DDj30t

I will be in Paris in late June for 3 nights/4 days and was considering taking a private day tour of Versailles and Giverny. Anyone have any advice concerning this? Has anyone taken a tour like this, it is rather pricey but will be worth it if it is a good choice. With that said, on the other days, which part of Paris is the most intriguing to discover. Any little secrets out there? Restaurants not to miss? Thank you so much!

StCirq

Anyone going to Paris for a mere 3 nights shouldn't even contemplate spending a full day visiting Giverny and Versailles, unless possibly they've been a dozen times or more...and even then. Anyone going for even a week or 10 days shouldn't mix those two in one day for various reasons.

Stay in Paris, get guidebooks and maps and figure out how best to make the best use of your very short time in this amazing city. Guidebooks will detail which parts of Paris will be the most intriguing to discover. My secrets are my secrets; I don't divulge them. Restaurants? There are more than 10,000 in the city. No one can recommend anything without knowing what you're looking for, what your budget in euros is, and where you're staying in the city.

cengell

When I visited Paris I did Versailles and Giverny. I absolutely loved both! I spent a week in Paris and found the day trip was wonderful! Versailles and Giverny are worth the time away from the city in my opinion.

Gretchen

What St. Cirq said.
"Maybe" if you are there for a week, but "maybe" not even then--is what we found to be true.
As for the "little secrets" for the remainder of the days, have you got any plans at all--read any threads--have a guide book--have interests like museums? Nothing like a plan for a great city.

FrenchMystiqueTours

While I don't think staying in Paris for a short visit is a bad idea everyone has different priorities. Some people just want a taste of Paris because it's a world famous destination but otherwise don't care much for big cities and have certain things they'd like to see outside of Paris, especially if they are not planning on returning to Paris. There are bus tours that combine Giverny and Versailles in one day and although I've never done them if Versailes and Giverny are must sees for you then see them. I think it's a long day that doesn't give you enough time at Versailles although to visit the gardens in Giverny doesn't really require more than an hour and a half. However, this means you can't stroll the village or visit the museum of Impressionism.

I know many people who are only in Paris for 3-4 days and do day trips and not one of them has ever regretted it.