A Generational Journey Through Paris: Reflections and Revelations
Hello again! It's me, the traveler who reached out with questions about a three-generation trip to France with my 20-something daughter and my 80-something mother. We've just returned home safely, and I'm still buzzing from our incredible adventure. My recent trip to France, my first in about 27 years, was an absolute dream come true.
Navigating the City of Lights with Ease
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable information you shared on your page. Your guidance on everything from currency exchange and purchasing metro and train tickets to the best routes to Mont Saint-Michel and Giverny, and even potential strike disruptions, was a lifesaver. Seriously, thank you!
Mont Saint-Michel and Metro Marvels
Mont Saint-Michel was breathtaking, though the many, many stairs proved a bit challenging for my mother. We managed, but it certainly tested our resolve! The Paris Metro, too, presented its own set of stair-related challenges.
We'd heard plenty of warnings about pickpockets and phone snatchers, especially on the metro and at popular tourist spots. We were quite vigilant, but thankfully, our luck was on our side. We encountered no trouble whatsoever. In fact, we experienced the opposite; many kind strangers offered seats to my mother, and for that, we are truly grateful.
Strike Surprises and Museum Musings
Thanks to your heads-up about a planned strike on September 10th, we wisely shifted our visit to the Palace of Versailles to another day. On the 10th, we opted for an art museum within walking distance, just in case public transport was affected. As it turned out, the Musée d'Orsay was closed that day. While the metro and trains did run, it's unclear if the strike was the reason, but some rooms at the Louvre Museum were also inaccessible. Even the shops were closing up by 6 PM. The Orangerie Museum's shop was also not open.
Practicalities: The Quest for Restrooms and Rides
One unexpected challenge was the scarcity of public restrooms. This is definitely something to keep in mind; it's wise to utilize facilities whenever you find them at cafes, restaurants, and museums.
We noticed a mix of paid and free restrooms within department stores like Galeries Lafayette. At larger train stations, such as Gare Saint-Lazare, credit cards were accepted for toilet use. However, at smaller stations like Vernon, cash was the only option.
While many advised that cash might not be essential, we played it safe and exchanged 14,000 yen (about 80 euros) at Kansai Airport, just in case. We learned a crucial lesson with our taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. We forgot to confirm payment methods beforehand and were informed upon arrival that credit cards weren't accepted. Always confirm before you get in! We had confirmed the fare, which was 56 euros.
The Giverny Bus Blunder
Our excursion to Giverny also had a slight hiccup. We had planned to take a bus from Vernon station, and our research indicated credit cards were accepted. However, upon arrival and boarding what looked like a charming amusement park-style shuttle, we were told it was 10 euros per person, cash only. Luckily, there was an ATM nearby, and we were able to withdraw the necessary funds. Looking back, we realized there was likely a more conventional bus stop further down, where credit cards might have been accepted. The shuttle we took was quite slow, and we arrived at Vernon station just two minutes before our train departed, forcing us to wait for an hour for the next one. The actual bus, which departs earlier from Monet's house, would likely have been faster and more punctual, allowing us to catch our train.
Autumnal Ambiance
The weather was absolutely glorious. Mornings were crisp at 13 degrees Celsius, with daytime highs around 23 degrees. By the time we left, the leaves were just beginning to turn, giving us a delightful taste of autumn. We felt so fortunate to have experienced such beautiful conditions.
I'm so thankful for all the collective wisdom shared by everyone. I hope my own experiences will be helpful to fellow travelers planning their own Parisian adventures.
