Todd Todd saw things this way:
Overall
5
I love Paris, August 26, 2010
Reviewer: Todd Todd
Pros: The city centers around the river
Cons: Increasingly expensive for Americans
I love Paris! Whether for a day or a week, whether your first time or your hundredth, Paris is enchanting. Most ships either offer Paris as an option, or as a starting/stopping point. I can't imagine spending only one day in Paris. But, if you do, I would suggest taking a guided tour, either with a group or with a private guide. The advantage to a private guide is that would allow you to make the most of your short stay in the City of Light. If you arrive into Paris by air you'll be arriving into CDG. There are Air France buses into major transportation centers in the city center. There are also taxis, and services like Supershuttle in the U.S. If you are focusing on Paris don't rent a car since parking is neither cheap nor easy to find. There's also a TGV (high speed train) service right at CDG. Paris has a unique system of numbered districts. Basically the older the district the lower the number. So, start in the #1 district (arrondisment) and work your way up. I assume everyone knows the highlights of any trip to Paris. In the city you can buy either a group of discounted subway (Metro) tickets or an all day pass. The tickets are good on the buses as well, and for the funicular up to Sacre Cour. Focus on what you like to do whether it's museums, food and drink or shopping. Each of these activities has numerous subsets to keep anyone interested and active for days. A decent map (get one before you go) is of course necessary in this city of small medieval streets and majestic boulevards. To get the most out of Paris beyond the touristic standards pick up a copy of Pariscope at a newstand. It has special exhibits, concerts, and events. It also lists prices and times for shows, museums, etc. Check out exactly where your ship will be docking before you go with luggage. Unfortunately most of the docks are not next to a train or subway station. Paris taxis charge for luggage so don't get upset when the fare and the price you pay is not the same.
