I arrived in Paris on Friday night, around 10:30 pm at Charles de Gaulle airport. After two failed attempts of getting a taxi into the city (the first guy didn't have a meter or a taxi sign on the car - HUGE red flags, run away- and the second asked me for 75 € for a 20 min drive!! Mmm... how about no), I finally opted for the Metro into Paris.
Tip #1 - Plan your route into the city beforehand. Thankfully my French is up to par so I had no issues communicating and reading signs/maps.
After asking the friendly girls at the auto rental booth, I determined my route - RER C to Metro #11, then transfer to Metro #3. I was looking for the Gambetta stop in the 20th Arrondissement. I found this little hotel online and have to say that for the price, I would totally recommend this place for a single traveller or a couple. La Palma, 2 *.
Tip #2 - Look at the running times of the RER & Metro before your trip, you might be surprised at how early they finish running. Always wait 30 min before the routes close to be sure you catch one.
Tip #3 - Book online and outside of the main tourist areas for better hotel prices. Just be sure it's near a Metro stop. Check Trip Advisor for hotel reviews - I've found them to be quite accurate.
Checking in was fine, 24 hours concierge is a must. The room was small and cute (like most in Paris) and it was nice and clean. The next morning I slept in a bit, I do not recommend this for a one day trip but c'est la vie, I was coming off of an intense 2 day workshop so I forgive myself. Out of the room by 1 (don't judge me, I know I really slept in), I began my adventure.
Tip #4 - A wake-up call, camera and map are key to a successful day.
I started off walking on a path near Père Lachaise Cemetery. Too bad I didn't stumble upon the entrance to this, it would have been very interesting to see (burials for Chopin, Mossini, Jim Morrison etc.), but I settled for the scenery around the cemetery walls. I followed my nose and the signs towards Bastille, where I eventually found myself in the middle of some sort of mini-festival.
Tip #5 - When grabbing the Metro, be sure to have a bundle of change on you at all times so that you are never caught not being able to purchase a 1.70 € ticket. One ticket gives you an unlimited one way trip.
I decided to head to Champs-Élysées avenue, and the Arc de Triomphe, to find a restaurant. I made it there just as my stomach started to rumble. I found a cute resto one street parallel to Champs. 'Table for one please' - hah - quite possibly one of the most embarrassing sentences in the human language. Of course they put me right by the glass window outside where everyone could observe my dinner alone. It was ok though, I did have a good people-watching view.
Escargot, red wine, duck, crème brûlée and a latte later, I was done for and ready for sleep. Though the offer to go dancing with the maître d’ was veryyyy tempting (cough), I decided to call it a night. Instead of taking the Metro this time, I opted for Bus #31. I figured it might be a more scenic method of travel.
Tip #6 - Take the bus when you can to see more of the city. A great, cheap way to cover more ground!
I made it back to my room at around 11 pm. Just enough time to pack all of my new belongings into the one small suitcase I brought along.
Tip #7 - When possible, travel with carry-on luggage only. It makes travelling faster, manoeuvring up and down stairs easier, and flying on small planes cheaper. 10 kg is the usual limit plus one purse for ladies.
I took the Metro/RER the next day back to Charles de Gaulle airport. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to travel there. This is an extreme overshot on travel time but the RER is very unreliable with departure times. Just a forewarning. I was happy, I was sad, I knew I would be back. But THAT, my friends, is how you do Paris in 24 hrs!
Additional stops to consider (if time permits): The Louvre, Seine River cruise, Basilica... and obvious night life!
Tip #8 - Have fun, be safe, eat as much as you can. I promise, you will fall in love with Paris too!
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