My husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy a week in Paris this past April. Thank you to all of you who answered any of my questions and to those of you who contribute to this forum. It is beyond helpful, especially to first time Paris travelers like us.
There are so many details, I don%26#39;t think I could ever write an in-depth trip report, but here are some of my observations, which maybe will help someone else.
First, I was very very anxious and nervous before we left (I posted about this and so many of you were kind and funny and helped calm my nerves - so thank you!) but once we got to the airport, my excitement took over and there was no room to be nervous - although I%26#39;m not a frequent flyer, so actually being in the plane was a little nerve wracking but they luckily offered some great in-flight movies to choose from and I lost myself in those.
The entire time we were in Paris, it just felt surreal. It truly is such a beautiful city and we couldn%26#39;t get over how lucky people are to actually live in such a beautiful place. We definitely fell in love with the whole atmosphere. We were lucky to have absolutely gorgeous weather as well, so walking along the Seine with trees and flowers in bloom was beautiful and romantic and memories we%26#39;ll keep forever. I think that it is definitely a city to enjoy with the person you love and that you%26#39;ll make memories that are absolutely priceless.
My husband%26#39;s favorite sight was the Eiffel Tower. He was mesmerized by it and I have to admit that at night with it sparkling is one of the most romantic things I have ever seen.
My favorite thing in the city was the Louvre - and not the inside (we actually only spent about 45 minutes inside - the crowds were so out of control that we found it to be miserable). But the outside was so grand and majestic and amazing that we were both left speechless. A lot of the architecture in Paris was beautiful - I don%26#39;t think there is anything here in the Pacific Northwest that compares.
We hit up most of the other major tourist sites, like Notre Dame, the Pantheon, the L%26#39;Orangerie, a day trip to Versailles (which was so interesting if you have some background history to pair with it) but the thing I think we enjoyed most was just walking around and soaking everything in. We did go with an itinerary - we just a list of things we wanted to see and decided when we woke up what to do. We never tried to do too much in one day and left a lot of time to just wander. I think that would be my best piece of advice: don%26#39;t forget to leave time to wander. You%26#39;ll find some of the cutest streets and boutiques and cafes that way and gain a much better appreciation of the city when you leave time to actually enjoy it.
Of course there were frustrating times during our trip, including trying to use the metro for the first time and dealing with gypsies (which are easy to ignore, but just start to grate on your nerves), but having the right attitude makes all the difference. As far as rude Parisians, of course there were a couple - but there are rude people in EVERY city! We found Parisians to be very kind and helpful if you just approach them with a little French and a genuine smile.
This trip was somewhat spontaneous for us. We had never been to Europe together (I%26#39;ve been to Oslo once on my own) and we wanted to go somewhere huge with the two of us before we start a family. I suggest that anyone thinking about going to Paris, or anywhere for that matter, and is on the fence should definitely just go for it. If you have to put a little on a credit card but you have the opportunity, it should not be passed up. There are always a million reasons not to do something, but life is short and these memories will be treasured forever.
Thanks again for everybody%26#39;s help!
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Glad you had such a wonderful time, except now of course you will want to return and clog it up for me! LOL, Thnaks for taking time to write your observations up, sounds like you did everything just right for you!
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We are planning a trip to Paris as well. Our first and I was wondering, do we have to change US dollars to Euro%26#39;s?
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Yes you will have to change your dollars into Euros. Be prepared for a bit of a shock, I don%26#39;t think the dollar is doing to well against the Euro.
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We are Americans living in the UK for a couple of years. We always tell our visitors to hold off on getting Euros/Pounds until you arrive in the country. The rate is always better from an ATM then it is exchanging money in the US or abroad. When we travel we pull money out at an ATM at the airport or train station upon arrival, you won%26#39;t need it until then anyway. Of course, there are limits to how much you can take out at one time. We use credit cards for large purchases and dinners.
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Thank you so much for the post! My husband and I are thinking about where we want to vacation next spring (I like to plan early!)and we%26#39;re kicking around the idea of going to Paris and Provence. We%26#39;ve been to Europe before, but neither of us have been to France. Reading this post definitely makes me want to go to Paris!
So happy you enjoyed your trip!
clemsongal
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Merci for sharing your impressions of the City of Light - she truly is a beautiful place and definitely romantic in her splendor...
I can%26#39;t wait to return - reports like yours makes the distance so much harder to bear! :-)
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Thanks for your report. I have to admit I actually cried when I read about your husband (and you) loving the Eiffel Tower when it twinkles. I agree it is absolutely magic!
For other people reading this thread. Another building which is so spectacular on the outside (I have toured the inside too and it is beautiful but tours are once a week and you need reservations--and it is in French only) is the Hotel de Ville (Paris%26#39; main city hall). It just takes my breath away.
I too live in the Pacific Northwest and no we don%26#39;t have architecture anything like that in France. You just feel %26quot;history%26quot; when you see it--inside and outside.
You have inspired people to travel to Paris and fall in love. You now have a place to travel to again--perhaps with a little one(s) next time?
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My husband and I are planning our first trip to Europe and going directly to France. With our first week in Paris.
I%26#39;d be interested to hear where you stayed and what the accommodation was like.
Thanks Jenny
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My family and I visited France and Paris for the first time in April as well. We also fell in love with this beautiful city and can%26#39;t wait to make our return. I look at our photos almost every day. I%26#39;m glad you had as nice trip as we did.
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Sounds like you had a great time!
My wife and I are returning to Paris this September and I couldn%26#39;t agree with you more when you say %26quot; don%26#39;t forget to leave time to wander%26quot;.
Having a itinerary is great, but you have to look at it as just an itinerary, and not a timetable. Most of the time the best memories are created during unplanned encounters.
Thanks for your report, it made me that much more anxious to return.
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