Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Dreaming of Paris

Even if the French school you study abroad at is not in Paris, it is practically imperative that you visit Paris at least once. It would be great for a weekend trip because a one day trip would not give you enough time to see all Paris has to offer. Even a weekend trip will not allow you to go everywhere, but it is a good start. 

When you travel to Paris, you will probably want to do so on a train. Unfortunately, train tickets are a bit on the expensive side. If you plan to travel other places during your time abroad, you will most likely want to buy a seasonal pass or a certain number of passes to get a better value.

Once you arrive, you will need a place to stay. Hostels are the cheapest option. They're usually even cheaper than a lot of motels would be in America. There are several websites you can use to compare prices ahead of time as well as see how far you would be from all of the places you want to visit.

Because you are already being cliche by visiting Paris while you are in France, embrace all of the other cliches. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe if you have time for it all. 

Of course you will want to try all of the wonderful French food while you are there. Some places that have good ratings and are good if you are on a budget include: La Rose de France, Taverne Henry IV, Le Flore en I'lle, and Brasserie Les Deux Palais. However, France is known for their food for a reason. Almost anywhere you decide to go will be well worth it, so don't be afraid to go somewhere you have never heard of even though you have already read multiple guidebooks.

Tentative Itinerary:

Friday
     5:00 PM: arrive in Paris and check into hostel or hotel of your choosing
     6:00 PM: wine and dine somewhere near where you will be staying
     9:00 PM: explore the area around you; talk to other tourists and native Parisians
     
Saturday
     8:00 AM: breakfast
     10:00 AM: Champs-Élysées
     12:00 PM: lunch
     2:00 PM: Eiffel Tower
     4:00 PM: Louvre
     7:00 PM: Dinner
     

Sunday
     7:30 AM: breakfast/checkout
     8:30 AM: mass at Notre-Dame
     10:00 AM: head on the train back

No comments:

Post a Comment