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Published: March 1st 2009
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Day 17 & 18 Arrived: (Gare d'Austerlitz - Paris, France (early morning by overnight train from Barcelona)
Accommodation: Hotel Plessis
• first impression = difficult to find, clean, typical, compreable to a 2 star
• room type = private double
• shower = private
• tip = get good directions to hotel
Gone.. Go Trippin' Paris is a place where no matter where you choose to stay, there is something exciting in every arrodisment. Hotel Plessis was conveniently located near several metros which was easy for us to get around. However, we did get lost trying to find the hotel and had to ask for help. Luckily, the guy we ask was so nice he pulled out his cell phone and called the hotel to ask for directions for us and pointed us to the right way. Who says the French are not nice?
We bought a ten ride during our two days stay which was perfect. Each ticket is one ride, in and out; one ticket to get you in and the same ticket to get you out. Similiar to Bart if you're from the Bay Area except it doesn't keep track by $.
One of the first things we
did was go get a grec avec frites (gyro stuffed with fries) near the Pompidou since we wanted to go shopping right after which is in the area. This is a great area for affordable shopping; mall type stores. We practically hit up every H&M in town.
We later took a boat tour of the Seine which is great if you want to see all the sites from the river. We did the typical tourist site seeing; Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Garden and the Louvre Museum during our two day stay. There's no rhyme or reason here since everything is easily accessible by metro. Note-- The Louvre has a back underground entrance that most tourist don't know about. Definitely have your fix in of pictures above ground and then head straight for the underground entrance to avoid the lines.
Another must when in Paris is eating. We had crepes, crepes and more crepes. The street vendors selling crepes are original and simple. Try une crepe avec sucre (crepe with sugar) or ask for nutella. On our way back to our hotel, we stumbled upon a small alley strip with bakeries serving miniature desserts absolutely to die
for! We were in heaven and it felt guilt free because they were all so tiny. Since Paris is almost our last stop on this crazy trip, we decided to splurge and dine at the Buddha Bar. My martini alone was 30 some Euros so what does that tell you? Nonetheless, it was a great way to end the trip.
We must have hit jackpot during our stay because the entire city appeared to be having some sort of battle- of- the bands. Every street corner had different bands sounding off. We had the time of our lives band hopping around St. German Du Pres, where at night, this is where everyone retreats for a night of fun and food. There was even an outdoor outbreak of music and dancing in the middle of the streets so we joined in!
Do's & Don'ts DO consider flying if you are coming from Barcelona. The overnight to Paris is 2nd class and can run you up to $200! However, it's not your ordinary couchettes that you may be use to. Plus, you get a nice continental breakfast in the morning with a stunning view of the countryside. But you can
save money and time by flying.
DONT forget your museum pass. It comes in handy when you're in Paris and there's so much to see.
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ferry
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Paris is really nice
Hi. Good to know about the lovely places u visited in Paris and the food u enjoyed.It seems u have enjoyed lot of music too.Can u publish some more photographs of the places u visited in your next blog? I think cheap ferry crossings are the best option for people travelling from U.K to France.