MK5 Golf GTI
General => Random Chat => Topic started by: swf7y on January 06, 2011, 10:43:09 pm
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No, not Hilton :P I'm planning on going to Paris early next month with SWMBO for a couple of nights, I've never been before and don't know where to start! Basically, I'm not wanting to drive, rather fly or get the euro tunnel. What is the best method and should I pre-book a hotel? Which part of Paris should I go to so I'm close to tourist attractions?
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Take plenty of wedge with you it anit cheap!! :signLOL: :signLOL:
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When I went a few years back we got the eurostar and stayed in the center of paris in a relatively small 3 star bed and board! Food is reasonably priced in Paris so it doesnt really matter going for slightly cheaper accomodation - after all your there to see a fantastic city and not stay locked in a hotel :P
The best place to stay is a little out of the center, but somewhere still served by the majority of metro lines, such as near Gare du nord, gare l'est and surrounding areas. As far as I remember, we stayed near Rue de Bac which is more southbound, but equally good for accessing the city.
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I would recommend Eurostar if you are close to London it is so much easier as there airports are miles outside of the city.
If you are feeling flush the shangra-la has just opened in Paris they are amazzing hotels.
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Another vote for the Eurostar here, used it several times now, so much less hassle than flying and more convenient as well, going thru CDG is always a hassle as its so big!
Its a great city tho, i love going there, lots to see and do and great food, France has the best steaks IMO, never had one better anywhere else yet!
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Thanks for the reply guys. Does Eurostar go from Birmingham? Also, not feeling too flush so a decent hotel will do. As mentioned before, not gonna spend much time inside anyway!
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I think we stayed at the Hotel Best Western Paris Elysees Monceau.... from what i remember it was still money!
Make sure you get yourself to Sacre Coeur and get all the way to the top of the dome... the view is stunning!
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Eurostar runs from Kings Cross St Pancras. From Brum i suspect, you'll need a train to Euston, then tube from there to Kings Cross is 1 stop, or 5 min walk.
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St Germain is pretty cheap, both in terms of accommodation and food/drink - think lots of students, young professionals, Latin quarter & muti-cultural people.. the hip and trendy, rather than flash.
Pick up an offer on a boutique hotel and as you're only a tube ride away from anything anyway, it doesn't really matter where you're based. I'd avoid anywhere near the La Grande Arche de la Défense (although the prices will seem appealing), tis a bit boring and cut off come late night, as it's more a business quarter.
Sacré-Coeur has been mentioned, fantastic, just watch for pick pockets.
Louvre and Pompidou are great and you can spend a day in there if it is rainy.
Père-Lachaise cemetery, Jim Morrison's and many other famous graves... odd choice I know, but it's pleasant.
For a little known view of the city, there's a cocktail bar and restaurant at the top of the Montparnasse Tower (http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/panoramic-room/montparnasse-tower.htm) which overlooks the Eiffel Tower.
Top tip. Every restaurant will have a set menu on that day, it will be very reasonable & house wine is always good, the French wouldn't stand for crap, and it's much much cheaper than beer. Grab a copy of The Rough Guide from your library too, they've always been handy when I've been travelling, if a little snooty of the cheaper places.
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A great place to start is then see what you fancy
http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/paris/