Transport from Pepignan Airport to Argeles (La Sirene)

Hi, we are 2 families of 9 people travelling from Pepignan Airport to Argeles, camping La Sirene at the end of August. We believe it is about 20km. I was wondering should we get a taxis or hire cars, how much do you think it would cost either way.

Also if you have any other advice on places to visit etc whilst there I would be grateful.

Many thanks

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Hi, we have just come back from argeles and it was the best holiday we have ever had and are going back next year!!

We hired a car from perpignan airport so did not need taxi, car was a ford cmax and cost us ������������������450.00 for 16days, but you do need it as there is so much to do in the area and a car is ideal although not essential. It takes about 40 mins top get from airport to la sirene, try to go to climbing park near the site, reception will give details, also go karting and bowling on same complex as climbing park. Everyone will tell you to do little yellow train into pyranees, but if you have kids, dont, pretty but boring... nicest place to visit is coillure, 10 mins down coast and stunning, aslo only calm sea for swimming in the area. pool on site is lovely but COLD%26amp;gt;%26amp;gt;%26amp;gt;food on site restuarant good and cheap... have a great time.

Sue England

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I%26#39;ve been to La Sirene 6x now. It%26#39;s good. A cheap way to travel around is this:

Take shuttle bus from airport to train station Perpignan. From there, take train which takes 20 min to Argeles. From there, take taxi to campsite, drive is 10 min. max.

At the campsite you can hire bikes for around 40-60 euro/week, depending on model. Shop at Lid%26#39;l in center of Argeles Village and you save loads!

Oh yes, the pool warms up by 2nd week July, once the sun warms up.

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Whats the weather like in Argeles dur Mer at end of May/early June? Will the pools be freezing?

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Whats the weather like in Argeles dur Mer at end of May/early June? Will the pools be freezing?

I doubt they will be freezing.

Temperatures have been abnormally high since December : 24.7°C 4 weeks ago.

The weather is usually nice and warm in May/June but weather patterns seem to be a-changing !

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How to see the best of Paris on a budget

Hello Everyone, my wife and I are looking to travel to France in May for 8-10 days and possibly a day trip to another local country on the euro rail . We would like to make our dollar travel as far as possible. Can people please recommend if we should book our trip through a specific tour company or simply do it on our own? We are looking for the best deals possible to see as much of France as possible. We want to visit versials, mt st. micheal, and go on a champeign tour. Can people please recommend tour company%26#39;s and give me a idea what a fair price is for most of this stuff. Any advise would be greatly appriciated

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Hiya

Me and my partner travelled to Paris last November... We were on a tight budget with Christmas coming up but had an absolutely wonderful time all the same.

We booked our hotel through lastminute.com and our flights seperately with BMI.

When we were there we went on a few tours. One by open top bus which cost us 20 euros each - which to be honest i wouldnt really recommend, We had already travelled around Paris ourselves using the very easy Metro and had seen pretty much all they show on the bus tours, plus the commentary on the bus isnt that great anyway.

We also went on a river cruise down the Seine which was brilliant, excellt value for money (cost just 10 euros each) much better commentary and more romantic atmosphere plus you get a more chance for pictures etc as the boat moves alot slower than the bus.

Id also recommend, if going to the Eiffel Tower you do it as late as possible, It closes at 10/10.30 (i think if i remember rightly) me and my partner went about 9 and was able to just walk straight on, plus at night, again, much more romantic, the Tower is all lit up and you can look out over the beautiful bright lights of the city from the top..

Another peice of advise would be, dont use taxis, we found that some of the drivers, as you%26#39;re unsure of where you were going, would take you the longest possible route while your just sat there watching the meter clock up and up. The metro is easy to use - if you follow what seems to be the rule in Paris which is *NO WAITING, JUST PUSH YOUR WAY ON* and is also very very cheap.

Hope this helps and you and your wife have as lovely time as we did on our visi there...

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hi, we also recently travelled to paris on a pretty tight budget and found it wasn%26#39;t as bad as what some people say price-wise if you%26#39;re smart.

Our hotel had a special offer which included four nights accommodation including breakfast, a museum pass and a paris visite pass with five day zone 1-3 metro and bus pass. Considering the museum pass was about 50euros and the only other attraction we paid for that wasn%26#39;t included in this was the eiffel tower and grande arche we thought that was great value. Things like louvre, arc de triumph, notre dame, musee rodin, concergerie, versailles (just had to pay for audio guide), pompidou centre...The metro pass got us around the city by train and bus really easily. Only paid to get to versailles as it%26#39;s outside the zones included, again not much.

We also avoided the bistro%26#39;s a cafes adjacent to major tourist sites and chose to eat in italian cafes and pizzerias, asian (mostly japanese) and indian restaurants whihc are much cheaper than most of the bistro restaurants we saw.

hope this helps

j

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sorry, also forgot our special offer also included a one hour boat cruise with commentary which we went on at sunset which was great!

j.

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I always travel on a tight budget. In general, IMO, I find it best to book things separately. I am sure there are very good deals to be found booking a package deal with a tour company, but I don%26#39;t like to compromise anything. I like to go when I like to go and do what I like to do.

Try signing up for travel alerts, keep checking airfare on-line. Try to be flexible with your dates..sometimes that will pay off with the airfare. Also, if you do find a good deal on a package, you can certainly post the details here on TA and many will help let you know what they think. Sometimes the hotels in the package is not so great or very far from the center of the city, which in turn could drive up your transportation cost and general enjoyment of Paris. Try looking up the hotel included in any package here on TA and see what others have to say about it.

There are many budget hotels, restaurants and general tips on this forum about saving money. You can do a search and pick up alot of useful info that way as well.

Good luck and have a great trip!

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Number one tip,, read these boards, read , read , read, I had been to Paris 4 or 5 times before , and I still learn great tips on this board .. how to cut line up time, get good deals, and I found and booked two hotels directly, after checking them out on the review board here.

Paris can be done relatively cheaply. At least it IS a lot cheaper then Hawaii, which I think after London is a very expensive place to visit.

Versiallles. Take the train from the Invalids station, costs about 5 euros, and takes 45 minutes. Much better then paying 30-50 euros and up for a bus tour there!

Paris is full of cheap places to eat, notthe fancy restarants, but cafes and bistros and street carts.

Aovid tourist area cafes, if it has a view your soda will cost 10 bucks!

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Lots of good ideas in the previous posts. Along with those mentioned already we%26#39;ve found the biggest money (and time!) saver for us has been to picnic for lunch. From hot entrees to cold sandwiches, sausage, fruit, dairy etc. there%26#39;s so much available for carryout and you%26#39;re not at the mercy of someone else%26#39;s schedule. Our travel kit includes a corkscrew and a small collapsible cooler and, along with a trip to the nearest marche our first day usually involves picking up a small Opinel knife, some plastic flatware and paper napkins. Also, drink that morning coffee at the bar or counter rather than sitting at a table and you%26#39;ll save a lot.

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The best previous advise it to read the forum constantly and ask questions until the day your leave. There are so many tips here for saving money. If you have to get high up to see Paris from above, go up the Arc de Triomphe instead of the Eiffel Tower. It%26#39;s lots less expensive and there%26#39;s rarely a line to waste precious time standing in. On days when there is inclement weather and you can%26#39;t picnic, have your big meal at lunch when the same meal at the same restaurant for dinner is twice as much. Get good walking shoes and DEFINITELY break them in well before your trip (this may not save money, well, okay, you won%26#39;t be spending money on band-aids...but it will likely save your feet and make your trip more enjoyable). And don%26#39;t forget to eat an eclair a day while you%26#39;re there. I%26#39;m convinced they ward off illness...:) Have fun!

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I still believe the single best way to save money right from the start, particularly since you%26#39;ll be there longer than a week, is to rent an apartment. Your lodging will very possibly be cheaper than a hotel, and even if it%26#39;s the same price, you%26#39;ll save money by shopping at a local market for breakfast, picnic items, a few dinners, etc.

Pick a neighborhood and then start searching on vrbo.com or many other sites mentioned and/or recommended on here. Search TA for apartment rentals. There are many reputable companies and individuals out there who will rent for 8-10 days. Museum passes, transportation passes, all easily obtainable in Paris once you arrive, may also save you money. Perhaps the most important thing one can do to save money, provided you have the time, is to avoid any third party provider. Whether it%26#39;s a tour, an Internet company, etc., if they%26#39;re selling you something, they%26#39;re going to price it so they make money, and I have yet to find anything in Paris that I can%26#39;t buy or book on my own.

Use public (mass) transportation, not private. Read menus posted outside restaurants and choose those within your budget. And when you use TA, be as specific as you can be, as the responses on here will be much more useful to you if you get pointed and clear answers. For instance, when looking for a restaurant, ask for recommendations that are in your budget. Don%26#39;t ask for %26quot;moderately priced%26quot; restaurants, as we all have different opinions on what that means. But if you ask for recommendations for restaurants less than €20 per person, the responses you get will be more fruitful.

In most cases, planning your itinerary loosely in advance will help you save money. If you%26#39;re there for 8 days, and buy a museum pass for 6, plan your itinerary to do things on the 2 days you don%26#39;t have a pass to include those things you don%26#39;t need the pass for, like visiting the Eiffel Tower, or seeing an exhibit that%26#39;s not included. Investigate all your transportation pass options and purchase the type that makes the most sense for your needs. Passes come in different durations, different zones, or distances, etc. Buying the one that suits your plans best will definitely save you money.

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For what it%26#39;s worth, I, and a lot of others on the forum, agree with ArrowCapet about the apartment. Aside from the fact that you have more of a %26quot;home%26quot; while in Paris, it is often (but not always) less expensive than a hotel. Unless I was staying in a city for less than 5 days or a week, I would always opt for an apartment. Having said that, you need to be sure you won%26#39;t miss the services of a concierge. Good luck.

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thanks alot everyone, i really appriciate it

Hostels in Paris

Hi, I was recommended by a friend that my wife and I should stay in one of Paris%26#39;s many hostels. He said they were cheap, clean and nice. Can people please give me some opinions on some specific hostels that offer the most value and are the nicest.

Any advise would be greatly appriciated

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Most hostels seem not very central.

Relatively more centrally located ones do exist but do not appear on most hostel searches for some reason.

Here%26#39;s one that I stayed at regularly before 2001. It may be worth checking to see if it%26#39;s still in operation.

Maison des Clubs UNESCO. 43 rue de la Glacière, 75013. tel: 33.01.43.36.00.63

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check out reviews at hostelworld.com

eurocheapo.

Have heard that the MIJE in the Marais are good. Don%26#39;t know from personal experience.

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Corsica Honeymoon

Hi

I am planning to go to Corsica for my Honeymoon in late August. Currently, we are arriving in Bastia Airport and plan to drive across to Piana and spend 6 nights in Les Roches Rouges and investigate this area which looks spectacular. After this we plan to spend our last 5 nights in Algajola and sail out from Ille Rousse to Nice. I am looking for advice on the following:

1) The drive from Bastia to Piana, while it looks short on the map, I hear the roads are quite bad and I am wondering how long this journey would take us.

2) Any must see things in the Piana area?

3) Any recommendations on where to stay in Algajola in terms of hotel or even self catering.

4) Would Calvi or Ille Rousse in terms of a days shopping and how late does the tram connecting these towns run in the evening.

5) Are there any other recommended day trips to nice beaches or towns near algajola?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers

Brian

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Brian, sounds like a good schedule to me. First of all, congratulations on your forthcoming wedding.

Here are some thoughts on your queries:

1. If I were you, I%26#39;d drive down through the middle rather than via the coast. The roadworks near Porto will almost certainly be finished by August, but it%26#39;s still a very twisty, edgy drive, especially southbound, and it%26#39;s not for the faint-hearted. So take the road via Ponte Leccia, Corte, Vizzavona and Ajaccio - then go back up the coast to Cargese and on to Piana.

2. Yes - the Calanches de Piana is the most famous local beauty spot , but you will be told about that when you arrive. If you are into history, the Greek church at Cargese is also worth a visit, and there%26#39;s a lovely river walk between Ota and Evisa, near Porto.

3. I%26#39;m no authority on hotel accommodation. However, I%26#39;m sure you will find somewhere if other posts on this site are anything to go by - but move soon! August gets busy round here!

4. Calvi and Ile Rousse are both nice small, boutiquey shopping places with some quite decent clothes shops - though some are a little pricey. You can find out about the tram times on www.corsicbus.org.

5. Take your pick! Algajola beach is very nice itself, but there are several little jewels along the tram line - Ste Restitude, Arinella, Giorgio... I could go on, (and others probably will).

Have a great time!

DTR

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Hello Brian - good choice for a honeymoon and the crowds will be thinning out by late August.

The shortest route from Bastia to Piana is not one I would recommend to the first day of a first timer - it might put you off for good! Part of the road is the Scala di Santa Regina and is one of the most frightening roads in Corsica. Then the road climbs to the highest pass on the island, the Col de Verghio, before falling to the coast at Porto. Very picturesque, but you may like to leave it until you are fully accustomed to Corsican roads. I don%26#39;t think the length of time taken is particularly important. A reasonable alternative, much longer but much easier roads, is to go via Ajaccio and Cargese. You could spend a day and night in Ajaccio.

Piana itself is not directly on the coast. The obvious %26quot;must see%26quot; which you actually can%26#39;t miss is %26quot;Les Calanches%26quot;, fantastic rock formation penetrated by the Piana-Porto road. Very busy with tourists during the day, but lots of walks, short and long, in the area.

Do have a coffee and pizza in the village square in Piana and watch the world (or rather lots of tourists) go by.

The nearest beach is the Plage d%26#39;Arone along the D824 from Piana, but you might like to visit Cargese, bigger than Piana and lots of beaches to choose from. The other way are the Spelunca Gorges and the Foret d%26#39;Aitone and also the very tricky road to Calvi - lots about this in the Forum.

You have to appreciate that Algajola is a VERY small place. There are a couple of beach side hotels and a few other places to stay, but of course the tramway is a big plus here. Train times on www.corsicabus.org. Lots of beaches along the route of the tramway and further along from L%26#39;ile Rousse by car are Lozari and Ostriconi beaches.

Calvi and L%26#39;ile Rousse are also small towns and I would not imagine you could actually spend a day shopping in either place. Both are very pleasant to stroll round and explore.

The Haute Balagne is a must for a day out from the places on the coast and again this has been described on this forum before.

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Sorry, I meant www.corsicabus.org, NOT corsicbus.org. Aardvark, please tell my wife you can%26#39;t spend a day shopping in Calvi and Ile Rousse!!! How many things do you try on?! DTR

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Come on, Derek! Do you really spend any part of your Corsica holiday watching your wife shop for clothes?? Leave her to it and go to the beach with a couple of bottles of cooled Corsican beer, like any normal hubby!! Bad for your credit card bill, but otherwise excellent!%26quot;

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I think we%26#39;re setting these soon-to-be-weds a bad example! However, I must say shopping%26#39;s not really my thing and prefer the beer %26amp; beach suggestion. (;-)

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I%26#39;ve only stayed once in any of the hotels in Algajola but I%26#39;ve met several people who have stayed in others. They are all really in the 2-3 star range (and some are more in the 1 star).

The only remotely honeymoon contenders I would say are:

the beau rivage - right on the beach and featured in a few package brochures, no pool, fairly basicmainly fish restaurant with limited choice. 2 stars http://en.hotel-beau-rivage.com/en/

the ondine - 5 minutes from the beach, right in the village, still overlooking the sea, with a pool, and a well-regarded restaurant. Maybe 2-3 stars.

http://www.hotel-londine.com/

the pascal paoli (which is actually in the commune of aregno) modern but low rise and quite tasteful, back from the beach, across the main road, still no distance from the beach. many more facilities - pool, tennis courts, night club (could be a drawback). 3 stars.

http://www.hotel-pascal-paoli.fr/

It depends how much luxury you want but you won%26#39;t find top of the range in Algajola. But these are all well situated and I%26#39;m sure quite comfortable. At that time of the year you might have to take half-board so the quality of the restaurant would be important.

I have stayed in the Hotel St Joseph, which has no restaurant or public rooms to speak of, clean, friendly and basic; and friends have stayed in l%26#39;Esquinade, ditto. Both 1-2 stars and not really suitable for a prolonged stay, but reasonably priced. And if you stayed there you wouldn%26#39;t be tied down for dinner - there are half a dozen restaurants to choose from in the village.

There is lots of self catering, too much to recommend - try gites de france, abritel, etc, although august will be difficult. you need to book soon.

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Hi

I am really glad that I posted this message. Thanks to everyone for all the great advice about hotels, driving and the quality of corsican beer! I just ask for one last piece of advice, can you tell me what your opinion of Ille Rousse is. It seems to have faired badly in guide books who complain about the crowds in August and the poor quality of the beach. We are kind of limited in the second destination in our honeymoon as we are leaving from the ferryport in Ille Rouuse very early on our last morning and we really dont want to split our trip up into more than two destinations in terms of hotels. That is why I thought algajola seemed an attractive option. However, if I thought Ille Rousse was a good option, I would give it serious consideration also. All we are looking for is a nice hotel on or near the beach with good potential for day trips.

Cheers

Brian

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Ile Rousse is terrific - don%26#39;t believe what they say in the guidebooks. It has rather more of a French feel than some of the other towns in the area, but don%26#39;t let that put you off.

Yes, it will certainly be crowded in August (as will most other places in Corsica) but the beach is great - clean, safe, with very clear blue water. I can%26#39;t understand why anyone should complain about it.

The main road connecting Calvi, Ile Rousse, Algajola and Ponte Leccia is of very high standard and you will be able to whizz along there very swiftly on the morning you have to catch your ferry wherever you decide to spend the last week. Europcar and Hertz both have drop-off points near the port, and you%26#39;ll probably find you leave your car at one of these depots when you leave.

Traffic can build up through Ile Rousse around Monday to Saturday 11-12 am just before the shops shut for the lunchtime/afternoon siesta but that shouldn%26#39;t be a worry at 7 am.

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Personally I don%26#39;t care much for Ile Rousse, and tend to agree with the guide books, although there are nice beaches not very far away.

Calvi is nicer, and the beach much better. And as Derek says, not a problem getting along the coast to catch the ferry. And I%26#39;m very partisan about Algajola - love the smallness and unpretentiousness of it, and the beach is the best for swimming (gets deep quickly whereas in Calvi you have to walk for miles)

One place I%26#39;ve just thought in these parts, which might be good honeymoon territory, although a drive from any shops or towns - is Le Rocher - mainly a restaurant, but they have a few rooms. It%26#39;s on the end of a beautiful peninsula, with fabulous views and strolls to small coves nearby. It can get rather windy because of its exposed position but the breeze is quite welcome at that time of year.

http://www.lerocherdelumio.com/plage.htm

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Thanks again for the advice. You all have given me much to consider. By the sounds of it Calvi, Algajola and Ile Rousse all offer a lot of potential. If anyone else has other suggestions for romantic accommodation in Calvi, Ile Rouse, or Algajola I would be thrilled.

Thanks again.

Brian

Paris Disney without rides.

We have 25 gymnasts (17 years and younger) doing the day at Paris Disney - A group size of 1adult/5 children. Has anyone attempted Disney WITHOUT doing rides. (We have just been told the kids will only be allowed 1 ride) Anyone with recent experience at Paris Disney who might have some ideas for their itinerary????

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Sorry...no experience with DisneyLand Paris...but DLP tends to be something of a %26#39;sub-specialty%26#39;....and you might also make your inquiriy on one of the Disney-specif forums--

www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77

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I suppose they could catch the parade and shows included with their passport. But... I don%26#39;t understand why they are only allowed one ride? The passport gets them onto everything all day. To be honest, other then parades and shows-- which there aren%26#39;t a TON of, the only thing left to do is eat. :)

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Only allowing them on 1 ride is a bit like cruelty. Here kids have a great day out watching everybody else enjoy themselves :(

You may want to re-think whether it is worth going under those circumstances.

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Honestly, why in goodness sake would you take a bunch of children to Disneyland and tell them %26quot;one ride%26quot; . That is just plain mean, and , frankly, kind of wierd.

The daypass is all rides included, so why would you put that ridiculus rule on,, are getting in free or something?? Well, I just would NOT take the kids there, and then say %26quot; one ride%26quot; .

I would love to hear the reason for this, I think there MUST be a miscommunication.

Thats like taking them to a buffet, and telling them they may only choose one item.

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Thanks for all your input. My sentiments are the same as yours. (If not stronger - as I have done Disneyland and Disneyworld) There is no mistake and the kids are not allowed to opt out of the day. Reasons given - there%26#39;s more to Disney than rides - Hello! maybe on days 3 %26amp; 4.

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But asussieviv, are they PAYING for a proper ticket? If they are paying for a full ticket then whoever has made this rule is being an absolute idiot and ripping off the kids and their parents( who no doubt are at least finally finacning this trip.

I don%26#39;t get this stealing from children!

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Besides , there is not that much to do in Disney except SHOP and eat otherwise, how is a planned %26quot;shopping%26quot; day in Disneyland a better deal, I mean everything there is very expensive.

Who is responsible for this idea. Are the parents aware of this stealing from the kids, and why go to Disney at all.

Weirdest thing I have ever heard of!

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;, why in goodness sake would you take a bunch of children to Disneyland%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Ya%26#39; probably could have stopped right there. Taking a group of 25 adolescents anywhere is one of those bright ideas that often %26#39;..sounds..%26#39; great in theory....but finds you with your head in your hands afterward, muttering incoherently, %26quot;..What was I thinking...what was I thinking...??..%26quot;.

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You might try www.dlrpmagic.com for more ideas. Good Luck!

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%26lt;%26lt;there%26#39;s more to Disney than rides%26gt;%26gt;

This is a very curious observation and one with which I could not more vehemently differ. None the less, perhaps the best site for information on Disney is the following:

www.micechat.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20

These people are Disney park specialists. Pose your question here aussieviv and I should assume that they will be even more perplexed by it than we are.

march in paris

I was wondering if Paris in mid-March will be at all %26quot;leafy,%26quot; or if, like in most of the U.S., the vegetation will be mostly still brown....will any flowers be out yet? we%26#39;ll be there the 16th thru the 21st.

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If there are no flowers in March, go to the Champs Elysees. There is a little park at the corner of the Champs Elysees at the Place de la Concorde, right in front of the Hotel Crillon. There were lots of flowers this past Monday. We were so surprised to see them that we took pictures of them. I%26#39;m sure a local will some along and answer your question in more general terms.

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Paris is about the same latitude as Winnipeg.

I%26#39;ve seen Paris cold, dark, wet and leafless in mid-March. However, yes, a few key gardens always have flowers in them like under the Eiffel Tower.

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We had NO WINTER in Paris this year so all bets are off. Everything normally brown at this time of year is already blooming green as though it were late April. Cherry trees are shedding their petals at the end of February.

One thing you can count on, regardless of global warming is the astounding ability of the Mairie de Paris (city hall) to plant seasonal flowers in the parks year-round. It%26#39;s simply amazing. When the summer flowers start looking a little sad, you go for a walk in the park the next day and it%26#39;s been completely re-planted with autumn flowers, in full bloom, and so on... I%26#39;m not exaggerating. It%26#39;s hard to find a time of year when the Luxembourg Gardens aren%26#39;t beautiful. Same goes for all the rest of them. What a city.

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Awesome! It sounds beautiful!! Thanks

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Removed on: 2:17 pm, August 22, 2009

Hotel or B&B near Eiffel Tower

I%26#39;m trying to help my mom and brother out finding a hotel or b%26amp;b near the eiffel towe. they will be in paris from march 29-31 and are looking to spend ~$160USD a night. Can you please help me out with some recommendations. They don%26#39;t any typical ammenities (pool, etc).

Thanks!

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Haven%26#39;t stayed there but Hotel Eiffel Seine is getting good comments... Other reliable ones are Hotel Relais Bosquet and Hotel Splendid Eiffel...

Your price is about 122€...

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Hotel Bassano and Hotel Regenica Elysees are amazine. Check their own websites as sometimes you can get very competitive rates. If it is within your budget I would highly recommend these hotels. Great location, just off Champs Elysees and about 10 minute walk to Eiffel tower.

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Also try Hotel du Champs de Mars and Hotel Valadon. Both have really good things written about them on TA and they are in good areas. Don%26#39;t know the rate.

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I came back from staying at the Hotel Eiffel Seine on Monday, its veyr close to the Eiffel Tower, its a nice hotel, staff are really nice too.

I would stay heer again.

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We got the Paris Hilton Eiffel Tower in March on Hotwire for $119 plus tax. I thought it was a bargain.

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We got a rate at the Hilton for $116 a night the second week of April through Hotwire.

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Hotel de Varenne and Hotel Muguet are two other possibilities. Both are very good hotels with great management.

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Removed on: 12:22 am, August 21, 2009

Gift for Student Visiting USA ?

Bon jour.

We are hosting a student from France next week. She is a 14 year old girl. I want to give her a welcome gift as soon as she arrives. Do you have any ideas as to what a French girl would like from the USA ? Once she is here, I can get ideas of what she likes....however, we were told to have a gift ready for her arrival.

Thank you....merci !

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A cute note-pad/diary, a small photo album (she is certainly going to take lots of pictures), a picture of your house in a nice frame, a little box to keep her treasures.

I was once an exchange student in the US and my US family had bought several French magazines for me - a great comfort on the first days of my year-long stay with them.

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Removed on: 7:19 pm, August 22, 2009

PARIS and Where Else in France for July?Suggestions please!

help us with our quagmire! we want to go to paris for 3 nights in early-ish july 07. but then where to go???

we were thinking of a canal barge but now decided it%26#39;s too confining and too much planned sight-seeing for us.

we like sunbathing (pools and beaches), fancy hotels, quaint villages, shopping, dining. we%26#39;re not into museums and churches. we don%26#39;t like going on organized tours.

we are in our 40s, from the U.S. and will be travelling without our kids.

so after 3 days in paris - where to go? st. tropez? cannes?

monte carlo? any other ideas? last summer we were in rome, positano, capri and sorrento and that was perfection. what would be the french equivalent of those types of places?

thanks!!!

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What%26#39;s your budget and time constraints?

2+ days and about 1k euros to spend:

Winetasting, chateaux %26amp; hot air balloon ride in Loire or Bourgogne. They have their share of quaint villages too.

7+ days and about 5-10k euros to spend: Madagascar, Seychelles, etc

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we would probably have at least 6 nights for the second place after 3 nights in paris and we%26#39;re not concerned about price.

but we%26#39;d like to stay in france...

any resorty french destinations we might like?

thanks!

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Removed on: 7:17 am, August 18, 2009

Towns of interest..Provence to Paris

In early October,we%26#39;re driving back from Provence to Paris.We have 3 days and will fly out on the 4th day ( mid-afternoon).

Suggestions please...having been to Paris and Nice before, are there some interesting towns that we could enjoy on our way to CDG and spend an afternoon and overnight??

IrishRovr...you%26#39;ve always got good ideas !!!

Thanks,Sharon

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Lyon

How indirect are you willing to go?

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We will have gone to from the CDG to Bordeaux.( yes irish Rovr we%26#39;re definitely taking your advise...don%26#39;t drive in a strange country when you%26#39;re jet-lagged !! ).then driven through Carcassonne and Montpellier on our way to our gite...south of Carpentras.

Please give us any suggestions....I don%26#39;t think we%26#39;ll do Strasbourg or anything like that . Have never seen any of the Loire Valley...a possibility....and Rocamadour looks lovely.

Thanks for the Lyon suggestion.

Sharon

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Auxerre is an interesting and scenic town with lots of amenities plus being well situated for day trips around that gorgeous northern Burgundy countryside. Lots to see in that area. Also, you could easily drive to CDG the morning of your p.m. flight.

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Thanks Roger...I%26#39;m not familiar at all with Auxerre but will certainly check it out.

Sharon

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Removed on: 4:18 am, August 18, 2009

port de plaisance campsite Brittany

Am travelling to France for first time with 3 children (11, 9 and 5). Staying at the Yelloh Port de plaisance campsite in Benodet. Has anyone got any experience of this campsite......good or bad?

Thanks

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Anyone??????

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Hi Greenbod,

We are going here in August. No direct experience but it was recommended to me as a good full facility site. It is on the other side of the town to the beach but still a reasonable walk. It is very near the Supermarket and the filling station.

It was described as much better than Pointe St Gilles but not as nice as Camping du Letty (which has no pool but an adjoining beach with a sand bar that makes a nice swimming area).

We have been to Britanny before and the South West is my favourite area. Good climate, good food, nice beaches. Good choice of attractions if you want to drive a bit.

A good resource for advice is ukcampsite.co.uk.

Enjoy

PK

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Thanks PK.

Was beginning to worry that nobody seemed to know anything about this particular campsite! We%26#39;re travelling in June.........have been told the climate can be a little changeable, but hey, I%26#39;m from Ireland so it can%26#39;t be that bad? I was put off pointe St. gilles having read some bad reviews here and elsewhere. Glad to hear the southwest is good so thanks for that. Will definitely do some touring around.

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No worries Greenbod,

Stayed at Ty Nadan near Quimperle, not far from Benodet, last Whitsuntide. Weather was great. We loved it except for nipper fallng off a pony and shattering his arm. We did find out that French medical care is excellent, but it did reinforce my sentiment that horses are for betting on, or when in France...

Attractions for the kids:

Oceanopolis in Brest - biggest aquarium in Europe

Concarneau

Quimper

Zoo de Pont-Scorf (very good)

Lots of great beaches

I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;l have a great time.

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Hi - I%26#39;m also going to port de plaisance in june (the last week) - chose this campsite as had enough to do for kids whilst also being within walking distance of benodet.

Flying to Brest with Flybe %26amp; hiring a car for the week.

Here%26#39;s hoping the weather will be good!!!!! May see you there!!!!

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Removed on: 10:20 am, August 26, 2009

Paris Museums

What %26quot;deal%26quot; do you get by buying the museum pass and where would one get one?

After how many museums has it paid for itself?

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This is a tough question, as there is more than one type of museum pass and different prices for each museum. Generally, you need to visit three museums to make the 2 day pass worth it. Except,

you can skip lines (called queue cutter); and

it%26#39;s basically a bathroom pass. Museums are everywhere.

So if you will be there at a time when lines are long, buy the pass at a not-so-popular museum or monument. Or a Paris tourist office.

Note that there are many monuments as well as places outside of Paris where you can use the card too.

If you plan to visit lots of museums/monuments, figure out how many days you want to do that consecutively, and buy the appropriate pass (2 day, 4 day or 6 day).

www.parismuseumpass.fr/flash/hp_en.html

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You would have to compare the general admission costs of the individual museums and monuments on your own personal %26#39;..wish list..%26quot; (easily enough done, since most museums have their own web sites for you to look up this information) t o the those included on the PARIS MUSEUM PASS...and make your own cost comparison.

BUT...the relative %26#39;..value..%26#39; of the PMP isn%26#39;t just in the cost comparison. Some portion of it%26#39;s %26#39;..benefit..%26#39; is that it may save you valuable TIME by skipping ticket lines (but not security lines) during your stay.

Another aspect of it%26#39;s relative %26#39;value%26#39; of the PMP is that it allows you to %26#39;..drop in..%26#39; on museums and monuments that you might otherwise pass by....if you had to figure the admission cost and time to stand on line for tickets. With the PMP you can just %26#39;..drop-in..%26#39;, take a quick look %26#39;round, stay if you%26#39;re interested...or leave and move on, if you%26#39;re not. More %26#39;..personal favorites..%26#39; and %26#39;..hidden gems..%26#39; have been %26#39;..discovered..%26#39; by this sort of serendipity, than by any other....and the PMP makes it practical.

And as noted, another somewhat odd %26#39;value%26#39; is that the best public restrooms in Paris tend to be in museums...and there are museums everywhere you go.

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The line jumping element alone is well worth it. You save incredible amounts of time, and people without a pass look at you like %26quot;What do THEY know that WE don%26#39;t know!%26quot;

Like KDK said, do the math...figure out the admission fee for the places you%26#39;d like to visit and see if it adds up to the price of the museum pass or more. If so, you%26#39;re getting more than your money%26#39;s worth.

Les

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Thanks Everyone.

Just he idea of a bathroom pass will make it worthwhile for my wife!

The rest will be a bonus

Mitchell

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Removed on: 6:20 am, August 23, 2009

Customs and Gare du Nord

It just dawned on me last night that on your train ride from Amsterdam to Paris, we will be leaving one country and entering a new one (duh!). I am curious how this works, is it the same as coming through the airports? Is it a faster, slower process or about the same?

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Amsterdam and Paris are in the Schengen area, and there are no border controls : you board the train and alight as easily as if it were a commuter train.

The may be random police checks in the train, but they are generally in search of pot/weed/etc ...

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Thanks, that is good to hear. One more silly question, as I am new to travel abroad. Will my passport be stamped when we leave Paris? I know that it is corny but I would like to have it to show that I was there. I know, I am very silly :-)

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ts1fsu, getting them to stamp your passport is pretty tough. Some border officials refuse to do it because it looks like you%26#39;re cheating on a neighboring nation%26#39;s visa laws. Mostly, they haven%26#39;t had to use the stamp in a long time and the ink pad has dried out.

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Well shoot, I guess that is good to know. We just went to get our passports last week, so like a little kid in a candy store I was already thinking of where I was going to get that stamped %26quot;world traveler%26quot; look. LOL

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ps - it is important to note that although you will not be going through immigration, the Thalys trains are often greeted by teams of customs agents and their drug sniffing dogs. Because certain products are legal in Amsterdam, it does not mean they are legal here and a train would be a VERY BAD way to bring anything like that in.

Just saying...

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Yup. I remember once, while alighting the Thalys at Paris Nord, I saw a police dog very %26quot;horny%26quot; about the retractable footsteps...

Guess what was hiiden within ? ;-)

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Thanks for the heads up, but I was not thinking of bring those types of souviniers. LOL Maybe a nice pair of wooden shoes for my 2 year old daughter. Though the advise is sure to be helpful to others using this means of travel :-)

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%26gt;%26gt; LOL Maybe a nice pair of wooden shoes for my 2 year old daughter. Though the advise is sure to be helpful to others using this means of travel :-) %26lt;%26lt;

Heck, soles make a good hiding-place !

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Wooden clogs - I had(still have, come to think of it) a really comfortable pair of leather topped wooden clogs that were ideal for plane/train travel as they could be discretely slipped off and easily put on. I got stopped twice going through the nothing to declare channels in them (and this was all before the heightened security) whilst they had a look at them (to look for hidden compartments I suppose) I was a bit younger then, but still nobody%26#39;s idea of a smuggler, I wouldn%26#39;t have thought. I don%26#39;t wear them to travel now because the buckles set off the metal detectors. Just too stressful all round to wear !

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Too funny that my comment about purchasing some wooden shoes for my 2 year old has turned into a %26quot;how to%26quot; smuggle thread (lol). Maybe I should stay away from them all together, I don%26#39;t want her getting any ideas :-)

paris-7 nights, where else for next 8 nights?

We are staying in Paris for 7 nights with are boys ages 13 and 16 and are trying to figure out where else to go. They%26#39;ve been to the south of France before, so we were thinking 2 nights in Bayeaux to see the tapestry and d-day beaches, then 3 nights in Strasbourg/Colmar area, and 3 last nights in Annecy near Chamonix and the alps, then fly out of Geneva. Is this too much traveling? Are Strasbourg and the area around Annecy to similar?Should we do the d-day beaches from Paris as a day trip? We don%26#39;t think they%26#39;d like the Loire Valley-too slow for them and how many chateaus can you see with teens. They like big and small cities where they can see alot, wander the streets, eat well etc. They%26#39;ve traveled alot and loved Florence and Venice the best. Any ideas would be appreciated. Michele

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Normandy daytrip:

www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp…

Driving routes, time estimates:

viamichelin.fr/viamichelin/…MaHomePage.htm

http://www39.mappy.com/

France rail map, schedules, tickets:

…raileurope.com/map_of_europe/france.html

http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en

www.voyages-sncf.com/dynamic/_SvHomePage…

If you%26#39;re heading to Alsace, one possibility is a train to Nancy, a one night stay, then a car rental. Nancy is a very attractive town, and the Place Stanislaus one of the most impressive in France. Then work your way down to Geneva.

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Removed on: 11:15 am, August 23, 2009

Toulouse to Paris

We are going to Paris from Toulouse and are considering the train. I saw that it takes 5 hours, is this the fast train? Does anyone have experience on it, is it an enjoyable ride? Do you have a website that I could book it on? - thanks, deb

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Yes, it is a TGV and it does take around 5 hours. It makes several stops in a less-than-straight line, via Bordeaux.

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Is it enjoyable ride, or does the frequent stops make it a hassle?

Would you recommend the plane instead? Also, on the train, what is the difference in service between tourist and first class? Thank you, train travel is foreign to me, i really appreciate the help. - deb

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Hi Deb,

Sorry, I meant to elaborate but the doorbell rang.

I wouldn%26#39;t call it an %26quot;enjoyable ride%26quot; from my POV simply because I take French trains all the time and 5 hours is 5 hours. I%26#39;d still take a train over flying in a heartbeat, especially since Paris airports are WAY outside the city.

If you%26#39;re not familiar with train travel, you might enjoy it. It%26#39;s much more relaxed than flying. You leave directly from the center of one city and arrive directly in the center of another without the hours and expense of airport transportation and the lead time for airport security. That alone makes it worth taking the train. The TGV is very nice and has a dining car/bar, the views from the train are great on many routes, and the departure times are more frequent and to me, more convenient. I%26#39;d take the train.

I don%26#39;t think there%26#39;s much difference in COMFORT between first and second class. Maybe a little wider seat and a little more leg room. There are seldom extra perks like free food or beverages in first class and certainly none on this route. The main advantage is availability of seats IMO. When the train is heavily booked, you can almost always find a seat in first class.

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Thank you very much, i think i will book the train - do you have an email, website,or telephone number you could recommend to book the train? deb

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I persoally prefer to book any French rail travel directly through SNCF sncf.com

I have found they have the best prices and are the only place where price changes, usually reductions, are reflected immediately. Please see the outstanding %26quot;MorganB%26#39;s French SNCF Train Rail Booking Guide%26quot; on how to do this. Morgan is one of the Paris experts on TA.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187147-i14-k58793…

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Deb,

I%26#39;ve done the train trip to Toulouse a number of times because a good friend of mine lives in that area. The TGV trip is quite nice, I think you%26#39;ll really enjoy it. I think the scenery is great.

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Removed on: 1:20 pm, August 23, 2009

CDG airport terminal 2F to 2C

Hi

I%26#39;ll be on airfrance from manchester to singapore but with only 1 hours transist. Wondering what%26#39;s the distance or perhaps the time I%26#39;ll need to take from Terminal 2F to 2C?

Cheers

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It is a short walk (less than 10 minutes, all indoors)

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Removed on: 4:15 pm, August 23, 2009

paris itineraries

We have 3 1/2 days , 4 nights in Paris the first week in April. It is our first trip to Paris. What are recommendations for our stay? thank you, Barbara

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Try to work by neighborhoods.

Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.

Tuileries, Louvre, Pont des Arts, left bank.

Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Ile de la Cite, Ile Saint Louis, Marais etc.

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Removed on: 6:16 pm, August 23, 2009

Taxis in Bayeux, France

are there Taxi%26#39;s available at the trainstation in Bayeux?

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There will usually be taxis avaiable at the BAYEUX train station when trains arrive (local taxi owners know the train schedules better than the SNCF)....but in the event that there shouldn%26#39;t be any left by the time your time comes, you can either ask personnel at the train station of the telephone number of local taxis or carry the number of this larger radio dispatched local taxi company with you--

http://www.bayeux-taxis.com/

The taxi company%26#39;s web site also has some links to other local / regional attractions and sites that might be worth browsing through.

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Bonsoir GoBlue,

Last May we booked one taxi from our apartment in Paris. The car was waiting fo us the next morning in Goville, at the door of the chateau-relais where we were staying about ten minutes from Bayeux.

Since my hubby does not speak very good French he had requested an English speaking driver. We explained that we were Canadian and he tour us for three hours around the Beach, museum and interesting sites. While he was not explaining in English for the benefit of my SO I really enjoy talking with him in French and he told me a lot of anectodes since his family was in Normandie during D-day. Enjoy Bayeux and the Bessin.

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Removed on: 6:17 pm, August 23, 2009

Charles de Gaulle Airport

Hey All

What terminals have car rentals available? I will be arriving into Terminal 3 and I wanted to know if it had car rentals inside or would I have to take a shuttle to another terminal.

Does anyone have any good CDG sites?

THANKS

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check out ADP.fr or ADP.com

Terminal 3 is very small and away from the others.

You are bused to the parking area, no matter what terminal you arrive at.

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So does that mean there is car rental companies in Term. 3?

Any other info you can share about my first trip to France?

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Removed on: 6:19 pm, August 23, 2009

17th District Rue Mariotte - any comments to the area?

My 17 year old daughter and I will be in Paris in early June. Both of us have been to Paris before so we will not spend a great deal of time at the normal tourist attractions, except the Eiffel Tower of course. Is the 17th district a safe area? We were hoping to stay in an area of town that is central, but realize more of the Parisian culture. The apartment that I have reserved is on Rue Mariotte - any comments? Also, as a teenage girl, she is interested in fashion. I read several comments about free fashion shows - can anyone provide specifics? How do I make reservations? I have enjoyed reading all of the Paris forum comments, I have really learned alot.

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Removed on: 4:27 pm, March 02, 2007


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17th is residential and safe. Not very central however, It is near Batignolles.

Fashion shows are at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Google them.

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Bonsoir Traverlerlinda,

Excellent choice! It might not be very central, but it is still very well located. I stay in Batignolles in December 05 and I visited there last May, last November and again last week.

Rue Mariotte, named after a French 17th century scientist, is between rue des Dames and rue des Batignolles, which are both very pleaseant commercial street. You will find everything you desired and you will have %26quot;l%26#39;embarras du choix%26quot; as we said in French.

The social fabric is also very interesting, a lot of bobos (bourgeois-bohèmes) and artists who find the area more interesting than some of the more homogenius single digit arrondissement. Who will experience a more authentic Paris yet you will be just 15 minutes ride from l%26#39;Arc de Triomphe!

Last December I took a visite conférence about the Batignolles, since then I pay more attention to some of the great art nouveau and art deco buildings (for example on rue Truffaut) in the quartier,

There are a few gems of restaurant tbut I keep that for myself so click my name and I will email you some addresses if you are interested.

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Removed on: 7:20 pm, August 23, 2009

Ratp question

A friend will be staying at Hotel de Reuilly (anyone know anything about this one?) and we are planning to meet each other in Paris.

I looked up the Metro route she would be best to take to get from her hotel to mine and found that the stop she would exit upon arriving close to my hotel would be Concorde (Line 1) but the Metro stop she would use to return to her hotel would be Tuileries.

I realize these two stops are within a few minutes walk of each other, but why would the Ratp directions provide the two different stops rather than just reverse the order of the route starting at the Concord Metro?

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It probably is a question of distance, and a reply given by a machine.

If you meet at Concorde (which is very close to Tuileries) note that it has several exits. Pick one or you will look for each other forever.

I like to use the exit %26quot;rue Cambon%26quot; (which is in the Tuileries and very close to Tuileries stop) as there is only one way up and wait at the American bookstore on the corner XX Smith.

Cannot remember the 2 initials at the moment (HG?)(WH?)

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;I like to use the exit %26quot;rue Cambon%26quot; (which is in the Tuileries and very close to Tuileries stop) as there is only one way up and wait at the American bookstore on the corner XX Smith%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

Sounds good. Thanks!

%26gt;%26gt;Cannot remember the 2 initials at the moment (HG?)(WH?)%26lt;%26lt;

It%26#39;s W.H. Smith.

Have you any knowledge of this Hotel Reuilly (33 boulevard Reuilly in the 12th)

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Removed on: 9:19 pm, August 23, 2009

cdg to 7e-is this right?

We will be staying on Rue Augureau in the 7th and have planned to take the Air France Shuttle from CDG to Ch.de Gaulle Etoile. From there take Bus #92 and get off at Bousquet-StDominique for a short walk. We will be traveling light with only small suitcases.Is this doable? I have trouble with stairs so I will avoid the Metro...I have been studying the bus routes instead. Since we will be arriving around 7AM I am worried about how busy the bus might be. Also could someone let me know exaclty how to get from the Air France Shuttle drop off and onto the bus? Will it be in the same area? of course depending on the weather and the flight, we may end up taking a taxi but I would like this as my first option.

I have been reading this forum for almost 6 months and have found it invaluable...I haven%26#39;t picked up a tour book since. Thank you all for the insights and advice.

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Stop is at 1 avenue Mac Mahon for bus 92.

AIr France drops off at the top of Champs Elysees (at least it did last time I took it). Short walk.

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Thank you, that will get us heading in the right direction.

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Removed on: 3:20 am, August 24, 2009

All my Paris Questions

Hi everyone,

My husband and I will be touring Europe for the first time. Paris is our first stop! We will arrive on May 23 at 0800 at CDG. First I would like to know how to get to the hotel Champ de Mars by bus, or metro. We are young and on a budget so we have no money for shuttel or taxi rides that are 50-70 euros.

I don%26#39;t have a detailed iterneray, but these are some things that we want to see: orsay, sainte-chapelle, eiffel tower, notre-dame cathedral, maybe a morning or afternoon seeing versailles. What do you think? Am I missing anything, or trying to do too much? I think we are going to purchase the museum pass.

Thanks in advance for directions and input!

Jenn

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To make a museum pass worth while financially you have to see more than one museum each day. Practical aspect is that you do not have to wait in line to purchase tickets but you still have to wait to go through security.

Your program sounds very basic. How many days are you staying?

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We are staying three full days.

I was on the site for CDG, I was thinking about taking the Roissy bus, then walking to my hotel - do you think this will work? Thanks!

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Hi Jenn, yup, we definately need a timeline here!!

Is this in two days , four days, a week ??

Museum pass does not sound worth it, there are other ways of avoiding most long lines( going first thing in the morning, or using lesser known entrances for things).

I personally do recommend Versailles, take the train out there for 5 euros, easy and cheap. Take a picnic as the food at Versailles is overpriced for budget minded. It is a great day trip.

Sorry , no idea about how to get to your hotel, I am a taxi it or walk it person!

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We will be leaving the Champ Du Mars the night before you arrive. We will probably pass in the air some where over the Atlantic!

I hope you like the hotel. We stayed there once before and are staying there again in May for 11 nights. It is nice and quite, with a grocery and pharmacy practically next door. There are places to eat close by and the metro is only a short walk.

We took a taxi so I am not much help on the transportation.

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Hi Jen:

My husband and I are also arriving in Paris on May 23rd for a trip for my 30th birthday. We will actually be staying for 6 days so our itinerary has quite a bit more and according to a lot of people on this site, it is very abitious. My suggestions would be to get a good guide book (Rick Steves, Frommer%26#39;s, etc.) and take a look at what interests you. Since you will only have a couple of days I don%26#39;t want to bog you down with a big list. In these guide books it will give you the hours of operations and cost of each site (this can help you determine if the Museum Pass is a good deal).

Also, we have a day trip planned to Versailles and I am thinking about making it an optional trip (depending on how much we have been able to accomplish at that point) because it will eat up almost a whole day. That being said, if this is a major point of interest for you and your husband then certainly make a point of going. You can purchase a Forfait Loisirs for 19€ that include round trip train fare and your entrance to all sites at Versailles. This is a huge saving from taking a tour for 60-90€.

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Thanks for all your input! My husband and I have read a few guide books, fodors, rick steves, eye wittness guides. I don%26#39;t want to try to fit everything in, but I want to see as much of paris as possible. Maybe we will try to see some more museums to make the pass worthwhile, or maybe we just will skip getting the museum pass.

Is the metro, and bus system easy to figure out? I have been looking at maps of the metro, and trying to figure out how to get to places using mappy.com, but I guess I won%26#39;t know until I get to Paris!

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You%26#39;ll have no problem with the metro. I just taught a teenager how to do it. She thought it was great fun. The hotel you%26#39;re staying in was right in our neighborhood. I looked in on it and it looks terrific! And it gets great reviews here on TA. The %26#39;hood is great too. Great patisserie on rue Cler VERY close. Ask away...we%26#39;re happy to answer any questions.

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Yes, the Paris metro is very easy to figure out...my 14 year old was excellent at figuring out the lines/stops after just a few days (and she doesn%26#39;t speak any French!) We were just in NYC this past weekend and I do have to say that I find the NY subway system initially more intimidating than Paris...all those letters and numbers and colors!!...and you have to make sure that you enter from the correct side of the street! Of course I was just probably missing being in Paris :)

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If you are travelling on a budget I would recommend the Lonely Planet series of guide books (they are always my first choice). They are geared towards people travelling on a budget and updated frequently - you can find further updates on the Lonely Planet%26#39;s website.

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Actually, sistereurope, I find the Paris metro infinitely easier than Boston, London or NYC systems. I%26#39;m sure two such great minds as ours can%26#39;t be wrong:)

Driving Paris to Frankfurt??

We are going from Paris to Frankfurt and are thinking about driving.

How easy it to drive out of Paris? Flights were $615.00 one way, the train was another option, but it takes longer than driving (6hrs 30min). Any suggestions??

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I have never found it difficult. I did the drive from Frankfort to Paris about 15 years ago. Easy enough. I%26#39;ve rented cars several times while in Paris for day trips outside the city. It%26#39;s easier if you do it on a Saturday or Sunday, just because there is less traffic, but overall, I don%26#39;t think it%26#39;s hard. Just about all major rental companies have offices scattered around the city, and at train stations, so renting something in the city, and returning it in Frankfort will be easy, just be sure to rent something without a one way drop off fee, or you may end up not saving any money at all.

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Driving from Paris to Frankfurt is a breeze with a reasonably good map. Go to www.mappy.com for a quick breakdown of toll and petrol costs. Your biggest problem may be the drop fee charged by rental car companies. I have been unable to find a company that will not charge me a substantial drop fee for my rental which I want to pick up in Frankfurt and drop off in Paris. A train may be your best option if there are only two of you. Good luck.

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Thank you both for your responses! I%26#39;m still not sure if I%26#39;ll drive or do the train. The drop-off could be pricey, and when you drive you can%26#39;t take in the scenery as much.

Thanks again!

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rafterj: Try Kemwel if you haven%26#39;t yet. They almost (almost) never have a drop fee between countries in Western Europe, and they have their price guarantee now (they%26#39;ll match or beat any major USA company). I just did a quick search picking up in FRA dropping at CDG for a week rental and it was €351 for the first car on the list, all inclusive. The only potential negative about companies like Kemwel and AutoEurope, for some people, is that everything has to be paid in advance, when you book. There is no credit card hold and pay when you return, which might not work for you, but if you can pay up front, IMHO, they usually have the best deals.

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; I just did a quick search picking up in FRA dropping at CDG for a week rental and it was €351 for the first car on the list, all inclusive. %26lt;%26lt;%26lt;

I just ran a search for a pick-up in Paris with a drop-off in paris and got as price of $339 (that%26#39;s US DOLLARS...) all inclusive for the cheapest car, so it seems there is a drop-off fee of about $125 give or take. You have to look out for those hidden charges...

If you are making this trip in the next few months you are probably going to find it quicker to drive. After the introduction of the TGV Est in June the train will cut the journey to well under four hours...

french bacon

We are going self catering to france for the 1st time in a couple of weeks. As we are typical brits we love our cooked brekky although are more adventerous when eating out at night!! I was wondering what the bacon is like in france is it worth buying %26amp; if not are there still restrictions on taking bacon into the country?

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Hi, I hope you get an answer, because I`d be really interested.

We`ve been going to France for many years and have never found anything to compare with ours. There is some very thin smoked bacon we found in Carrefour. It was ok as a substitute, but not the same.

Dont let it put you off visiting France though, absolutely fabulous country, you`ll love it.

Regards,

Marty49

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bacon will probably be danish

It would be like a French person travelling to merseyside and expecting to find authentic French Bread - The French don%26#39;t do bacon (especially English supermarket bacon, although I can usually find proper bacon in the country France) and the English dont do bread.

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Bacon, as is usually available for an Anglo Saxon breakfast, is simple difficult to find. (Actually I have rarely if ever seen it.)

What the French often do use in cooking which is similar are lardons. Lardons are not exactly the same but rather thick, diced bacon. They are excellent when added to simple dishes such as omelettes, sauté tomatoes or beans, salads and a variety of other dishes.

French breakfasts tend to be light; cereal, croissant, baguette with butter (une tartine) etc.

Of course one may prepare what he likes but a bit of improvisation may be in order.

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Removed on: 12:21 pm, August 24, 2009

CDG to hotel

The metro nearest to my hotel is Chatelet. Please correct me if I%26#39;m wrong, I can take RER B from CDG, change to metro line 4 at Gare du Nord station to metro Chatelet, right? Or is there a better option?

Thanks in advance!

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No need to change at Gare du Nord. Just stay on the RER B Line train from CDG. The next stop after GduN is Châtelet/Les halles.

When travelling from CDG the Express trains that do not stop before GduN are generally less crowded as you head into the city than the stopping trains. The two types alternate and the lighted destination boards will indicate which stations a particular train stops at.

Have a good trip!

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Hi IrishRovr,

From RER Chatelet Les Halles, are there any signs/directions to lead me to metro Chatelet where I can exit? Or I need to exit from RER Chatelet Les Halles station and walk to the metro Chatelet?

Thanks again.

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Yes you *could* follow the signs to Châtelet métro station when you arrive at C/L.H. but I doubt that would be the best way to get to your hotel. If you tell us which hotel you are staying at we can probably give you a much more efficient way than (a) finding your way to the métro station and (b) finding your way to your hotel from there. How about we just cut out the unnecessary middle step?

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Entering the address here [and Paris] yields a map with metro and bus info.

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Here:

http://www35.ratp.info/Proxi/proxi.php?

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The hotel I am staying is Hotel Flor Rivoli, address is 13, rue des Deux Boules. The nearest metro is Chatelet. From Chatelet Les Halles, besides finding the signpost and walking to Chatelet direction, any better and easier way to reach the hotel?

Thanks in advance!!

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Hello... sorry to barge in.. but I happen to have the same question here.. I will be staying at Novotel Les Halles.. right next to Chatelet.. How can I reach here by use of the metro from CDG ? Thanks.

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for Gamefreak83:

From CdG take RER line B. Stop at Chatelet Les Halles.

The Novotel is about 200 meters far from here.

You choosed a nice hotel. I%26#39;ve often had seminars there. Not to bad %)))

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Thanx rogermauricemartin.. but is there a way to exit from Chatelet metro station instead? i think it is closer to the hotel...

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Hi, I also have the same question. I am going to stay at Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris. How can I travel to the hotel from CDG?

Choosing between 2 apartments in Marais area...Help!

Hi friends,

Hoping for some help and advice….

I’m have been helping a friend plan her trip to Paris in July (and having so much fun doing this, I’m considering a change in profession!!).

After listening to my tales of Paris she has wisely allowed for a full week in Paris (I so wish I was going with her!!). And since she is there for a week I suggested she consider renting an apartment instead of staying a hotel. She was all for it and turned around and asked me to find the “ideal” apartment for her and hubby to enjoy Paris…

So I’ve been researching away on the net and have finally narrowed it down to 2 (there was so much choice!).

They are both in Marais area:-

www.parisattitude.com/apartment.asp…

1 Bdr on Rue du Bourg Tibourg for 520Euro a week

www.rentparis.com/details.php?l=en%26id=42

a Studio 20 Rue des Vertus for 630 Euro a week

The second one is more expensive but “looks” nicer but I haven’t found any reviews of either of these.

I was hoping that the experts will be able to tell me which is in the better location and seems to the better apartment. Or if someone has actually stayed in any one of these? Any feedback on these rental companies?

Please let us know what you think…:)

Thanks,

Ozgirl

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Location, location, location!

Rue du Bourg Tilbourg wins hands down. Very, very central - walk to everything. Masses of cafes, restaurants, shops near the door.

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bump...

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Sorry to be so stupid.....what does %26quot;bump%26quot; mean?

Thanks

Susan055

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A second vote for Rue du Bourg Tibourg

Susan: %26quot;bump%26quot; is an internet-ism indicating the original thread author is pushing their topic to the top of the forum page.

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Susan,

As in %26#39;I%26#39;m bumping this up to the top%26quot;.

It%26#39;s when you have nothing to say but want to take your own, or someone elses, post back to the top.so it can be seen.

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Thanks for the feedback Mascara and Jane. I showed my friend both the places. But she seems a bit impressed with the video in on the rentparis.com site...LOL the power of attractive advertising is well and alive!

I am going to try to convince her to go with the Rue du Bourg Tibourg because not only did it get 2 out of 2votes, it is cheaper and also a 1 bedroom as opposed to a studio....

Thanks,

Ozgirl

Susan, that%26#39;s not a stupid question at all....I used o wonder the same thing until I saw it in a few forums....Finally the tube light turned on :)

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Hi Ozgirl

I agree that the rue Bourg TIbourg is close to the Seine and the best choice but if you miss out on it the other flat is also in a good area in the northern Marais (3rd) close to rue de bretagne and so another good choice.

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Thank you all for your advice and feedback. My friend googled both properties today and saw ore photos. With all the votes for the Rue du Bourg Tibourg, she has sent off an email to query to Parisattitude.

Now we have a 2nd question......Is Parisattitude a good, honest agency? I read a post a while back that there was a TA rep?

Anyone out there??

Thanks,

Ozgirl

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Hi Ozgirl

I think you are probably referring to Happygoin%26#39;s comment on this thread

tripadvisor.com/…5936312

I believe she meant it had a good reputation, not a representative. TA%26#39;s rules prohibit advertising of apartments by representatives of an agent or owner.

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I am renting an apartment in le marais for late April from RentParis.com. This was an easy painfree transaction by using Paypal. One of the problems with renting in Paris is that many companies and individuals wanted cashiers checks or Euros at the time of arrival plus hefty deposits. As a typical American, I wanted fast, easy, secure and the use of my Visa card without tying up a lot of cash or carrying hundreds of euros around Paris. RentParis.Com lists many apts that accept credit cards for the initial transaction. I only have to have a personal check for 300E at the time of arrival for a security deposit. Much easier and no tying up tons of cash for months.

Dentonwelch

Need assistance with Paris Metro Pass

Hello everyone... we will be arriving at CDG airport on Wednesday, 3/14 at 4pm and will be staying in the Oberkampf area (staying 4 nights - we depart 7am on 3/18 so will be taking a taxi to Ciampino).

We plan on mainly staying within zones 1 and 2, however, we will be making a trip out to Versailles one day. I%26#39;ve read about carnets, Mobilis, Carte Orange and Paris Visites passes! We were wondering which pass would be most appropriate for us?!?! Price is also a consideration.

Thank you!

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Do a search in the upper left hand corner of this page - and you%26#39;ll find everything you need to know and then some!

Bon voyage.

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You want the search box on the right above the posts not the one on the left, but you%26#39;ve obviously already done the basic research and not come up with the answer so doing more probably won%26#39;t help.

Get a Zone 1-2 Carte Orange (16€) as soon as you arrive. Buy your tickets from CDG (8€10) and to Versailles (5€40 RT) separately. The CO will cover all your travel in paris through Sunday night.

BTW a taxi to Ciampino is going to be rather expensive... :-)

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Make sure you buy your Cartes Oranges on your day of arrivel i.e Wednesday. This is the last day on which you can buy these for use that same week. Once you have your passes you can use them straight away within your chosen zones.

Sorry Irish, just wanted to make sure that OP is aware of the restrictions re purchase.

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hahahahaha Irish! I just realized my error! I meant to type Orly airport!!!

I appreciate everyone%26#39;s responses! Less than 2 weeks to go!!!

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No worries, kebabs. Doesn%26#39;t hurt at all to make sure the message is clear.

And you%26#39;re welcome, monica. I pretty much guessed you meant ORY and not CIA. Have a great trip!

BTW I *love* the Oberkampf arae. Do a search on Oberkampf using the box on the right above the posts and you will get a ton of info including a bunch of posts from me and others about restos in the area — try l%26#39;Estaminet (cheap and fun), Astier (good traditional bistro), Mémère au Piano (good food and friendly), and Le Villaret (serious and great value) and a few more. Lots of good cafés too.

Where exactly are you staying if you don%26#39;t mind my asking?

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We will be staying at Hotel Grand Prieure on rue prieuré. I believe we are pretty close to the Oberkampf metro station... thank you for the recommendations! I%26#39;ll be sure to do a search...

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%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; I believe we are pretty close to the Oberkampf metro station %26lt;%26lt;%26lt; Very close indeed . The #96 bus from rue Jean Pierre Timbaud at bv. Richard Lenoir will take you many places you want to go by an interesting route through the Marais, across the Île de la Cité and the northern part of the 5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter) and on to St. Germain des Prés. Check it out at www.ratp.fr

Have a great trip!

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I believe you could also buy a combo train/entry to Versaille ticket. I recall doing that when we were in Paris but that was in 2005.

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We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 10:16 pm, August 26, 2009