I just want to prepare you a little for your first day in France.
Our flight is scheduled to land in Paris at something like 7:40 a.m. on Thursday.
By the time we collect our luggage and clear customs it should be around 9 a.m.
We've arranged for two vans to pick us up at the airport and deliver us to the hotel. By the time we get everything sorted out and into town it should be around 11a.m. or a little later.
Here's where you need to prepare. The odds that our rooms will be waiting for us that early in the day at this hotel are approximately zero. What we can do is take care of some of the formalities at check-in and then dump the bags with the front desk.
From there we'll be free to roam the streets of Paris until our rooms are waiting for us.
Here's the catch: Odd are you're going to be very, very tired and jet lagged on arrival. You probably won't feel truly human again until you wake up in the hotel on Friday morning.
If the weather is nice, a nice walk or a ride on the bateaux mouche would be something to consider. Otherwise I'd hit one of the museums (any museum except the Louvre--way to intense for your jet lagged self).
After a little light orientation touring, a nice dinner at a little cafe and a good night's sleep, you'll be really ready to crank up the trip and take Paris by storm.
I'm open to any and all suggestions on how to spend that first day in Paris. Who has ideas?
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A group of friends ponders, plans and prepares for an upcoming shared mid-life adventure.
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13 comments:
I'm thinking the view from the Eiffel Tower will set the mood and give s sense of perspective. The night boat ride on the Seine sounds absolutely fabulous (not that we'll be missing any boat time, but the night views along the route should be scrumptious.)
After careful study of my new map, I have found that our hotel is just north of the Palais/Jardin du Luxembourg and within walking distance. WE are in (or near) the Latin Quarter, and they have lots to do/see/eat within walking distance. Hotel is also just south of the Louvre which is across the Seine. I agree that the Louvre is best visited on a good night's sleep, so may adventure over there on day 2. I like the first night( or 2nd night) bateau ride idea to see the sights and to set the mood. We'll probably be hungry after the flight over, eat a big early meal and need to walk it off. Which night is our big dinner in Paris??
We had discussed attending mass at Notre Dame on Sunday, that would be a good day to explore the Ile de la Cite. That leaves 2 days for exploring the museums, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, etc.
Is anyone up for an evening in Montmarte? Moulin Rouge?
OK, so I just took the virtual night tour on the Vendette du Pont Neuf (short walk from our hotel) and it is amazing!!! I would love to take it on our first night. First night boat is at 9pm. Day light tours are about every 1/2 hour. Cost is 12 Euro. We could take the ride and be in bed by 10:30!!
I just printed out the 2 euro discount for each ticket, so they are now 10 euros!!!!
Okay then--Von Stroheim and Colleen can be our spirit guides on Thursday. They're clearly thinking this through.
I just checked and there's an English tour on Thursday at 2 p.m. of Notre Dame Cathedral that lasts 90 minutes.
On Sunday, there are no tours in English, but there's mass at 8:30, lauds service at 9:30, gregorian mass at 10, and an international mass at 11:30.
Here's the link to the cathedral's website:
http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/
On our first trip to Paris those many years ago, Teri and I bought a small painting from a starving artist at Montmartre. I'll point it out when you get here.
What time does the van to the bateau come for us??
I think it's around 2 p.m. on Sunday
Great! That leaves time to explore the Ile!
OR....we can go to St Sulpice for the mass with the big pipe organ snce it's in the neighborhood. We could go to the Ile for day one, tour Notre Dame, and just scope out the great cafes over there. Then we can get on the night boat tour and see the rest of the city from the Seine!!
THe first day, Beau and I plan to hit the streets and also want to do the night boat ride.
We also want to go to church on Sunday. I think we may do the gregorian service. Beau love to do housework to the gregoian chants. go figure?
WE ARE ALL PACKED! Beau has some very contintenal outfits. He is taking 2 Hawiaan shirts. After all we will be near water. It was tough to narrow it down to just 2 See you all soon.
Sounds like the night boat tour is a go!!! I think I'll spend the afternoon on the Ile, maybe tour Notre Dame, find a little cafe, look for Rene,and meet up for the bateau ride! I cannot wait!!!
Count me in for mass on Sunday--any language or flavor.
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