Spending a day in paris?

Question

ok, we might be going to london in the summer. and i brought up the idea of going to paris for a day. can we rent a car in england and take it into france? because i know that paris is maybe 2-3 hrs from where the chunnel or another ferry gets in.

and also, what are fun things to do for 2 15 year old americans on their own for a bit?

Answer 1

Driving & parking in Paris are nightmares even for residents of the city.  Honestly, you would be much better off arranging for transportation that takes you all the way into Paris.  I think I remember some day tours from London to Paris, or you should be able to take a train.  

Without knowing you, I can't be sure what to suggest in the way of activities, but here are a few ideas.

If you like art, I'd suggest Musee d'Orsay (my favorite)  or Centre Pompidou (very modern "art") rather than the Louvre.  You could go to Parc Andre Citroen and go up in a tethered hot air balloon.  Take a bateaux mouche cruise down the Seine.  Walk the streets in the Latin Quartier.  Visit the zoo in Jardin des Plantes.  Take a cooking class (you might have to be 18 for this, I'm not sure).  

Google is your friend when it comes to finding stuff to do!

Answer 2

You can drive from London to Paris but it is an exhausting drive.  If I were you I would take a train into the center of town.  Driving in both Paris and London are not for the faint of heart and should not be attempted by tourists without a GPS system.

As for what to do when you get there..

- Take an open top hop on/hop off bus tour.  These are fun to do in the summer and lets you see the most you can in a single day without getting lost.  

- Also with your bus ticket you get the option to take a short cruise down the Seine.  

- Go up the Eiffel Tower if you have time

- Stop by Notre Dame (peek inside - no need to go up to the top) and check out the cool gargoyle statues.

- Stroll the Champs-Elysées and pop into Virgin Megastore - this street is also cool place to find a bite to eat (what my teenage nephew calls "the Paris Pizza Hut experience").

- Trocadéro square a happening scene for teens, especially in the evening.

- Aquaboulevard is Paris’ best pool/water park/miniature golf complex. Be warned, however, that it's mandatory that all men wear speedos (something Americans are not fond of)

- Last, but not least, do try the french bread and french pastries while you are there!

Here is a web site for one of those bus tours: http://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Paris-...

Answer 3

Don't attempt to drive.  Take the train all the way into the city.

The Metro is cheap and fast but underground.  Try walking or taking taxis* to experience the city itself.  Don't attempt to go up the Eiffel Tower.  Go to it, take a good look at it but once you're on it you can't see it anymore.  With only one day you can't spare the time.  Most of the museums will take up too much time also.  Go to the Arc de Triumph and up to Montmartre to Sacre Coure for a beautiful view of the city.  Good luck.

Answer 4

A one day trip will not allow you to really see anything... but if you just plan to hang out in the Latin Quarter (take metro to Place Monge), you will see the best of fun, parisian life. You will also be able to see Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle and Palais de Justice. If you want to get a good view of Paris-- avoid the Eiffel Tower. either go up La Tour Montparnasse (where you can get the eiffel Tower in your picture, too!) or go to Sacre Coeur in Montmarte (metro Anvers) and you can see for 50 kilometers!

Answer 5

The smart thing to do is to take the Euro Star train directly from London into Paris through the Chunnel.  Its a good trip and well worth it because it is so easy.  You can even make reservations on line and pick up your tickets at the station at a kiosk.

When you get to Paris just walk from the train station to the Seine to get a feel for the city and once you get to the river all the tourist sites are within walking distance (about 3 miles one end to the other).  With only a day trip, you should go to Notre Dame and then work your way towards the Arc de Triumph.  That way you pass by the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Les Invalades, Pont Alexander III bridge, walk along the Champs-Elysees and finally see the Arc and much more along the way.  I hope you get there and that it is a nice day.  You will have a ball.  Eat at any spot you see along the way-there are tons of street vendors with good food and not too expensive.

Answer 6

if you spend only 1 day, just forget your car !!! youll lose hours going and parking. take the Eurostar train.

Answer 7

O la la! J'aime Paris. J'etait nee a Paris! Et je parle le francais! I would love to return one day.