Anybody do the Princess "Paris on your Own"

[kaerofan]

We know it's a short amount of time however we just can't pass up the opportunity for even a short visit. Just wondering if there is anything like the eiffel tower, notre dame, etc. that we will get to see while on the bus ride? Just trying to make the most of our short visit.

[Keith1010]

This is one I would also post on the Princess Cruise Line Board.

 

Keith

[KirkNC]

I would suggest going there pre or post cruise visit. Something's in life can't be rushed and Paris is one of them.

[marazul]

I would suggest going there pre or post cruise visit. Something's in life can't be rushed and Paris is one of them.

 

I so agree with Kirk! It is almost 3 hours one-way from Le Havre.

How much time will you have there? Six hours on the bus (plus time getting your bearings and going back to meeting point) makes for a grueling day and not much time in the city - maybe 4 hours only! You can definitely walk around and see many things on your own from the outside. You can probably get in Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle without too much wait. There are always long lines for the Louvre and the Eiffel tower, but they could be shorter if you buy tickets ahead of time - but pick one, you will not be able to visit both.

 

If you must do it in one day, see if you can get a guided tour of Paris rather than "on your own". You may pay more, but it will save you time with possibly shorter waits to get into the attractions, no need to figure out where you are going, an included city tour, etc. And don't forget, if you go on your own you still have to pay admission to the attractions, so it may not save you that much. At the very least, check where the guided tours go (use a map of Paris) to give you an idea of how much you can accomplish by yourself, which will be less than they can.

 

Can you arrange to do a stop-over in Paris before or after your cruise? If you could arrange for at least 3 nights (2 full days) there it would make a huge difference.

[kaerofan]

I've been before but my mom hasn't and a few hours is better than nothing. No desire to do anything else, I guess I actually was just looking for details of the excursion. Thanks!

[traveling1969]

We did the Paris on your own tour on our recent Emerald T/A. We were dropped off in the middle of the city within easy walking distance to a metro stop. We purchased a carnet of ten tickets and were able to go to the Eiffel tower (Trocadero stop), Notre Dame, (from which we visited the cathedral then walked to the Latin Quarter for lunch), then back to the Arc de Triumph for a leisurely stroll down the Champs to our bus pick up. Yeah, we were a bit rushed but an opportunity to experience Gay Paree was not to be missed. Bon Voyage!

[melody hounddog]

We did the Paris on your own tour on our recent Emerald T/A. We were dropped off in the middle of the city within easy walking distance to a metro stop. We purchased a carnet of ten tickets and were able to go to the Eiffel tower (Trocadero stop), Notre Dame, (from which we visited the cathedral then walked to the Latin Quarter for lunch), then back to the Arc de Triumph for a leisurely stroll down the Champs to our bus pick up. Yeah, we were a bit rushed but an opportunity to experience Gay Paree was not to be missed. Bon Voyage!

 

Sounds like you had a great time. 4 hours in Paris is better than 0 hours in Paris!