We need Europe experts!

collegemom3717
Sat, 27 Jan 2018 15:37:27 +0000

Sorry not to read the whole thread, @cardinal2020mom, but I figure you will read it all! so, apologies if any of these have already been posted:

1. A nice version of hop-on / hop-off in Paris is the Batobus, which just goes up and down the Seine (w/ no commentary). You get to see the riverview of Paris (which is worthwhile, and it stops at/near many of the place you will want to be going: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Musée d'Orsay, Louvre, Champs Elysée (kinda/sorta- it's a bit of a walk). The guide that you get with your ticket has handy info on each stop (food options, but also things like ATMs). Highly recommend.

2. Speaking of ATMs, tell your bank that you will be heading over. If your bank card has a pin code life is very easy; you will also find apple pay more places than you expect.

3. Strongly recommend staying in some sort of VROB / Air BnB place- having a kitchen, a space to hang out, etc. is really great. If you stay in one near a year-round market (ie, Rue de Levis, Rue Cler, etc), you will find lots of food options either ready to eat, to re-heat or to cook at home. If you want to know who we use, PM me- I’m pretty sure that posting it would advertising & not allowed on CC!

4. Consider having everybody be in charge of one day- organize it from food, to activity, to info, etc.

5. If you go to Versailles (easy day trip), spring for a good tour (even a ‘personal’ one): it really makes a difference. Strongly second the votes for Normandy. It is a trek, but it is a profound experience. You can also nip up to see the Bayeaux tapestry before it heads over to the UK!

6. Random things: segway tour, geocaching, the THATLOU treasure hunt (Louvre),