An unexpected Sunday afternoon in Paris

Austerby

Austerby

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I've been working in Zurich all week and haven't been able to fly home to the UK due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud. I've made alternative arrangements to get home by train via Paris. As as they're a tad busy at the moment I've got to wait until Monday morning for my Eurostar to London. This means I have the pleasures of an unexpected Sunday afternoon in Paris tomorrow - fortunately I packed my M8 (plus spare battery), my 28/2 Nokton and 90/2.8 tele-elmarit.

I've been to Paris before but wondered if there were any particular recommendations for a Sunday afternoon/evening. I'm staying near to the Gare du Nord.
 
An unexpected Sunday afternoon in Paris
- The Parisians didn't expect there'd be a Sunday afternoon? Did Sunday afternoon come on Tuesday morning or something in Paris? Was it due to all that ash?
 
Just wondering, but have people completely sworn off taking ferries across the channel? I see all of these UK holiday makers on TV in France and Spain complaining about rail service all booked up. What about renting a car? I drove one-way, London to Rome, just a few years ago - no big deal and not that expensive either.

Reminds me after 9/11 in the US when people couldn't fly for days, and ended up renting whatever they could find, moving vans, etc.
 
My favorites: Montmartre, Luxembourg Gardens, the left bank of the Seine from Les Invalides to Ille de la Cite, the Rodin Museum.
 
Gare du Nord is an easy place to get everywhere.

Try get to Pigalle (north west i think)... that's the red light district, but it means you'll see the Moulin Rouge, and then walk up the streets through past the cafe from the film Amelie (Les Deux Moulins)*, all the way up to Montmartre.

*best club sandwich of my life!


I'm not sure if the Dali museum is open on Sunday, but it's only around the corner from the tourist trap Montmartre. So is Lapin Agile burlesque house (which was closed when I was in Paris last year) which is meant to be fairly famous for their performances.

Avoid the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées if you've seen it all before. Otherwise go to the Eiffel Tower and walk up the stairs - only takes 20 minutes and is WAY quicker than the queue for the lifts. You still have to get a lift and pay to get to the highest level, though.


On a totally different note, if you don't like the sound of that and want to spend an hour underground, find the Catacombs (south east of the city). The volume of skulls is unbelievable.

Can't be bothered to get my journal out or I'd give some more hints - I'm sure everyone else can help more than me tho
 
imokruok said:
Just wondering, but have people completely sworn off taking ferries across the channel? I see all of these UK holiday makers on TV in France and Spain complaining about rail service all booked up. What about renting a car? I drove one-way, London to Rome, just a few years ago - no big deal and not that expensive either.

Reminds me after 9/11 in the US when people couldn't fly for days, and ended up renting whatever they could find, moving vans, etc.
Click to expand...

Not at all - the ferries are solidly booked. P&O are taking 1600 calls an hour. I've only got onto the Eurostar from Paris by paying £300 for a business premium ticket on a very early morning train - fortunately the firm will refund me. I looked into ferries from Cherbourg, Caen, Bolougne, Dover, Ostend, and Hook of Holland - all full. Part of the problem is that it's also the last weekend before the schools go back so lots of people travelling anyway.

It's noticeable in Zurich tonight how many single people wearing business suits are dining alone tonight - apparently stranded too. it's chaos, really.

Lovely idea about the HCB foundation - will aim for that.
 
Accommodation help needed in Italy

Accommodation help needed in Italy

Dear RFF members,
You seem to be a well travelled lot and I need some advice. In October this year my partner and I travel to Italy and we could do with your suggestions regarding studio or one-bedroom apartment accommodation in Assisi, Verona and Rome. We've made no bookings as yet, and want to be in the middle of things at a reasonable rate - leaving more $$ for fine food and wine.

Gary
Oz
 
NickTrop said:
An unexpected Sunday afternoon in Paris
- The Parisians didn't expect there'd be a Sunday afternoon? Did Sunday afternoon come on Tuesday morning or something in Paris? Was it due to all that ash?
Click to expand...

That made me laugh. 🙂

Original Poster.

Have fun in Paris, I'm sure where ever you end up you'll take some great shots. Post a link to your output. And best of luck getting home.
 
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