Thread: Question for the travelers

I'm going to be traveling to Paris this year with an hour layover in Amsterdam. For those of you that have been to both places, I've got two questions. First, is an hour layover long enough to leave the airport, or is that asking for it? Second, what're some good things to see around France? I'm heading down to Versailles, and I'm thinking about popping over to Normandy, but otherwise, I have no idea what to do in France. Obviously I'll hit the tourist traps in Paris, so you can leave those out

You're going to have to pass through passport control and security (again), plus Schipol is a huge airport. An hour is the minimum time you will need just to make it to the gate.

If you've never been to Paris you should probably go see the Louvre and Montmarte, the Eiffel tower and walk around a lot. If you like Chinese/Vietnamese food, there are some great restaurants. There will probably be other better suggestions. If it were me, I'd go visit the Thiers-Issard factory but I don't even know where it is.

Last year I was in Paris for 4 or 5 days... I didn't bother at all with boredom. You cannot get bored in Paris when sightseeing. You'll be overwhelmed once you get there... there are things that must be seen, of course. But it depends on what sort of person are you or what sort of things you like or how much time you have in your hands... There are members here that live in Paris. You should contact them and maybe get to meet them, I guess.
Concerning Schipol airport: one hour is no time in such a big airport. There is not even time to come out for a smoke... really... it's big. I was in Schipol in 2002 and it was a rush just to get from one gate to the other. Forget it. Plus, there's security... and coming out for a while, oncce you're in, is "frowned upon" I guess.
Good luck and Bon Voyage!

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

I'm going to be traveling to Paris this year with an hour layover in Amsterdam. For those of you that have been to both places, I've got two questions. First, is an hour layover long enough to leave the airport, or is that asking for it?

No, not even close. An hour will not be enough to get from the gate to the city, let alone do something useful and get back again.
Really. Forget about it. And getting to the airport is even worse.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

Second, what're some good things to see around France? I'm heading down to Versailles, and I'm thinking about popping over to Normandy, but otherwise, I have no idea what to do in France. Obviously I'll hit the tourist traps in Paris, so you can leave those out

Only been to Paris once, so I can't give you much tips.
If you like brandy, visit the cognac area
If you like champagne, visit the champagne area.
You might want to contact TI to see if you can get a tour. Might be nice.

Yeah, I figured an hour wasn't long enough, but I thought I'd check. You can see how much international traveling I've done.

We were in Paris in 2005 for a couple of days. Since then we have wanted to go back.

You should:
1. Attempt to speak french to a french person. Most french people speak better english than you do, but can be offended if you don't at least try to speak their language. Pardonnez - moi, parlez vous Anglais? will go a long way.

2. Enjoy an espresso at an outdoor cafe, especially if there is a view. The service may be slower than you are used to and you will probably have to ask for the cheque, but it is worth it.

3. Eat food from street vendors. Crepes are awesome for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

4. Take the transit, either bus or train. It is super efficient and cheap, plus you don't have to worry about parking.

You should not bother going to Disneyland Paris, unless you are eventually going to all of the Disney parks.

...just curious if anyone has ever travelled to Amsterdam and taken the "420" tour? If so, what was it like?

You need time to give Paris justice,

The Champs, Notre Dame, Eiffel, Opera, French Quarter, River, Liberte, All the Museums, Crazy Horse.....lol, Versailles, Chartre.....so much to see, so much to eat........

Lynn

What they said about amsterdam. Even if you'd be completely checked out it'd probably take you an hour just to get to the city.

Originally Posted by YesSheDoes!

...just curious if anyone has ever travelled to Amsterdam and taken the "420" tour? If so, what was it like?

Shame on you! 2 the mods, we need a Tommy Chong smiley!