StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,665 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 26, 2017 20:00:13 GMT
Our national conference was this week and the CEO called me on stage with some other gals, complimented us on the consistency and leadership we've shown worth our businesses and then told us he's flying us to Paris for a free trip! Itll be august 10-15, the first two days are planned for us, the second two are free days for us to plan and were thinking about extending for another 5-7 days to go somewhere....Any suggestions? I've never even dreamed about doing a trip like this so I'm freaking out and completely clueless but ready to start researching and planning. What cant we miss? Theyre sending dh and I, and the extended trip will be us amd another couple. Dhs biggest bucket list trip is greece...maybe? Help me, these hillbillies are lost! Ha  |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 13, 2024 9:57:10 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2017 20:03:19 GMT
I'd highly recommend a trip to Normandy and Mont St. MIchel, however you could spend the entire time in Paris and never be bored.
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smcast
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Posts: 5,314
Location: MN
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Post by smcast on Mar 26, 2017 20:03:44 GMT
Personally, I'd stay in Paris. So many things to see and do. It's a large city, so it takes some time to get around on subway and/or train. I've been there twice and have a to-do list for a third visit some day.
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Post by SockMonkey on Mar 26, 2017 20:12:52 GMT
There are SO many things to do in Paris. SO many. If you extend 7 days, go to Normandy for sure. It's amazing, and if you're at all into history, I highly recommend it. We rented a car & stayed in Bayeux & drove around Normandy to see the battlefields, cemeteries, etc. There are tours you can take out of Paris, too, though, if you don't want to drive. I mean... DO ALL THE THINGS. I've been to Paris three times and still haven't seen a fraction of what there is to see. I love the Hotel La Sanguine in the 8th, right near the Madeleine metro stop. Very small, very sweet owners, great location and very reasonable. |
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Post by mrst on Mar 26, 2017 20:14:25 GMT
Greece is a long way from Paris! There's so much to do Paris, I'd stay there and do it to death! Paris will be pretty quiet at that time of year. They all leave to go on holiday. Paris is a very easy city to walk round and a weekend no time at all.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,766
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Mar 26, 2017 20:36:40 GMT
I agree with mrst Parisians leave the city to go to the coast in August. We spent ten days in Paris and the list of things we didn't see is long. There is so much to see, eat and drink in Paris, so so much. Although I would recommend Normandy with the D-Day beaches and Mont-St-Michel, August will be busy there. en.parisinfo.com/ETA. I've visited some of the Greek islands but not Athens. My understanding is that Athens suffers from smog/bad air which would be miserable in the heat of August. If you head to the islands then factor in the length of time it takes to travel there. |
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Post by terri on Mar 26, 2017 20:37:59 GMT
Congratulations! Paris is an amazing city and I am sure you will have a great time.
I firmly believe there is no one must see list for everyone. For example, so many people feel like they have to go to The Louvre. However I was fine skipping it because I really love the Impressionists so for me the Musee d'Orsay and The Orangerie were better fits. Versailles was a cool experience but I actually preferred the Palais Garnier.
So this is my must list for Paris with the caveat that everyone enjoys different types of things and I recommend keeping what you enjoy in mind.
1. Norte-Dame
2. Sacre Cour / Montemarte
3. Musee D'Orsay
4. Boat ride on the Seine at night
5. Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Paris Flea Market)
6. The Eiffel Tower
7. Shopping in the Marais district and walking behind where all the shops are to see the beautiful courtyards.
8. Eat in as many kinds of places as you can. If I can find my list of our favorite restaurants I will post it. I did a lot of research into restaurants and it definitely paid off.
9. Jardin du Luxembourg (and as many other gardens, parks squares as you can)
10. Palais Garnier
11. Walk around different neighborhoods
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
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Post by scrapngranny on Mar 26, 2017 20:42:34 GMT
I don't have any info on Paris, but I want to offer congratulations!! That is awesome photo of you and your DH.
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Post by monklady123 on Mar 26, 2017 20:55:24 GMT
Stay in Paris, absolutely. Or if you must go somewhere outside Paris go to Versailles. That's about as far as I'd go.
If you don't have a passport start the application now.
Do a little research and see if a Paris museum/site pass would be a good deal. It gets you into so many things without a ticket (well, the pass *is* your ticket, but you know what I mean) and usually there's a separate line. Get your ticket for the Eiffel Tower online ahead of time (the other museum/site pass isn't good for the Eiffel Tower, at least it wasn't the last time I was there). Get a Metro pass also. A travel agent can do all this for you ahead of time if you don't want to do that research.
Eat crepes every day. Every corner has a crepe stand.
Buy wine, cheese, bread, and fruit and sit somewhere across from Notre Dame and be amazed that you're actually there.
Take the boat trip on the river. Then take it again at night.
Go to Montmartre, then go again at night and go up to Sacre Coeur and see the city at night.
I love Paris.
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Post by mom2rjcr on Mar 26, 2017 21:05:32 GMT
Lucky you! I went to Paris with my DH last summer for 6 days. It wasn't enough time! I loved everything about Paris. We did a day trip to Versailles and did a bicycle tour of the palace and its grounds. It was the most amazing thing I have ever done. I am ready to go back to see some more.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,916
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Post by pilcas on Mar 26, 2017 21:21:10 GMT
To add to your list:
The Louvre Museum-
A day trip to Versailles
Walking the Champs Elise's to the arch de Triumph
Walking around Paris in general is just amazing.
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smginaz Suzy
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Je suis desole.
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Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
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Post by smginaz Suzy on Mar 26, 2017 21:31:04 GMT
Fat Tire Bike Tour-several have recommended Versailles but I was more enchanted by Giverny and Monet's house and gardens. After doing d'Orsay and all the impressionist art, it was amazing to see the inspiration. Rodin was also impressive. We did Sacre Couer, and I went up in the turrets while BFF went to confession. We did Vanves and St-Ouen because we love flea markets. Avoid lines with advance Eiffel tickets, same with Notre Dame. The Love Locks bridges were still up last time we visited but I think they may all have been removed. There was a fabulous 3 Musketeers exhibit at Musee D'Armee last time we went, so check for special exhibits at museums in case there is something that could interest you. DD and my niece enjoyed going up to the top of Arc de Triomphe and I enjoyed not doing that. Saint Chappelle. Galeries Lafayette. Paris Opera. Gare Saint-Lazare. Le Marais. Montmartre. For a cool picture, go up to the cafe on the top floor of Musee D-Orsay and shoot a picture of Sacre-Couer through the huge clockface. Tulieries. Luxembourg. Pere Lachaise. Ahhh, it's endless! I go back in June and am going to include Reims this time, and do one of the catacombs tours. There is always more to see.
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Post by verdepea on Mar 26, 2017 21:32:09 GMT
How fantastic surprise and you both look fabulous in that picture.
First bit of advise, go get your passports right now. Do not wait. I love Paris. There is lots to do and you can stay there the entire time. Plan on going out at night. Seeing all of the architecture.
If you wanted to go somewhere else, I wouldn't go further than a few hours by train. London 2.5 hours, Brussels 1.5 hours, Amsterdam 3.5 hours. Just remember you will lose time packing up, checking out of your hotel, traveling to the train station, traveling by train to your next destination, locating your new accommodations, getting there, checking in, unpacking and figuring out what to do then. Why waste a precious day in such a short period of time.
Do try and brush up on simple french. There are plenty of people who speak English, but it goes a long way to try.
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
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Post by likescarrots on Mar 26, 2017 21:33:51 GMT
last summer we went to Paris and Nice, one week in each area. I would suggest going to Nice or somewhere around there, it is really a beautiful area, and you can visit Monte Carlo, Cannes, and other areas on the coast really easily by bus or train. There is a TON to do in Paris so if you only have a week or so it might be better to stay in that area.
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Post by librarylady on Mar 26, 2017 21:37:14 GMT
Find the book Let's Go Paris (or France) and look at their hints on seeing the city.
It is a series of books on budget ways/things to do in various foreign cities. I can't remember now, but that book had a hint for avoiding the long lines in Versailles and it worked. --I have heard that Chantilly castle (near Paris) is more beautiful than Versailles.
I have heard that the tour of the catacombs is unique..
We toured a museum on our own on my first trip to Paris. On a second trip, we had a guide for the Monet museum and she really added to the experience.
Others have given you a great list of things to do.
FWIW, we once stayed in the Hotel Esmeralda--a VERY old hotel, but a wonderful experience for getting the feel of Paris. Our room overlooked Notre Dame. Hotel is famous and was built in the 1400s, I think. It has only 14 rooms.
I'm jealous!
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Post by librarylady on Mar 26, 2017 21:38:50 GMT
It will be hot in August and 90% of the locals leave the city in August for vacation.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,530
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Post by bethany102399 on Mar 26, 2017 23:04:11 GMT
I saw your FB post and squealed a little. Honestly, my next thought was I'd walk next the glass museum (the louve?) and pretend I'm Gal Gadot as wonder woman. LOL.
You two look gorgeous, and happy. Have a great trip!
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Post by joylynaroundthebnd on Mar 26, 2017 23:04:54 GMT
Congratulations!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Mar 26, 2017 23:06:28 GMT
I've never been to Paris so I have no advice. But man what an amazing opportunity and it seriously rocks that your DH will be able to go with you. I hope you have a fabulous time.
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scrappinwithoutpeas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,911
Location: Northern Virginia
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Post by scrappinwithoutpeas on Mar 26, 2017 23:11:28 GMT
Congratulations! That sounds awesome! I agree with other peas who suggested that you either stay in Paris the whole time or take one small day trip nearby. So much to see and do and eat and drink in Paris that you'll have no problem finding plenty to do in the time you have. You might check out this Refupeas thread from a while ago where another pea was asking for Paris travel suggestions/advice. In addition to the museums & sites suggested by others, I highly recommend the Musee de Cluny to see the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. I also loved the statues in the Louvre, as well as the old masters paintings. We were only there 4 days so we crammed in as much as we could do in that time (not sure we ever slept, LOL!) I loved the city and would go back in a heartbeat. You will never have a bad meal there! ETA: Your picture looks great! |
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Mar 26, 2017 23:18:52 GMT
Our national conference was this week and the CEO called me on stage with some other gals, complimented us on the consistency and leadership we've shown worth our businesses and then told us he's flying us to Paris for a free trip! Itll be august 10-15, the first two days are planned for us, the second two are free days for us to plan and were thinking about extending for another 5-7 days to go somewhere....Any suggestions? I've never even dreamed about doing a trip like this so I'm freaking out and completely clueless but ready to start researching and planning. What cant we miss? Theyre sending dh and I, and the extended trip will be us amd another couple. Dhs biggest bucket list trip is greece...maybe? Help me, these hillbillies are lost! Ha I'll be in Paris at that time too!!! Definitely go on the flying river taxi's!!! Also definitely extend your trip... the most expensive part is getting across the atlantic !! Take advantage. there are low cost airlines that will fly from France to Greece! |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,665
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 26, 2017 23:25:36 GMT
If we do grwece we will end up extending longer. I'm thinking if they're paying for the flights, why not right?
Im so anxious!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Mar 26, 2017 23:28:09 GMT
Congratulations on the trip! You will love Paris! We lived there for 2 years and I still miss it. August will be less crowded, however it can be very hot. I'd make sure your hotel has a/c. While the major attractions will be open, it pays to verify that, as well as hours of operation beforehand. Nearly all shops will be open in the main tourist areas, but when you get away from that you will see different shops & restaurants closed. Some will close the entire month, while others for only a few weeks.
I agree with the others about staying in the Paris area for your additional days. Anywhere you go along the Mediterranean will be packed with all the Europeans on holiday. August is the month many travel, not just the French. If you do want to get out of the city for the add on time, I'd start trying to lock up somewhere to stay now. Honestly though, there is enough to do in the area surrounding Paris that you could spend the time there. My recommendation would be to just stay in Paris and do day trips.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 26, 2017 23:45:19 GMT
The two things I wanted to do in France and didn't get to do
Tour the Loire Valley & see Chenonceau
See the Bayeux Tapestry maybe or maybe not made by Queen Matilda herself
Yup I'm a weirdo
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Post by catmom on Mar 26, 2017 23:47:23 GMT
That's amazing - congratulations!
First, you could easily spend the whole time in Paris. If you want to go further afield you could take the train (or drive) to the Loire Valley (perhaps with a small stop at Mont-st-michel and maybe Giverny 'on the way'). Spend 2-3 days exploring chateaux and stunning gardens. Then continue down to the Dordogne - wine, foie gras, ancient cave drawings, tranquil canoe rides. Sigh.... Or you could rent a houseboat and travel the Canal due Midi for a few days, but really that's not fir a first trip.
Outside of France, personally I think Italy is unparalleled in sights, food, culture, art, history and wine. It's an absolute embarrassment of riches. A couple days in Venice, drive through Tuscany (loooove Tuscany) end up in Florence then train down to Rome. That's probably more than a week but you could do the 3 big cities in a week or 2 plus Tuscany.
Or for something different there's eastern Europe.
For me Greece would be a lower tier for a first trip. The Greek islands are beautiful but I actually haven't been to the mainland. Going this fall though and looking forward to it.
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Post by belgravia on Mar 27, 2017 0:00:17 GMT
Congrats! I love Paris. Do your homework now so you can prioritize what you really want to see. Notre dame is amazing, take the stairs to the top to check out the gargoyles, and walk around the ile St. Louis while you're there. If you want to do the Louvre, research what pieces are must see, so you can map out your visit, because the Louvre is massive and overwhelming. The musee d'orsay is fantastic. Stroll the champs élysées, stop for a glass of wine whenever the mood strikes, have a glass of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I've never done a catacomb tour but I'd love to on my next visit. There is so much to see, there's no way to do it all. So just relax, take your time and really enjoy. I always tell myself if I miss something, I'll see it next time.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Mar 27, 2017 0:10:23 GMT
Just wanted to say Congratulations! That is an awesome reward!
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 27, 2017 0:31:58 GMT
The two things I wanted to do in France and didn't get to do Tour the Loire Valley & see Chenonceau See the Bayeux Tapestry maybe or maybe not made by Queen Matilda herself Yup I'm a weirdo You just need to go back! Chenonceau was really, really cool. We only had a short time there, but I could have spent all day. Check out the other thread that scrappinwithoutpeas linked. There's some great info there! We were there 3 years ago at this time. We flew into London, spent 4 days there, then took the train to Paris (2 hours from London to Paris!). We spent 6 days in Paris and flew out from there. It was cheaper than going back to London (or vice versa). And so convenient! |
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Post by Legacy Girl on Mar 27, 2017 1:45:27 GMT
I absolutely adore Versailles! In addition to the traditional must-dos in Paris, that would be my top recommendation. Enjoy every minute of the planning and the trip. So happy for you!
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Post by gizzy on Mar 27, 2017 1:51:53 GMT
Congrats! You have an awesome company to recognize you in this way. Go on Tripadavisor. I found everything I needed to know there.
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