Can you give me ideas on what to do/stay in London and Paris this summer?

Question

My sisters , mother and I are traveling to the UK and Paris for app. 12 days this summer and I've done a lot of research but I would like to hear from somepeople on what to do/where to stay. Thanks

Answer 1

Beware of the little Jamaican bracelet makers at Sacre Coeur in Paris--just run away.  They put a bracelet on you and talk a bunch of junk and then want A LOT of money for the bracelet that's now stuck on your wrist.

However, when it comes to staying somewhere in Paris, I recommend the Bercy area (I can't remember which Arondissement), which is on the 14 (purple) line of the metro (subway).  14 is a GREAT subway line, all automated, and a lot cheaper and faster than any other mode of transportation.

I also liked the Rue Mouffetard area for lodging.  It's an area that really LOOKS like the Paris you always imagined: little cafes and brick roads and everything.  We even had windows in our hotel that opened outward onto a little courtyard.  I recommend splitting in two, simply because a lot of the hotels are tiny and warrant it.

The Eiffel Tower is okay, but not that interesting (keep your hands on your money when staring up at it).  I enjoyed the Orsay Museum a lot more (impressionist paintings, and the building used to be a train station-it's GORGEOUS).

Three pieces of advice:  

1.  Learn a little bit of French.  Just learn phrases like, "Where is the", "Excuse me", "Thank you", "Do you speak English".

The whole myth that the French are rude stems from the fact that American tourists tend to run up to Frenchman and talk really loud in English.  If you make an attempt, they will be appreciative.

2.  Don't talk loudly or smile at random people, and don't assume that a French person is rude because they're not smiling.  They just don't smile as much as we do, that's all.

3.  Pack half as much luggage as you think you need (they don't have the same handicapped laws we do, and there are A LOT of broken escalators/elevators), and don't bother with traveler's checks.  Use credit cards.

Whew!  I think that's all.

Oh, one more thing:  Rick Steve's book on Paris is an absolute MUST...go pick it up!

Answer 2

Okay..that clarification is very useful. I wasn't sure if this was a party of a mother and three teenage girls or four adults.

In Paris (which is the city I really know) you have a very wide range of rooms and prices. For people looking to keep costs down I always recommend the Hotel St. Andre Des Artes which is where I stay. They have a quad room that goes for 120 euros a night (breakfast included). But I must say that this is NOT the Holiday Inn. Its clean and has modern plumbing but there's no elevator, no mini bars and no TV. Its very French tho and I think its charming (I've been staying there for more than 30 years). You can book thru their webpage: http://www.france-hotel-guide.com/h75006...

London hotels are expensive these days. I like the Arran House Hotel in Bloomsbury. They have a quad with en suite facilites for £117. The price does includes a full English breakfast and that will fill you up a treat so the price is not too bad.. Their website is here: http://www.arranhotel-london.com/newslet...

What to see and do in London

The changing of the guard in London is something most Tourists enjoy. There is also a changing of the Horse Guards which, I think, is even better. (They wear brass helmets and partial armor and carry sabers...really rather nifty looking).

You can only see Buckingham Palace from the outside. there are no guided tours like they have of the White House. There used to be a rather clever way of getting inside known to only a few. You could go to the side entrance of the Palace dressed very nicely and ask to sign the Queen's guest book and would then be escorted inside to do so. I understand this has been discontinued in light of present day security concerns.

Getting around London on the Underground or the busses isn't all that hard although its become a lot more expensive than it used to be. (But then everything is way more expensive than when I first went to London as a child).

As to what to do in London there is a rather long list but the basics are:

1) Tower of London...The Beefeaters (The Yeoman of the Guard) give wonderful tours. Well worth it to see the crown jewels, Traitors Gate, the place where Anne Boleyn was beheaded and such.

2) St. Paul's Cathedral Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. he's buried there with the incription  "Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice" (Reader, if you seek a monument, look around you)

3) Westminster Abbey .. The burial place of many of England's most fanmous men and the site of Britain's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  The inscription which end's with these words always brings tears to my eyes:

"They buried him among the kings

Because he

Had done good toward God and

Toward His house"

4) Houses of Parliament. Visiting Parliament is possible and you can attend a session. Its easier to visit the House of Lords as the lines are not usually so long.

5) See a West End play. The London theatre scene is excellant. dson't miss seeing a play while there.

6) Trafalgar Square/ Piccadily Circus.. Yes its terribly touristy but why not.

7) Greenwich..Take the boat ride up the Thames and see, among other things, the Royal Observatory.

8) Go shopping at Harrod's ... Even if you don't buy anything check out the Food courts..they are astounding

Driving in the UK can be quite difficult...recall they drive on the other side of the road. And you'll find that most British roads just don't compare to those in the USA. But, if you're heading off the beaten path you may have no practical choice.

What to see and do in Paris

As for what to see in Paris I've just written a rather long itinerary for a four stay stay for some other folks which would apply equally to your needs. its here http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

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Answer 3

I've done London for the past few summers--it's one of my favorite cities--and I know you'll have a lot of fun.  Here are my tips:

1) Look into b&b's for your stay, or at least part of your stay.  Lots to choose from, and you get more of the flavor of living in London.  Also check on Expedia for hotels around Kensington and Bloomsbury, where it's a bit cheaper.  But if you go cheaper, be prepared for no air conditioning!

2) The Underground is very easy to use--get the weekly pass, and you're in and out all over the place.  Maps are everywhere, and everyone is very helpful.  Avoid the taxis and buses, which take ages.  The taxis can be expensive, also.

3)  For good, look for smaller takeaway places and cafes, rather than the bigger restaurants.  The food is better (especially if you like Indian), in my opinion.  You also can eat at any pub, but I've never been thrilled with the fare.  One other trick--the local supermarket, Saintsburys, has sandwiches, fruit, etc., at low prices.   I would stop there for lunches and late night snacks often.

4) Do all the touristy things in London, including the Tower, Westminster Abbey, etc.   If you're adventurous, climb to the top of the dome of St. Paul's--one of my favorite places in the world, and a great view of London.  The museums are of course all great--don't miss the British Museum!--and if you like art, do both Tates.

5) Get on the train (easy to catch) and head to Oxford and the other neighboring cities.  And see Stonehenge, but get on a guided tour for that, one that includes Salisbury and Bath.

6)  Definitely hit the theatres--cheap tickets, great actors (saw Judi Dench last year, Ian McKellan the year before). And you can eat ice cream during the performance, which I still find amazing!

7) When in Paris, have lunch at the cafes.  you can get a sandwich called a mixte and a Perrier for next to nothing, and life is wonderful.  Have a great trip!