Day Trip To Paris

[SCP]

After the dissapointment of the first attempt to get a GS my good lady upped the budget and when we were looking at the bike we bought she asked what do I get for letting you spend more money.

I glibbly said I'd take her to Paris for lunch and on the way home she asked when I was taking her.

So have worked out my timings, my route but my question is where is the best place to park?
Do I go in to Paris or somewhere outside and get the metro to the city?

 

[Wapping]

The best way to get to Paris and back is via the Eurostar. Trust me

 

[Andy80F]

Paris on a bike is both manic and a joy. As long as you have your route sorted, GPS is a real pleasure, parking is actually easy if just a little strange to us Brits. In town at most intersections there are bikes parked on the pavements, just copy the locals and park-up nearby. Usually in between metro station or underpass entrances you'll find bikes. I parked up for a few days a couple of years ago and had no problem at all though I did use a big chain to chain the bike to a post (prudent in any city) and that was it. Again I just did what the locals did and all seemed fine. The Parisians don't seem to mind filtering or any bike related tomfoolery that does not actually impede them.

The ride to Paris is none to exiting and the run down to dover is a chore with all the speed traps etc but there enough positives to make it worthwhile.
Andy

 

[Nobby]

that's a BIG day on a bike.done it a car that was bad enough..make it an over night and give her a very special present

 

[czwotzit]

I found that looking at Google maps street view was a great way to find parking bays - especially if you know where you want to go. I went to the eiffel tower and you can actually park directly underneath.

Andre

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I really wouldn't think it's viable as a day trip all the way from Norfolk. My plan would be as follows:-

1. Get up, admire bike, thank the Lord for blessing you with a nice bike and an understanding wife.
2. Drive to station, catch train to London.
3. Hop on Eurostar at St Pancras.
4. Spend night in Paris in some cheap but clean hotel in the centre of Paris. Walk about a bit to build up an appetite, have a nice meal, then let the city of love work its magic on your wife. (Post pictures when you get back. )
5. Leisurely breakfast, return journey.
6. Back home for mid afternoon
7. Go out for a damn good thrash on the GS to complete a perfect couple of days.

If you want the experience of riding abroad, there are far better ways to enjoy it than spending hours on the motorway, getting hopelessly lost in Paris, having a row...

Sorry to be a damp squib.

 

[wheeledwidewebb]

that's a BIG day on a bike.done it a car that was bad enough..make it an over night and give her a very special present

Damn right.

Paris is a compact city but IMHO going for 1 day will not do it, or the two of you, justice.

Like Wapping says, take the Eurostar and I would stay over for the night.

When in France, what is lunch without 'vin' anyway, you don't want to be having to worrying about riding do you?

 

[SCP]

Thanks for the replies and it looks like 'lunch in paris' has turned into a weekend

My good lady thanks you all

 

[sven]

I went to Paris for four nights with my ex and M-I-L for four nights in 2008 and thought it was a fantastic city and I'm very much a country boy

Most of the interesting stuff is quite close together e.g. Notre Dame, Louvre, Pompidou Centre and the other must sees (Eifel Tower, Sacre Couer) are easy to get to on Metro.

Looking forward to going back there in October for my first wedding anniversary with the new model