Posted by
pears
18 yrs ago
I plan to go to Paris on Dec. for 2 weeks. Which area is the best place to stay and things to do in 2 weeks' time? Any advice is appreicated:)
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Are you travelling alone, couple, or with kids? Assumining you are just a couple there are many things and places to see and do. Very cold as this is winter time but there should be much fewer tourists, and the lights will be out - therefore, bring a tripod to take nice photographs. If you are going for two weeks, that would give you plenty of time in Paris proper (and I will not go through these as they're very std) as well as outside Paris.
Some nice areas within an hour or two by train include Chantilly, Versailles, Fountainbleu, Rouen and Giverny, and if you are really bored then there is always Eurodisney.
Places to stay - the first, fourth, fifth and sixth arrondissements - these are quite cool, safe, central and full of neighbourhood sites. All within walking distance too, but expensive. For more cheap accomodations try the smaller hotels or bed and breakfasts (anything 3 stars or above should be fine - depends on your budget).
But you really have to give more details as your question is too open ended. It's easier if you're asking about spending two weeks in Kathmandu and what to do there, but we are talking about the City of Lights.
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2 wks for Paris alone is quite a long time - I suggest you spend 1 wk in paris and if you can (without kids and easy to move around etc) explose somewhere nearby - for example Loire Valley is wonderful.
Agree - v cold and dark tho around that time
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pears
18 yrs ago
Sounds not too great an idea to go there for Christmas. The thing is I'll be going to Wien during this time, was thinking of carry on in Europe with one more place to go. Any other suggestion?? Am female,travelling alone. BTW, how's the area " Marais" like? Near by St. Paul station...
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oh my, Vienna you mean? It will be lovely - snow and all that - but seriously FREEZING in Vienna. Like you would not believe - and I am Russian, so trust me - it was one of the coldest holidays i had!! December we were there was minus 25C - so you need some serious winter clothes - we talking skiing jackets at least and really thick gloves, socks... But it really is beatiful in the snow - the problem is it was so cold that we could not stay outside long enough to admire it!
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pears
18 yrs ago
Hi Idsllvn, need to drink a lot of gluhwein and schnap to keep warm though:) Is there really no other place to go away for Christmas? Everywhere is sooo cold.....
Hi Philly, do u know the area " Marais" near by St. Paul station in Paris, can I hv yr comment? Thanks.
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Dear Pears,
Paris is beautiful all year round. Yes, it is cold at Christmas time, but you'll still be in Paris. The Champs Elysee at Christmas time is one of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see and you will appreciate why they call Paris the City of Lights.
The Marais area is indeed near the St Paul metro. It's a fabulous and trendy neighbourhood. It used to be the Jewish quarters in Paris and now is very chic and popular with the gay community. It has lots and lots of wonderful restaurants and galleries and shops, so if you get the chance to stay there, take it. There's also the Place des Voges park in the Marais which is my favourite little park in Paris.
Re things to do: visit the museums, truly the best in the world without a doubt. I like the Louvre (obviously), Musee D'Orsay, Picasso's Museum, Rodin's museum. Go to the Pompidou Centre. Go ice skating in one of the many parks. Eat at a different bistro every day and try all the pastries which have made the French famous. Not to mention the shops, there are more than enough shops to keep you occupied. Go to the flea market in Clingacourt (not sure if this spelling is right). Do a day tour and a night tour. I could go on and on. I just love Paris and I'm sure you will too.
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The Marais is a wonderful central location within walking distance to the Notre Dame and Pont Alexandre. Lots of funky clothes shops and little gardens for some al fresco dining. But in the middle of winter, this might not be your idea of fun.
You should not miss Pont Alexandre with the lights and golden domes, cherubs - just beautiful.
I lived in the Latin quarter which was a 15 minutes walk to the Marais, across the river. The Pantheon was five minutes from my place and should not be missed. The renovations should be done by Christmas and the building will look absolutely stunning.
Museums are a good idea when it gets cold outdoors and there will be fewer tourists than in the summer as well. I didn't really care for the Pompidou Centre because modern art was not my thing.
My favourite area of all was Montmartre - felt like a little village in the middle of the big city. The Sacre Coeur was very beautiful and Paris is spread out below.
Bring lots of cash as the place is expensive for those that earn HKD.
Enjoy.
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pears
18 yrs ago
Seems quite enough to do in Paris, tks for all of yr advices. Am also considering Egypt as the weather should be warmer.......?? Any suggesion ? Thanks at advance.
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I agree with Shoe Girl. Yes it is cold in Paris around Christmas but you'll still get to see Paris - beautiful with the lights at that time of year. It really is not dark at all (yes in the evening/late afternoon) and it's also not THAT cold, it's not like you're going to the North pole!! It's a perfect place to go for Christmas. I would not stay two weeks though - go for one week and then go somewhere else in Europe.
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pears
18 yrs ago
Actually, it's not a bad idea. I think I'll shorten the stay and go to London for a week then, doea anyone know if I can take a train or bus from Paris? Thanks again:)
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yes - Eurostar is great - just over 2 hours direct Paris to London - can book online.
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pears
18 yrs ago
tks again for the info. Will check online.
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Get hold of the Time Out Guide to Paris - possibly available in HK. Full of info - the best guide by far, I would say
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