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- Thread starter rtan
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lovetotravel
New Member
Montmatre is near to Moulin Rouge and sacre coeur area. It is different from Montparnasse.
Dear Threasher,
From what I've gathered, only the Disneyland in US of A are worth it. The rest pale in comparison. Another thing you might wish to consider is that EuroDisney is not exactly that near to Paris, and the return train (not metro!) tickets are not that cheap. I think it's a 30-45 minute ride one way.
Honestly, when in Europe, you should be going for the cultural / historical / artsy stuff, which is what they excel in. Leave the Disney stuff to the next time you are going to USA.
If you go to Rennes and rent a car to drive to Mont St Michel, it would make more sense I think. Then you can stay for as long as you like.
Dear Fioon,
Montparnasse is the train station. Montmartre is a whole different ball game. Go Google for it please.
From what I've gathered, only the Disneyland in US of A are worth it. The rest pale in comparison. Another thing you might wish to consider is that EuroDisney is not exactly that near to Paris, and the return train (not metro!) tickets are not that cheap. I think it's a 30-45 minute ride one way.
Honestly, when in Europe, you should be going for the cultural / historical / artsy stuff, which is what they excel in. Leave the Disney stuff to the next time you are going to USA.
If you go to Rennes and rent a car to drive to Mont St Michel, it would make more sense I think. Then you can stay for as long as you like.
Dear Fioon,
Montparnasse is the train station. Montmartre is a whole different ball game. Go Google for it please.
Hi Raymond,
Actually I've been to the Disneyland in Los Angeles and Tokyo, and I find that they are actually the same. The only difference I found is that in Tokyo, they speak Japanese!
How much does it cost to rent an automatic car for a day or two? Is the petrol expensive?
Actually I've been to the Disneyland in Los Angeles and Tokyo, and I find that they are actually the same. The only difference I found is that in Tokyo, they speak Japanese!
How much does it cost to rent an automatic car for a day or two? Is the petrol expensive?
Dear Threasher,
I've only been to the Disneyland in LA so I can't comment. My wife and I are not into theme parks.
You can check out the usual car rental companies. Another option is http://www.europcar.com. Yes, petrol is expensive, so you should get a diesel car, which are quite common in France; about 70% of all cars in France run on diesel.
I've only been to the Disneyland in LA so I can't comment. My wife and I are not into theme parks.
You can check out the usual car rental companies. Another option is http://www.europcar.com. Yes, petrol is expensive, so you should get a diesel car, which are quite common in France; about 70% of all cars in France run on diesel.
Hi Raymond,
Only I have been to the 2 Disneylands. My wife has never been to any. Anyway, she is not that keen on Disneyland either. She said will go only when there is no place else to go.
I have also been to London and Paris 5 years ago. If we go London, then it is also a waste of money on my part.
Only I have been to the 2 Disneylands. My wife has never been to any. Anyway, she is not that keen on Disneyland either. She said will go only when there is no place else to go.
I have also been to London and Paris 5 years ago. If we go London, then it is also a waste of money on my part.
Dear Threasher,
Since you mentioned that both of you liked scenery, here are some ways to maximise your trip as well as to save money.
I suggest that you stay at Annecy for longer. You can then rent a car for a few days and drive around the French Alps, where you get the great scenery. Renting a car for more days is always cheaper (per day) than renting for just one or two days.
Annecy is next to a lake and is surrounded by mountains and hills. You can easily reach Chamonix by car in about two hours, and return to Annecy on the same day. Or you could do a scenic drive around Lake Annecy.
Do you have a France guide book?
Since you mentioned that both of you liked scenery, here are some ways to maximise your trip as well as to save money.
I suggest that you stay at Annecy for longer. You can then rent a car for a few days and drive around the French Alps, where you get the great scenery. Renting a car for more days is always cheaper (per day) than renting for just one or two days.
Annecy is next to a lake and is surrounded by mountains and hills. You can easily reach Chamonix by car in about two hours, and return to Annecy on the same day. Or you could do a scenic drive around Lake Annecy.
Do you have a France guide book?
Hi Raymond,
We will check into a hotel at Chamonix on 24 Apr afternoon, and check out on 27 Apr. As we both like scenery, we decided to stay longer in Chamonix (3 nights).
After Chamonix, my plan is to go to Annecy on 27 Apr, and check out on 29 Apr.
On 29 Apr, we will probably go on to Tours.
I don't have much experience in driving, so I would have to depend on my wife.
She can drive automatic and manual, but we would probably get an automatic one. But the problem is that they drive on a different side of the road, and the driver's seat is on the left. This is the reason why I'm hesitating on renting a car there.
We will check into a hotel at Chamonix on 24 Apr afternoon, and check out on 27 Apr. As we both like scenery, we decided to stay longer in Chamonix (3 nights).
After Chamonix, my plan is to go to Annecy on 27 Apr, and check out on 29 Apr.
On 29 Apr, we will probably go on to Tours.
I don't have much experience in driving, so I would have to depend on my wife.
Dear Threasher,
One thing to note; personally, we have found that the Swiss Alps offer more spectacular scenery than the French Alps. They are somehow different. The French Alps are nice too, but some will say perhaps not as nice as the Swiss Alps? To me, they are just different. So don't bring any expectations of what the French Alps should look like and you will enjoy your trip.
Driving on the other side of the road is no big deal; just drive slowly and be careful. For you, keep reminding her to stick to the right side of the road if she veers to the left. She'll get used to it after a while. Since she is driving, you'll have to be an excellent navigator who can navigate in cities, towns, and the countryside.
One thing to note; personally, we have found that the Swiss Alps offer more spectacular scenery than the French Alps. They are somehow different. The French Alps are nice too, but some will say perhaps not as nice as the Swiss Alps? To me, they are just different. So don't bring any expectations of what the French Alps should look like and you will enjoy your trip.
Driving on the other side of the road is no big deal; just drive slowly and be careful. For you, keep reminding her to stick to the right side of the road if she veers to the left. She'll get used to it after a while. Since she is driving, you'll have to be an excellent navigator who can navigate in cities, towns, and the countryside.
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi threasher,
Rental for Automatic car is very expensive. most car rental agencies have more manual than auto car. I tried to rent auto car from Europcar and the cost of auto vs manual is such a big difference. Like what raymond says, choose diesel will be cheaper.
Rental for Automatic car is very expensive. most car rental agencies have more manual than auto car. I tried to rent auto car from Europcar and the cost of auto vs manual is such a big difference. Like what raymond says, choose diesel will be cheaper.
Dear Fioon,
When we went to the Louvre in 2005, we just walked to one of the many automatic ticket dispensing booths. Just require a credit card and everything is automatic. They even have instructions in English! There was no queue at all too.
That was three years ago though so if anyone has more up-to-date information... that would be helpful.
When we went to the Louvre in 2005, we just walked to one of the many automatic ticket dispensing booths. Just require a credit card and everything is automatic. They even have instructions in English! There was no queue at all too.
That was three years ago though so if anyone has more up-to-date information... that would be helpful.
Dear Fioon,
If you plan to visit many museums, I think they have two-day / four-day / six-day museum passes. I think you'll get museum fatigue, but the good thing is that there is no need to queue to buy your tickets at each museum, and there is also some price savings.
http://www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php
There might be other passes that I am not aware of that combine museums with transport, etc.
If you plan to visit many museums, I think they have two-day / four-day / six-day museum passes. I think you'll get museum fatigue, but the good thing is that there is no need to queue to buy your tickets at each museum, and there is also some price savings.
http://www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php
There might be other passes that I am not aware of that combine museums with transport, etc.
lovetotravel
New Member
yeah when i was doing car booking online, I could not believe my eyes...such a big difference. I know it will be more exp but didn't expect it to be double. I check out other car rental and they are all the same. So if u are not comfortable with manual, than better reconsider driving.
Hi guys,
The below is my updated itinerary.
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
1-May Tours
2-May Tours -> Caen
3-May Caen -> Mont St-Michel -> Caen
4-May Caen
5-May Caen -> Paris
6-May Paris
7-May Paris
8-May Paris
9-May Paris Airport -> Singapore
10-May Singapore
If I go to Rennes as originally planned, I can either take bus to Mont St-Michel (MSM) or rent car. For bus, the earliest to reach MSM is 10.50am, and we have to leave by 5.15pm. The cost for 2 persons back and return is about 40 Euros. The disadvantage of bus: we can't stay until night time, and because it brings us right to MSM's door step, we will not be able to take pictures far away from it to capture the whole MSM, unless we walk a few kiometres away from it.
Instead of Rennes, I think Caen could be a better base. I found that if we rent a car there, not only can we drive to MSM, we can also drive to the D-Day beaches, and the white cliffs along Etretat.
From the www.europcar.com web site, I found that renting a car for the 3-4 May weekend costs from S$200 plus, which looks reasonable. In fact, if I include 2 May, the price is the same for the same car! How come?
Raymond, did you actually rent your car through this web site? There doesn't seem to be any option on whether we want a diesel or petrol car.
The below is my updated itinerary.
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
1-May Tours
2-May Tours -> Caen
3-May Caen -> Mont St-Michel -> Caen
4-May Caen
5-May Caen -> Paris
6-May Paris
7-May Paris
8-May Paris
9-May Paris Airport -> Singapore
10-May Singapore
If I go to Rennes as originally planned, I can either take bus to Mont St-Michel (MSM) or rent car. For bus, the earliest to reach MSM is 10.50am, and we have to leave by 5.15pm. The cost for 2 persons back and return is about 40 Euros. The disadvantage of bus: we can't stay until night time, and because it brings us right to MSM's door step, we will not be able to take pictures far away from it to capture the whole MSM, unless we walk a few kiometres away from it.
Instead of Rennes, I think Caen could be a better base. I found that if we rent a car there, not only can we drive to MSM, we can also drive to the D-Day beaches, and the white cliffs along Etretat.
From the www.europcar.com web site, I found that renting a car for the 3-4 May weekend costs from S$200 plus, which looks reasonable. In fact, if I include 2 May, the price is the same for the same car! How come?
Raymond, did you actually rent your car through this web site? There doesn't seem to be any option on whether we want a diesel or petrol car.
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi, car rental is cheaper if you rent for more days. That is why even if u include 2 may, the price is the same. Yes you cannot choose diesel or petrol or even car model from booking online. They will give you what is available when u collect your car but you can tell the counter staff you prefer diesel.
Dear all,
I believe car rental is charged in 24-hour days. So if you start at 10am and return three days later at 11am, it counts as four days.
There is an option to guarantee a diesel car, but it would cost you more. I did not bother to use it last May and got a diesel car anyway since I read that 70% of France cars are diesel. So it's up to you to take your chances or to be kiasu and buy the "diesel car assurance".
Yes indeed Caen looks like a much better base. Well done, good research. How did you find out about it?
The Etretat cliffs are really nice, and D-day beaches are a really good history lesson.
I believe car rental is charged in 24-hour days. So if you start at 10am and return three days later at 11am, it counts as four days.
There is an option to guarantee a diesel car, but it would cost you more. I did not bother to use it last May and got a diesel car anyway since I read that 70% of France cars are diesel. So it's up to you to take your chances or to be kiasu and buy the "diesel car assurance".
Yes indeed Caen looks like a much better base. Well done, good research. How did you find out about it?
Hi Raymond,
I borrowed some France travel guides from the library. My wife browsed though and found the Etretat cliffs spectacular and asked if we are going there. I checked the map, and found that Caen is somewhere between Etretat and Mont St-Michel, so it is a good base. From Tours to Caen, it is an easy train trip, and from Caen to Paris, there are also frequent train trips. And from what I gathered, Caen seems like a better place to go to then Rennes.
About the car rental, is it better to do so online?
I found that there are autoroutes that we may need to pay tolls. Is it expensive?
Autoroutes have names that begin with "A". There are also roads that starts with "N" and "D". Aren't they all highways?
I borrowed some France travel guides from the library. My wife browsed though and found the Etretat cliffs spectacular and asked if we are going there. I checked the map, and found that Caen is somewhere between Etretat and Mont St-Michel, so it is a good base. From Tours to Caen, it is an easy train trip, and from Caen to Paris, there are also frequent train trips. And from what I gathered, Caen seems like a better place to go to then Rennes.
About the car rental, is it better to do so online?
I found that there are autoroutes that we may need to pay tolls. Is it expensive?
Autoroutes have names that begin with "A". There are also roads that starts with "N" and "D". Aren't they all highways?
Dear Threasher,
A simple Google search turned up:
http://www.autoeurope.com/guides/France/France_driving.cfm
http://english.controleradar.org/france-highways.php
http://www.discoverfrance.net/Boutique/Travel/Car_Leasing/driving_in_france.shtml
Yes, I think it is of course better to book for your rental car online. Just about everyone does it nowadays I think. You wouldn't want to turn up there and find out that there is no car available in your category; or worse still, no car available at all, or having to wait five hours... etc etc.
Booking online saves you all the trouble and hassle, and sometimes you have the option to pay a discounted rate if you pay upon booking.
A simple Google search turned up:
http://www.autoeurope.com/guides/France/France_driving.cfm
http://english.controleradar.org/france-highways.php
http://www.discoverfrance.net/Boutique/Travel/Car_Leasing/driving_in_france.shtml
Yes, I think it is of course better to book for your rental car online. Just about everyone does it nowadays I think. You wouldn't want to turn up there and find out that there is no car available in your category; or worse still, no car available at all, or having to wait five hours... etc etc.
Booking online saves you all the trouble and hassle, and sometimes you have the option to pay a discounted rate if you pay upon booking.
Hi Raymond,
(1) Where do you get the map for driving? Does the rental company give you one?
(2) Which hotel did you stay in Annecy last time? Peng recommended this:
http://www.hotelannecy.com/en/annecy-hotel-price.php
I found some other hotels that seem to be cheaper:
http://www.hotelcentralannecy.com/french/rates.html
http://www.hotel-les-terrasses-annecy.com/
http://www.hotel-bellevue-annecy.com/
But their web sites are all in French, and I am not sure if their locations are good.
(3) The below hotel in Paris is located at the end of the Metro line 3 (station Gallieni):
http://hoteles.hotelopia.es/francia/paris/arr-19-20-la-villette-pere-lachaise/hotel-mister-bed-porte-de-bagnolet-paris.html
I found the price to be 51 Euros per night. What do you think? Is it convenient to travel from Gallieni station to other places in Paris? One Metro ticket is 1.40 Euros. Does that allow me to travel to any station from Gallieni station?
(4) The regional train from Caen to Paris will arrive at Paris St Lazare station. Is this the station on the Metro line 3 (conveniently on the same line as the Gallieni station)? Actually, is Paris St Lazare station a single station which have both regional trains and the Metro?
(1) Where do you get the map for driving? Does the rental company give you one?
(2) Which hotel did you stay in Annecy last time? Peng recommended this:
http://www.hotelannecy.com/en/annecy-hotel-price.php
I found some other hotels that seem to be cheaper:
http://www.hotelcentralannecy.com/french/rates.html
http://www.hotel-les-terrasses-annecy.com/
http://www.hotel-bellevue-annecy.com/
But their web sites are all in French, and I am not sure if their locations are good.
(3) The below hotel in Paris is located at the end of the Metro line 3 (station Gallieni):
http://hoteles.hotelopia.es/francia/paris/arr-19-20-la-villette-pere-lachaise/hotel-mister-bed-porte-de-bagnolet-paris.html
I found the price to be 51 Euros per night. What do you think? Is it convenient to travel from Gallieni station to other places in Paris? One Metro ticket is 1.40 Euros. Does that allow me to travel to any station from Gallieni station?
(4) The regional train from Caen to Paris will arrive at Paris St Lazare station. Is this the station on the Metro line 3 (conveniently on the same line as the Gallieni station)? Actually, is Paris St Lazare station a single station which have both regional trains and the Metro?
lovetotravel
New Member
Hi, u can get it from Tourism board or at the airport. Car rental company will also give you a map.
You should buy a carnet of ticket (10pcs) which cost around 11Eur. It will be cheaper than buying individual ticket. This ticket however cannot be use to travel to airport or outskirt of Paris.
For the first time in Paris and no experience in taking the metro, I would suggest taking a cab to your hotel...imagine dragging your luggage up and down the stairs trying to find the correct line. since it is in city center, cost of cab to your hotel will not be too exp.
You should buy a carnet of ticket (10pcs) which cost around 11Eur. It will be cheaper than buying individual ticket. This ticket however cannot be use to travel to airport or outskirt of Paris.
For the first time in Paris and no experience in taking the metro, I would suggest taking a cab to your hotel...imagine dragging your luggage up and down the stairs trying to find the correct line. since it is in city center, cost of cab to your hotel will not be too exp.
Dear Threasher,
(1) I use the IGN map (Google for IGN France). Other popular ones the the Michelin Map. If you're lucky, you can find them at Borders or Kinokuniya, but they are also available at any supermarche in France. Time for you to pick up some French words anyway.
If you have not read my online guide before, please do so:
http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~rtan/France/fne.html
(2) For Annecy in 2005, we stayed at:
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/etp/2547/fiche_hotel.shtml
The price is now EUR 47 per night. But take note that it is quite budget accommodation. For a nicer hotel, try the IBIS range.
(3) Yes, it is convenient, and each metro ticket allows you unlimited transfers; just like in SG. For the prices of a "carnet" of 10 tickets, check this out:
http://www.ratp.info/informer/tarif_ticket_t_plus.php
In fact, in 2005, we stayed near to Porte de Montreuil on Line 9.
But you have to think about it; there is no such thing as cheap and good. The East and North suburbs outside the Boulevard Périphérique (as well as the South to a certain extent) are dodgy areas at night. In daytime it is perfectly fine. You may not feel perfectly safe, though in reality it is not as dangerous as it looks. Just don't come back after it gets dark. But you are Singaporeans who may not have lived abroad before so it may come as shock to you.
I would actually recommend the following ETAP hotel:
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/etp/5037/fiche_hotel.shtml
It's still in a dodgy area, it costs EUR 54 per night, but it is located right on top of a Carrefour, which makes it very convenient and cheap to get your breakfast and your groceries. It is five minutes walk from the Porte de Montreuil metro station on Line 9. We stayed near there in 2005. My colleague also went there in 2006 and he said it was perfectly fine.
If you want a slightly less dodgy area, consider La Defense at the western end of Line 1. I haven't stayed there before so can't tell you anything more other than the fact that it is a business area.
(4) Yes it is. You're right, it's probably a large station, but I haven't actually been to St Lazare before.
Another thing you should consider: on the day of your departure, how are you going to get to the airport? RER B brings you there in about 30 minutes, but if you have lots of luggage, you would generally want to avoid having to take the metro due to the many stairs (not all stations have escalators) and that you may not be able to look after your luggage adequately since there is only the two of you.
It is for that reason that we stay near the Gare du Nord. It makes departure a lot less of a hassle. Cabs in Paris (as you have already found out in Switzerland) aren't exactly cheap.
But I agree with Peng that if it's your first time, you'd probably want to play it safe.
(1) I use the IGN map (Google for IGN France). Other popular ones the the Michelin Map. If you're lucky, you can find them at Borders or Kinokuniya, but they are also available at any supermarche in France. Time for you to pick up some French words anyway.
If you have not read my online guide before, please do so:
http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~rtan/France/fne.html
(2) For Annecy in 2005, we stayed at:
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/etp/2547/fiche_hotel.shtml
The price is now EUR 47 per night. But take note that it is quite budget accommodation. For a nicer hotel, try the IBIS range.
(3) Yes, it is convenient, and each metro ticket allows you unlimited transfers; just like in SG. For the prices of a "carnet" of 10 tickets, check this out:
http://www.ratp.info/informer/tarif_ticket_t_plus.php
In fact, in 2005, we stayed near to Porte de Montreuil on Line 9.
But you have to think about it; there is no such thing as cheap and good. The East and North suburbs outside the Boulevard Périphérique (as well as the South to a certain extent) are dodgy areas at night. In daytime it is perfectly fine. You may not feel perfectly safe, though in reality it is not as dangerous as it looks. Just don't come back after it gets dark. But you are Singaporeans who may not have lived abroad before so it may come as shock to you.
I would actually recommend the following ETAP hotel:
http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/etp/5037/fiche_hotel.shtml
It's still in a dodgy area, it costs EUR 54 per night, but it is located right on top of a Carrefour, which makes it very convenient and cheap to get your breakfast and your groceries. It is five minutes walk from the Porte de Montreuil metro station on Line 9. We stayed near there in 2005. My colleague also went there in 2006 and he said it was perfectly fine.
If you want a slightly less dodgy area, consider La Defense at the western end of Line 1. I haven't stayed there before so can't tell you anything more other than the fact that it is a business area.
(4) Yes it is. You're right, it's probably a large station, but I haven't actually been to St Lazare before.
Another thing you should consider: on the day of your departure, how are you going to get to the airport? RER B brings you there in about 30 minutes, but if you have lots of luggage, you would generally want to avoid having to take the metro due to the many stairs (not all stations have escalators) and that you may not be able to look after your luggage adequately since there is only the two of you.
It is for that reason that we stay near the Gare du Nord. It makes departure a lot less of a hassle. Cabs in Paris (as you have already found out in Switzerland) aren't exactly cheap.
But I agree with Peng that if it's your first time, you'd probably want to play it safe.
Another hotel you may wish to consider is:
http://www.timhotel.com/us/home.html
Never stayed there before, but think it is quite cheap. Good or not, I don't know.
http://www.timhotel.com/us/home.html
Never stayed there before, but think it is quite cheap. Good or not, I don't know.
Hi threaser, i got an apartment rent at 340 euro for 6nights.u may wan to check it out
http://www.vrbo.com/35145
me oso cant find any decent hotel with average rate..the most decent is around 125 pernight..very expensive
http://www.vrbo.com/35145
me oso cant find any decent hotel with average rate..the most decent is around 125 pernight..very expensive
Hi Raymond,
(1) For that ETAP hotel Annecy that you stayed in 2005, is it near to the Annecy train station? I would prefer that it is not too far away.
(2) For that ETAP hotel in Paris, on top of Carrefour, you said that it is in a dodgy area. You mean that we better don't come back after it gets dark? But in Paris, we would like to see the night life, and take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night.
We won't have a lot of luggage. Just one big luggage that I can pull along, plus one backpack to carry our notebook and camera.
(1) For that ETAP hotel Annecy that you stayed in 2005, is it near to the Annecy train station? I would prefer that it is not too far away.
(2) For that ETAP hotel in Paris, on top of Carrefour, you said that it is in a dodgy area. You mean that we better don't come back after it gets dark? But in Paris, we would like to see the night life, and take pictures of the Eiffel Tower at night.
We won't have a lot of luggage. Just one big luggage that I can pull along, plus one backpack to carry our notebook and camera.
Dear Threasher,
(1) Sorry I don't know. We drove, as it gives us the flexibility to stay wherever we wished, thus also generally leading to cheaper hotel prices. Hotels near to train stations tend to be more expensive.
(2) Notebook? You mean a laptop? What do you need to bring it for? Try not to bring it unless absolutely necessary; it is one more thing for thieves to steal.
It would probably be fine after dark, just do the normal streetwise thing; don't talk to anybody, don't make any eye contact, don't entertain any strangers no matter what funny story they cook up. And of course don't go down dark deserted streets. And you'll be fine.
(1) Sorry I don't know. We drove, as it gives us the flexibility to stay wherever we wished, thus also generally leading to cheaper hotel prices. Hotels near to train stations tend to be more expensive.
(2) Notebook? You mean a laptop? What do you need to bring it for? Try not to bring it unless absolutely necessary; it is one more thing for thieves to steal.
It would probably be fine after dark, just do the normal streetwise thing; don't talk to anybody, don't make any eye contact, don't entertain any strangers no matter what funny story they cook up. And of course don't go down dark deserted streets. And you'll be fine.
One note. La Defense is a pretty good place. Plenty of shopping and relatively safe. Its also a major metro station with several metro and RER lines.
Also have a direct Train to Versailles. I would stay in La Defense anytime. And in fact, already have before. (Puteaux is near La Defense).
Also have a direct Train to Versailles. I would stay in La Defense anytime. And in fact, already have before. (Puteaux is near La Defense).
Dear Inix,
That's cool. I was seriously considering staying in La Defense. Maybe the next time we visit Paris, as for this year's visit we have already booked our hotel.
The public transport form La Defense are:
Metro 1
RER A
Tram 2
according to:
http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/metro.gif
That's it right?
I heard there's the usual pickpockets at La Defense and on Metro 1. Vrai ou faux?
How long does it take to get to the centre of Paris on Metro 1?
That's cool. I was seriously considering staying in La Defense. Maybe the next time we visit Paris, as for this year's visit we have already booked our hotel.
The public transport form La Defense are:
Metro 1
RER A
Tram 2
according to:
http://www.ratp.info/picts/plans/gif/reseaux/metro.gif
That's it right?
I heard there's the usual pickpockets at La Defense and on Metro 1. Vrai ou faux?
How long does it take to get to the centre of Paris on Metro 1?
Dear Threasher,
When coming out of the metro station at Porte de Montreuil on Line 9, you will find that there are four exits. If I remember correctly, the correct exit that is nearest to the hotel is the one that you walk straight out.
Take note that the Carrefour, as with most (all?) supermarkets, are closed on Sundays.
The opening hours are:
du lundi au samedi de 09h00 Ã 22h00
When coming out of the metro station at Porte de Montreuil on Line 9, you will find that there are four exits. If I remember correctly, the correct exit that is nearest to the hotel is the one that you walk straight out.
Take note that the Carrefour, as with most (all?) supermarkets, are closed on Sundays.
The opening hours are:
du lundi au samedi de 09h00 Ã 22h00
Hi Raymond,
I've managed to book 4 night at the following hotel in central Paris. It's 56 Euros per night, and it's only 3 minutes walk to the Lourve Museum!
http://www.hotelderouen.net
Now I'll cancel the Etap one at Porte de Montreuil station.
I've managed to book 4 night at the following hotel in central Paris. It's 56 Euros per night, and it's only 3 minutes walk to the Lourve Museum!
http://www.hotelderouen.net
Now I'll cancel the Etap one at Porte de Montreuil station.
Dear Threasher,
Looks like an excellent location. I guess you have already read the reviews:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d269118-r12357584-Hotel_de_Rouen-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Get ready to climb five flights of stairs every day if your room is located on the fifth floor (the hotel does not have a lift, as is the case with most old Paris buildings). Not a problem, it is good exercise. Only a problem if you have heavy luggage, which you already mentioned that you are traveling light.
Looks like an excellent location. I guess you have already read the reviews:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d269118-r12357584-Hotel_de_Rouen-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
Get ready to climb five flights of stairs every day if your room is located on the fifth floor (the hotel does not have a lift, as is the case with most old Paris buildings). Not a problem, it is good exercise. Only a problem if you have heavy luggage, which you already mentioned that you are traveling light.
Cher Threasher,
Comment allez vous?
How's your learning of French coming along?
Here's something to get you started:
http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/phrase_book/en/index.html
Comment allez vous?
How's your learning of French coming along?
Here's something to get you started:
http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/phrase_book/en/index.html
Hi Raymond,
For that price, I can't expect too much from the hotel, right?
Let's just hope that they don't give us a room on the 5th floor.
I can only recognize some French words. But without actually hearing the pronunciation, I doubt that I would even dare to try to speak, apart from saying "bonjour" and "merci".
For that price, I can't expect too much from the hotel, right?
I can only recognize some French words. But without actually hearing the pronunciation, I doubt that I would even dare to try to speak, apart from saying "bonjour" and "merci".
Dear Threasher,
You're right; that price is a steal, so as long as there is a bed with a mattress, roof over your head, and toilets that aren't flooded, I guess there isn't much to complain about.
I think the following website is a great place to start learning French; there are sound files so that you can hear the proper pronunciation as well. Enjoy.
http://french.about.com/
You're right; that price is a steal, so as long as there is a bed with a mattress, roof over your head, and toilets that aren't flooded, I guess there isn't much to complain about.
I think the following website is a great place to start learning French; there are sound files so that you can hear the proper pronunciation as well. Enjoy.
http://french.about.com/
Hi Raymond,
Actually I'm hoping that the toilet is OK. My wife has this particular thing about toilets. She can't stand those which do not have tiles, or those which have small (1 inch) tiles. My parents place's toilet's tiles are small ones ( less than 1 inch in width). Until now, my wife has been to that toilet only once, wearing slippers, and only because she's urgent and there are no other choices!
But so far the worst one that I've been to is the apartment which my friend rented in London. I went there in 2003, and stayed there. The toilet's floor was carpeted! You can't even clean the toilet floor then. Imagine the urine that could have gone into the carpet, or the splash from the bath. Yucks!
Actually I'm hoping that the toilet is OK. My wife has this particular thing about toilets. She can't stand those which do not have tiles, or those which have small (1 inch) tiles. My parents place's toilet's tiles are small ones ( less than 1 inch in width). Until now, my wife has been to that toilet only once, wearing slippers, and only because she's urgent and there are no other choices!
But so far the worst one that I've been to is the apartment which my friend rented in London. I went there in 2003, and stayed there. The toilet's floor was carpeted! You can't even clean the toilet floor then. Imagine the urine that could have gone into the carpet, or the splash from the bath. Yucks!
Raymond Tan (rtan)
Actually, La Defense Hotels arn't cheap. La Defense is Europe's largest purpose built business district, so most hotels cater to businessman....
As for Metro 1, no idea. Generally, when I go to town, I'll take the RER A to Charles de Gualle Etoile for Champ Elysee or to change.
RER A only takes 5 min to reach Champ Elysee.
Actually, La Defense Hotels arn't cheap. La Defense is Europe's largest purpose built business district, so most hotels cater to businessman....
As for Metro 1, no idea. Generally, when I go to town, I'll take the RER A to Charles de Gualle Etoile for Champ Elysee or to change.
RER A only takes 5 min to reach Champ Elysee.
Dear Inix,
I wish you were right.
I was in Grenoble last year for three weeks. Arrived on a Sunday, walked to the Monoprix... and ...
http://www.monoprix.fr/Site/template/Accueil_PopUp_Magasin.aspx?MagasinId=2809
So it appears that only some Monoprix are opened on Dimanche.
If I remember correctly, RER A costs more than the usual metro ticket because La Defense is located in Zone 2.
I honestly think it is far better to learn more than just Parlez vous Anglais. To put it simply; the more you learn, the more you will enjoy the trip. And it's not all that hard. The French are very proud of their language, and you will have much more pleasant encounters if they see that you are trying to progress beyond "Parlez vous Anglais". Basic things like a greeting, thank you, you're welcome, bye, counting from one to ten, how much does it cost, asking for a bill in a restaurant, asking for ice-water in a restaurant, ... etc.
And... always count your change in France. It's not necessarily that they are trying to cheat you, but it is one's responsibility to count your own change carefully. Anyway no one will rush you because it is not Singapore.
I wish you were right.
http://www.monoprix.fr/Site/template/Accueil_PopUp_Magasin.aspx?MagasinId=2809
So it appears that only some Monoprix are opened on Dimanche.
If I remember correctly, RER A costs more than the usual metro ticket because La Defense is located in Zone 2.
I honestly think it is far better to learn more than just Parlez vous Anglais. To put it simply; the more you learn, the more you will enjoy the trip. And it's not all that hard. The French are very proud of their language, and you will have much more pleasant encounters if they see that you are trying to progress beyond "Parlez vous Anglais". Basic things like a greeting, thank you, you're welcome, bye, counting from one to ten, how much does it cost, asking for a bill in a restaurant, asking for ice-water in a restaurant, ... etc.
And... always count your change in France. It's not necessarily that they are trying to cheat you, but it is one's responsibility to count your own change carefully. Anyway no one will rush you because it is not Singapore.