Frank, I would highly recommend taking an hour's train trip out of Paris to Chartres, which has a magnificent medieval cathedral with a labyrinth carved into the stone floor. The carved figures inside the cathedral are amazing. The town is pretty, too. It's in the same direction as Versailles, so if you go there, you can go on to Chartres the same day. I greatly enjoyed my visit to the town and also ate at a very fine cafe. But since this was eight years ago, I can't remember the name of it, and it may not be in business anyway. It was near the cathedral, though, because we were on foot. I found I did need my French more in Chartres than in Paris, but I got along fine. May sounds like the perfecft time to go. I did a discount trip in February and did catch some bad weather.
On 4/4/08, FRANK BERECZ <franklintheo...@yahoo.ca> wrote:
I spent 4-5 days on my own in Paris at the end of September.
Unfortunately, rugby fever had taken over the city which made it
difficult to find reasonable accommodation & prices seemed to be out
of control. (cup of coffee with milk in an outdoor cafe 7$ Cdn)
Month of May should be a nicer time of year. Since I was alone
(awaiting a group tour of Loire valley & Normandy), I had to be mighty
careful. For sure, I would never use the subway alone again......and
walking around in the dark is unwise. I stayed at a nice hotel on
Boulevard St. Michel, within walking distance to the Seine, churches,
museums. What I loved to do most in Paris is meeting the multitude of
artists along both sides of the river. You can walk in the sunshine
for miles and everywhere you look, you are surrounded by beauty.
Listened to a symphony play in St. Germain des Pres, which I believe
to be one of the oldest churches in Paris. (but hefty ticket price to
sit on small creaky chairs). Also, enjoyed walking the Champs Elysees
to the Arc de Triomphe & return on the opposite side of the avenue.
Comfortable shoes will be your best friend. The bridge over the Seine
near the Eiffel tower leads you to a lovely open promenade, where you
can get a bite from one of the kiosks, listen to musicians, sit on the
steps & enjoy the magnificent view of the Eiffel. Because of the
rugby season, I had to change hotels to a smaller one on Rue Clair.
Fresh flowers, fruit, food stands etc. adorn this little bustling
street. Sacre Coeur is a must.....artistic area. I would love to
visit Paris again, but not alone....I'm sure I missed some of the best
places. Having been in France for the entire month, I visited more
churches, castles, and palaces to last me a lifetime!
Hope this helps somewhat. Wanda
On Apr 4, 8:11 am, FRANK BERECZ <franklintheo...@yahoo.ca> wrote:
Hi Frank, you might consider going to the Sewer Museum (Musee des
Egouts de Paris). I lived in Paris for a year in the 60's and was
lucky enough to go for a tour inside them. I see this is now
discontinued but it is a unique and historic system (especially if
you've seen Les Miserables and the scene in the sewer). If you like
'naive' art there is also a Musee d'Art Naif at the foot of the Butte
Montmartre (hill). You could also take a trip to Giverny to see
Monet's House and Garden. A friend visited Versailles last year and
rented bicycles to wheel around the estate and out-buildings.
The Eye Witness Guide I bought ten years ago has five 90 minute walks
in different areas of Paris.
I'd visit Chartier Restaurant in the 9th (7 rue Faubourg) for a
historic budget meal - I see they have a web site too now.
Frommer's web site has suggested itineraries for 1-2-3- days and
suggested walks as well. I hope you have plenty of time to spend
there..
Angela
On Apr 4, 6:11 am, FRANK BERECZ <franklintheo...@yahoo.ca> wrote:
Lucky you-Paris in May!
May should be the perfect time to enjoy the parks and gardens. I've
done Paris in jan. and oct. and the parks are still charming then, but
should be great in spring. Paris Walks www.paris-walks.com offers
themed guided walks daily, a great way to see beyond the main tourist
sites. www.parisinfo.com is a good place to check out happenings like
concerts or special exhibitions, and there are small museums on almost
everything if you look hard enough.
I agree with people that you should visit Versailles and Chartres,
although I think you could easily spend an entire day at Versailles
exploring the gardens. If you're a true art fan, avoid the Louvre on
its free day because it's packed! Choose its late opening (Fridays, I
think, check the net) and have the place almost to yourself after 5
pm. Musee des Moyen-Agen, Thermes de Cluny is a great place for
medieval art, and not usually crowded.
I travel a lot on my own and I've never been bothered by using public
transport, so I think the Metro is fine and inexpensive. Take the
Metro to your "must-see" sight, and then wander afterwards-guidebook
and map handy, of course.
If the weather isn't good for long walks, check out the catacombs.
Creepy but interesting.
As in any big city, you'll find plenty to do.
Have fun.
On Apr 4, 1:11 pm, FRANK BERECZ <franklintheo...@yahoo.ca> wrote:
May is a great time for Paris, and may even be quiet warm (when I was
there it was in the 80s.) I spent a week alone in Paris with no
problems walking and using the Metro, even at night. The metro is very
easy to use and I felt safe just wandering through the city. If you
like art I highly recommend the Dali Museum in Montmartre and the
Rodin Museum. There is also the Musee Carnavalet in Marais that covers
pretty much all of French history. Plus the Marais is an interesting
little are of Paris to wander around. There is also a small museum
(Archeological Crypt) near Notre Dame that is interesting and doesn't
take much time. It's easy to miss-look for stairs leading down to it
in front of Notre Dame.
-Angela
On Apr 4, 9:11 am, FRANK BERECZ <franklintheo...@yahoo.ca> wrote:
