Reworking my Paris trip
Nov 17, 2015, 10:06 am
#16
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It's not much a vacation if OP is going to be worried about his safety the whole time through. Certainly not unreasonable to consider other destinations.
Last year I spent a good part of my French/Belgian vacation touring the Loire Valley. Rented a car in Paris after a stay there, and checked out a lot of the big chateaux and historic sights... it was spectacular. We didn't spend much time in urban areas but there were some cities nearby. That would make for a pretty quiet and relaxing, and in all likelihood utterly safe French vacation.
Last year I spent a good part of my French/Belgian vacation touring the Loire Valley. Rented a car in Paris after a stay there, and checked out a lot of the big chateaux and historic sights... it was spectacular. We didn't spend much time in urban areas but there were some cities nearby. That would make for a pretty quiet and relaxing, and in all likelihood utterly safe French vacation.
Nov 17, 2015, 11:04 am
#17
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I would 100% take this trip as travel/security and luxuries we have today might greatly reduce in the future due to evil groups. Enjoy it while you can and the airfare is spectacular.
Nov 17, 2015, 12:59 pm
#19
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Count me among the posters who say that you'll be fine in Paris. And if you're genuinely concerned about your safety, then you should scratch almost every other major European country off your list. Presuming you're from Boston, would you have steer visitors away from your city five months after the Boston Marathon bombings?
Nov 17, 2015, 2:55 pm
#20
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Thanks for the input! My greatest concern was when I heard on the news that France has declared an (at least) 3 month war on Syria -- rightfully. This, however, leads to worry that violence could potentially continue in France. I think you are all right in that March is 4 months away and it's best to wait it out before changing plans. I do appreciate all the suggestions for alternative destinations and I will look into those options as well --- thanks!
Nov 17, 2015, 4:43 pm
#21
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My 2 cents worth. I went to Paris in September. If you are still worried about Paris in March, rent a car and go to Normandy or Mont St. Michel. My wife, mother and I traveled within a month of 9-11 on an international flight. Although we were the only ones in a completely empty AA 777 F class, with no glassware, no wine, no metal utensils, etc., our thinking was if we change our plans, the terrorists win.
-outoftown, posting from Salem, OH
-outoftown, posting from Salem, OH
Last edited by outoftown; Nov 17, 2015 at 4:47 pm Reason: typo
Nov 17, 2015, 6:22 pm
#22
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My 2 cents worth. I went to Paris in September. If you are still worried about Paris in March, rent a car and go to Normandy or Mont St. Michel. My wife, mother and I traveled within a month of 9-11 on an international flight. Although we were the only ones in a completely empty AA 777 F class, with no glassware, no wine, no metal utensils, etc., our thinking was if we change our plans, the terrorists win.
-outoftown, posting from Salem, OH
-outoftown, posting from Salem, OH
^^^
Nov 18, 2015, 3:51 am
#23
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If the OP is concerned about safety, I'd avoid the big tourist attractions (including Mont St Michel, which is spectacular but packed with tourists, as well as major chateaux) and famous cities in favor of smaller places. How about renting a car and doing a wine trip through a section of rural France?
Nov 20, 2015, 9:52 am
#25
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If the OP is concerned about safety, I'd avoid the big tourist attractions (including Mont St Michel, which is spectacular but packed with tourists, as well as major chateaux) and famous cities in favor of smaller places. How about renting a car and doing a wine trip through a section of rural France?
Nov 20, 2015, 9:56 am
#26
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Nov 20, 2015, 12:08 pm
#27
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I am a New Yorker but go to Paris often for work and play. I was in Paris during the attacks, unfortunately, and am back in Paris now as I write this.
While it is still on the forefronts of peoples' minds, of course, things are more or less "back to normal" here. Restaurants and cafes and bars are open. Parks and museums, too.
There are plenty of croissants and baguettes and cafe and wine to go around.
This place is amazing. Come here! You will be glad you did. I know I always am.
While it is still on the forefronts of peoples' minds, of course, things are more or less "back to normal" here. Restaurants and cafes and bars are open. Parks and museums, too.
There are plenty of croissants and baguettes and cafe and wine to go around.
This place is amazing. Come here! You will be glad you did. I know I always am.
Nov 22, 2015, 3:44 pm
#28
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I am a New Yorker but go to Paris often for work and play. I was in Paris during the attacks, unfortunately, and am back in Paris now as I write this.
While it is still on the forefronts of peoples' minds, of course, things are more or less "back to normal" here. Restaurants and cafes and bars are open. Parks and museums, too.
There are plenty of croissants and baguettes and cafe and wine to go around.
This place is amazing. Come here! You will be glad you did. I know I always am.
While it is still on the forefronts of peoples' minds, of course, things are more or less "back to normal" here. Restaurants and cafes and bars are open. Parks and museums, too.
There are plenty of croissants and baguettes and cafe and wine to go around.
This place is amazing. Come here! You will be glad you did. I know I always am.