48 hours free in Paris - What to do?

[stevelcqld]

Hey

Heading to Frankfurt then Paris for the motor show. We will have 48 hours free between when we arrive in Paris and the start of the motor show.

So what would you suggest 2 guys early 30's and early 40's do in Paris.. not really into Art Galleries or Museums. So thinking Moulin Rouge or crazy horse one night.. then Eiffel Tower.. then what else?

Cheers
Steve

 

[jamesatfish]

If you're not sick of cars at the end of the motor show, take a walk down the Champs Elysses and stop into the various (free) car displays along the way. Most of the French car makers plus some others have merchandise stores where most of the floorspace is taken up with their flagship vehicle models. AMG have some old racing cars and SLS GT3 / Race models on display, Citroen have several floors of concept cars including the GT by Citroen made for the GT5 racing game, and there's a Maserati / Alfa racing car display near the FDR roundabout.

If you plan on walking up the Eiffel tower, rather than waiting in a queue at the bottom of it, go online and book your tickets now as there is often a 2-4 hour wait to buy tickets at the tower itself. In recent weeks they've been doing repairs to some of the lifts and at one point the were down to just a single lift taking people to the top, which made things even worse.

 

[RWJ777]

If you're not sick of cars at the end of the motor show, take a walk down the Champs Elysses and stop into the various (free) car displays along the way. Most of the French car makers plus some others have merchandise stores where most of the floorspace is taken up with their flagship vehicle models. AMG have some old racing cars and SLS GT3 / Race models on display, Citroen have several floors of concept cars including the GT by Citroen made for the GT5 racing game, and there's a Maserati / Alfa racing car display near the FDR roundabout.

If you plan on walking up the Eiffel tower, rather than waiting in a queue at the bottom of it, go online and book your tickets now as there is often a 2-4 hour wait to buy tickets at the tower itself. In recent weeks they've been doing repairs to some of the lifts and at one point the were down to just a single lift taking people to the top, which made things even worse.

Last time (July 2011) I was strolling up the Champs, the Citroen showroom had closed. Perhaps it was closed for extensive renovation but I fear not given it was only opened several years before. Having visited it shortly after opening, it is (was) indeed terrific and well worth a visit.

If you have only 2 days in Paris, walk! You can do a good walk from the Eiffel Tower through the city back towards the Marais. Also down the Champs, from the Arc, through Palais Royale. Stop along the way regularly for cafe and a nice little glass of Sancerre blanc. Have dinner at Aux Deux Canards in the 10th (book first or they'll tell you to nick off) for a terrific meal and entertaining experience. Very jealous!

 

[Paddy55]

Cruise along Seine?

 

[Jacques Vert]

Moulin Rouge would be good (suggest you book ahead like most things in Paris); why not take the Montmartre Finicula tram up to the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur (Montmartre) beforehand and then walk back down to the Moulin Rouge.

I agree with RWJ777; walk around the city including along the Champs-Elysees from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.

Pity you are not into museums as Paris has some of the best. What things are you into?

JV

 

[medhead]

Depending on when you're there, there is the beach on the Seine.


Sent from the Throne

 

[stevelcqld]

We are both car, bike and boat nuts. Makes for an enjoyable job.

Our wives are green and both are into the art scene so would love it. But sadly can't go As is all work.

Cheers
steve.

 

[jamesatfish]

Last time (July 2011) I was strolling up the Champs, the Citroen showroom had closed. Perhaps it was closed for extensive renovation but I fear not given it was only opened several years before. Having visited it shortly after opening, it is (was) indeed terrific and well worth a visit.

The Citroen store is open again - my wife was there last week.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Yes the car showroom things on the Champs are fantastic.

 

[RWJ777]

The Citroen store is open again - my wife was there last week.

Excellent! I am so glad. I was quite disappointed when it was closed.

 

[KitKat]

there is a bmw showroom on one of the streets off the Champ-Elysees

 

[scaredeycat]

Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Good view of Paris, not nearly as crowded as the Eiffel Tower.

 

[jastel]

If you stay up there for over 10 minutes you will more than likely see a prang as well...crazy roundabout.
BTW there is a tunnel under the road to get to the arc, do not cross on top.

Les Invalides has Napoleons tomb and some war exhibits. Guns, armour vehicles etc.

Catch a train out to Versailles and see how the kings lived.

Catch the Hop On Hop off bus to see all the sights in one day, without going inside... that takes longer.

Be aware of Gypsies and pickpockets and scammers...the city is infested with them around the tourist traps.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Catch a train out to Versailles and see how the kings lived.

If you go to Versailles, don't miss the gardens and the fountains; and book before you go or you will spend half your day in the queue. Even then, you need to allow a full day.

JV