France 2008 <IMG SRC="http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=

>> I feel that it is better to book train in advance. You already plan your itineary so it is unlikely that there will be a change of plans.

Hi Peng,

I want to find out more about the TCV (not TGV!) tickets. If they do exist, they will save me a lot.
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ok maybe u can let us know after your trip whether TCV ticket works. I'm just afraid it is not easy conveying your msg across to the counter staff on getting the ticket. Is TCV timing similar to TGV??

Maybe u can go Provence or Nice?? perhaps add one more day in Chamonix or even Annecy. Can also add Versailles only 45 mins from Paris.
 
Hi Peng,

I do intend to go Versailles as a day trip from Paris.

For Nice and Provence, it is way down south, so I don't know how to fit into the itinerary.

For Annecy, is it nice? Is it similar to Chamonix?
 
Dear Threasher,

Just a few quick words before I catch 40 winks.

Mont-St-Michel in my opinion is nice, but it has become too touristy, and you must either go really early or quite late so that you don't get squashed with all the other tourists. Furthermore, without your own transport, it is not the most accessible place.

I would recommend going down to Provence and Nice. For example, you can take the TGV from Lyon to Avignon, which is really fast (about 3 hours I think), and explore Provence from there. Provence has great food, lots of Roman architecture, and a wonderful climate.

There is also an IBIS hotel quite near to the Avignon Gare.

You did not mention about the price of the Eurostar tickets? Were they very expensive?
 
Dear Threasher,

I think London is nice, but IMHO you should leave that for a future trip, where you can explore London, then go up to the English countryside and even up to Scotland. That would easily take 2-3 weeks.
 
Hi Raymond,

I did mention about Eurostar above. I checked it out and it seems to be more than $320 for two return tickets.
 
Hi threasher,

If u already plan day trip to versailles, u should extend another 1 or 2 more days for Paris.
Annecy is nice, quite different from Chamonix. Journey also not far.
As for Nice, u can take a train but just realise its super far...
Aix-en-Provence seems nearer about 6hours train from Tours.

Instead of cracking your brain on new places, why don't just extend 1 or 2 more days for all existing places and have a really slow relax holiday. Paris is worth another few more days. u can visit nearby Giverny, fountainbleu etc...
 
another thing threasher...the more train u take, the more you need to pay. So if u include many places, your expenses will surely go up.
 
Hi Threasher, Raymond and Peng!

Thanks for replying to my qns. I have managed to book Thai Airway tickets (transit at Bangkok 2 hrs) at S$1265 pax. Below is my draft itinery, feel free to drop me any comments!

2-Jun SIN -> BKK -> Paris CDG
3-Jun Paris Orly -> Barcelona (budget airline)
4-Jun Barcelona
5-Jun Barcelona
6-Jun Barcelona
7-Jun Barcelona -> Lyon (budget airline) ~ stay 1 night @ Lyon
8-Jun Lyon -> Annecy (car) ~ stay 1 night @ Annecy
9-Jun Annecy -> Charmonix -> Annecy (car) ~ stay 1 night @ Annecy

10-Jun Annecy -> Avignon / Aix-en-Provence? (car)
11-Jun Aix-en-Provence? St Tropez? (car)
12-Jun Eze? Nice? (car)

13-Jun Nice -> Paris Orly (budget airline)
14-Jun Paris ~ Versailles
15-Jun Paris
16-Jun Paris
17-Jun Paris
18-Jun Paris CDG -> BKK -> SIN

For 10 to 12-Jun, any recommendations for overnight stays? Dunno which towns to cover at Provence. Will it be very siong driving from Annecy to Southern France?
 
We are taking Air France, flying to Paris, and then transit on to Geneva Airport. Geneva Airport has a French Sector for people who want to go into France.

There are some airport transfer service that takes people to Chamonix. However, they pick up passengers from the Swiss sector of the airport.

I am not sure about this: if I land in Geneva Airport, do I have a choice on either entering France or Switzerland? According to this web site: http://www.gva.ch/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-48/

"However, if you arrive directly from France (with Air France or easyJet since Paris), you will land directly in French sector and will not have to follow the indications above"

Will I be able to go into Swiss side to take the coach service? What about luggage?
 
Hi Duster,

7-Jun Barcelona -> Lyon (budget airline) ~ stay 1 night @ Lyon
[You choose to stay one night at Lyon because of what reason? flight reach late at night? Lyon to Annecy by train is not far, only 2hour. If u do not want to tour Lyon, why don't u move straight on to Annecy.]

8-Jun Lyon -> Annecy (car) ~ stay 1 night @ Annecy
9-Jun Annecy -> Charmonix -> Annecy (car) ~ stay 1 night @ Annecy
[given a choice, I would prefer to stay in Chamonix. You will enjoy chamonix better than treating it as a daytrip.]

10-Jun Annecy -> Avignon / Aix-en-Provence? (car)
[Have you drive in Europe before? Only one of you driving? Distance can be further than you think.

11-Jun Aix-en-Provence? St Tropez? (car)
12-Jun Eze? Nice? (car)
13-Jun Nice -> Paris Orly (budget airline)
[you have to reconsider 10-13June. It is too rush and you will be exhausted and busy driving the whole day rather than enjoying the scenery]

14-Jun Paris ~ Versailles
15-Jun Paris
16-Jun Paris
17-Jun Paris
18-Jun Paris CDG -> BKK -> SIN
[14-18 Jun in Paris is fine]

Is flying by budget airline cheaper than taking a train? Personally, I prefer to take train cos it is so much easier.
 
Dear Threasher,

Sorry, have not been to Geneva airport before.

Dear Du-ster,

Peng has some very good advice, and also some good questions that you can answer so that we are in a better position to help you. Also, consider getting a good guide book to France so that you have better ideas of places in Provence and/or Cote D'Azur that you wish to visit.
 
Du-ster (duster)

2) What is the best way to go to Orly Airport from CDG in Paris?

From CDG there is a Orly bus which leads you to Orly straight. Alternatively, you can take the RER B to Antony and change to the Train. Quite a long journey though.

3) Do we need to pay for check-in luggage for EasyJet? Are they strict with excess and pieces of hand luggage?

Yes for checkin luggage. You need to pay. Excess depends on person. Get the lady (you) to checkin with a guy officer. They are generally more lax.

Hand luggage is not so strict.

4) If I'm leaving Lyon for Barcelona but will still go back to Paris to fly home, should I claim VAT at Lyon or Paris airport?

Claim VAT for Barcelona @ Barcelona. Lyon &amp; Paris @ Paris. Supposedly you can claim Barcelona's VAT also in Paris, but I've heard of some problems, so don't try that..

5) Which is more interesting to visit, Barcelona or Madrid?

Never been to Madrid, but Barcelona twice. Nice city and fantastic shopping place. Mango &amp; Zara outlets will let you shop till you drop.
 
threasher (threasher)

Both sectors are essentially the same Airport. Its like T1 &amp; T2 sort of thing. You can walk from 1 sector to the other. But when you fly in from France to the French sector, don't need to cross custom as its considered internal flight.

Don't worry so much about it. Just enjoy the flow and ask around. They speak some english in the airport. So u'll be OK.
 
threasher (threasher)

I note that your schedule for Paris is really short. Do note that you cannot really finish visiting Paris within such a short period of time. The lourve itself is gonna take you 1 whole day.

Chateaux de Versailles probably 3/4. BTW, if you're there on the 3rd of May, visit Lourve then as its free. (1st sunday of every month)
 
Hi Inix,

I only transit at Paris, so if I do indeed land in the French Sector, then where do I cross custom since I would not need to do so in Paris as well?

I was actually more concerned about the checked in luggage. As you know, we only pick up the luggage after custom is crossed.

But I guess this is just a trivial matter. I can probably ask at the Changi Airport's Air France counter when I check in.

If I leave out London, then my Paris stay would be longer. We would probably spend just 0.5 days at the Lourve. Just see the important pieces like Mona Lisa. We are not really art lovers.
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I do know that on 4 May (this is the first Sunday of the month), entry to the Lourve is free. However, my flight home is on 9 May, so the last few days until 9 May, I will be in Paris. On 4 May, we will probably still be visiting Mont St-Michel, and only on 5 May will we travel to Paris. So, 5-9 May Paris.

Since we are not going to London, I think I'm going to put Disneyland back in. My wife has never been there. Just once in her life, I think it is ok to go there.
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Thanks Inix! I especially like the part where u said "Mango &amp; Zara outlets will let you shop till you drop". Fantastic sia.... hohoho
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Just to check with you guys:

I booked a hotel room at Hotel de l'Arve in Chamonix. The rate is 59 Euros per night. Local tax is additional 0.90 Euros. Breadfast is 9 Euros per person.

Is this price OK? So far, this is the cheapest that I have found.
 
Hi threasher,

59euro for chamonix is a good price. U can skip the breakfast. There are plenty of food to choose from at a cheaper price.
 
do take the gondola ride up the Aguille du Midi mountain. Its supposed to be the scariest cable car ride. The view from the top is spectacular.
 
Hi Peng,

Thanks. We will definitely take the cable car up the Aguille du Midi.
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Of course, I will not tell my wife that it is very scary!
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Otherwise, she may not want to take it.
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We will be staying 3 nights at Chamonix. After discussing with my wife, we find that what we like the most during our Switzerland trip last year is scenery, not seeing buildings. She still have fond memories of staying in Lauterbrunnen, below Jungfrajoch.
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Therefore, we will stay one more night in Chamonix. After that, we will stay 2 nights in Annecy instead of the originally planned Lyon. For Lyon, we will skip it. After Annecy, it is on to Tours.

Do you have any hotel in Annecy to recommend?
 
haha...I have height phobia so guess it adds up the scary part. I read from lonely planet or somewhere that it is the scariest cable car ride. Anyway, I kept my eyes closed and survive the trip up there.
 
Hi Peng!

The website where i booked the tickets doesn't allow open-jaw option, so will reach/fly home from Paris.

We'll reach Lyon at 1 pm, so yah u're right! Will heed ur advice and go Annecy direct and stayover for a night on 7-Jun, follow by 2 nights at Chamonix!
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As for the 10-13 June itinery, really have to think carefully on which towns to cover hor... if not, siongzz man...

I guess the cost of budget airlines should be similar to that of train prices bah. The cost of budget air tickets is as follow:-

Paris -> Barcelona : EUR33.49 pax
Barcelona -> Lyon : EUR 16.49 pax
Nice -> Paris : EUR 39.49 pax

Guess it's the time saving that attracts us.... Train takes about 5 hrs from Nice to Paris; whereas plane takes about 1.5hr... Hope that such arrangement will not be more chim than trains...
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Hi Peng,

Thanks for the link. I got the 60.60 eurors rate from the Venere site. But if I book directly with the hotel, it is 57 euros.
 
Dear Du-ster,

Just some notes about taking budget flights; you have to factor in the extra time needed to travel to the airports which are normally out of the town, as well as needing to arrive at the airport earlier for security clearance. Also you have to pay for transport between the airport and town. Train stations are normally located at the center of town.

Each has its pros and cons. But personally I prefer taking trains; it takes more time, but a lot less hassle overall, in my opinion. Cheaper also if you can get the cheap TGV tickets. If not, then budget airlines are usually cheaper.

For example, I managed to get TGV tickets for EUR 25 per person from Nice to Lyon. Both hotels in Nice and Lyon are minutes walking distance from the train stations, so it is very convenient.
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It's a 4.5 hour train ride though.
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Dear Threasher,

If you're going to spend many days in Paris, please do spend some of the time just walking around in the non-touristy areas. You'll enjoy Paris a lot more.

Some examples: Bastille, Marais, Place de Madeleine (to get your truffle oil and to gawk at the rich Parisians!). You should also consider renting a bicycle for half-day / one day and ride around in a Park.

Do consider visiting a cemetry too; they are not morbid places like our local cemetries, but very peaceful serene places that are full of culture, history, and famous people. You may even bring your own flowers and place it on your favourite dead person.
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Hi Threasher and Duster, did u get any good hotel in paris? i found the cheapest is E98 near eifel tower.
 
Hi Raymond,

Haha... Disneyland is a tourist trap. I also think that Sentosa is a tourist trap!
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Actually I've been to the Disneyland in California and Tokyo, and they are not as bad as what the VT described Disneyland Paris. We'll probably not go Disneyland then.
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Right now, I still do not know what is the best way to visit Mont St-Michel. From Tours, I thought of going to Rennes and stay there. But some said that there is nothing much in Rennes. Also, I found that the bus from Rennes to Mont St-Michel will only reach the latter at about 1pm, and the last bus back is 5pm plus. So that leaves us only 4 hour plus for the visit. And this means I would have wasted 2 days just for the 4 hour plus visit.
 
threasher (threasher)

My take is this. If this is going to be your last european trip for a long long time. Add london in. When kids come, the long long time might become never.

But if you're sure that you will certainly visit europe again next time, then give London a Miss. UK is best to be visited with other UK cities...

But I guess this is just a trivial matter. I can probably ask at the Changi Airport's Air France counter when I check in.

The Air France guys working in Changi are generally SATS staff so I don't think they will have so much information for you.

You can continue to try though. But nevertheless, don't worry about it. Geneva is a nice place, and signs are in both English and French. Do learn 1 / 2 line of french though.
 
threasher (threasher)



Haha... Disneyland is a tourist trap. I also think that Sentosa is a tourist trap! :-) Actually I've been to the Disneyland in California and Tokyo, and they are not as bad as what the VT described Disneyland Paris. We'll probably not go Disneyland then. :-)


I've been to Paris Disneyland twice, and I think its alright. Many of the VT comments are from Americans who probably have been to Orlando, thus thinking its a trap.

@ 45 Euros, its certainly not cheap, but I wouldn't say that its too expensive too as its a whole day thing.

It is certainly better then HK Disneyland, and my wife certainly enjoyed it...
 
Du-ster (duster)

Mango and Zara are Catalonian brands and they both have factory outlets there.

Do note that when people mention "outlet" it means factory outlet as opposed to a boutique. Zara's one is at Barcelona's Universitat metro station and MNG's one is at Girona (ask at the station. Say MNG, how to go and ask them to point...)

Also do go to the boutiques, and if you caught the sales time (its Salida in Spanish, soldes in French), then you're in for a big treat. We hit the winter sales in both France and Spain and my wife got enough clothes to change her entire wardrobe.

I also got a few nice shirts from Zara hahaha
 
Fioon (jfcy)

Depends on what you're referring to. There is a Hotel near Gare du Nord which is going for Eur50+-. Can't remember the name though.

3 Ducks is a cute interesting hostel according to some of my friends. You can also look at apartments, studios.

But if price is no object, look at Etoile Park Hotel. Its near Champ Elysee, and its pretty nice....

If you want a quiet district, you can look at Hotel Vivaldi. Its @ Puteaux, beside La Defense. A housing estate with loads of small restauraunts and comes with Free Internet..

Remember, the further you are away from Paris Central, the cheaper it is...
 
Hi Inix,

if i stay further away from paris central, would it worth for the metro journey timing use?
the central hotel is vry expensive though..

do u think it is enough to stay use 2full day for barcelona?

thks
 
Hi Inix,

It's true that we may not go to Europe for a while. Even if we don't have a kid, we would also think about going there in the near future. The reason is that holiday in Europe is expensive!

If we do go London, then I would have to travel from Rennes to Paris, then take Eurostar to London:

23-Apr Singapore -> Geneva Airport
24-Apr Geneva Airport -> Chamonix
25-Apr Chamonix
26-Apr Chamonix
27-Apr Chamonix -> Annecy
28-Apr Annecy
29-Apr Annecy -> Tours
30-Apr Tours
01-May Tours -> Rennes
02-May Rennes -> Mont St-Michel
03-May Rennes -> Paris -> London
04-May London
05-May London
06-May London -> Paris
07-May Paris
08-May Paris
09-May Paris Airport -> Singapore
10-May Singapore

The last couple of days should be in Paris. Our flight home is at 11.15pm on 10 May.

But as Raymond pointed out, going from Rennes to Paris and then to London in one day could be a very busy and stressful time for us.

Also, I would have to look for accomodation in London, and it must be near the train station which we arrive at.
 
threasher (threasher)

If you would prefer to fly, you can at the Dinard - Pleurtuit - Saint-Malo Airport. Its a airport which is Saint-Malo, France, near to Rennes.

RyanAir flies there from London Stanstead so you can just go direct, as opposed to going via Paris
 
Fioon (jfcy)

As long you're staying within walking distance of a Metro Track, I would say its fine. Personally, anything within around 1 hour shouldn't be too bad.

But its up the the individual as some people can only tolerate 30 min. Also, when are you traveling? If its summer, there will be plenty of sunshine (up to 10 / 11pm), so it makes the travel more pleasent as it can get really cold during winter nights...
 
Hi Inix,

got your message on paris. thks. i will be in paris on 22mar-29mar..

stay 2 days in barcelona,where shld i buy for barcelona transport tickets? Buy over there or buy in singapore for spain pass? anyone know?
 
Fioon (jfcy)

Mar would still be pretty cold.. Like its still only 1 degree at this very moment...

But I would think the sun down should now happen around 6+ / 7pm. Pretty decent timing all around...

What do you mean by Barcelona Transport Tix? Within Barcelona? Or From France to Barcelona? From Paris to Barcelona, you can fly EasyJet (if you note, I almost always only fly), and within Barcelona, you can buy the metro tickets in the station.

But be careful in Barcelona of Pickpockets. Its pretty bad, but otherwise, its a nice place...
 
Hi Inix,

I thought mid Mar is ard 10degree ? haha

yup, within barcelona transport. got it, buy metro tickets in barcelona stations.

yeah, vry wory abt barcelona n paris pickpocket.thks
 
Can anyone tell me whether in France and the UK, do we need any adapter to plug in our Singapore phone/camera chargers into their wall sockets?
 
Fioon (jfcy),

Paris is alright. It is after all the world's most visited city. Just avoid the seedy areas (you're a tourist lar, where you want to go), and you'll do OK.

If you're really afraid, avoid sacre church &amp; the montemare area. That place is slightly sleezier. Otherwise, nothing to be worried about. But do keep your wallets and money inside your jackets....

BTW, 10 degrees is one thing. The windchill will take at least another 5 degrees off the feel...
 


threasher (threasher)

Singapore is using UK plugs, so no diff there. As for France &amp; rest of Europe, except Swiss, is using European Plugs. Go to your neighbourhood electrical store and get a convertor.

European plugs are just the 2 round head plugs type...
 
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