Vive La Paris

Overview

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“I’d like to see Paris before I die… Philadelphia will do.” (Mae West)Paris…The city of lights, a haven for romantics, culture, arts, couture fashion, baguettes, and damn good wine…Paris has it all. It is the capital city of France and home to many of the world’s most renowned museums in the world. We arrived in Paris as our first stop on our month-long trip to see four countries. I’ve always had a passion for fine arts and art history so I was ready to welcome Paris with wide-open arms. Sadly, when we landed at CDG, it was pouring rain and the weather was miserable. I wouldn’t let that faze me even though it indeed rained the next four days. We arrived right at the start of May 2007....Read More

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Appihotel

Hotel

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Appihotel is more of a low budget hotel than a hostel. It's relatively quiet and appeals more to the independent or budget-conscious travel than a fellow hostel-goer. This place is not for families because it's in the 2e arrondissement right on Saint Denis (otherwise known as the red light district). However, being a young female traveler, I encountered no problems whatsoever and felt perfectly safe. I did see a few prostitutes standing on the street here and there but they just minded their own business and expect you to do the same.I traveled with another female and we each paid C$35 a night for a twin private en suite room. It was very clean, modern, and bright. The bathroom (especially t...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 5, 2007

Appihotel
158 rue Saint Denis
Paris, France
+33 (1) 42 33 35 16

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Jardin des Plantes (Le)

Attraction

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This is the world's oldest zoo and was created in 1794 but later expanded and improved over the next two centuries. It's a relatively small (but easily accessible) zoo located within the Jardin des Plantes in the 5e arrondissement. According to the official website (www.mnhn.fr), there are 240 mammals, 500 birds, and 130 reptiles housed at this zoo. It's a great place to take children or just about anyone on a nice sunny day. If you only plan to see the Jardin des Plantes or the surrounding museums (I believe there are two, a national history one and a geology one) and you have lots of extra time, you can just stroll around in the zoo.Admission...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 5, 2007

Jardin des Plantes (Le)
57, rue Cuvier
Paris, France 75005
+33 1 40 79 30 00

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Conciergerie

Attraction

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This palace is a former prison that once housed the ill-fated Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. It's near the Notre Dame Towers on Île de la Cité (1e arrondissement). Portions of the palace are still used today by the government so only small sections are open to the public. I've always been interested in the French Revolution and anything that had to do with the Napoleonic Era so it was only natural we decided to visit this spot. We had bought the Paris Museum Pass (2-day) the previous day so we didn't have to pay an admission fee which is usually €6.50 for adults and €4.50 for students. We showed up near closing time (6pm during the season, 5pm off-season) so we didn't expect to stay ver...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on June 5, 2007

Conciergerie
2, Boulevard Du Palais
Paris
+33 01 53.40.60.80

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Musee Rodin

Attraction | "Rodin Museum"

Quote:

Located in the 7e arrondissement, this museum was one of the best museums I've attended. I purchased a two-day Paris Museum Pass and, after visiting all the major sights, I decided to hit this museum to see my favorite Rodin sculptures.It's a relatively small museum but definitely worthwhile, whether you have the pass or not. Many of Rodin's sculptures are out in the lush rose gardens complete with small fountains and pretty tree-lined avenues. Student rate is €5 and adult rate is €7 for full access to the museum, exhibitions, and gardens. For budget-conscious people, the museum is free on the first Sunday of every month.I was particularly taken with Rodin's "The Burghers of Calais...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 5, 2007

Musee Rodin
77, Rue De Varenne
Paris 75007
+33 (1) 44 18 61 10

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Musee d'Orsay

Attraction

Quote:

If you're not a fan of massive crowds and like to visit smaller galleries, this is the perfect museum for you to visit. The museum is located in the 7e arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower and just a short metro ride from the Louvre. Regular admission rates for adults is 7.50 euros, and the concession rate is 4.50. The museum is free on the 1st Sunday of every month as well for people under the age of 18 and for disabled people. When we arrived at the museum in the early afternoon, there was a massive line with well over 150 people in line. Thankfully, we had purchased the Paris Museum Pass so we happily bypassed the line and went straight into the museum with no admission charges. ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 6, 2007

Musee d'Orsay
62, Rue De Lille
Paris, France 75343
+33 (1) 4049-4994

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Napoleon's Tomb

Attraction

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Napoleon was one of the world's foremost military leaders with one of the greatest stories you've ever heard. Born to a large family, he married an Empress, evolved into a powerful army leader, was made into Emperor at a young age, won and lost many battles, and finally exiled to St. Helena. His legend still lives on in the hearts of many history and military buffs.Napoleon's Tomb is adjunct with Hotel des Invalides in the 7e arrondissement. I didn't visit the Military Museum due to time. I've always been fascinated with French Revolutionary history, especially when it came to the relationship between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. The tomb is magnificent and majestic. It is certain...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 14, 2007

Napoleon's Tomb
Esplanade des Invalides
Paris, France
+45 55 92 30

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Paris Opera (The Palais Garnier, Opéra Garni)

Attraction | "Paris Opera"

Quote:

Opera Garnier was actually one of our first stops during our stay in Paris. It is located in the 9e arrondissement. To get there, there are several metro lines (Lines 3, 7 and 8). Admission is 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for students, children, and seniors. Children under the age of 10 are given free entry. However, you must check to see whether there is a rehearsal on the day you are planning to visit, otherwise you will not be allowed entry. It is open daily (for the most part) from 10am to 6pm. A tip for the wise traveller: Show up before opening time to stand in line because you must go through security before purchasing tickets. There are guided tours available but admission is usually double ...Read More

Opera Garnier was actually one of our first stops during our stay in Paris. It is located in the 9e arrondissement. To get there, there are several metro lines (Lines 3, 7 and 8). Admission is 7 euros for adults and 4 euros for students, children, and seniors. Children under the age of 10 are given free entry. However, you must check to see whether there is a rehearsal on the day you are planning to visit, otherwise you will not be allowed entry. It is open daily (for the most part) from 10am to 6pm. A tip for the wise traveller: Show up before opening time to stand in line because you must go through security before purchasing tickets. There are guided tours available but admission is usually double the regular admission price and they are infrequent (2-3 times a day).

The history of Opera Garnier is a long and rich one in which it was first established by Napoleon the Third during the restoration of many of Paris’ historic buildings and palaces. Opera Garnier was made famous by the author of the original “Phantom of the Opera” tale, which was later adapted in Broadway and movies. Naturally, I am a huge fan of the Broadway musical as well as the movie, so I couldn’t miss it for the world. I was tempted to sing “Notes” while standing on the balcony that overlooked the seats!

Opera Garnier appeals to everyone but would be well-suited for the older crowds and those interested in history, architecture or just plain fans of “The Phantom of the Opera”. There are beautiful winding staircases, majestic chandeliers, horrifying Gothic sculptures with more gold than you’ve ever seen in your life. Photography is allowed for the most part but keep in mind that 95% of the place is dimly lit so a good camera is needed to get good pictures.

Overall, Opera Garnier is a must-see when visiting Paris. Take some time to stroll through the streets in the 9th district and be sure to not miss a sit-down at a local café which are strewn all over the place. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Paris Opera (The Palais Garnier, Opéra Garni)
8, Rue Scribe
Paris, France 75009
33 1 40 01 17 89

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Eiffel Tower

Attraction | "Tour Eiffel"

Quote:

When you visit Paris, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, it’s usually the Eiffel Tower that is the first stop of your “things to see” list as it was the case with me. The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th district and is Paris’ tallest monument and also one of the most widely recognized structures in the world. It was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the World Expo that was being held in Paris at the time. You can get to the Eiffel Tower by taking either the metro or RER or a combination of both. The station you need to get off is Champ de Mars: Tour Eiffel on RER-C. We showed up late in the day and arrived at the entrance around 5pm. The waiting in line was not so pleasant for we...Read More

When you visit Paris, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time, it’s usually the Eiffel Tower that is the first stop of your “things to see” list as it was the case with me. The Eiffel Tower is in the 7th district and is Paris’ tallest monument and also one of the most widely recognized structures in the world. It was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the World Expo that was being held in Paris at the time.

You can get to the Eiffel Tower by taking either the metro or RER or a combination of both. The station you need to get off is Champ de Mars: Tour Eiffel on RER-C. We showed up late in the day and arrived at the entrance around 5pm. The waiting in line was not so pleasant for we waited over an hour. It was not too bad because I know that earlier in the day, it can be upwards of three hours so one hour doesn’t seem to kill anyone. To keep people entertained, there are often buskers in the area that play their own music. During the peak season, the tower is open from 9am – 12:45am (stairs close at 12:30am) and in the off-season, hours are 9:30am to 11:45pm (stairs close at 6:30pm). Admission fees are moderate in price and vary in price depending on mode of transport and age of person. For general purposes, they range from €2.30 to €11.50. Stairs are cheaper than elevators. Check with the official website for any updates in admission prices.

We decided to take the elevator to the first floor and bought for tickets for just under 5 euros. The view from the 1st floor is amazing and you are overlooking the Seine on one side and Tuileries on the other side. You can see Sacre-Coeur in the distance along with numerous Paris monuments and buildings. Our time on the first floor was disturbed by a group of Kurdish protesters that threw thousands of flyers from the 1st and 2nd floor off all the way to the ground. The group was controlled by a team of special French police officers that detained them quickly and shuttled them to the police station in a van.

The Eiffel Tower is a must-see place for photographers as well. You’ll be able to get great shots, especially at sunset when you have the amazing silhouettes of the structure. The gardens around the monument are peaceful and serene and a great place to have a sit-down lunch or dinner. I would definitely return, especially after sunset, when the tower sparkles for a bit. This is a not-to-miss sight to see in Paris! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Eiffel Tower
Champ De Mars
Paris 75007

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Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Attraction

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Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Paris’ renowned landmarks with its majestic towers that span for eternity. The interior of the cathedral is so beautiful and yet at the same time, so dark and ancient. It gives you a sense of wonder and fulfillment when you see all these candles burning in the background. The crowds were large but it is expected for it’s such a popular place with tourists and locals alike. We came here late in the day around 5pm after a long, busy day. The carvings on the exterior of the cathedral are stunning and really remind you how much work went into that church. After walking through the church, we decided to use our Paris Museum Pass to climb the towers. Our guidebook (Let...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Cathédrale Notre-Dame
6, place du Parvis-de-Notre-Dame
Paris, France 75004
+33 (1) 42 34 56 10

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Centre Pompidou

Attraction | "Beaubourg - Centre Georges Pompidou"

Quote:

To get a taste of one of the world’s greatest collection of modern art, simply head to Centre Pompidou in the 4e arrondissement. To get there by metro, get off at one of the following stations: Rambuteau* (Line 11), Hotel de Ville (Line 11) or Chatelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14). This is the place where we bought our Paris Museum Pass and I recommend this because: a) there are barely any lines when purchasing at Centre Pompidou, and b) Centre Pompidou is included in the pass so it is free. I believe that the Centre is open from 11am to 9pm and closed on Tuesdays. It is said that the Centre has free admission on the first Sunday of every month but that was not the case for us – they would not let us th...Read More

To get a taste of one of the world’s greatest collection of modern art, simply head to Centre Pompidou in the 4e arrondissement. To get there by metro, get off at one of the following stations: Rambuteau* (Line 11), Hotel de Ville (Line 11) or Chatelet (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11 and 14). This is the place where we bought our Paris Museum Pass and I recommend this because: a) there are barely any lines when purchasing at Centre Pompidou, and b) Centre Pompidou is included in the pass so it is free. I believe that the Centre is open from 11am to 9pm and closed on Tuesdays. It is said that the Centre has free admission on the first Sunday of every month but that was not the case for us – they would not let us through even though it was said the admission was free. We simply bought the pass and used it to enter the gallery the next day.

The exterior of Centre is what you would expect to see in an engineering plant, only that it’s more colourful and has an art deco feel to it. Many Parisians were offended when it was first established but now it’s highly revered. There are six floors that are accessible by escalator, elevator, and stairs. When I visited back in May 2007, some floors were closed so we were only able to visit 2 floors. Centre Pompidou is the home to many works of famous artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, and several others. For children, there are open-concept works of arts that would be sure to keep them interested.

Centre Pompidou is perfect for people who are keen in photography because the view from the top is spectacular and to die for. Many people mill about on the outdoor grounds in front of the Centre and it’s a great place to do some people watching. If you’re a student or budget traveller and not willing to pay exorbitant prices at Internet cafes, you can use the free Internet at the library inside the gallery. Keep in mind that you must wait in line to receive a ticket that has your computer number and access code and I believe it’s for 30 minutes’ access. To get another 30 minutes added on, you must go back to the line to get another ticket. Either way, it may be hassle but it’s free and beats the 1-euro/15 minute charge seen in most Internet cafes.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the modern works of art and I was very pleased to get a chance to be up and close to my favourite Kandinsky paintings. It also helps that the galleries and their respective floors are brightly lit and have a warm, airy feel, which is a stark contrast to other certain museums. Best time to go is in the late afternoon, early evening – so you can beat the crowds and perhaps have a room to your own! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Centre Pompidou
Place Georges Pompidou
Paris 75004
+33 (1) 44 78 12 33

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Catacombs of Paris

Attraction | "Catacombes (Les)"

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One of Paris’ most unique experiences – it is said that the catacombs span more than 300km in length although a small portion of it is open to the unsuspecting public. The Catacombs were established back in the 1800s due to the lack of space in cemeteries. Admission is €2.50 for students, €3.30 for seniors and €7 for adults. You can get to the site by taking the metro (Line 4 - Direction: Porte d'Orleans , Station: Denfert Rochereau).The Catacombs is definitely not for those who are faint of heart, elderly, young children, claustrophobic, or basically anyone who can’t handle narrow steep winding steps. You need not to worry about heat because it is very cool down in the tunnels, which is a gre...Read More

One of Paris’ most unique experiences – it is said that the catacombs span more than 300km in length although a small portion of it is open to the unsuspecting public. The Catacombs were established back in the 1800s due to the lack of space in cemeteries. Admission is €2.50 for students, €3.30 for seniors and €7 for adults. You can get to the site by taking the metro (Line 4 - Direction: Porte d'Orleans , Station: Denfert Rochereau).

The Catacombs is definitely not for those who are faint of heart, elderly, young children, claustrophobic, or basically anyone who can’t handle narrow steep winding steps. You need not to worry about heat because it is very cool down in the tunnels, which is a great way to beat the heat on hot days in Paris.

The walls are lined with endless amounts of bones and skulls, all neatly arranged in patterns – which were out of respect for the dead. The lighting down in the Catacombs is very dim. Photography is not really allowed, especially with a flash. There were no signs when I used my camera (at the time, I didn’t know it was basically a no-no) so after snapping a few shots, a guard gave me a polite warning which I heeded afterwards.

I found the Catacombs to be a strange yet interesting experience but at the same time, a morbid one. It is an experience that is not to be missed and would most likely give you a good break from all the museums and their endless lines. I say that because when I showed up in mid-morning, there was no one in line so that meant no waiting time for me. But be forewarned, when you exit the catacombs after climbing what seems to be an endless number of steps, official employees will search you and your belongings. This is to ensure that no bones are taken out of the Catacombs.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this place and would definitely recommend this for it is a true (yet creepy) Parisian historical experience! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Catacombs of Paris
1, Place Denfert-Rochereau
Paris, France 75014
33 (1) 43 22 47 63

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Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles)

Attraction | "Château de Versailles"

Quote:

Everyone says that a trip to Paris is not complete without a trip to Versailles, especially if you want to get away from the endless amount of museums in Paris. The best way to get to Versailles is by RER (Line C5, direction Rive-Gauche). You can purchase a round-trip ticket (€5.50) at any metro station (using an agent at a ticket booth). The train takes about 30 minutes each way then it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to get to the gates of Versailles Palace. Admission to the Palace is included in the Paris Museum Pass but does not include Marie-Antoinette’s Apartments or basically anything outside of the main chateau. You must pay an extra €7 for Marie-Antoinette’s estate and €2 for the apartments of the...Read More

Everyone says that a trip to Paris is not complete without a trip to Versailles, especially if you want to get away from the endless amount of museums in Paris. The best way to get to Versailles is by RER (Line C5, direction Rive-Gauche). You can purchase a round-trip ticket (€5.50) at any metro station (using an agent at a ticket booth). The train takes about 30 minutes each way then it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to get to the gates of Versailles Palace. Admission to the Palace is included in the Paris Museum Pass but does not include Marie-Antoinette’s Apartments or basically anything outside of the main chateau. You must pay an extra €7 for Marie-Antoinette’s estate and €2 for the apartments of the Dauphin and Mesdames. It is open every day except on Mondays and public holidays from 9am to 6:30pm (5:30pm during off-season).

It is best to show up before opening hours because the lines are brutal and you may have to wait more than three hours to get inside if you don’t have a Museum Pass. Make sure you wear sturdy non-slip shoes because of the dreadful cobblestones in the courtyard that are uneven and unforgiving to feet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people trip, stumble, slip or fall over in one single day! I didn’t wait too long in line because I had the pass, so it was only perhaps a 10-minute wait because of tour group that was already in front of us.

I would have to say that Versailles highly disappointed me for a number of reasons. During my visit in early May 2007, there was extensive restoration going on in front of the chateau so we could not get any decent pictures. Inside, it was a madhouse – I was pushed or shoved endlessly. There were far too many people and tour groups in one room and even though the Hall of Mirrors was re-opened, the crowds overwhelmed me.

By the time I reached the King’s living quarters, I just had enough of Versailles. It was very drab and noisy and too much for me to bear. I think I must had a bad day because it was pouring outside and it must have been the day where every single tour group from Paris decided to go to Versailles for the day. I would not return to Versailles until the Palace is completely restored and free of construction. A tip to travellers: Make sure you call ahead and ask about which parts of Versailles are closed for renovation so you don’t want time and money, only to be disappointed by the time you get there. By the time I left Versailles, the line was already packed from the entry to the gate, which was a good distance away in the parking lot area. So buying the Paris Museum Pass is a good investment, especially if you’re not a patient person! Read Less

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles)
20 Km Sw Of Paris
Versailles, France
01 30 83 78 00

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Musée du Louvre

Attraction

Quote:

What’s a visit to Paris without seeing the Louvre? The Louvre is essentially the most famous museum in the world and also home to the renowned Mona Lisa painting. For Da Vinci Code buffs, this is a must-see as well! Located in the 1e arrondissement, it is accessible by metro (Lines 1). The museum is open except on Tuesdays and national holidays from 9am to 6pm. If you want to beat the crowds and you don’t plan on seeing every little thing, show up on Wednesday and Friday evenings when it’s opened till 10pm. For budget-conscious travellers, the museum is free on the 1st Sunday of every month but beware, these special days are usually the most jam-packed! Admission prices are as follow: €9 regular admis...Read More

What’s a visit to Paris without seeing the Louvre? The Louvre is essentially the most famous museum in the world and also home to the renowned Mona Lisa painting. For Da Vinci Code buffs, this is a must-see as well! Located in the 1e arrondissement, it is accessible by metro (Lines 1). The museum is open except on Tuesdays and national holidays from 9am to 6pm. If you want to beat the crowds and you don’t plan on seeing every little thing, show up on Wednesday and Friday evenings when it’s opened till 10pm. For budget-conscious travellers, the museum is free on the 1st Sunday of every month but beware, these special days are usually the most jam-packed! Admission prices are as follow: €9 regular admission and €6 for evening admission (after 6pm). However, lines are notorious and to be expected at the Louvre. It is best to buy a Paris Museum Pass, which allows you free entry into the museum and also gives you a chance to bypass ticket lines.

I showed up just before opening (9am) and was lucky to see that the security lines weren’t long so that only took two minutes for me to go through. When you get past security, you are instantly awestruck by I.M. Pei’s Glass Pyramid that is right in the centre of the great hall.

The Louvre has many rooms, all with different themes and whatnot. I spent four hours touring the rooms I was interested in whereas my travelling partner spent seven hours. With all the walking you’ll be doing, it’s best to not have anything else planned that day because the Louvre will take up a good chunk of your day in terms of time and energy. Make sure you wear good walking shoes because the hard marble is not sympathetic on your feet. I didn’t rent an audioguide so I cannot comment on the quality of that as well as tour guides. Non-flash photography is permitted in most of the rooms but there will definitely be some rooms (i.e. Large-Scale French Paintings, etc.) where photography or filming is an absolute no-no. I was really disappointed to see the audacity of tourists touching (yes, you read that right – touching!) the artworks an sculptures and taking boatloads of flash photos. Please have respect for the works of art because the flash damages the surfaces and makes them more susceptible to wear.

I am a devoted fan of the history between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. I was completely in awe of Jacques-Louis David’s paintings of them, especially “The Coronation of Napoleon and Josephine, 2 December 1804”. I also particularly enjoyed the Greek and Roman arts. The Egyptian collection is not to be missed. There will always be something for everyone, which is why the Louvre appeals to everyone. Therefore, if you miss the Louvre and its majestic collections, you can’t really say that you visited Paris at all! Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 20, 2007

Musée du Louvre
99, rue de Rivoli
Paris, France 75001
+33 (1) 40 20 51 51

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Sleeping in Orly Airport

Story/Tip

Quote:

So you have an early morning flight and you want to save money by sleeping in the airport? No problem! I booked tickets for an EasyJet flight from Paris Orly to Rome Ciampino and our flight was at 7am. That meant we had to check in around 5am if we wanted to get priority boarding (long story). We didn’t want to spend any unnecessary money for another night at a hotel plus a taxi. Sure, people will tell you that taking a taxi is your best option but don’t forget, there are special rates for off-peak hours, especially at the crack of dawn. We checked out of our hotel in the morning and headed to Gare d’Austerlitz train station (Metro Lines 5 and 10 and RER-C). That particular train station is cl...Read More

So you have an early morning flight and you want to save money by sleeping in the airport? No problem! I booked tickets for an EasyJet flight from Paris Orly to Rome Ciampino and our flight was at 7am. That meant we had to check in around 5am if we wanted to get priority boarding (long story). We didn’t want to spend any unnecessary money for another night at a hotel plus a taxi. Sure, people will tell you that taking a taxi is your best option but don’t forget, there are special rates for off-peak hours, especially at the crack of dawn.

We checked out of our hotel in the morning and headed to Gare d’Austerlitz train station (Metro Lines 5 and 10 and RER-C). That particular train station is close to where we want to take the bus to Orly so that’s where we decided to drop our bags off at their baggage storage facility. It’s fairly cheap, especially if you’re travelling with someone else, that way you can store the bags altogether in a single locker. The price is 4 euros upwards, depending on the size of the locker. We spent the rest of the day visiting whatever sights we hadn’t been to yet in Paris. At the end of the day, we returned to Gare d’Austerlitz and had dinner at a nearby McDonald's and then took the metro (Line 7) to Villejuif Louis Aragon (end of the line). From there, we took Bus 285 to Orly Sud which is not too far away (make sure you ask the bus driver to let you off there).

We got to the airport around 9pm and by then, the shops and eateries were already closing down so make sure to bring your own food. We settled in the lounge on the 2nd floor that had teal padded chairs (most of them have no arm-rests). It is near the chapel/prayer area of the airport in the South Terminal. There is a huge viewing window where you can see airplanes taking off and arriving.

There are guards that patrol the airport but they know that quite a few people have early flights so they won’t bother you. But they will most certainly ask you for your passport to make sure you’re not being a bum. The chairs are comfortable but the A/C is often cranked up high so make sure you dress warm. I’m glad I spent the night at Orly Airport because it saved me a lot of money that I could have used for something else. I spent just 2 metro tickets (one to get to Villejuif Louis Aragon and one for Bus 285) rather than a whole bundle on taxi and shuttles.

P.S. Make sure you lock all your luggage and keep it closely with you. It’s easier to do that with a travelling partner where you can alternate on shifts between sleeping and staying up on guard. There were 5-7 other people that spend the night with us and we all minded our own business and had no problems whatsoever. Read Less

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Paris Journals

Vive La Paris

Vive La Paris

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Appihotel

Jardin des Plantes (Le)

Conciergerie

Musee Rodin

Musee d'Orsay

Napoleon's Tomb

Paris Opera (The Palais Garnier, Opéra Garni)

Eiffel Tower

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

Centre Pompidou

Catacombs of Paris

Palace of Versailles (Chateau de Versailles)

Musée du Louvre

Sleeping in Orly Airport

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