<![CDATA[Travel: France]]>yup that’s what i think also

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/70243/travel-franceRSS for NodeTue, 21 Apr 2026 08:52:47 GMTSat, 24 Jun 2017 09:40:35 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:12:32 GMT]]>

lexis:
hi


I'm taking the Eurostar from London to Paris this June, arriving at around 3 pm. Including the day of arrival, I have 2.5 days. Booked a hotel in the 9th arrondissment - Hotel 34B, reviews are great on TA.

First time in Paris, and am planning to do the following:

Upon arrival - check in, then go Galeries lafeyette rooftop, eat dinner nearby, have an early night.
1st day - Eiffel, Champs, Arc de Triomphe
2nd day - Louvre/Tulleries

hope to do a ride on the River seine on one of those days. Has anyone been to the Catacombs with teens, and did you find it worth it, or was it underwhelming? We have visited the Catacombs in Rome.

Any feedback on the above? Or suggestions? We are not really museum people (and we would've done a few coming from London), so don't intend to visit any other museum in Paris.

Thanks!
You can consider visiting Notre Dame. If you're physically fit, you can climb up the tower as the view from there is breathtaking. But you'll have to conquer hundreds of steps first. You can rest along the climb though.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1779995https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1779995Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:12:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Mon, 22 May 2017 01:04:51 GMT]]>You can try Airbnb. We found ours there. There are lots of choice as Paris residents are one of the top users of this site.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1775423https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1775423Mon, 22 May 2017 01:04:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Mon, 22 May 2017 01:01:17 GMT]]>Hi, am looking for an apartment stay - any recommendations in the 1st,8th, 9th arrondissment? Thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1775422https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1775422Mon, 22 May 2017 01:01:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:29:20 GMT]]>thanks, Jacsplace. We intend to do so.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1756264https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1756264Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:29:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:53:59 GMT]]>Hi Lexis,


You may wish to buy tickets online so you can avoid queueing for them at the attractions. We bought our tickets to the Eiffel Tower online and were glad we did so, as the queues at the ticket office and the entrance were quite long (even though it was Nov and just after the terrorist attacks).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1755487https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1755487Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:53:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:45:08 GMT]]>hi


I’m taking the Eurostar from London to Paris this June, arriving at around 3 pm. Including the day of arrival, I have 2.5 days. Booked a hotel in the 9th arrondissment - Hotel 34B, reviews are great on TA.

First time in Paris, and am planning to do the following:

Upon arrival - check in, then go Galeries lafeyette rooftop, eat dinner nearby, have an early night.
1st day - Eiffel, Champs, Arc de Triomphe
2nd day - Louvre/Tulleries

hope to do a ride on the River seine on one of those days. Has anyone been to the Catacombs with teens, and did you find it worth it, or was it underwhelming? We have visited the Catacombs in Rome.

Any feedback on the above? Or suggestions? We are not really museum people (and we would’ve done a few coming from London), so don’t intend to visit any other museum in Paris.

Thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1755482https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1755482Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:45:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 10:03:58 GMT]]>Thank you, jetsetter and schweppes :thankyou:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692883https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692883Sat, 25 Jun 2016 10:03:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 08:16:57 GMT]]>

jetsetter:

To determine if you should take the maxicab in lieu of RER, you should google for the estimated metered fare from CDG to GDN, then do your math accordingly based on no. of family members.
Just to add, for our family, we also took the non-financial risks into consideration too. Didn't want the emotional stress of the unknown, esp when we just touched down - gypsies, pickpockets, getting lost, manoeuvring the luggages at the train stations.... For peace of mind, that was another reason for taking the cab.

But once settled in, using the RER and trains to get around was very convenient and relatively easy

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692867https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692867Sat, 25 Jun 2016 08:16:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 08:05:53 GMT]]>

Miracle Child:
Read on the web that it is tough to manoveur at RER stations with luggages cos' you have to lift them up across the turnstiles. Is this true? If we have 3 pieces of luggages (including a big one), will it be a challenge to take RER from CDG into Paris? Or should I consider private transfer, taxis or airport shuttle etc.? Thanks.

We took a cab from CDG to hotel even though our hotel was less than 5 mins walk from St Michel RER. Few reasons for taking the taxi:

- Didn't want the hassle of buying train tix when we just arrive at CDG and then trying to find the correct route to hotel, with 3 luggages in tow. dh said that since we are spending so much on the trip, no point to stint on airport transfers. We flew on Air France and bought the tix when the airline was having some summer promos, so managed to save a bit on air fare.

- Was rushing for time as we wanted to attend the 6pm Sunday mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral. iirc, our plane landed at 3+pm at CDG and we wanted to head straight to hotel to check-in, freshen up and head out for mass. Our hotel was 10-15mins walk from Notre-Dame

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692862https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692862Sat, 25 Jun 2016 08:05:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 07:04:45 GMT]]>

Miracle Child:
Read on the web that it is tough to manoveur at RER stations with luggages cos' you have to lift them up across the turnstiles. Is this true? If we have 3 pieces of luggages (including a big one), will it be a challenge to take RER from CDG into Paris? Or should I consider private transfer, taxis or airport shuttle etc.? Thanks.

I don't think it's accurate; they must have been written by individual travellers? In a first world EU country like France, HSR stations such as RER stations at int'l gateways CDG and GDN should have those special entrances for disabled commuters, commuters with foldable bikes, strollers and large baggage. I brought along my stroller to EU and remember being directed to those wider glass doors by the subway station personnel (though I didn't pass thru RER station).

A quick google will call out some images of RER gantries at CDG (not sure which Terminal) & GDN, as well as metro stations:

http://i64.tinypic.com/2nbamg2.jpg\">

http://i68.tinypic.com/15e95ah.jpg\">

http://i64.tinypic.com/raasgi.jpg\">

http://i63.tinypic.com/rhoimu.jpg\">


To determine if you should take the maxicab in lieu of RER, you should google for the estimated metered fare from CDG to GDN, then do your math accordingly based on no. of family members.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692846https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692846Sat, 25 Jun 2016 07:04:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Sat, 25 Jun 2016 02:52:08 GMT]]>Read on the web that it is tough to manoveur at RER stations with luggages cos’ you have to lift them up across the turnstiles. Is this true? If we have 3 pieces of luggages (including a big one), will it be a challenge to take RER from CDG into Paris? Or should I consider private transfer, taxis or airport shuttle etc.? Thanks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692800https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692800Sat, 25 Jun 2016 02:52:08 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:51:22 GMT]]>

jetsetter:
rains:

[quote=\"Miracle Child\"]Thanks all. The pickpockets are so pro 😓 Is it safe to leave laptop or valuables in the hotel? If no safe, locked up in luggage?


I kept my purchases or belongings in my luggage bcos I read that hotel staff could open the safe using their own code, but even then, what I'd hate to lose, I carried with me ie. passports, camera flash.


Laptop - lock it in your hardcase luggage. Some hotels' safes are too small, esp if you stay in a pension or airbnb without safes.

Passport - take along with you.

Camera & HP - surely you need them?[/quote]We don't bring laptops when we travel anymore. Tablets are good enough for us. We each take one. They are especially useful for personal entertainment and google searches etc.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692679https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692679Fri, 24 Jun 2016 10:51:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:51:42 GMT]]>

rains:
Miracle Child:

Thanks all. The pickpockets are so pro 😓 Is it safe to leave laptop or valuables in the hotel? If no safe, locked up in luggage?


I kept my purchases or belongings in my luggage bcos I read that hotel staff could open the safe using their own code, but even then, what I'd hate to lose, I carried with me ie. passports, camera flash.


Laptop - lock it in your hardcase luggage. Some hotels' safes are too small, esp if you stay in a pension or airbnb without safes.

Passport - take along with you.

Camera & HP - surely you need them?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692560https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692560Fri, 24 Jun 2016 02:51:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Fri, 24 Jun 2016 00:40:33 GMT]]>

Miracle Child:
Thanks all. The pickpockets are so pro 😓 Is it safe to leave laptop or valuables in the hotel? If no safe, locked up in luggage?

I kept my purchases or belongings in my luggage bcos I read that hotel staff could open the safe using their own code, but even then, what I'd hate to lose, I carried with me ie. passports, camera flash.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692495https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692495Fri, 24 Jun 2016 00:40:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 23:27:28 GMT]]>Thanks all. The pickpockets are so pro 😓 Is it safe to leave laptop or valuables in the hotel? If no safe, locked up in luggage?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692483https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692483Thu, 23 Jun 2016 23:27:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 16:26:45 GMT]]>

schweppes:
rains:


I actually felt quite safe in public places in broad daylight but I also exercised caution and put my camera bag on my lap when I ate at restaurants or bistro. I put nothing too important in my elder kid's bag, but even then, I used a safety pin to hook the zips together so that it's too much trouble to have access to the compartments.

Couldn't agree with you more, rains. A friend's son (in his 20s) lost his LV bag containing high end DSLR camera (in total $10K worth) :moneyflies: :moneyflies: He had placed his LV bag next to him at the cafe whilst having his meal. The next thing he realised was that his bag and camera was gone. :gloomy:

Oh dear, that's a lot of money. My sister also shared with me that her friend had her wallet pinched the moment she reached the Paris airport, so you'd think she would be extra careful but she lost her wallet again when she returned to the airport - all without her knowledge until they were gone.

I wouldn't carry an LV or Gucci when I am a tourist. It's like screaming for burglars to come for them. I also sling my camera bag across my body so that it's impossible to pinch without me knowing.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692458https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692458Thu, 23 Jun 2016 16:26:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 16:09:06 GMT]]>

rains:

I actually felt quite safe in public places in broad daylight but I also exercised caution and put my camera bag on my lap when I ate at restaurants or bistro. I put nothing too important in my elder kid's bag, but even then, I used a safety pin to hook the zips together so that it's too much trouble to have access to the compartments.
Couldn't agree with you more, rains. A friend's son (in his 20s) lost his LV bag containing high end DSLR camera (in total $10K worth) :moneyflies: :moneyflies: He had placed his LV bag next to him at the cafe whilst having his meal. The next thing he realised was that his bag and camera was gone. :gloomy:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692454https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692454Thu, 23 Jun 2016 16:09:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 14:33:06 GMT]]>I stayed in Montparnesse as it was a safe neighbourhood, according to a French friend. The hotel was near the train station so it was convenient. I was alone with 2 kids so all the more I had to be careful and vigilant. The trade-off was having to skip Sacre Coeur and Versailles bcos I felt stressed just reading about the gypsies and bracelet gangs at Sacre Coeur and the comparatively long distance to Versailles. The kids were easily tired as well.


If you are really worried and you are a woman, sew small pockets on the inside (at the waistline) of your pants or skirts and put most of your cash in the only undergarment ladies get to wear. Salesladies at Galleries Lafayette actually gave me a small room to take my money out quickly when I needed to buy a luxury item on the whims.

At first I was really scared reading all the horror stories on the net but someone said this,"The thieves usually steal your things when you are unaware. They rarely want to strip you to get your money." So don’t be too worried.

I actually felt quite safe in public places in broad daylight but I also exercised caution and put my camera bag on my lap when I ate at restaurants or bistro. I put nothing too important in my elder kid’s bag, but even then, I used a safety pin to hook the zips together so that it’s too much trouble to have access to the compartments.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692445https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692445Thu, 23 Jun 2016 14:33:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 14:01:28 GMT]]>If your kids are students and below 18yo, they enjoy discounted rates or even free entry to museums. :rahrah: Bring their school's student pass (or Sg bus pass) as a form of identification.


Read on Tripadvisor forum reviews to avoid purchasing the museum passes at the popular museums like Lourve and Musee d'Orsay. The queue time is snaking long and wait time can be more than 1 hr. :yikes: 😓

We bought the museum passes at Arc de Triomphe and barely waited for 5 mins before we reached the counter. Enjoyed the view from the Arc and it gives a different perspective from the Eiffel's view.

I would avoid staying in Montmartre. Too crowded and many iffy people around 😓 But it's still a place worth visiting. Interesting sidewalks and if you are into churches and architecture, the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur is worth braving the crowded streets and dodging dodgy characters. We walked up to the Basilica and took the funicular down. Going to the Basilica was just a couple train stops from the Arc, so it was \"along the way\".

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692432https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692432Thu, 23 Jun 2016 14:01:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:16:59 GMT]]>Thank you all for the tips, strategies and suggestions. I have heard of scary stories from my gf as well…she was with a family member and was "chased" by a thug before they managed to seek help from a tour group. I better be vigilant and not be a sotong when I am there.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692178https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692178Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:16:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:53:54 GMT]]>

jacsplace:
Hi Miracle Child,


Staying near train station is good. We rented an apt via airbnb that was just outside the main city area but walking distance to the rer b line. from the rer, we switched to the metro to travel within the city area.

You can reduce wait times at attractions by buying tix online. You may still need to queue to get in, but at least that's only one queue (minus the queue to buy the tix).
At that time we were lazy to queue, so we got 2-day Paris Museum Pass. It's worth it as it also includes Versailles. All in all we managed to visit 5 places within those 2 days, including Louvre and Notre Dame.

As for the metro, we got mobilis instead of the normal metro tickets.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692132https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692132Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:53:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:20:59 GMT]]>

jetsetter:


I was grabbed by one and was in great shock...sorry hor, didn't even have time to say \"Non, merci\" :scared:

Yes, I stayed in Marais (3/4th arrondissement) as well as St Germain (6th arr.) before because:

Marais is central. It’s got several attractions: Centre Pompidou, beautiful architecture with wrought-iron balconies, nice restaurants and cafes, good shopping with indie shops and boutiques. But it's home to the LGBT community and the Jewish community, so...Think Orlando. 😓

St Germain is another good neighbourhood if you like to chillax....Think Hemingway, Camus and Sartre! Many famous cafes, interesting little shops to bring the poet/writer/philosopher out in you. Jardin du Luxembourg, Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay are all nearby.

Btw, Montmartre though near GDN is in 18th arrondissement...Some parts can be seedy, given that it's the mecca for artists and vagabond.
I stayed in the 18th arrondissement (Butte-Montmartre) 3 years ago in ibis Paris Ornano Montmartre Nord 18ème hotel with my wife and kid in tow. As one may expect from a very large arrondissement, not all of it is seedy. This hotel is very much in a Parisian neighbourhood (read: not touristy) and we didn't have any troubles throughout our stay. The real sweetener is that the price is just under SGD100 :evil: Stay came with free breakfast but the room was rather \"smallish\" 😂

Also, this particular hotel is just steps away from the terminal station on metro line 4 - Porte de Clignancourt. Line 4 is a great line as it passes a number of tourist attractions (not Eiffel Tower though) as well as Gare du Nord. We often walk along Boulevard Ornano to Simplon (the station before) to grab a bite from the shops along the Boulevard (kebab, McD, a Chinese restaurant, convenience shops, etc) and we weren't really bothered by anyone.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692123https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1692123Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:20:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Travel: France on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 04:22:34 GMT]]>Hi Miracle Child,


Staying near train station is good. We rented an apt via airbnb that was just outside the main city area but walking distance to the rer b line. from the rer, we switched to the metro to travel within the city area.

You can reduce wait times at attractions by buying tix online. You may still need to queue to get in, but at least that’s only one queue (minus the queue to buy the tix).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1691916https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1691916Wed, 22 Jun 2016 04:22:34 GMT