2 Days in Paris

The family and I went to Paris in the summer of 2016 for a bit over a month. Some friends are planning to go to Paris for 2 days. They asked me for suggestions. Hence this blog entry. Here it is:

Prepare

First of all, if you don't have it, yet, get the Google Maps app. It will be very valuable in locating the nearest bus and train stops and when sightseeing on foot. I say Google Maps because the Apple Maps app didn't show what direction you're facing while walking and it didn't have public transportation info (i.e. what train or bus to take to where) when we were there. It might've been updated by now, though. I don't know. Also handy is the official Paris public transportation app.

Download and install the Uber app if you haven't yet. It's ease of use could be a lot of help when you can't find a cab. It's also a good option for a ride to the airport later.

Get some Euro cash from your bank for cab rides and food. And since you're at the bank, tell them of your travel plans. Because sometimes when you buy something in the USA (or wherever), then your next transaction is in Europe, your card may be blocked if you don't tell the bank of your travel plans. And since we're in the topic of blocked cards, be careful of disputing charges while abroad. You may see small discrepancies in your account. This may be from currency differences or international fees or what not. Then you might make the mistake of telling your bank you didn't make those transactions... BOOM! Your card is blocked and they say they're gonna snail mail you a new one which won't be of any help when you're abroad hungry and don't have cash.

Getting Around

So, you arrive at the airport. The best way to get to your hotel or Airbnb will be a cab. Like any airport, there'll be a whole lot of 'em at the arrival area ready to scoop you up.

After you settle in, using Google Maps, look for the nearest train station. There are so many train stations in Paris that there's one bound to be of walking distance to you. Get a wad of train tickets. Train tickets can also be used on buses. They're priced at around 14 Euros for 10 tickets. So get 10, or 20. Some credit cards won't work on the ticket vending machines even if it says Visa or what not on it, hence the cash you got before you left.

More often than not, just like in any large city, there will be pickpockets in crowded places like the train station. So watch your hip pockets, backpack pockets or purses.

First Day

On the first day, I suggest jumping on a L'Open Tour tour bus. You cover a lot of ground quicker and you can get off at any stop, then jump back on later. They also provide paper maps and an audio tour via earphone jacks on each seat.

Suggested places to get off at while on a L'Open Tour tour bus:

1. Eiffel Tower – L'Open Tour tour bus green line, stop 15. The obligatory Paris stop.

2. Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Angelina Cafe – green line, stop 4. Given the 2 days allotted, I don't think it's a good idea to see the inside of the Louvre because of the long queues. Instead, I suggest getting off at the Place du Carrousel, do the obligatory photo ops at the Louvre glass pyramid entrance, then walk west through the Tuileries garden (maybe you can ride the big ferris wheel at the entrance), then walk out of the garden into the historic Angelina Cafe. Their hot chocolate is to die for. I bet everything else in their menu is for that matter. A bonus nearby is Cambon street/Rue Cambon (Rue is street in French) where the first Chanel shop is. It's also the street where almost all haute couture have their main shop. Google Maps Chanel Cambon to get there. Walk back where you got off and jump back on the tour bus.

3. Shakespeare and Co., Notre-Dame Cathedral – green line, stop 7. The front of the cathedral is an excellent photo opportunity as much as the back of the cathedral. When you are facing the front of the cathedral, walk to your right crossing the Seine River and and you'll see a huge St. Michael statue. Also in the same area is the historic Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore. If you buy a book from the store, they stamp it in the first page as proof that you bought it there. Pretty cool. If you walk deeper into the alleys surrounding the bookstore, you will find rows of French specialty restaurants where you can try an authentic boeuf bourguignon. Also in this area are a boatload of souvenir shops. This would be a good time to stock up. This area is called the Latin Quarter.

3. Champs-Elysees – green line, stop 11. By the time you get here your legs would be falling off. So, this would be your shopping and dinner stop. After eating, you may want to climb the Arc de Triomphe. I recommend an Uber back to your Airbnb or hotel from here.

Second Day

I suggest jumping on public transportation on this day. It would be your chance to see Parisians and what they see on their commute. Set your Google Maps to buses only for more scenery. Set it to train only otherwise, or set it to both.

1. Musee d'Orsay – this would be your art stop.

2. Sacre Couer Basilica, Le Poulbot restaurant, Montmartre - the basilica sits on top of a hill overlooking the city. Breathtaking. Have a Heineken sold by beer peddlers and some crepes from street vendors on the basilica steps. Walk to the quaint Le Poulbot French restaurant for lunch. An art bonus nearby is a Dali museum.

3. Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – Galeries Lafayette is for hi-end shopping/browsing at stuff you won't ever be able to afford like US$300,000 wristwatches and stuff. It's housed in at least 2 buildings, one sells mostly gourmet food. I think there is a rooftop restaurant in the other one.

Google Maps is your friend in navigating all of this.

Have fun! Amuse-toi bien! <= I googled that.

Paris, I love you.