I am taking my Dad to the 65th anniversary D-Day celebrations next June. It will be a 9 or 10 night trip, and I'm guessing about 4, maybe 5 of those nights will be in Paris.
It's my Dad's first trip to Paris.
I've been to Paris roughly 8-10 times, but most of them were on my way elsewhere or on my way back so only a few times were more than an overnight or two nights. On top of that, my last trip there was 2004! eeep.
I'm definitely taking him to all the top-top gotta see sights. Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sacre Coeur, les Invalides, Musee d'Orsay etc. I believe we will stay in the 5th or 6th (any recent hotel recs?).
Any recos on perhaps less well known sights a first timer would enjoy that typically take your average traveler a few visits before they "get to it"? In other words, I'd like to throw in a few new things that he'd enjoy, but that I haven't seen yet. I've been to the Musee du Monde Arabe, the Nissim de Camondo, etc. I last saw the Orangerie when I was 16, so I think that would be a good thing to check out.
Perhaps some beautiful parks that are a little less known?
Perhaps some beautiful parks that are a little less known?
Buttes-Chaumont Le Parc de Bercy
If your dad is a "senior citizen" like me, watch the pace. Slow down (good advice for everyone) and savor more.
In Normandy, consider a D-Day tour with Battlebus. I posted about the company on this site and others have, too. I can't praise the company highly enough.
Also, on the 60th anniversay of the landings we were surprised to find the roads closed in much of the region, the Cote de Nacre and the Cote Fleurie, part of security for visting heads of state I think. This anniversary may be more low key but you might check whether you can move on June 6 or will be pinned down.
Finally, Normandy has little known, lovely parks and gardens. The regional tourism authority published a wonderful booklet on these a while back in conjunction with British parks and gardens across the channel. These could make up an entire Normandy itinerary. I think I still have the publication and will repost with the title and the authority's address if I can lay hands on it.
I should have mentioned this is my fourth trip to Normandy. I remember the road closings well - it would have been nice to view the ceremony at the British Cemetery for instance. I was there for the 60th too, where did you stay?
Pinned down in Honfleur, one of the last towns liberated. But a couple of visitors we met, retracing a veteran's experience, their father/father-in-law, talked their way easily through roadblocks and made it to Omaha Beach!
I'm two years your father's junior but "senior" I think, or at least claiming the benefits. Maybe we can meet in Paris or Normandy?
Woodstock, if you and your father enjoy Impressionist art, I suggest a little excursion out to the Musee Marmottan in the 16th. This small museum has the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world, most donated by the Monet's son. We've been twice, but didn't get there until our third trip to Paris. The museum is a short walk from a Metro station (La Muette), just across the street from a pretty park called Les Jardins de Ranelagh. (See more information about the park here. We enjoyed visiting a different neighborhood of Paris and a spectacular, intimate museum featuring one of our favorite artists.
Kaydee, thanks! I had visited there several years ago, but I agree, Dad would enjoy it. I've been to Giverny a few times and I know he'd really love that too!
I'll look into the parks, thanks. My Dad loves flowers - he's quite the gardener.
My favorite Paris memory is a nighttime riverboat cruise of the Seine. Breathtaking views of all the sites, from the comfort of a boat (no walking after a long day of siteseeing), all lit up in Parisian glory. It's probably a little touristy, but very relaxing and an "only in Paris" experience.
I believe we will stay in the 5th or 6th (any recent hotel recs?).
Hi, we stayed at Hotel des Carmes in the 5th. It is a a very clean simple hotel, but the location is really great and the prices reasonable. At one end of the street we could see the Pantheon and walking to the other end is st Germain and Norte Dame is really close. If you have any questions don't hesitate.
I am devouring my various books on France (currently, Patricia Wells book about their life there) and can't wait. Planning a trip gets one through the long cold winter!
