Traveling Paris
Getting from here to there…
- Travel to/from Paris anywhere in Europe by train. Thalys high-speed train did the trick for us, and it was only €12 extra for a first class ticket – worth it when it includes a meal, snacks, and adult beverages. It took us just over three hours to travel the 266 miles from Amsterdam to Paris. With a baby, the train was a really nice way to go because we could get up and walk around. We’ll be traveling this way again.
- Once in Paris, taxis are readily available. Uber is also in Paris, and I will always recommend going that route when possible since it is safer and less hassle.
Accomodations…
- We stayed at the 5-star luxury hotel Park Hyatt Vendôme, a two-minute walk from Place Vendôme in the 2nd arrondissement. The hotel is amazing – opt for a suite if you can for real luxury.
- If a 5-star hotel isn’t in your cards, the area is still great – lots of shopping and restaurants/bars, and we walked to nearly every major tourist attraction including the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame, and Sacré-Cœur. The Eiffel Tower is only about 2 miles away as well – walkable for some! There were several other hotels in the area, and if you know how to find the good ones, Airbnb is a great way to go.
Eating…
- Eric Kayser – delicious French bakery.
- Monsieur Bleu – trendy dinner and/or drinks joint. Food is really good, the view of the Eiffel Tower is spectacular. Make a reservation to get a good table.
Unusual Attractions…
- Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre area – walk up the stairs in front to Sacré-Cœur, then wind down the backside for some authentic Parisien streets, shopping, and dining.
- Sainte-Chapelle – lesser known medieval Gothic chapel with stunning stained glass, and within walking distance of Notre Dame.
- Banks of the Seine River – all the sights are visible, so a stroll along the Seine River is about as Parisien as you get.
- And you know the rest. This city is pretty amazing, so try to fit in as much as you can! Opt for skip-the-line passes at the major attractions or you will spend half your day waiting in line. That way, you’ll have time to just relax, and enjoy taking in all that is Paris while sipping a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Enjoy!
