Planning for Paris Plus a Recommended Walking Tour Company
Dear Pauline,
Thank you for answering my question about the Louvre guided tour (53€) on today’s show. The only reason that we considered taking it was to maximize the time that we have in Paris , since I’ve read that the lines at the Louvre can be quite long. When we fly into Paris on a Sunday. I thought that we would do the Musée d’Orsay. When we return to Paris on the following Saturday, we will take the included tour of Paris offered by the cruise company in the morning and then do the Louvre in the afternoon on our own, as you suggested. That leaves us Sunday and Monday to see Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower , the Arc d’Triomphe, etc. Does this sound like a reasonable plan?
Thanks!
Elena Tomkowich
Dear Elena,
The trick to avoid the lines at the Louvre is to NOT enter at the glass pyramid (the famous entrance in the courtyard that most visitors use). Instead, go down into the Metro and enter through the underground entrance there. It shouldn't be at all hard to spot that underground entrance, but if you have problems, consult any good guidebook.
As for the rest of your plan: it should be easy to see those three sights--Notre Dame, Eiffel Town and Arc d'Triomphe in three days. To make the most of your time, hit the Eiffel Tower first thing in the morning, before the crowds form. You may want to schedule in a couple of other sights, near to Notre Dame and the Arc d'Triomphe as well, you'll definitely have time. And be sure to take some time to simply wander the streets, people watch from a cafe, and soak in the elegance and sophistication that is Paris.
Have a wonderful time!
Cordially,
Pauline Frommer
Hi Arthur & Pauline;
Just finished listening to your show on my IPod. I am emailing with regard to the listener who called in about Viator. I have used Viator for at least the last 5 years for various walking tours, day trip and airport transfers in Europe and plan to use them again when I go to Australia in October, 2010.
I can highly recommend them. While sometimes their day tours can be long and perhaps a little over packed with things to do, we have found the tours wonderful and the tour guides very informative.
I had problems only once when a driver didn't show up at the airport in Rome but I got in touch with the local company who advised me what to do. When I returned home, I contacted Viator who immediately not only refunded my airport transfer but also the price of the cab to get from the airport to my hotel within 7 days of contacting them. I would advise her to carefully read the reviews of the tour she's interested in on their website. I have usually agreed with what's been said taking the tours.
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