Irina

Host Bonjour, I’d love to know the hidden gem restaurants in Paris! I’m staying in the Montparnasse area. I will also be there 2 evenings on my own, any suggestions for places for single dining? 

On 3/9/2023 at 5:15 PM, Host Bonjour said:

 

Take the dinner cruise. I'd say maybe check the tide charts to see what time hide tide might be when you'll be there, but otherwise, tbh I couldn't tell you how high or low the tide was when I took my Seine cruise (first Paris visit, gone sooo many times) and nearly didn't take the cruise, but got coaxed into it.

 

I remember everything else, including getting dunked on from a bridge by some local kids who were having fun pouring stuff onto the boats. Why not? It was funny and it wasn't anything nefarious. 

 

It was beautiful, I could see things (I am NOT tall) and ultimately very glad I was convinced to go. It was evening and gorgeous.

 

Maybe the ONLY thing that would give me pause is whether or not the boat was enclosed? Is there enough outside space? Sometimes if the glass is too reflective, it can be difficult to see out when it's dark, however there are bright lights along the river bank that illuminate most of the prominent landmarks, and just in general. If there's nice weather, it's nice to be outdoors, and also to be able to listen to them describe what you're passing by (not all of the structures are as obvious for their history)

 

But otherwise, and I completely understand and respect (💙) why our legendary, illustrious community members have smartly recommended advised as they have. I'd say stick with your plan. Splitting the cruise and dinner will add extra time, planning, and navigating to your already brief amount of time in the city. I think what makes the most sense here is consolidating and compromising: it will be a decent meal (not an exciting menu, typical french 3 course plat du jour sort of menu) in a spectacular setting. And that's perfectly fine.

 

If you wanted Michelin level, we could each send our ideas, or a hidden gem. But that means going somewhere else in the city, making a reservation and, it can and probably will take more time to get through the meal...usually a pleasure, but not if you've got a limited amount of time. It's an amazing experience, but that means you'd have to eliminate something else. Why cut stuff from a bucket list trip?

 

Again, these worldly, wise, and wonderful travelers are not wrong, we'd be lost without their invaluable contributions on these boards!! 👏 My perspective is as a person who has traveled (often solo) and likewise fit in/lived as a local (and native of one of the biggest tourist cities in the world, so I see both sides) there are times when practicality and enjoyment do merge without disaster or disappointment: I have experienced this, and as well enjoyed many unexpected, wonderful surprises along the way. Paris is even lovely when it rains, so I wouldn't worry about that. 

 

I've even become a sucker for the Circle Line in NYC at sunset. Started going with any visiting friends and came to love it. I've done two HoHos as well, in London and Berlin. London because of the size/layout: I needed to visualize the zones before I could start my wandering. Berlin: it did not look so much different from after the war, from the wall and the East, with rebuilding construction everywhere: I had no hardhat in my bag. 

 

 

I've always liked the 8th though I haven't stayed there (but didn't avoid it for any reason)... I stayed in lots of different arrondissments, there's something about walking in parts of the 8th that is lovely–always went there for a stroll.

 

As is riding the metro, and you can work it into your plans to jump on certain lines, many are quite cool though not necessarily convenient, if you list where you plan to go, we can talk about using the metro (also a time saver on your visit) but you do want to see above ground. 

 

Without knowing your sightseeing, I'd say the 7 line (pink) Opéra, direction Mairie d'Ivry, the entrance at Opéra Garnier is recognizable in so many films and television shows. You could then transfer from the 7 to the 6 line (light green) at La Motte Picquet Grenelle, direction Charles De Gaulle Étoille, bringing you to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées, after crossing on the Bir-Hakeim bridge (stop Champs du Mars, the park across from the Eiffel Tower and within sight of Les Invalides), where at this point the metro is above ground...just a different perspective, and you've had a quick circuit through the Left Bank. Also important to note that there is not much time between metro stops, so mind the stations!

 

With all this said, who knows, maybe you'll feel like so many of us have after visiting Paris and get drawn back again and again. And again, the info above is spot on: but I think what you want will work out fine. 

 

It has its way with you, the city does...you won't even realize it's happening. 😉 

 

Super excited for your first trip to Paris...it'll be unforgettable. 

Sorry to quote your long post, but I’m going to be in Paris for five nights, two of them on my own and staying in Montoarnasse area. I would love restaurant suggestions, doesn’t have to be Michelin star because I’m going to be meeting my son and daughter-in-law and six and eight year old granddaughter’s, but we do love good food and fun restaurants and great experiences. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated! 

On 2/5/2023 at 11:57 PM, Cruiser Nonna said:

Any recommendations for private tours from LeHavre to Paris and private tours from LeHavre to Normandy - 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated - thank you - stay well and safe

We used Overlord tours to Normandy and were very pleased. We also stopped in Honfleur and another small charming town. This was about 5 years ago.

I’m flying into DeGaulle  airport, and staying at the hotel aiglon in montparnasse

I will be staying in Paris for a few nights, can anyone recommend favorite restaurants? 
also would like a recommendation for the best way to get to the hotel from the airport. Thanks!

Thanks for all the great suggestions! We are staying in Manly 12/31 and 1/1, and then at the Grace Hotel which I believe is in the CBD for 4 nights. I love finding the off the beaten path local places, and while I love good seafood and will pay the price  I also love the reasonable and bargain places!

On 12/13/2019 at 8:25 AM, kseattle said:

Also interested in this topic.  I’ve heard great things from my cousin about Manly Wine (it’s a restaurant) in Manly Beach, so we will take the ferry over and spend some time there. She also said the ferry to Manly Beach is basically a Harbor Cruise, so don’t waste money booking one of those separately. 🙂

I saw 3 different places called Manly Wine when I googled it. Do you know which one your cousin was talking about?

thanks!

Thank you for all the suggestions! Can’t wait to try sone of these!

penny

We will be spending 6 nights precruise in Sydney and would love restaurant suggestions! We prefer more local type places rather than touristy types. We are looking for  good food of course, but also places that are  fun and have a cool atmosphere. Any help is appreciated!

Penny

We are staying at the Grace hotel

Can anyone recommend a good car service or other option in Sydney from hotel to cruiseport? There are 6 of us.  Also the best transportation foe 2 people from the airport to the hotel? 

Thank you!

Thanks for the great review, we love sightseeing independently the way you did. We currently have 4. nights  precruise at The Grace. Our friends are staying at the Amora. Any preference? Or other recommendations for places to stay for first time in Sydney, without being too expensive?

thanks for any advice!

We are looking at Oceania, Sydney to Auckland. We have been very happy with the line in the past. But are wondering if it's worth the extra money, or if we should look at celebrity instead. Thoughts?

Thank you. It looks,like they don't do the boat ride on the loch, which the,other company does. Did,you feel you missed anything by not doing that?

I used WOW Scotland for my day in Invergordan, and there was a lot packed into the day. Admittedly we did start with a castle (Brodie), but it was far better value than the ship's tour, and our guide and driver were fantastic.

I just looked at Wow Scotland tours,today for next week. Would,you recommend them? How did,you like Brodie castle?

Thank you!

since then invergordon tour group is filled for our date, I am looking at Wow Scotland tours. Is anyone familiar or have any experience with them? They go to Brodie castle rather than the,other more popular ones. They claim it's,prettier and better because the,other tours don't go there so it's less crowded. Any thoughts?

I'm trying to decide between rabbies tour to oxford and

3 towns in the Cotswolds (Bampton, burford, and bilbury), or Golden tours to Stratford on Avon and 2 stops in the Cotswolds (Bilbury and bourton on the water). Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Any recommendations for high tea while in London?

How about fun restaurants for dinner?

Thank you for your great suggestions! The tea room sounds very cool. What area is it in? Whats a good place to try for dinner if we are in port late Enough? Want to sample the local food, heard the salmon is amazing!

any suggestions for best things to see in Glasgow? Is there a hoho bus there?

Thank you elaine5! Sounds like a great way to do it. Sis you go to Cobh? Trying to decide about a private tour to cork and the surrounding area or DIY, and spend more time in Cobh.

Yes you can DIY in Guernsey, but I would not necessarily recommend this. There are many excellent places to see outside of the main town including the Little Chapel, the German Occupation Museum and various gun bunkers and trenches to walk through. If you can’t find a private tour, you may wish to consider hiring a car, and then separately to hire a guide to accompany you so that you would get to see everywhere without getting lost, and also beat the tour buses to the top attractions. Please be aware that driving in Guernsey involves small roads.

 

If you have any specific questions on Guernsey please feel free to post and I will try to help.

Other than taking a tour, what is the best way to see the German Occupation Museum? Can we take a taxi there and tour on our own? And is that close to the Little Chapel, or are they a distance apart? We are 2 couples, active and "young" 70 year olds, and would love to have your recommendations for our day in Guernsey!

thank you

I am thinking of using Rabbies for a day tour from London to costwolds and oxford. Have you used them yet and if so were you happy with them?

Thanks for the update, very much appreciated. We [5 of us] will be on the May 1st sailing of the Royal Princess and will see you on board after we leave Invergordon.

 

Darcy

We will be on the Royal sailing August 17. Please post all about your trip so we can read it before we go!

Have a wonderful trip!

Penny

We were looking at smiths for transportation from hotel to ship, then ship to airport. There are 4 of us, so it seemed like a good price since we are sharing the cost. We've done the major tourist sites when in London years ago. I was thinking of the boat ride on the Thames to Greenwich one day, getting discount tickets to a play one night. That's why I wasn't sure which area we should stay in. I also would like to take a day to see the countryside, maybe Bath and the Cotswolds. Don't know if we should take a tour for that or attempt it DIY on the train.

Appreciate all the help!

Penny