If you’re desperate to go to Paris, weekend breaks might be an ideal option for you; they are cheaper than long holidays, take up less annual leave from work, and give you a taste of the city without costing the earth.
But you might ask: how can a person see Paris in just a weekend? It’s easier than you think; and at the end of the day, isn’t spending just a weekend in Paris better than spending a weekend at home?
In order to get the most out of your weekend break, be sure to plan everything – down to the meals and transport. This will allow you to make the most efficient use of your short time in the Gallic capital, and will help keep you organised throughout the trip.
Try to consider which attractions you want to see and what will be the best time to see them – is it a venue best seen at night, under the stars? Or will you need the natural sunlight in order to best appreciate its glory? Also think about how you get between each attraction; using the Metro, or main train line? If so, get a firm idea of the timetables and distance between each attraction you’d like to visit.
It’s a great idea to have two lists of attractions; a ‘A list’ of places you’d definitely want to see, given the chance, and a ‘B list’ of places you’re interested in, but not overly fussed if you don’t get to. That way, if something like the weather gets in the way, you have some alternatives you can look at to your A list.
Furthermore, there are several items you must remember to pack when you head off on your Gallic adventure. The obvious bits; such as a camera, camcorder and chargers for these and your mobile phones are a great start. Perhaps the less obvious is clothing to suit either sunny or wet weather. As baggage allowance can be tight on airplanes, consider packing just one outfit for each – you can always rinse bits of clothing out in your hotel if needs be, for the next day.
Sturdy walking shoes are a must for Paris, as is a bag for holding all the maps, leaflets and memorabilia you pick up along the way. It’s a good idea to have Euros on hand before you get there (both notes and coins) and your itinerary will come in very handy for when you forget what you had planned.