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Post by asrcolorado on May 14, 2008 16:48:54 GMT -5
 Hi--- I'll be in Paris first week of October --- never been there ---- Should I skip Versailles? I only have 4 full days, and I'm thinking it's too overwhelming to tackle Thanks for your suggestions
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Post by luckyluc on May 14, 2008 16:51:30 GMT -5
Well if you are certain without any any any any any doubt that it will be your one and only trip to France, than yes go to Versailles for 1/2 day. If not skip it for a longer stay. 4 days in Paris is better than 3 days!
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Post by ouiparis on May 14, 2008 16:52:50 GMT -5
Only you can really answer that. We were there for four days during our first trip to Paris and it was a "must-do" for us. But it was probably because we didn't know when we'd ever be back in Paris. In retrospect, I could've probably waited to go.
Maybe watch "Marie Antoinette" and find out whether the grounds interest you enough to make the trek out to Versaille.
Good luck and welcome to OPF!
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grunblack
Full Member
Can't wait to get back...
Posts: 132
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Post by grunblack on May 15, 2008 6:17:11 GMT -5
We were in Paris for a week in October last year and I have to say that I loved the city but really enjoyed Versailles. The grounds were stunning and for me the best part of the trip. It really doesn't take that long to get out there and you could certainly do it in 3/4 of a day and still get back in time to wander the streets of Paris, climb the Arc at night and see the Eiffel tower shine.
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Post by holger on May 15, 2008 6:46:39 GMT -5
;D
Four days in Paris will just be enough to skim the surface and just begin to get the barest essence of this fabulous city. I would not take a day away from this short time. However, if you wake up and the weather is perfect, you could decide to make the trip to Versailles, if important to you.
On my first trip to Paris over 50 years ago, I did a few tourist things but mostly walked and wandered in some of the quartiers. This is still my favorite pasttime along with sitting in cafes and people watching.
It pretty much depends on what your interests are. if you haven't already, I would get a good guidebook like the DK Guide to Paris and start with that.
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Post by annettecinca on May 15, 2008 7:51:08 GMT -5
I agree with the consensus here--if you probably won't be back, take a 1/2 day for a quick trip (not a leisurely stroll, mind you!  ) It will give you a taste of how good it was to be King! If you're not interested in the gardens or Trianons, a time saving alternative would be to visit Napoleon's Apartments in the Louvre, where you'll see a good representation of the opulence of the interior without wasting hours on the train back and forth to Versailles. When we took our kids to Paris several years ago, we only had 4 days but squeezed in a 1/2 day trip to Versailles, and our children count it as one of the highlights. |
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Post by geordy on May 15, 2008 8:21:06 GMT -5
My first trip was 4 days also..after 7 i n London. I arrived in Paris with a head cold and sprained my ankle the second night. None the less we went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame(and climbed to the top...I might never be there again  , part of a day at the Lourve and Orsay, the Rodin Museum, a Bateaux Mouche ride, a few couple hour bus sightseeing(orientation), Moulin Rouge, cafe sitting at Deaux Maggots and Cafe de la Paix, Printemps and Gallerias Lafayette, Montmartre, the sewers(Le Miz was just on Broadway, read the book and saw the show before the trip ;D), dinners at Maison Alsace, La Coupole, a great little bistro near our hotel, and a day trip to Versailles on our own via train! Typical young tourists! I need to get back to Versailles! Saw the highlights at the time but things have changed a bit! |
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Post by Shoesy on May 15, 2008 8:30:02 GMT -5
I think Annette's suggestion of visiting Napolean's apts. is excellent if you decide that you don't have enough time to travel to Versailles. I really enjoyed seeing them, and that might even have been been my favorite section of the Louvre. (Sorry, Mona Lisa!  ) Don't get me wrong, though......I also loved Versailles, but I went there when I had a week to spend in Paris, not only 4 days like you. |
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Post by asrcolorado on May 15, 2008 8:42:45 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D ;D ---- Thanks everyone ---- you've made up my mind. How kings lived is not as important to me as the city of Paris itself
Boy, is it hard to fit so much into just 4 days............
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Post by luckyluc on May 15, 2008 9:37:34 GMT -5
Yes there is a lot to fit into 4 days!
My advice is to start a new thread "Make it fit" where you could post your initial itinerary and we can all pick it apart ;D and argue about it! Who's knows many a consensus will appear....
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on May 15, 2008 9:44:04 GMT -5
Good suggestion from luckyluc - if you start off with the things that are highest on your "must see" list, then we all will know what your priorities and are people can make suggestions to help you achieve them. Have fun with the planning - it's not as much fun as the visit itself, of course, but it is fun!
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Post by asrcolorado on May 15, 2008 14:21:33 GMT -5
I will do that.......THANK YOU...... I need to go home tonight and draft one up for you..... I'm stuck at work right now on my 1-hour lunch, so meet you guys back here tomorrow?? ;D ;D |
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Post by mez on May 15, 2008 19:19:49 GMT -5
Welcome to the forums!
You've received great advice so far. The only thing I would add is in addition to creating your itinerary, at the same time start compiling you 'future trip to do' list...because it will be a long one.
The best bit is that next time alot of the hard work is done. ;D
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Post by chemong on May 21, 2008 17:48:29 GMT -5
Hey asrcolorado.
I was hoping to see that 4 day itinerary because that is exactly the time I have as a first time visitor. I'm also wondering if I have time for Versailles
I will also start to work on my list and we can compare!
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Hi---
) It will give you a taste of how good it was to be King! If you're not interested in the gardens or Trianons, a time saving alternative would be to visit Napoleon's Apartments in the Louvre, where you'll see a good representation of the opulence of the interior without wasting hours on the train back and forth to Versailles. When we took our kids to Paris several years ago, we only had 4 days but squeezed in a 1/2 day trip to Versailles, and our children count it as one of the highlights. 
, part of a day at the Lourve and Orsay, the Rodin Museum, a Bateaux Mouche ride, a few couple hour bus sightseeing(orientation), Moulin Rouge, cafe sitting at Deaux Maggots and Cafe de la Paix, Printemps and Gallerias Lafayette, Montmartre, the sewers(Le Miz was just on Broadway, read the book and saw the show before the trip ;D), dinners at Maison Alsace, La Coupole, a great little bistro near our hotel, and a day trip to Versailles on our own via train! 
) Don't get me wrong, though......I also loved Versailles, but I went there when I had a week to spend in Paris, not only 4 days like you.
hahahha