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Message
London to Paris 1 day trip… ???
Posted on 3/17/23 at 11:11 pm
Posted on 3/17/23 at 11:11 pm
Will be in England for 6 days end of April. Will fly in and out of London.
Wife and I have never been to Paris. I’d really like to go to Paris for a single day if possible (just to see it and say I’ve been there and have a nice dinner etc). Would it be worthwhile to take a train in one morning and stroll around Paris for the day (albeit very limited)? Basically just enough to walk around and boat ride down the Seine… see Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe and outside of Notre Dame. Have dinner in some restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower. And take a train back to London late same night or early next morning…
We do plan to hopefully take the kids to Paris in 3 years or so when they get older. But I’d like to get a small taste now this spring if possible.
I’ve looked it up online and read some reviews and recommendations from folks who say yes it’s worth doing.
I’m just curious and looking to hear from posters here and what you think. Anyone else who’s done so? And what would you recommend for the day?
Thanks in advance …
Wife and I have never been to Paris. I’d really like to go to Paris for a single day if possible (just to see it and say I’ve been there and have a nice dinner etc). Would it be worthwhile to take a train in one morning and stroll around Paris for the day (albeit very limited)? Basically just enough to walk around and boat ride down the Seine… see Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe and outside of Notre Dame. Have dinner in some restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower. And take a train back to London late same night or early next morning…
We do plan to hopefully take the kids to Paris in 3 years or so when they get older. But I’d like to get a small taste now this spring if possible.
I’ve looked it up online and read some reviews and recommendations from folks who say yes it’s worth doing.
I’m just curious and looking to hear from posters here and what you think. Anyone else who’s done so? And what would you recommend for the day?
Thanks in advance …
Posted on 3/18/23 at 12:01 am to habz007
That sounds miserable in so many ways, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. You only have 6 days. Commit your time to England, let life slow down, and enjoy your time there.
Paris is beautiful, yes, but running around like a chicken with your head cut off to see a couple sights in one day is not worth it. Also, those train tickets will be fricking expensive burning a hole in your pocket just for one day. Don’t overthink this. Those are my thoughts atleast.
Paris is beautiful, yes, but running around like a chicken with your head cut off to see a couple sights in one day is not worth it. Also, those train tickets will be fricking expensive burning a hole in your pocket just for one day. Don’t overthink this. Those are my thoughts atleast.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 8:37 am to habz007
We have spent a day in Paris doing what you describe although we were on our way to London after spending 3 days in Bayeaux. It is possible. The only thing that may not be good is seeing Notre Dame. When we were there the construction fence was 3 blocks from the church and that is as close as we could get.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 8:38 am to habz007
I have done it, and it isn’t worth it IMO. Too much time on the train, too little time in Paris. That’s no way to see the city. And I don’t know what it’s like now, but the train fares might be pretty steep.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 8:42 am to habz007
Just stay the night. Enjoy the next day too and a night time train back
Posted on 3/18/23 at 9:28 am to habz007
Personally I’d wait and go when you have time. Once you figure that train a couple hours each way and trying to squeeze in activities in Paris for one day that doesn’t sound like a good plan. I just got back from a London /Paris trip in January and couldn’t imagine doing that in a single day. If you’re hell bent on doing it though and wanna get the most bang for your buck in a single day I’d suggest a hop on /hop off BigBus tour . It would take you around to several of the major sights with some interesting commentary explaining what you’re looking at. Maybe do that for a few hours and grab a nice dinner. Would take some careful planning and a very willful spirit but it could be done. I’d suggest against it like I said but I understand the want to 100%.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 9:48 am to habz007
quote:
Wife and I have never been to Paris.
I wouldn’t have a 1 day trip be your first time, personally.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 10:41 am to fatcatswag22
quote:
That sounds miserable in so many ways, and I mean that in the most positive way possible. You only have 6 days. Commit your time to England, let life slow down, and enjoy your time there.
Paris is beautiful, yes, but running around like a chicken with your head cut off to see a couple sights in one day is not worth it. Also, those train tickets will be fricking expensive burning a hole in your pocket just for one day. Don’t overthink this. Those are my thoughts atleast.
100% agree with this post.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 12:23 pm to habz007
I love London but I would rather spend more time in Paris than London. It is my favorite vacation spot.
I if the two choices are
1. Take a grueling day trip to Paris
or
2. Not go to Paris at all,
I would go to Paris.
ETA I wouldn’t call the trip grueling. That is a lot of time on the train for one day but the ride is pretty pleasant.
I if the two choices are
1. Take a grueling day trip to Paris
or
2. Not go to Paris at all,
I would go to Paris.
ETA I wouldn’t call the trip grueling. That is a lot of time on the train for one day but the ride is pretty pleasant.
This post was edited on 3/18/23 at 12:29 pm
Posted on 3/18/23 at 12:37 pm to geauxpurple
Thanks for all the feedback.
I’m just exploring it as an option.
By no means would we be trying to cram in everything in a day or running around like chickens with our heads cut off. I don’t want anything remotely grueling.
I would attempt to make this the most leisurely enjoyable single day trip. Literally just strolling along the Seine and Ile de la Cite for few hours. Maybe a limited 2 or 3 targeted spots and most importantly a nice relaxed outdoor dinner in view of the Eiffel Tower. Just a small taste essentially and we’ll do a more complete trip later on down the line.
It might not pan out. I’m just exploring some options. Seems like it’s an overwhelming “No” from this board.
I’m just exploring it as an option.
By no means would we be trying to cram in everything in a day or running around like chickens with our heads cut off. I don’t want anything remotely grueling.
I would attempt to make this the most leisurely enjoyable single day trip. Literally just strolling along the Seine and Ile de la Cite for few hours. Maybe a limited 2 or 3 targeted spots and most importantly a nice relaxed outdoor dinner in view of the Eiffel Tower. Just a small taste essentially and we’ll do a more complete trip later on down the line.
It might not pan out. I’m just exploring some options. Seems like it’s an overwhelming “No” from this board.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 1:31 pm to habz007
Do it. It’s your trip. Like I said earlier we did just what you are wanting to do.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 1:35 pm to habz007
quote:
Seems like it’s an overwhelming “No” from this board.
To be fair every poster on the travel board including myself sometimes seems to think no time frame is ever enough. I mean it’s understandable in this situation. I think first and foremost you need to price the Eurostar fares for that round trip. It was 200ish for us just going one way in January. If it’s a 300-400$+ train ride you have to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. You said yourself that you’ll prob visit Paris with the fam in 3 years or so.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 2:21 pm to jkylejohnson
quote:
To be fair every poster on the travel board including myself sometimes seems to think no time frame is ever enough. I mean it’s understandable in this situation.
Yeah, you’re right.
Tbh, we’re very undecided although I’m sorta leaning yes at the moment. I was hoping some folks here would “talk me into it”. But it feels like most are talking me out of it
I did look into train costs… seems to range $150-300 depending on times. That’s really not an issue.
I asked friends as well. It seems to be a mixed bag of yes and no. But I always like to consult the travel board and scan through previous posts. I respect people’s opinions and recommendations here. Travel board isn’t like the OT.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 4:15 pm to habz007
My stepdaughters went on an organized day trip to Paris that included train tickets, lunch at the Eiffel Tower, bus around to major sights, etc. They did see a lot and there was some free time built in. It was an exhausting day but they did feel like it was worth it.
The thing about trying that on your own, at least for me (and I love organizing my own itinerary), is that it takes me a bit to get my bearings in new places no matter how well I seem to plan. So I waste valuable time navigating. You might be more successful.
The thing about trying that on your own, at least for me (and I love organizing my own itinerary), is that it takes me a bit to get my bearings in new places no matter how well I seem to plan. So I waste valuable time navigating. You might be more successful.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 5:31 pm to habz007
I checked all my London boxes in two days. I won't say I have disdain for London, but there's just not a ton of interesting stuff, at least to me. It's box checking. I would examine your plan for London and figure out where you can conserve time there to spend an extra day or two in Paris.
You *have* to partake in café culture in Paris, which involves sitting at a table for a couple of hours people watching, snacking, eating and drinking. You *have* to stumble across boulangeries and patisseries that nobody on this board has ever mentioned, and be stunned.
Do not underestimate the power you will be able to wield over your wife if you "surprise" her with an extra day or two in Paris. No woman dreams of going to London.
Also, take a dusk or nighttime boat ride on the Seine (hire your own boat, the one I took was located near the ND, be prepared with a playlist on your phone). You'll get closer to the ND on the water than you will on land, and you'll go by the lit Eiffel Tower. Do it with the wife first, and take the kids on it in a few years.
You *have* to partake in café culture in Paris, which involves sitting at a table for a couple of hours people watching, snacking, eating and drinking. You *have* to stumble across boulangeries and patisseries that nobody on this board has ever mentioned, and be stunned.
Do not underestimate the power you will be able to wield over your wife if you "surprise" her with an extra day or two in Paris. No woman dreams of going to London.
Also, take a dusk or nighttime boat ride on the Seine (hire your own boat, the one I took was located near the ND, be prepared with a playlist on your phone). You'll get closer to the ND on the water than you will on land, and you'll go by the lit Eiffel Tower. Do it with the wife first, and take the kids on it in a few years.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 5:41 pm to LemmyLives
quote:
I checked all my London boxes in two days
Tired of London after two days? Wow. To each his own I guess.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 6:29 pm to SloaneRanger
quote:
Tired of London after two days? Wow. To each his own I guess.
I agree with you, it's not my bag.
I like experiences, not Insta posts just to prove to the world that I was at XXX. London is a business town with some history and architecture sprinkled in. Maybe OP is going outside of London to Stonehenge, etc. but that's not what I'm referring to.
There is just not much that is unique about London other than a handful of things that don't require nearly a week to take in, even if you waste a day in the British Museum.
Everyone's got a different style for sure, but when you're bringing your wife to Europe-ish, between Paris and London, there's no contest. Even if she's a royal family superfan, can you really tell me that there are five days of content in London?
Posted on 3/18/23 at 8:13 pm to LemmyLives
quote:
I agree with you, it's not my bag
Agreed. I am for sure 1 and done with London. Paris was such a unique city with character and just an overall great experience. I didn’t hate London by any means but it didn’t feel much different to me than a major US city like a Boston or NY.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 8:56 pm to jkylejohnson
As it currently stands, we’ll be in England 6 full days. Possibly 7 since I’m trying to swap a shift with a colleague and fly in to London a day early. We’re going to Manchester and have an on field/on pitch VIP experience for the Manchester United and Aston Villa match at the end of April at Old Trafford.
We’re not spending 6 full days in London. 4-5 days feels like plenty… which is why I’m considering a quick but leisurely day trip to Paris.
We’re not spending 6 full days in London. 4-5 days feels like plenty… which is why I’m considering a quick but leisurely day trip to Paris.
Posted on 3/18/23 at 9:16 pm to habz007
I've done this type of thing a fair amount against the advice of plenty of others. We've rarely regretted it. For me, I feel I'm just as likely to get to know a city by spending 3 hours in a random bar or cafe and talking to some locals as I am checking the 17th-20th boxes off the list of wherever I'm spending more time. Honestly, those side jaunts are what I remember most about almost all of my travels, both foreign and domestic.
I understand why people advise against it, but if you don't know when you'll be back to Europe and you want to spend a few hours in Paris - YOLO
They're both easy to get back to, but that can go for London too (so cutting out a day of London might not be a big deal if there is a reasonable chance you'll spend more time there later).
I understand why people advise against it, but if you don't know when you'll be back to Europe and you want to spend a few hours in Paris - YOLO
They're both easy to get back to, but that can go for London too (so cutting out a day of London might not be a big deal if there is a reasonable chance you'll spend more time there later).
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