If I’ve never been to Paris and have half a day to see it, what’s the best way to spend that time?
Actually I visited there once, but I was about 11 years old and don’t remember much. I’ll be there later this week for a short business trip; I arrive around noon on Thursday, and have the rest of the day free. That’s it. I know I can easily spend it in the Louvre but I’d like to see a bit more of the city. I’m staying in the Montparnasse area.
I’d appreciate any tips and suggestions.
You would get lost in the Louvre and spend your entire time there. If I only had a half day, I would either just go walking around the 4th arrondissement and it’s many shops, cafes, etc. and just get a feel of the City; or I would go do the Fat Tire Bike Tourof Paris. They have a daily tour that starts at 3 pm and lasts about 4 hours for 28 Euro. You will see a great deal of Paris on the tour and the biking is not very strenuous. Just show up at the south leg of the Eiffel tower at 3:00 pm, no reservation required.
My wife and I did one of their tours while we were in Paris a few years ago for 4 days, and it was one of the highlights of the visit.
That sounds perfect, thanks! That’s my plan A for now.
Anyone have recommendations for a reasonably tourist-friendly restaurant in the Montparnasse area?
It’s impossible to get a bad meal in Paris. We stayed near Montpernasse and ate at A Saint Malo near the station (sandwiches), and at Le Dome near Boulevard Raspal (full meals). There was also a great little creperiebetween the two.
Most restaurants have a prix fixe meal with a menu on the street with an appetizer (called “entree”), a main course, and a dessert, so you can choose. You can also ask at your hotel.
Also, if you are tired after the bike ride, find a cafe and order a glass of wine (the house wine is always a good choice – cafes and restaurants make their reputation on the quality of their house wine).
I found the French very friendly. It helps if you’re polite and are willing to speak a little French (learn “pardon” – pronounced PAR-d’ohn: it will come in handy in many ways). But most people have no problem with English and often seem eager to speak it.
Also, if you are in need of translation help…ask younger people (teenagers to early 20’s). They want to practice their English and tend to be more helpful.
Is a half day enough time to get to the top of the Eiffel Tower? I don’t know how long the lines are, or how long they let you stay up there, but if it was doable, that might be my choice. The bike thing is a contender, too. I’d skip the Louvre with your time constraints, because everything I’ve read suggests it’s at least an all day thing to see it and do it justice.
Two words: French hooker.
'Nuff said.
If you want to go to a museum, go to *Le Musée d’Orsay. *It includes works of the impressionists through art nouveau. The top floor has a room of Van Goghs, a room of Monets, etc., and the building itself is a work of art.
Or have lunch at the Rodin Museum (the Thinker, the Kiss, etc.)
Lines for the Eiffel Tower can be very long. Since you’ll be in Montparnasse, go to the top of the Montparnasse Tower. Great views of the entire city . . . and more.
Or just spend a few hours walking through the Left Bank.
If it turns out you only have a few hours to see something, these two places in the Montparnasse area are good to visit:
The Jardin Atlantique on the roof of the Montparnasse station:
I love this cafe and frequently meet up with friends there Friday nights after work:
Also, there’s also a shopping center under/next to the Tour Montparnasse if you feel the need to buy yourself or someone else a little something.