[Travel] Paris for the uninitiated.

[mikeyjh]

Yes, she's wanted to go there a long time. I am not bothered personally but the history, architecture and arts do interest me.

Well you're going to the right place then! Paris is brilliant, Eurostar is, by miles, the best way to get there. Once you're in your hotel, you can pretty much walk everywhere, it's a not a massive city. Have fun.

 

[Mr deez]

Eurostar is fantastic, and as above, Europe is then all accessible. I did 2 weeks interrailing earlier this year and had an incredible time - Strasbourg - Colmar - Zermatt - Lucerne - Bellagio (Lake Como) - Genoa - Comogli - Menton.

With Eurostar included, and black Friday 25% it really is affordable, no stress and it includes the Alpine trains like the Glacier/Alpine express which are just incredible.

 

[Gwylan]

I've been to Paris about 40 times over the years and I can still find something new when I go back - it's a fabulous city. There's some good advice here and it's really worth stressing that it's best to avoid staying (and eating ) in the centre (especially if you eat en terrasse) - you pay dearly for it. Stay in one of the outer arrondisements and find somewhere local to eat - look out for places with a prix fixe menu, you can get really decent meals at a reasonable price.

The Metro is very efficient but it's also a very walkable city - not too far between notable landmarks. You should have a great time.

 

[cheshunt seagull]

People have mentioned how expensive it can be but there are some things you can do to manage your budget. Cafes and restaurants in prime locations in the main squares and near tourist destinations charge a hefty premium. However smaller places in the backstreets are much better value, particularly if you go for set menus. It is good to get away from the centre at some stage and I recommend a visit to Buttes Chaumant park. One of the best things to do in Paris is simply to walk as the settings, particularly, along the river are amazing. We usually stay in the Marais district which has a good choice of hotels and places to eat.

 

[Birdie Boy]

The train is great, although I believe they've stopped using Ebbsfleet which would have been ideal for you.
I thoroughly recommend this restaurant, https://www.bouillon-chartier.com/ . It is one of the oldest and its very popular and cheap! Fantastic experience and food which is fresh, they buy in x amount each day and when it is gone it's gone. You cannot book and have to just turn up, if you go on a Friday or Saturday, be prepared for a big queue. I went on a Sunday evening and went in fairly quickly. Was asked to share with another couple, Spanish who spoke no English, fantastic night and somehow we found out the guy is in the same job as me!

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

@Green Cross Code Man - do a wee bit of research and, er, research restaurants doing 'prix fixe' lunches near you. You'll get two quality courses at a very reasonable price. Further off the beaten tourist track you go, the better the food and the value

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I've been to Paris about 40 times over the years and I can still find something new when I go back - it's a fabulous city. There's some good advice here and it's really worth stressing that it's best to avoid staying (and eating ) in the centre (especially if you eat en terrasse) - you pay dearly for it. Stay in one of the outer arrondisements and find somewhere local to eat - look out for places with a prix fixe menu, you can get really decent meals at a reasonable price.

The Metro is very efficient but it's also a very walkable city - not too far between notable landmarks. You should have a great time.

If you’re a runner it’s one of the best capital cities around. Last time I was staying in Bastille and took a run along the Seine out to the Eiffel Tower and back. Glorious.

 

[Jim in the West]

Some great advice here - you probably have more than enough already! But I would 100% endorse going by train - avoiding Charles de Gaulle airport is an absolute must - an awful airport in my experience.

As for places to stay, we prefer the areas around Canal St Martin and Belleville - not far from Gare du Nord and easily walkable to the centre. If the weather's decent, allow plenty of time just for wandering around.....strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries has to be one of life's great pleasures. If you like live music with a few drinks and something to eat, I would thoroughly recommend La Bellevilloise https://www.labellevilloise.com/. They do a "café-concert" most evenings which is great fun. I'd also recommend the "Coulée Verte" - a smaller version of New York's High Line....ideal for an afternoon stroll away from (most of) the crowds.

But if you go in the summer prepare for it to be BUSY. Also, personally I find Paris has more than its fair share of dodgy characters looking to prey on tourists (and I say that having lived there, and being a French-speaker) - so watch out for your phone, wallet, hand-bag, etc.

 

[Sussexscots]

Love Paris. Much prefer the Eurostar. Largely because I loathe airports and avoid them whenever practical.

If your budget stretches to it, have a look at 'Le Train Bleu' the restaurant above the Gare de Lyon Station. The Belle Epoque grandeur is quite stunning. Food is classic French and not cheap, but they do a 'Traveller's Menu', two courses for a fixed price. I've enjoyed lunch there a couple of times before catching the TGV to Geneva. Helps make travel a destination in itself.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful time.

 

[Jack Straw]

Due to my mindset, which I find hard to shake off, I am a bit worried about the prospect although I know in all honesty that this should be relatively straightforward but again, I realise this is likely a mental health problem.

I know exactly how you feel. I too "suffered" with this until I reached about 40 years old. I didn't even go to my friend's wedding in London, as I was too anxious to travel there. I plucked up the courage to drive to an away game or too, and found there was nothing to worry about. I ended up driving to every game, all over the country.
Apart from a day-trip in the 1970's to Dieppe with friends, I'd not been abroad until 20 year's ago when a girl-friend said she wanted to go to France, and if I didn't go, she'd go on her own! I went. We've gone every year, usually twice (apart from the Covid period), ever since. Once you've done these things once, the fear goes, and it inspires you to get out of your comfort-zone more often. Now, I can't wait to choose where we go, book the Eurotunnel, the stop-over hotels, and the best bit, driving on the wrong side of the road! It really is a piece of pee. I totally love it!! If someone had told me that 20 years ago, I would have said they were mad.
As for flying, my first time was in a helicopter from Penzance to the Scilly Isles in 2005. Three years later, I booked a holiday in Madeira, and flew in a plane for the first time aged 52.
All my travel worries have now gone, and although I don't go far, doing it now holds no fear.
I've been to France twice this year, and going again in three weeks, and yes, we've been to Paris for a few days via the Eurostar. All the advice given above is good.
My advice would be to try to pluck up the courage and do it. If I can anyone can?!!

 

[herecomesaregular]

Loved Paris. Would recommend the underground Catacombs and the Museum of Magic for alternative fun times. Also my gf at the time went into the bathroom of our tiny high-up apartment (up hundreds of stairs it seemed) for an age ...and then came out dressed as a French tart (carrying macarons, a double whammy), which was was a fun time too..