First trip to Paris this August

Gstone · 06-17-2015, 08:26 AM

Hey,

Going to Paris with the family and another 2 families with kids 9-14 years old. Staying near the Tower.

Any advice on good restaurants, sites not to miss, places to avoid.

someguywithanm3 · 06-17-2015, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gstone

Hey,

Going to Paris with the family and another 2 families with kids 9-14 years old. Staying near the Tower.

Any advice on good restaurants, sites not to miss, places to avoid.

Check out the Palace of Versailles. Rent a couple of golf carts and explore the grounds.

I'm assuming you're doing the normal stuff like going to the Louvre and Arc de Triumph. If you want scary (kids), you can visit the catacombs.

954Stealth · 06-17-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someguywithanm3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gstone

Hey,

Going to Paris with the family and another 2 families with kids 9-14 years old. Staying near the Tower.

Any advice on good restaurants, sites not to miss, places to avoid.

Check out the Palace of Versailles. Rent a couple of golf carts and explore the grounds.

I'm assuming you're doing the normal stuff like going to the Louvre and Arc de Triumph. If you want scary (kids), you can visit the catacombs.

The catacombs? I thought that was illegal lol

Paris is great, lots of museums and history to explore

someguywithanm3 · 06-17-2015, 09:21 AM

Oops. I also forgot to mention the Sacre-Coeur. The building and surrounding grounds are beautiful.

CANGRKE70 · 06-17-2015, 09:23 AM

August is crazy busy, so expect a lot of lines. Took my cousin 4 hours to get up the Eiffel tower. 2 hours to get into the Louvre.

We loved it during fall as it was less hectic.

Things the wife and I enjoyed:

-Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist painters;Cezanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Gaugin) Tours available in English.

-Hemingway Bar at the Ritz. Good atmosphere for a drink when the kids are asleep.

- Marché aux Puces (150-year-old market is the world's largest and most famous flea market.) Lots of deals to be had on souvenirs and it doesn't smell like Marrakesh

-Army Museum and Napoleons tomb. Nearly every weapon and instrument of war imaginable can be found here. From Spartan to Samurai. Think the kids would love this one!

CANGRKE70 · 06-17-2015, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

The catacombs? I thought that was illegal lol

Paris is great, lots of museums and history to explore

Nope you buy a ticket and go down. There are some places that are completely off limits that will get you into trouble if you go after hours.

Won't show the bones, but here are some of the pics. If you're claustrophobic, don't bother.

someguywithanm3 · 06-17-2015, 09:25 AM

Edit: I just read the above post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

The catacombs? I thought that was illegal lol

Did this change recently? I think you can still visit.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...de_France.html

Ian_Mark · 06-17-2015, 09:26 AM

we bought a Paris pass. It's well worth it, free admissions to a lot of attractions.

954Stealth · 06-17-2015, 09:27 AM

Well damn then I need to get back there! I've heard the stories and would love to get down there.

CANGRKE70 · 06-17-2015, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someguywithanm3

Check out the Palace of Versailles. Rent a couple of golf carts and explore the grounds.

P1 · 06-17-2015, 12:08 PM

Not a fan of Paris, but it'll be good to visit it at least once. Stay away from the banlieues and you should be OK. Those are the poorer suburbs where most immigrants live. Just be careful of pickpockets. It'll ruin your entire holiday, trust me. The city is notorious for it.

Gstone · 06-17-2015, 01:20 PM

Thanks for all the info!

I know there will be crowds. We are getting tour guides while there, so hopefully they will know shortcuts or maybe back ways into things.

We are heading south to St. Maxime where we rented the villa after three days. Thats what I'm looking forward to.

overcoil · 06-17-2015, 01:59 PM

I love Paris, if your a runner/jogger it's one of the top cities for running.
On Sunday they have these Sunday markets where they close the streets - it all depends on the Arrondissements where you are but you'll find a Sunday street market
I would not concern myself with restaurants beforehand - unless it's reservations for top tier places.
I never worried about petty crime, but to homeless women I always gave change to.

BMW F22 · 06-17-2015, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

Not a fan of Paris, but it'll be good to visit it at least once. Stay away from the banlieues and you should be OK. Those are the poorer suburbs where most immigrants live. Just be careful of pickpockets. It'll ruin your entire holiday, trust me. The city is notorious for it.

I thought that it was a beautiful city but agree that it wasn't for me. It was too big and too busy. I know there are many things to do there but I hated how it took so long to get to anything because the city was so big.

Steeler · 06-17-2015, 06:46 PM

Paris is beautiful but with all big cities very busy and congested.
Take in the usual sights , Eiffel Tower, The Louvre etc.
If you have time rent a car and drive down to the wine country, beautiful scenery.

Too bad you are going in August.....Lemans is within driving distance

Who's on first · 06-17-2015, 07:10 PM

The Mona Lisa is MUCH smaller then you think.

Also, you must walk up the Eiffle Tower. Well, you do not have to, but I advise it.

JL350 · 06-19-2015, 07:13 AM

If you don't want the lines for the louvre go into the Carrousel du Louvre and you can almost walk straight in.

Also a night tour of the city of lights is worthwhile.

You can get good food anywhere. You have to go to the local patisserie for pastries and baguette for breakfast, get butter and jam from the supermarket.

Otherwise just wandering around is great. The subway is easy to use and cheap, buy "carnets" of tickets.

ipso_facto · 06-19-2015, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by someguywithanm3

Oops. I also forgot to mention the Sacre-Coeur. The building and surrounding grounds are beautiful.

Agreed ... Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre are simply stunning. The food, the people, the views ... soak it up.

MightyMouseTech · 06-19-2015, 07:58 AM

Every time I am in Paris I visit one of my favourite restaurants, it is actually sort of a chain (Ugh, I know), there are several of them. It is quite lively and noisy.

Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Highly recommended if you like steak frites. It is kind of the Parisian version of fast food. They are always busy, there is always a line up, but it is worth the wait. My first time there was funny. Sat down, only thing waitress asked was "how do you want it?", um, how do I want what?

I wish I knew what the hell the green sauce was they put on the steak.

They opened another location in NYC, but it is nothing like the original.

If you want good food that does not cost 100 Euro/plate, all the big name chefs will have several tiers of restaurant. Find their 2nd or 3rd tier restaurant, get food that is the same quality, but usually in a more relaxed, rustic menu/setting. I usually prefer them to their top tier, and about 1/4 the price. Chefs there really are celebrities, bigger than any athlete.

At one 3rd tier, the chef even visited the restaurant during our meal, and sat down with us while we were eating, we were very honoured!

Biggest recommendation is don't make too many plans. Just wander the area you are in (staying away from tourist areas as much as possible) walk, eat, stop for coffee at a cafe, have a glass of wine or two and enjoy life!

omgitsjoe · 06-19-2015, 08:00 AM

Visiting any major world city you'll unfortunately experience the long wait and lines to the " must go to " attractions of the city so bring a good companion , be patient and just enjoy

I drive through Times Square in NY once or twice a week and see all the tourists in awe of the lights and scene of the area. I'm honestly very proud of NYC whenever I see this just the same way Parisians should be proud of their beautiful city.

If I were blessed to hit the lottery on Monday , I'd be in Paris by the week's end sitting in one of those outdoor cafes enjoying a latte and smoking a cigarette while people watching

Enjoy yourself !!

Gstone · 06-19-2015, 08:52 AM

Thanks to everyone for the tips.
I have taken some notes.

MightyMouseTech · 06-19-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omgitsjoe

If I were blessed to hit the lottery on Monday , I'd be in Paris by the week's end sitting in one of those outdoor cafes enjoying a latte and smoking a cigarette while people watching

Enjoy yourself !!

You and me both.

06-17-2015, 08:26 AM	#1
Gstone Lieutenant 142 Rep 555 Posts Drives: '18 GT350, '15 M4 sold Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NY Burbs iTrader: (0)	First trip to Paris this August Hey, Going to Paris with the family and another 2 families with kids 9-14 years old. Staying near the Tower. Any advice on good restaurants, sites not to miss, places to avoid.
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06-17-2015, 09:21 AM	#4
someguywithanm3 Private 319 Rep 89 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	Oops. I also forgot to mention the Sacre-Coeur. The building and surrounding grounds are beautiful.
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06-17-2015, 09:23 AM	#5
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 814 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	August is crazy busy, so expect a lot of lines. Took my cousin 4 hours to get up the Eiffel tower. 2 hours to get into the Louvre. We loved it during fall as it was less hectic. Things the wife and I enjoyed: -Musée d'Orsay (Impressionist painters;Cezanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Degas, Gaugin) Tours available in English. -Hemingway Bar at the Ritz. Good atmosphere for a drink when the kids are asleep. - Marché aux Puces (150-year-old market is the world's largest and most famous flea market.) Lots of deals to be had on souvenirs and it doesn't smell like Marrakesh -Army Museum and Napoleons tomb. Nearly every weapon and instrument of war imaginable can be found here. From Spartan to Samurai. Think the kids would love this one! __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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06-17-2015, 09:26 AM	#8
Ian_Mark Private 14 Rep 86 Posts Drives: '14 228i MSport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 228i [0.00] 2005 Subaru Sti [0.00]	we bought a Paris pass. It's well worth it, free admissions to a lot of attractions.
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06-17-2015, 12:08 PM	#11
P1 Lieutenant General 11572 Rep 11,136 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Not a fan of Paris, but it'll be good to visit it at least once. Stay away from the banlieues and you should be OK. Those are the poorer suburbs where most immigrants live. Just be careful of pickpockets. It'll ruin your entire holiday, trust me. The city is notorious for it.
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06-17-2015, 01:20 PM	#12
Gstone Lieutenant 142 Rep 555 Posts Drives: '18 GT350, '15 M4 sold Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NY Burbs iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the info! I know there will be crowds. We are getting tour guides while there, so hopefully they will know shortcuts or maybe back ways into things. We are heading south to St. Maxime where we rented the villa after three days. Thats what I'm looking forward to.
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06-17-2015, 01:59 PM	#13
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	I love Paris, if your a runner/jogger it's one of the top cities for running. On Sunday they have these Sunday markets where they close the streets - it all depends on the Arrondissements where you are but you'll find a Sunday street market I would not concern myself with restaurants beforehand - unless it's reservations for top tier places. I never worried about petty crime, but to homeless women I always gave change to.
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06-17-2015, 06:46 PM	#15
Steeler Colonel 2429 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: Built not Bought 04 Z4 VF Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Kitchener Ontario Canada iTrader: (2)	Paris is beautiful but with all big cities very busy and congested. Take in the usual sights , Eiffel Tower, The Louvre etc. If you have time rent a car and drive down to the wine country, beautiful scenery. Too bad you are going in August.....Lemans is within driving distance __________________ W2A Intercooled Vortech V3Si, custom ducting, Alpha N, 60# Bosch,2.62 pulley, multi port WMI, Severn Tuning(pokeybritches), Tial, magnaflow,SS race muffler, 42 design,3.91LSD, H&R, Hotchkis,ST coils,Konis, Megan camber arms, AKG SS, Nylon mounts, Poly bushings, Carbon interior, CF Aero.APEX
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06-17-2015, 07:10 PM	#16
Who's on first Brigadier General 2464 Rep 3,803 Posts Drives: A-10C Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (2)	The Mona Lisa is MUCH smaller then you think. Also, you must walk up the Eiffle Tower. Well, you do not have to, but I advise it.
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06-19-2015, 07:13 AM	#17
JL350 Enlisted Member 20 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 2.0D X4 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Perth, Australia iTrader: (0)	If you don't want the lines for the louvre go into the Carrousel du Louvre and you can almost walk straight in. Also a night tour of the city of lights is worthwhile. You can get good food anywhere. You have to go to the local patisserie for pastries and baguette for breakfast, get butter and jam from the supermarket. Otherwise just wandering around is great. The subway is easy to use and cheap, buy "carnets" of tickets.
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06-19-2015, 07:58 AM	#19
MightyMouseTech Major General 4338 Rep 6,196 Posts Drives: 13 135i 6MT LeMans Blue MSport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (0)	Every time I am in Paris I visit one of my favourite restaurants, it is actually sort of a chain (Ugh, I know), there are several of them. It is quite lively and noisy. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte Highly recommended if you like steak frites. It is kind of the Parisian version of fast food. They are always busy, there is always a line up, but it is worth the wait. My first time there was funny. Sat down, only thing waitress asked was "how do you want it?", um, how do I want what? I wish I knew what the hell the green sauce was they put on the steak. They opened another location in NYC, but it is nothing like the original. If you want good food that does not cost 100 Euro/plate, all the big name chefs will have several tiers of restaurant. Find their 2nd or 3rd tier restaurant, get food that is the same quality, but usually in a more relaxed, rustic menu/setting. I usually prefer them to their top tier, and about 1/4 the price. Chefs there really are celebrities, bigger than any athlete. At one 3rd tier, the chef even visited the restaurant during our meal, and sat down with us while we were eating, we were very honoured! Biggest recommendation is don't make too many plans. Just wander the area you are in (staying away from tourist areas as much as possible) walk, eat, stop for coffee at a cafe, have a glass of wine or two and enjoy life! Last edited by MightyMouseTech; 06-19-2015 at 08:26 AM..
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06-19-2015, 08:00 AM	#20
omgitsjoe New Member 20 Rep 27 Posts Drives: Infinite Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Visiting any major world city you'll unfortunately experience the long wait and lines to the " must go to " attractions of the city so bring a good companion , be patient and just enjoy I drive through Times Square in NY once or twice a week and see all the tourists in awe of the lights and scene of the area. I'm honestly very proud of NYC whenever I see this just the same way Parisians should be proud of their beautiful city. If I were blessed to hit the lottery on Monday , I'd be in Paris by the week's end sitting in one of those outdoor cafes enjoying a latte and smoking a cigarette while people watching Enjoy yourself !!
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06-19-2015, 08:52 AM	#21
Gstone Lieutenant 142 Rep 555 Posts Drives: '18 GT350, '15 M4 sold Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NY Burbs iTrader: (0)	Thanks to everyone for the tips. I have taken some notes.
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