have to leave)

quote:
p.s.-if the two of you ever want to come to New Jersey, I have a nice room available for ONLY $299. It offers panoramic views of MY BACKYARD, bathroom en suite, and free taxi service to the bus station!

lol
you’re hilarioius
actually, I used to live in NJ and NY
so I may have to pass the offer because I would be required to stay with family…
and the last time we went to NY together, we stayed at the Westin on Broadway..my request to stay at the Plaza didn’t sit so well with him and I really don’t have that kinda money
I will definitely let my boyfriend know about your offer though..hehe

Ok then, $275 and free Cocoa Pebbles in the morning!

quote:
I completely agree with ricecloudine.

Of course, your boyfriend is free to do as he wishes, but in my opinion a really good, original artwork would be a picture that he took himself, and likes very much. Blow it up when you return home and frame it. Is he into photography?

Another thing, if he’s loaded, then we can say, fine, spending $300 a night (ay caramba) is no big deal. But if he’s going to be stingy about everything else on the trip, maybe he should reconsider staying at this hotel. If it’s the location he’s after, trust me, the Champs Elysées is not worth $300 a night (has he been to Paris before?) But whatever floats his boat. I did an internet search and found the Warwick on Rue de Berri (a side street off the Champs Elysées). There’s a great pub on that street called Freedom, I’ve forgotten which are its busy days and which are its slow days.

Have fun!

That’s what I have been telling him!!! I told him that hotels in Paris, for the same price you would pay elsewhere, are just crappy unless you’re willing to shell out a fortune…but he refuses to believe me. I think I will keep the information that Champs-Elysees is not worth $300/ night from him since it’s too late for that..I will just save the "I told you so" once we’re there.

He is the type of person that artists would hate. He only appreciates art for what it’s worth monetarily so I will just relay the info that everyone agrees with me it’s stupid to go all the way to Paris to buy artwork when you can do the same elsewhere (although I do think his dad would want to say "My son bought this piece in Paris" when people go over to his house..haha)

If you want to go to Disneyland Paris, I think you should. Your boyfriend can stand to be without you for a day .

As for the hotel price, if he thinks it’s a good deal for what he wants, then I guess it is. It is almost painful for me to think about, but that’s me. Truly, I think if you want to go high budget, something like the Holiday Inn St. Germain or Hotel Le Madison (both 3* hotels in St. Germain) would be much better situated, much cheaper, and no doubt would have a concierge that could give you info just as well. If it’s already paid for and non-cancellable, just ignore this .

quote:
If you want to go to Disneyland Paris, I think you should. Your boyfriend can stand to be without you for a day .

As for the hotel price, if he thinks it’s a good deal for what he wants, then I guess it is. It is almost painful for me to think about, but that’s me. Truly, I think if you want to go high budget, something like the Holiday Inn St. Germain or Hotel Le Madison (both 3* hotels in St. Germain) would be much better situated, much cheaper, and no doubt would have a concierge that could give you info just as well. If it’s already paid for and non-cancellable, just ignore this .

If i decide to go somewhere without him for a day, he might hate me for the rest of his life..heh…he told me the disneyland in paris would probably be as small as the one in japan and i said, "well i’m sorry if i’ve never been to the one in japan" and he rolled his eyes and finalized that we’re not going. I’m such a wimp. But since he’s paying for the hotels and possibly the flight, i may have to shut up. I am insisting that I pay my half so I can get more freedom, but he seems to like the control.

And yes, unfortunately, hotels are finalized and we can’t back out. I think it’s such a waste of money but people have different values and I have to respect that…

I will one day go with you guys (people on this forum) to Europe and enjoy it a different way

platinum babe,

Hey listen, we totally respect you and your boyfriend. We just love to poke fun at him. The reason for that is because when I lived in Paris I used to make fun of people like your boyfriend. They think they’re so cool because they’re in Paris, and they’re staying at some expensive hotel, but they are so removed from the city’s residents. Paris is not some ivory-tower where everyone walks around in thousand-dollar outfits. Paris is a lot like New York. It’s a big cosmopolitan city that spurns a lot of culture and fashion yes but it also has huge middle and working classes, traffic, industry, grafitti, a very tight real estate market, and 10 million people in Paris and suburbs who commute everyday to work (or school) in order to survive. Most Parisians cannot afford to dress like royals. France is a normal country.

That said, they are in general much better dressed than New Yorkers because in Europe, it’s so easy to find nice clothes in the middle (or upper-middle) price ranges. They wear the clothes fitted. Southern Europeans especially (including the French) tend to be less casual than Northern Europeans and North Americans. There are exceptions…not everyone can dress.

I’m really excited for you as ths will be a thrilling experience. You seem prepared to travel to a new country. Feel free to ask more questions.

The Champs Elysee is a huge rip off. I was walking around there on a real hot day, I was extremely thirsty and walked into a cafe and just told the guy to give me a coke. I mean how expensive is a coke right? Anyway after I drink it the guy gives me the bill – Its 12 euros. 12 euros isn’t going to break my bank account, but c’mon now..12 freakin euros? And the coke was in a thin glass..so its not even like I got the whole can. I learned my lesson.

Platinum- Enjoy your trip. But if this dude is rolling his eyes at you for you being curious about something he’s already experienced but you haven’t..and would be pissed off at you for taking a solo day trip…your relationship won’t last long. Unless you dont care about your feelings being taken for granted. Don’t worry about him not forgiving you for the rest of your life..he won’t even be a factor in a year. Take the trip..enjoy young romance..then dump his ass and meet a more evolved man. It’ll be fun. It won’t be the end of the world. In fact, the whole process of graduating to better partners is a fun one. Just stay in tune with whats important to you and try to gradually learn more about that. Au revoir!

quote:
The Champs Elysee is a huge rip off. I was walking around there on a real hot day, I was extremely thirsty and walked into a cafe and just told the guy to give me a coke. I mean how expensive is a coke right? Anyway after I drink it the guy gives me the bill – Its 12 euros. 12 euros isn’t going to break my bank account, but c’mon now..12 freakin euros? And the coke was in a thin glass..so its not even like I got the whole can. I learned my lesson.

haha, that’s funny
i remember i bought fresh squeezed orange juice on fifth avenue (NY) once and it was $6 and i thought that was a rip off..i think im gonna bring a case of water to paris..

haha…it’s alright luv_the_beach, i’m not taking all this making fun offensively

but i do feel kinda bad now for making fun of his decisions..haha…i admit i was having a lot of fun complaining

he’s really a great guy…just…different ideology i guess..his perception of how to enjoy a trip is just different than mine and i’m totally okay with it…he has some good points in terms of suggestions of how to take the trip and as long as i get to see louvre, versailles, and d’orsay, i’d definitely be satisfied. And he’s willing to go to all these castle/museums even though he’s gonna hate it…haha

but i totally understand your point about living in paris and making fun of tourists
i used to live in NY city and I never understood the big deal about people going to NY…people get so excited and I don’t understand why. As a resident i see a different side of New York than tourists but after i moved to toronto, i’m starting to see their side, but i don’t think i’ll completely understand..haha…

as for user_name..thanx for the encouragement
I really appreciate you guys looking out for me and giving me advice!

Dont worry too much about running into a situation like mine regarding the 12 euro coke..I think thats the exception rather than the rule. You’ll see them much cheaper..even on the Champs Elysee. Just a lesson to always check the price first in an area like that.

You asked about the Moulin Rouge area. Thats in the Montmartre district. The area also has the Sacre Coeur church, which you must see…best view in Paris after the Eiffel. Trust me, its not all that scary..I mean compared to scary areas in North America its nothing. The Moulin Rouge show is kind of cheesy, but definitely go to Montmartre for Sacre Coeur.

You can get bottles of water at Ed’s Epicerie (a discount grocery store) for 17 Euro cents. And you’ll have the luxury of time to do a bit of grocery shopping, so don’t bother bringing much water with.

forget paris

Hey! It’s me (if you know who I am..lol)

anyway, I asked my coworker who used to live in Paris, he said that you can check out the following two areas:

Centre Pompilou (It’s like a museum for comtemporary arts) I don’t know exactly where it is, he said it should be in the 7th district..so basically he said that there should be lots of small gallaries/art shops around that area. here’s the website
http://www.cnac-gp.f…

Place St. Michel – in the Latin Quarter. He said that if you check out the small narrow streets in that area, you should find small art shops/galleries also.

And he also said, you probably won’t really have any problem finding art shops in Paris.. they’re everywhere

Thanks ayz75! Awesome.

platinum_babie,

You’re all set to go! Have fun, and let us know how it went. When do you leave?

other posters:

I want to highlight somehting from username’s post:

quote:
The Champs Elysee is a huge rip off.

Username is talking about the price of Coke, but this satement can be true in more ways than that. Do visit this street. But don’t expect anything completely extraordinary. It’s not lined with expensive stores like 5th Avenue. (Why do many North Americans have this impression?) Whatever [few] cafes and restaurants the street does have are very expensive, however. Except for the McDonalds. There’s also a Virgin Megastore, and a Monoprix supermarket. And lots of offices. And overpriced bureaux de change. And a couple nightclubs on or near the street. It’s not some charming street (but it is impressive). Do visit, because the view of the Arc de Triomphe as you walk west along the Champs Élysées will strike you as something amazing the first time you see it. It’s also a good walk from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc (on the eastern end of the street are many magnificent grand buildings, such as the Grand Palais, and the Assemblée Nationale from a distance)…or you can just take metro line 1.

Of course the Champs Elysees is worth walking on..I didn’t mean to imply that it wasn’t…just make sure you check prices before buying something there..instead of being stupid like me.

Actually, username, you pointed out something that was very important for people to know. That’s why I highlighted it.

quote: Do visit this street. But don’t expect anything completely extraordinary. It’s not lined with expensive stores like 5th Avenue. (Why do many North Americans have this impression?)

Wow…i always thought champs elysees was better than fifth avenue..haha…
everyone is telling me to buy lots of chanel, dior and lv stuff when i’m there (not that I am planning to but, but i thought i would see the big flag stores)..i figured it would be better than fifth avenue! Is champs elysees the stree with all those stores, or is everyone else talking about other districts in paris?

Platinum babie,

Either they’re talking about other areas of the city, or they’ve never been to Paris and they think that the Champs Élysées is like 5th Avenue. (It’s still a major, important avenue, but it’s not a shopping district -besides the Virgin Megastore). Besides, you can just as easily get those things in the US and Canada. In Paris, if you’d like to visit some of the more upscale department stores, try Printemps and La Samaritaine. La Samaritaine is near the Louvre, just a couple blocks to the east of the museum, right on the river. Printemps is a chain department store. The flagship store (along with several other stores and departments stores) is located in a well-known shopping area near the Opéra Garnier, on Boulevard Haussmann (metro stop Havre-Chamartin). These stores are middle-upscale, probably similar to Nordstrom, although there are some middle and lower-middle price range stores in the neighborhood as well. For middle price range check out the shopping centers at Les Halles (metro stop les Halles), or the one at Place d’Italie (Metro stop, Place d’Italie…the mall faces the square, but is not very obvious from the outside), or the stores along the southern half of Rue de Rennes (metro stops Montparnasse-Bienvenue, Rennes, or Saint-Placide); there’s an H&M, there’s a FNAC (books, music, and electronics), etc. Seriously, all of these areas are no different than shopping centers and stores in New York and Toronto. The only differences you’ll notice is different clothing styles in Europe (which you’ll probably like).

If you want to know where the really expensive stuff is (like celebrity expensive, stuff the most people in Paris can’t afford), check out the stores around Place Vendôme and Rue de la Paix. At the other end, for really cheap stuff, check out the stores in the neighborhood around Centre Pompidou.

Here’s a European version of Mapquest that’ll help you look up all these streets and squares in Paris:

www.viamichelin.com

luv_the_beach,

Thank you so much!
I really appreciate all these information.
From the last episode of sex and the city, you would think paris is the place to shop

i will definitely be looking up all the places you mentioned because we will probably be doing a lot of looking around!

Oh and guys, this is a semi-joke/very stupid question, but I’m kinda curious

You guys know how Napoleon was captured at Waterloo right?
Well I go to the University of Waterloo in Canada
so if I were to wear a shirt that said "University of Waterloo" in Paris would people look at me funny?
Or would people not notice/not care/not know?
Cuz one of my favourite, comfortable hoodie is one that I got when I lived in rez first year and I might bring it

Platinum – You’ll stick out as a tourist. If you dont mind that, wear it. If you want to blend in, don’t.

Dont underestimate the shopping though. I’m a dude and was backpacking, so I wouldn’t care enough to go out and do that stuff. If I was a chick though, I’d dig it. I saw tons of girls wearing cool and hot clothes that I am either just starting to see now in the US..or stuff that has still not made it over. So, you’ll find things that are unique and ahead of the times.

Platinum, I hardly think people will care. Waterloo today is a normal Belgian town in the French-speaking part of Belgium (Wallonie).

As for Paris being the place to shop…well maybe, see for yourself. The name Paris is very powerful in the fashion industry, and that’s why many people make different assumptions about it. Expect the city itself to be like New York (or Tokyo). Paris is world-famous for fashion shows, but the designers and their markets come from all over the world. The same brands and designs can be found in London, Madrid, Milan, Frankfurt, etc. Although Paris seems to have more quantity. And that makes sense if you think about it: Paris is after all Europe’s 3rd largest metropolitan area (After Moscow and London). There’s definitely great things to buy. And as username pointed out, whatever styles you see anywhere in Europe, you’ll see in North America 1-2 years later.

I’ll add my 2 cents or 5 cents in here as well. I have been to Paris many times and I never tire of the city. No matter how many times I’ve been there, there are always things I’ve never been able to get to, so your 8 days should afford you and your boyfriend the opportunity to see quite a bit! Everyone’s post here that I have read has really given you some excellent advice. Definitely go out to Versailles BUTmake sure you two get there very early because the tour busses will be there en masse.

I’m also going to chime in about the $300 a night for a hotel. Dayum! I hate to say this but yes, your boyfriend is crazy. But hey, if he’s footing the bill. Last year, my 13 year old nephew and I went over to Paris for a week (well, Th-Sa was in London) and we stayed in this really nice hotel (part of a chain) that was one stop down from the stop for the Eiffel Tower. Normally I would stay in a youth hostel, but since he was with me I upgraded a bit. Here’s the link to the hotel chain: http://www.timhotel….

Luckily I kept the links I’d been looking at last year while planning my trip to Paris:

This is for day trips
http://www.gettingaw…

Have a look at Frommers
http://www.frommers….

The Paris Metro is quite easy to navigate – tho I would suggest printing out the map to get an idea
http://www.ratp.fr/P…

If you’re looking for romantic spots, have a look at this
http://www.top10guid…

And as Traveler suggested, take a day and be a kid – go to Disneyland! Hey, it’s a small world after all. But seriously, it’s great taking in all the history of Paris, but take a time out day for some fun. Heh, kinda funny, but I’ve never been to Disney World or Disneyland here in the U.S., but I’ll travel thousands of miles and go to Disneyland in another country!

Well, do some planning of places you want to visit so you can make the most out of your time there, but don’t try to kill yourself trying to see everything. Most importantly, have a good time.

Oh, and aside to luv_the_beach – ah, the Monoprixs! I’ll never forget these Canadians I met back in ’96/‘97 who told me that their tour operator said them incorrectly as "Monopricks".

Oh no, you see, echodek, for an American or Anglo-Canadian who’s had no exposure to the French language, the appropriate way to pronounce it would be MAH-no-priKS. Especially if you’re from Chicago, make sure that the first syllable the MAH is nasal. MAAH-no-priKS

platinum babie,

I just remembered something and wanted to share it with you. Like all monuments in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is floodlit at night. Well, during the nighttime hours, every hour on the hour, for about ten minutes, they turn of the floodlights, and turn on the sparkling lilghts. The Eiffel Tower sparkles for 10 minutes. Surprise your boyfriend. Take the metro to metro stop Trocadéro, then walk east towards the Trocadéro Gardens for an excellent view of the tower.

that’s funny consdering people from chicago is always annoyed if you pronounce the S at the end of illinois
lol

i was just joking about the waterloo thing anyway..hehe..it was something that occurred to me cuz every time i tell people i go to waterloo, they’re always like napoleon?
it’s so dumb

thanx for the links ech0!
and luv, thanx for the sparkling light thing..although my boyfriend does have the link to this thread and he may have seen it already..haha..but i’m definitely excited about seeing the tower at night..i’m gonna be a typical tourist and buy lots of little eiffel towers to give away..haha

Hi platinum_babie,
the last two times I stayed in Paris I was in the montmatre area. It isn’t the nicest part of Paris but it certainly isn’t worth avoiding! I would definitely check it out if I were there for 8 days. The Sacre Coeur is really beautiful and so worth the trip.
The only thing I’ll say that annoyed me when I went was the guys that try to get you to buy their braided bracelets. they can be a bit pushy. If you don’t want one, then walk straight past them and don’t give them a chance to stop and talk to you because once they stop you it’s really hard to keep on going. If you’re with your boyfriend it shouldn’t be a problem. I think my friend and I got hassled because we were just two girls and we were easier targets.
In regards to safety – all you need to do is be aware of where your things are at all times. Personally, I think it pays to have a travel wallet that you wear on your waist and it fits under your skirt or pants. When I travel I like to have a bit of cash in a wallet in my bag along with my debit card, and then I put some extra cash in my waist travel wallet along with my credit card – just so I have a backup if one is stolen. Different people store their things differently. It just depends on what you prefer.
Enjoy the trip, I know you’ll have a blast especially in that fancy pants hotel. Milk that concierge for all he/she’s worth!
Take care,
Soph

quote:
Hi platinum_babie,
the last two times I stayed in Paris I was in the montmatre area. It isn’t the nicest part of Paris but it certainly isn’t worth avoiding! I would definitely check it out if I were there for 8 days. The Sacre Coeur is really beautiful and so worth the trip.
The only thing I’ll say that annoyed me when I went was the guys that try to get you to buy their braided bracelets. they can be a bit pushy. If you don’t want one, then walk straight past them and don’t give them a chance to stop and talk to you because once they stop you it’s really hard to keep on going. If you’re with your boyfriend it shouldn’t be a problem. I think my friend and I got hassled because we were just two girls and we were easier targets.
In regards to safety – all you need to do is be aware of where your things are at all times. Personally, I think it pays to have a travel wallet that you wear on your waist and it fits under your skirt or pants. When I travel I like to have a bit of cash in a wallet in my bag along with my debit card, and then I put some extra cash in my waist travel wallet along with my credit card – just so I have a backup if one is stolen. Different people store their things differently. It just depends on what you prefer.
Enjoy the trip, I know you’ll have a blast especially in that fancy pants hotel. Milk that concierge for all he/she’s worth!
Take care,
Soph

Thanks for your advice soph!
My boyfriend and I thought about what you said and we decided that store our money separately instead of having me carry everything. I am probably gonna carry a small shoulder bag that I will keep under my arms at all times while he carries something himself to store his stuff. He is hoping the hotel will have a safe so we can store our passports and stuff there instead of carrying the stuff on us. He thinks if we just leave the IDs inside the rooms, it might get stolen by ppl who work there. I think he’s paranoid, but what can i do?

I’ve heard that the street artists in mont martre asks you to be their model and then haggles you to buy the artwork after they’re done, as if we asked them to draw it for us. I will definitely try to stay away from those ppl

Thank you for the tips!