What is the shortest trip you would take to Paris?
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Anonymous
| We lived in Paris years ago, but have not been back in maybe 15 years. We are currently living on the east coast, and have a milestone event coming up (but also limited time off). What is the minimum amount of time for a trip to Paris to make it worthwhile (include day of departure and day of return travel)? When we go to Europe, we typically go for at least ten days (but don’t have that much time off this year). On the day we land, we try to keep moving, have an early dinner, and go to bed. We usually adapt, and have no problem getting up and out the next morning. How short is too short? |
Anonymous
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I like weekend runs to paris
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Anonymous
How many nights total (including the overnight to Europe)? |
Anonymous
| We're French living in DC and usually go for at least 10 days, as you say, to get over jet lag. But for funerals, etc, we've had to make do with shorter visits, and those are always brutal no matter what. I suggest taking as much time as you can afford. |
Anonymous
| I would want 3 full days in Paris, not including the day you land. E.g. fly out Thursday night and fly back Tuesday. |
Anonymous
| I would be willing to do a Wednesday night flight, have half day Thursday and all day Friday-Saturday, and then fly back Sunday afternoon. I once stayed through the weekend and came back on Monday, but on Sunday a lot of places are closed, especially restaurants. |
Anonymous
3 nights including travel Overnight Friday Saturday all day Sunday day Overnight Sunday Back to work on Monday |
Anonymous
Sounds like a nightmare, sorry. |
Anonymous
What exactly is "Overnight Sunday"? There are no overnight flights on the westbound flight from Europe to the US- the latest flight to DC leaves Paris at 5 PM, and that isn't an every day flight. Reasonably then you could stay in the city until maybe 1:30 or so before leaving. |
Anonymous
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I've done as few as 2-3 days in Paris tacked onto the beginning or end of a longer trip and I think it's a really nice length. Spend a morning at one of the smaller museums, make sure you have reservations at least one amazing restaurant for dinner, do cafes and bakeries for your other meals. Depending on time of year, I might try to go to the ballet at the Opera, or dedicate a day to shopping vintage clothing shops or the culinary supply stores.
I would prioritize staying in a great neighborhood. For me that used to be the Marais or Saint-Germaine but now I prefer Belleville, which has fewer tourists and a slightly quieter vibe. |
Anonymous
| I did a long holiday weekend to Paris years ago, and it was fine. Crammed a lot in, obviously. I don't remember the exact number of nights, maybe 3? |
Anonymous
| I think PP’s suggestions are doable, but flying at least in Business class will make all the difference. It’s also important to have reasonable expectations. A short trip allows time for a quick taxi tour around the sights, or even a bateau mouche, but you’re not going to be walking all over town. You don’t have to deprive yourself; there’s still time for the Cafe de Flore or even Taillevent, but you have to set priorities. |
Anonymous
| Depends on your age and how you choose to travel as well. Older and/or stuck in coach will be more fatiguing than younger and/or comfy enough to have a refreshing sleep on the plane. |
Anonymous
We lived there, so don’t feel compelled to do every tourist thing. Since we’ve only done longer trips to Europe, we are more weighing if a few days is worth it or would we be frustrated. (Leaning towards worth it, especially since we don’t often have jet lag issues). |
Anonymous
We are mid 40s, decent energy level, and aren’t bothered by coach if we can’t do business class. |