France? Planning a romantic trip.?

Question

I'm thinking of organising an overnight trip to France for me and my partner.

I was thinking of catching the Ferry across the channel

(since it's more of an experience than the train)

Then maybe a bus to Paris from Calais? (Coach? Train?)

Staying the night in Paris. (Hotels? B n' Bs?)

Then catching the train from Paris all the way back to London?

Can I have some advice from people who have, or are planning to take, a simular trip?

Answer 1

You got it all worked out. Paris is fantastic, been so many times, never get bored. Have a great time. (I'm Envious already)

Answer 2

What's your budget? If you can afford to spend a few hundred check out lastminute.com. They have some really good deals including flights straight to and from Paris.

Answer 3

Its been quite a while since I used the ferry to Pas de Calais but for many years that's how I traveled from London to Paris. I agree with you that's its a more interesting experience than either flying or doing the Eurostar thru the Chunnel.

You'll be taking a train from Calais to Paris. (I don't believe there is a bus to take.) The fair is around 45 euros and the trip will take, depending on which train you catch, from 2-2 3/4 hours.

You get into Paris at the Gare du Nord.

For an cute but inexpensive hotel I suggest the Hotel de Nesle in the 6th arrondissement. http://www.hoteldenesleparis.com/

Answer 4

you should really look into the eurostar.  i think your ship idea is a nice one for getting to the continent.  you can take a high speed tgv train from calais to paris: you will want to book that on raileurope.com if you are in the U.S.  for the return trip to london, you can book that on eurostar.co.uk, which is usually cheaper than the french site (eurostar.fr).  you can also book the eurostar ticket on raileurope.com.

that said, i think the eurostar is super romantic and the ferry may be more than a pain that it is worth.  if you want to maximize your time in paris, then the eurostar is the way to go. the entire train ride only takes two hours and fifteen minutes.  good luck!

Answer 5

If you only have time for an overnight trip, I would pass on the ferry/coach segment of the voyage....those eat up time you would much rather enjoy spending in Paris....where the 'experience' is much more meaningful.

Take the Eurostar all the way. It's less than 2.5 hours from the center of London to the center of Paris.

Answer 6

As far as people saying that Paris is dirty, I never noticed that at all except right in front of the Louvre. I would suggest you check out www.hotelresidencedupalais.com. It's an adorable little hotel within walking distance of Luxembourg Gardens and Notre Dame.

Answer 7

DIRTY, TRAFFIC, DOG POO, RIP OFF GO SOUTH A BIT

Answer 8

they have a dog problem in paris, the romance is ruined by the dog poo everywhere, personaly i would go further down to the riviera, st tropez is classier, just do a flying visit to paris to say youve been there

Answer 9

Have you considered consulting a travel agent?  They may have package deals available with the transportation to/from plus hotel room.

I LOVE Paris!   Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 10

I understand what you mean about the ferry but I'd save time and take the Eurostar so that you can spend as much time as possible in Paris - that's so much more of an experience!

I don't generally like cities but Paris really is wonderful. We always stay in a little hotel in rue Cler which is walking distance from the Eiffel Tower and there is a choice of excellent restaurants in the area. There is also a small daily street market which gives it atmosphere and I suggest you have breakfast sitting in a terrace café rather than in the hotel.

For your evening meal rather than go to a restaurant you could book a meal on a boat on the Seine. As you won't have much time for sightseeing this will allow you to see some sites whilst you eat. When we did this we found the meal to be excellent and very reasonably priced. Then walk back to your hotel taking in the Eiffel Tower at night - very romantic...

Answer 11

I guess you got it all covered. I think she would really love it. Hey, if you need more help and go overboard and plan a luxurious trip, try to visit www.luxurylink.com