Flash/tripod in London & Paris

[getg3]

In September I am planning to travel to Europe. One thing that I am not quite sure is: Which of these buildings in London and Paris where flash and/or tripod are not allowed.

London:
- Tower of London
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- British Museum
- Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace

Paris:
- Notre Dame
- Hôtel National des Invalides
- D’orsay museum
- Louvre museum
- Versailles

Anybody who knows the regulations please advice. Thank you.

[ggibbs1971]

Having just returned from Europe for a vacation, I think your best solution is to checkout their web sites. I am sure the various places can help you.

[ScrO]

The British Museum allows flash for sure, and I'd assume tripods, but I can't verify that.

Check out the Cabinet War Rooms while you're there, pretty interesting as well. (=

ScrO!

[psk4363]

Hi,

Just (2 days ago) got back from Paris: -

a) Notre Dame - positively no flash, nor tipods (you couldn't set a tripod up if you wanted to because of the hundreds of tourists);
b) The Golden Dome (part of the Invalides complex) - positively no flash;
c) D'Orsay - can't comment as I didn't plan properly and it was closed all day when we went (Mondays!) :-( and I was so looking forward to looking at Julia Cameron's photos and the Post/Impressionist painters;
d) Louvre - no problems except for all the thousands of tourists with their video cameras acting as their eyes and invariably pointing either straight up or ahead(never down!);
e) Versailles - can't comment as we didn't have enough time in the 6 days to go;
f) Do not miss Montmartre and the Sacre Coure - go into the crypt and ascend the bell tower (only 5 euros) a bit of an effort but well worth it. The area of Montmartre is a photographers paradise (candids in the Place du Tetre, dynamic shots in the narrow back streets away from the crowds.

One last piece of advice, be particularly careful at the entrances and exits to the Metro (a superb and cheap transportation system) at the more popular tourist areas. Pickpockets are plentiful - the Eastern European teenagers are easy to spot, the better ones however merge very well. Never have any valuables in your back pockets or in a rucksack on your back they're very easy pickings!

Other than the last part I loved Paris as I'm sure you will.

Barry

[getg3]

ScrO wrote:
The British Museum allows flash for sure, and I'd assume tripods, but I can't verify that.

Check out the Cabinet War Rooms while you're there, pretty interesting as well. (=

ScrO!

ScrO,

Thank you for the info and suggestion. I will check out the Cabinet War Rooms if I can squeeze my itinerary. I will only have less than 36 hours in London before heading to Paris. For sure I will skip the London Eye.

[getg3]

psk4363 wrote:
Hi,

Just (2 days ago) got back from Paris: -

a) Notre Dame - positively no flash, nor tipods (you couldn't set a tripod up if you wanted to because of the hundreds of tourists);
b) The Golden Dome (part of the Invalides complex) - positively no flash;
c) D'Orsay - can't comment as I didn't plan properly and it was closed all day when we went (Mondays!) :-( and I was so looking forward to looking at Julia Cameron's photos and the Post/Impressionist painters;
d) Louvre - no problems except for all the thousands of tourists with their video cameras acting as their eyes and invariably pointing either straight up or ahead(never down!);
e) Versailles - can't comment as we didn't have enough time in the 6 days to go;
f) Do not miss Montmartre and the Sacre Coure - go into the crypt and ascend the bell tower (only 5 euros) a bit of an effort but well worth it. The area of Montmartre is a photographers paradise (candids in the Place du Tetre, dynamic shots in the narrow back streets away from the crowds.

One last piece of advice, be particularly careful at the entrances and exits to the Metro (a superb and cheap transportation system) at the more popular tourist areas. Pickpockets are plentiful - the Eastern European teenagers are easy to spot, the better ones however merge very well. Never have any valuables in your back pockets or in a rucksack on your back they're very easy pickings!

Other than the last part I loved Paris as I'm sure you will.

Barry

Barry,

Thank you for all the info and suggestion. I have read about the pickpockets and feel a bit nervous about it. I have bought a money belt for my valuable documents and money ( but don't tell the thieves :D).

I am still struggling to decide between Montmartre and Versailles. I know my time will not allow me to see both. Decision, decision :eyes.

Do you have a gallery of your photos from your recent trip that I can browse?

[psk4363]

Hi GetG3,

Sorry there's no gallery available - we only got back on Tuesday morning and what with 300+ images to work through in Photoshop together with returning to 'normal' family life, well ....... you know the rest!

Your choice between Versailles and Montmatre is not an easy one to decide upon. Versailles is a location for graphic images of, for example, the gardens and/or the Palace; whereas Montmartre is a location for candids, moody street scenes. I suppose it really depends on your preferences at the end of the day.

As for the pickpockets I wouldn't be over concerned so long as you take sensible precautions - if you do they will target the easier prey who haven't given any thought to the subject. On this subject though apart from when we were in densely populated areas I found Paris reasurringly safe with very friendly Parisiens - listen to what people say about where not to be late at night (eg the Pigalle area) and you'll have a great time.

Cheers,
Barry