Paris Honeymoon Advice?

Jessa1404

Hi Everyone!  I would love to go to Paris for my honeymoon (this September), but most of my close friends chose tropical locations, so I'm having trouble finding information on whether it's a good choice.  Are any of you choosing Paris for a honeymoon, or have you known anyone who has done it?  I basically want to know if it would be romantic and exciting (or if it mostly just seems that way in movies).  Also, do you have any advice on how to enjoy Paris in a way that won't completely break the bank?  Thank you!!

daria24

I've been to Paris twice (not on a HM though) and yes, it can be very exciting and romantic. But it is also dirty, full of panhandlers, and I've had the privilege of watching a gang rob an old man on the Metro. I had an amazing trip the second time around, but I just want you to have a non movie-version of Paris in your head!

The food is amazing, we skipped all the tour book recommended places and just popped into whatever looked good. There is usually a three courses set menu that is very reasonable and we had the best meals that way. For lunch we usually just grabbed sandwiches from the little counters that are everywhere (seriously even a ham + cheese from the train station is good there) or by getting picnic stuff from the farmers markets.

I highly recommend taking a few days and visiting another part of France-we went out to Alsace and it was much cheaper than Paris, plus I found it much more romantic. 

dazyabbey

Here is a post just about a month ago where we were debating about Paris. I think it kind of just depends on what you perceive.

Clicky

Although I said the same thing in the post above I do agree with what Daria said. It can be romantic and sweet but I don't think it is over the top and really I was disappointed for the reasons she already pointed out. It is dirty and full of panhandlers and other types of people (Although not politically correct, gypsies).

The best part for us was just wandering around. We had great food that way and also going to Disney Land because I am a huge Disney Nerd. I think it just depends on what you are going for. I am big on history and that was one of the reasons I wanted to go. And I got my fair share of history but the romantic idea of Paris just never really presented itself to us.

tlc35

You should definitely read that other thread. I love Paris but it is a big city so it can be dirty and grimey. If you are into art and culture and history it is awesome. I went there with my FI but it wasn't for our honeymoon and we had a great time. If you go in high season the major attractions can be quite crowded.

csuave

It is a nice city to walk around, especially by the Champs de Elysee.  The Eiffel Tower is worth going up.

Jager1219

I personally love Paris as a city and we're returning for a few days for our honeymoon.  There's a LOT to see, so make sure to give yourself time if you want to do the tourist attractions.  I would also recommend a trip to Versailles.

dazyabbey

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_paris-honeymoon-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:11Discussion:29a48367-8689-46bd-9af2-9db9abb81d2fPost:83496b75-bf57-4da4-8bd4-d74576da9315">Re: Paris Honeymoon Advice?</a>:
[QUOTE]I personally love Paris as a city and we're returning for a few days for our honeymoon.  There's a LOT to see, so make sure to give yourself time if you want to do the tourist attractions. <strong> I would also recommend a trip to Versailles.</strong>
Posted by Jager1219[/QUOTE]

Try to get there as early as you can if you do go. Then spend the rest of the time exploring the gardens and the estate behind Marie Antoinettes Chateau.

hz80408

It really depends on what you want for your HM.  Do you want to lounge around and do things at your leisure? If yes, I would say it's not worth the $ to go to Paris.

If you want adventure/movement/attractions/etc, then yes, I'd say it's worth it.

Like PP's said, it can be magical but it also is a huge city and along with that comes trash, beggars, etc.  We're from Chicago and even we were surprised with how dirty it seemed.

Here's our 4 nights there if you're itnerested: http://shineisntalwaysshimmer.blogspot.com/2012/05/paris-day-1.html

Jessa1404

Thank you so much everybody for your great advice!  (And for sending the link to the other thread).  It sounds like there are so many exciting things to do, so I think I'll start doing some more research now on flights, hotels, etc.  

HoneymoonMe

One thought: If you were considering going to the Caribbean because you want some natural beauty, consider spending a few nights in Paris and then taking one of their high speed trains down to Provence or Marseille in the south. I know renting a car is daunting in another country, but there are so many beautiful things you could see if you were willing to spend a little time in the car. Google image "Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon". Sept will be a great time to go to France.

I loved Paris and one of my best friends is going there and to Rome for her honeymoon in May. She's really into art, history, and food...and Paris nails all three!!

Another thought: If your idea of a honeymoon revolves around lounging and relaxing...maybe don't do Paris, or consider splitting time between there and the coast. There is so much to see in the city that you're going to want to be walking around the majority of the time. 

Ofiliializ

We are going for our HM in March. 

I would say check out VRBO for an apt. MUCH cheaper then hotels and you get to have you own space. The one we are staying at is less the $600 (420 Euro) for 7 nights. 

My FI and I have both been before, and we are not tropical people. Plus we are thinking of renting a car for a couple days and driving to Amsterdam (rental i think was under $100 dollars not Eruo)

It's a great city, but like anywhere it is what you make it. It's a walking city and we both love that, but if you want to just sit somewhere the whole time and relax a beach may be a better choice.