sundaymorning

Ok. I'm planning to go to Paris December 2014, I'm thinking earlier in the month rather than later but that's still up in the air. I decided 9 days (excluding travel time) is enough for me as I'll be definitely be missing home by then!

I'm looking at this hotel http://www.hotel-paris-laperle.com/
La Perle, I just like the look of it and the price range is good for me. Anyone stay there?

This is a list of my "want to see"

Louvre
Musée d'Orsay
Les Passages Couverts
Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle
Arc de Triomphe
Grand and Petit Palais
Montmartre
Les Catacombes
Musée Rodin
Explore the Marais

Really, I love taking photographs and looking at architecture. I'm one of those instagrammers so I love using my iphone and snapping my heart out =) Just walking around the city is amazing for me is basically what I'm trying to say. It's early yet so I haven't grouped my days together I'm working on that, but I don't want it to be too planned.

Can anyone recommend parks that would be pretty, or anything else I'm missing that's a must see for a first timer?

Thanks again!

Gretchen

Need to get that guide book!!
The days will be short.

sundaymorning

Also looking at this hotel http://www.chaplainparishotel.com/

sundaymorning

I think I'll order Fodor's 25 best for a guidebook.

adrienne

You should go into some of the wonderful churches in Paris. St-Sulpice and St-Germain-des-Pres are in your neighborhood. Not far away is St-Etienne-du-Mont.

I see you're going to the Rodin Museum. If you like sculpture you should also visit either the Maillol Museum (sculpture that is very different than Rodin's) or the Bourdelle Museum.

Some of the period houses are beautiful (since you love architecture). I recommend either the Jacquemart-Andre or the Nissem de Camondo.

There are lots more things to discover and, with nine days, you have time.

Read some of the trip reports that have been posted on this board. Click on France, above and scroll to the bottom to see the trip reports.

StuDudley

I don't see any Christmas markets on your list, or viewing Christmas window displays at Galleries Lafayette or Printemps. Or both stores lit up at night.

Actually, we like the Champ de Mars in winter. The leaves are off the trees & provide better views of the fantastic houses lining the Champs. Same with the trees along the Seine Quays.

We also like having lunch (which we rarely do in France) at the eye-popping "Brasseries of Paris" - La Fermette Marbeuf, Train Bleu, Julien, etc. Get the book titled 'The Brasseries of Paris" by Francois Thomazeau for others.

I also like taking walks in neighborhoods. Get Walking Paris" by Gilles Desmons.

We've been to Paris twice for 11 nights each in early December. It's our favorite time of year to be in Paris. Here is something that was posted about our first trip in Dec.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-was-paris.cfm

Look for pictures near the last part of the thread.

Stu Dudley

bsmithstucky

Oh, I just replied to your other thread. I hope you read it. It's not snarky, I promise!

If you get the Fodor's book, you might consider the digital version. And eBook really. I'm thinking of it for my next trip because then I can just have it on my iPhone/Pad and save some room in the luggage.

If you want the Louvre, you can get the Museum pass to jump the line. It was worth it in Summer, not sure if it would be in December though.

I haven't been to Paris since 2001. We flew in and out on our way to a convention in Dijon. Spent the beginning and end of our trip at Hotel de la Bourdonnais. It was reasonably priced, had usual French reception, basic European breakfast items and the room at the end of the trip afforded us a lit view of the top of the Eiffel Tower. It's right around the corner from a metro stop as well. However, all this said, it's been 13 years!!

Glad you're still planning!

StCirq

The big lines at the Louvre are for security. The Museum Pass doesn't help with that.

Tabernash2

I believe the Fodor's Paris e-guide is available for free download still.

You asked about parks, and this one is gorgeous, but I'm not sure about December. Maybe they put some lights on? http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/j...luxembourg.htm

We stayed in the Latin Quarter at the Hotel St Jacques, and loved that area for walking and little restaurants.

Tabernash2

Free Fodor's City Guide for Paris, and other cities:

http://www.fodors.com/mobile-apps/

jpie

Just FYI-the locations seem like the biggest difference between them. I know the area around both very well. Both are good locations although Le Chaplain is really pretty much in Montparnasse rather than feeling as much like the Latin Quarter.

Many people prefer the locale of La Perle since it is on a metro line that is really good and closer to the river-but really both would be good locations.

denisea

I would add the windows at Galleries Lafayette and Printemps...they are very well done at Christmas!

I would enter the Louvre at the Underground Mall/Carousel entrance to avoid the lines (security or otherwise)...usually faster than entering at the Pyramid.

As far as museums, D'Orsay and L'Orangerie are my favorites and far less overwhelming than the Louvre (but I love Impressionism).

Winter is not quite as scenic for parks...I love Promenade Plantee for a nice walk. There will not be a lot blooming but I still enjoy it.

lyndad2

Just got back from 9 days in Paris (Apr 14-23). Hit most of the places you mentioned (except the Louvre, since I did it top to bottom 12 years ago, and Catacomb, was closed day last two days of my pass). Recommend you get the Paris Museum pass for 4 or 6 days. Aside from getting to the front of the line, you save a lot of money on admission fees, plus you don't have to stand in line to buy a ticket each time. Jacquesmart-Andre isn't included, but well worth the price (12E entrance plus 3E for the English audioguide). How about the Marmottan (not incl in pass)? The pass is activated (dated) the first time you use, not the day you buy it, so plan your itinerary to hit what you want to see in 4 or 6 days, then do the separate admissions sites on other days. Eiffel Tower requires advance reservations for elevator (was sold out for the time I was there, but had done on previous trip). I stayed in the Arc de Triomphe area and walked or bussed everywhere. Window shopping was fun along the wide boulevards (Champs is full of tourist shopping, Louis Vitton, etc.) (Haussman, Ave. Foch, George V, Rue Royal, St. Germain du Prais). Marais and Montmarte were full of tourists, but this probably won't be a problem in December. I've also planned a stay for Dec 16-23. Plan to shop (window and actual), attend some concerts in churches, etc. I did Promenade Plantee on a Sunday--not a single other tourist, just Parisiens out for a stroll or jog. Parc Monceau is beautiful in Spring, don't know what it'd be like in Dec. I went to a concert at Eglise St. Germain du Prais (early classical, small string ensemble with flute soloist). Wish I'd know Salle Playel was just a few blocks from my hotel; my travelmate and I walked by one evening and saw a long line, not realizing what this was (thought it was a nightclub!).

sonal_pahwa

Hi, even I am visiting France in December and was looking for any concerts or any other special events happening between 11th to 24th Demcember. Also wondering which are the best places to see musicals in Paris, Nice or Cannnes.

Thanks a ton!