parisandelle

Hello,

I won a two night stay in Paris (Hilton Arc de Triomphe) and my husband and I are going for the last weekend in September. We have both been many times and have done most of the museums, etc. We wanted to know if any out there have any off the beaten track ideas. We are in our mid-thirties if that makes a difference and are up for just about anything.

Also, thinking about dinner at Jules Verne. Any thoughts about the restaurant?

Thanks!

Travelnut

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1277898

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34496680

Scarlett

We just walk. Wandering is one of our favorite pasttimes in Paris anyway, so we just wander. Eat, maybe go to a favorite museum for an hour or so and wander some more
It is very pleasant when you have done all the Big stuff and now you can just walk and absorb the Place.
Re: Jules Verne, my only thoughts are that the view is wonderful but there are so many places that serve so much better food. And you can still go up and see the view.
What a treat that you Won a trip to Paris!!

amelie

I would take long walks, go shopping (with all the $ saved on admission fees), and sit in cafes and people watch. How fun to be able to relax and go at an easy pace.

Have fun!
amelie

parisandelle

That was my original thought - just walking around with no set agenda. I know lots of people have favorite things to do that aren't the standard. We always end up at Berthillon for ice cream after a good walk ;- 0

If Jules Verne isn't worth it what about some restaurant recommendations? If the food is good then we will pay top euro.

Intrepid1

IMO the best thing about Jules verne is the view. The service is great but the service is great in a LOT of restaurants as is the food.

I honestly think you can have as memorable a meal at many restaurants in the city as you can at Jules Verne and there have been a LOT of restaurant recommendations given out here that seem worthwhile.

You may be able to view a sample menu from the JV and other places by going to www.reservethebest.com

have a wonderful trip.

RonZ

One plus about the Jules Verne is the private elevator.

aj

Funny, Walk was the first thing that came in my mind. Take a walking tour of every park in the city! Stroll and watch the locals enjoy the green space. Enjoy!

ira

Hi P,

Lucky you.

Morning walk through the Parc Monceau.

Sunday brunch at the Jacquemart-Andre' Museum.

Tour of the house and museum.

http://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/jandre/

Walk to the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysee' to the Place Concord.

Time to change for dinner.

Kristi

The basilica at St. Denis

take a daytrip to Reims to visit one of the champagne houses, to Giverny to see Monet's Gardens or to Chartres

Musee Nissim de Camando

Catacombs

tour the Paris sewers

suze

I love to wander around Paris all day. Maybe pick some districts you haven't seen for variety. Take the side streets. Alternate with some wine drinking in sidewalk cafes and people watching in the gorgeous public parks. It doesn't get better than that IMO!

moldyhotelsaregross

A Parisian friend took me to Mariage Frères in the 6th for tea. It was a wonderful way to relax and have a nice chat.

I never knew there were *so many* types of tea. I would already like to go back!

Patrick

Ditto on all the walking, people and architecture watching, and cafe sitting suggestions above.

After many trips to Paris and seeing all the "must sees" and the "see if you really get bored" sites as well, I've learned that Paris is the greatest city in the world to do absolutely nothing in.

susela

hi parisandelle

how about a lovely stroll around the residential 16th and then popping into the marmottan for some monets?

RobynFrance

Depending on how much you love art, there are always some new exhibits--u can select one which pleases. A couple of additional ideas: Go to the Chapelle de la Medaille Miraculeuse http://www.parisdigest.com/monument/...iraculeuse.htm and admire the beautiful mosaics, say a prayer or 2 at the altar, bring home miraculous medals for your friends and family --it feels good and you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy it. Go the St. Julien le Pauvre off St. Michel, now a Greek Orthodox Church and one of the oldest in Paris-- a little haven right in the middle of a busy area--look at the icons and get the feel of it--then you will be ready to find a spot to eat, have a drink, or people watch.

Enjoy yourselves,
Robyn France

AnthonyGA

You can live in a city like Paris for decades and never see it all. A bit of research helps. There are museums, restaurants, and historic monuments practically on every street corner, and there are tens of thousands of street corners. Lots of people spend lifetimes exploring it.

The same can be said of many other large and interesting cities of course: New York, Tokyo, London, etc.

At the other extreme is Cleveland, of course.

nancy

If you haven't already taken a cruise on the Canal St. Martin into the Seine I found this very interesting and entertaining. Cruise is by Paris Canal. I took the metro in the afternoon to Parc de la Villette to catch the boat ending at the Musee d'Orsay (you can take it in the reverse in the morning - at least that was the schedule in 2002). The cruise is about 3 hrs and you see a different part of Paris. I had a brochure so made a reservation but not sure that was necessary except for getting the proper times. If you're interested I can find my brochure, I hope. But I think there is a website for Paris Canal.

Also, I highly recommend the Nissam Camondo museum. It's like visiting someone's wonderful home left just as it was in 1937 with 19th century decor. Very interesting story behind it.

Also, the Jewish museum in the Marais is very interesting.

Kristina

Hi-

My husband and I spent a week in Paris in March. We're also in our mid 30's and have been a few times.
If you're there on a Sunday, you might want to check out the free organ recital at St. Eustache. It's at 5:30 PM and only lasts about a half hour. It's amazing to sit and listen to the music in a 700 year old church.
Another idea; check out the 1906 tiled public restroom in the Place du Madeline designed by Porcher. Then walk over to Lauderee for macarons.
As for places to dine, check out chowhound.com's International board. There are always dozens of current postings on Paris dining.
If you want to see more of our trip, go to my website at http://www.wired2theworld.com
Have a great trip!

crefloors

I would shop, drink and eat..in that order. That's why I can't wait to get back for my third trip..so many stores, so little time.