advice about Paris please

39redrose

Hi folks
I'm sorry if I'm duplicating any thread or question, but I would really appreciate advice and information about Paris AND Disneyland. I've booked three nights in Paris (our second proper "holiday" in seventeen years!) in August. It's a surprise for my husband and 2 children (18 and 10 years) and although on a tight budget I really want it to be memorable and special for them. The youngest would love Disneyland I'm sure so would appreciate advice re pre-booking tickets, travel from Paris, best time to go, etc, as well as advice re things in Paris to do, and things to avoid. thankyou all in advance!
39redrose

hollydays

I love the Monmartre area.

39redrose

yes I seem to remember that is a lovely area, I went to Paris when at school and vaguely remember it. Any tips on money saving on tickets, eating out or trips?
Thanks
39redrose

LCK73

Look to purchase a 'Carte Orange' for the most economincal way to travel on the tube. You can get it at Tourist Offices.

qbazdz

for carte orange you need pictures. Im not sure how it works but apparently it is only valid from monday to sunday so ie. when I go next weekend (sunday, 15th) there is no point to buy it as it would be valid only sunday..
there are also 1,2,3 day tickets, that you dont need pictures for, they are called paris visite. check here for fares http://www.ratp.fr/
Have you got a hotel booked? If you would like to see a lot of things it is best to use metro, especially that you travel with kids. It is the best transport I have ever used! Anywhere in Paris you wont be further than 300meters away from a metro station. Honestly! It is really fantastic!
In august I think you should allow at least 2 hours queing for Eiffel Tower.

If you are planning to go to louvre, buy your tickets earlier, to avoid ques at the entrance. You can buy these at metro stations from I remember. Im a bit tired so write some questions so I will reply tomorrow.

39redrose

Thanks LCK73, will do. Do you know if there are any tickets which are cheaper to pre-book from home, for example bus tours, disneyland or eiffel tower visit?

qbazdz

You can buy disneyland tickets on their website, and it is much cheaper than on arrival. You only need to print them out yourself

39redrose

thanks for that, qbazdz
After hours of trawling through reviews I have booked a 2 star hotel in the 9th arrondissement so looks quite central. ANY advice but especially on tourist attractions, eating out, night tours or disneyland visits and prices will be greatly appreciated, as I said I am on a tight budget (isn't everyone?!) but I really want this to be memorable for my husband and children as we have had a terrible year. I think Disneyland may be outwith our budget and not good value as my husband and I can't go on any rides (I get ill and he's too scared!:rotfl: ) but I know my 10 year old would probably love that bit of the trip. Look forward to your help and answers
39redrose
x

Gina

When I went to Paris I planned my dates around the first Sunday of the month because you can get into a lot of places for free. I just checked the Louvre website and they still seem to be doing it... http://www.louvre.fr/llv/pratique/tarifs.jsp?tarif=1

...but you could check again closer to the time. I think some of the other attractions free on the first Sunday of the month include going to the top of Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe, and the Orsay gallery. Have a look around on the net to find some more. Obviously you can't do it all in a day, but there's great savings on the Louvre alone, but get there early.

I also walked up to the second floor of the Eifel tower which was a lot cheaper and a lot shorter queue than going to the top in the lift. I thought it was plenty high enough!

I hope that helps x

39redrose

Thanks Gina
unfortunately have booked 7th to 10th Aug so it's the 2nd Sunday:sad: but thanks for the great tip regarding the eiffel tower, will look to do that!
x

RumanaB

If you're stuck on what hotel to stay at, we stayed at a hotel called 'Best Western Eiffel Segur'. It's in a really good location and the Eiffel Tower is about 15 minutes away. The people who work there also speak english and are really helpful.

We went in the summer around July time and it was lovely...the weather was always 30+ degrees though.