1 mom, three teens (15, 15 and 18). This is a surprise trip to the UK to visit family and friends, and I'm tacking on 2-ish days in Paris on the end.

None of us have been to Paris, and I'm looking for a general taste of Paris, something that will leave us longing to return!

We're flexible, all interested in history, interesting architecture, old churches/cathedrals, not so much art, but I know they all (based on previous conversations) want to see the Louvre, even if only for the Mona Lisa, so that is a must.

We're going to arrive mid-afternoon on a Friday (April 10th) and leave to fly back to Florida Sunday (the 12th) at about 1130am (flight time). So, really, we'll have Friday evening and all day Saturday. I don't want this to be a rush, rush thing, more of a relaxed taste. I'm not looking to find food spots just yet, but if anyone has any reccos, please feel free to post them!

Here are my thoughts, please comment (good and bad!!):

Day 1- Arrive mid-afternoon from London. Check into hotel and drop bags (no jet lag).

I'm looking at the Hotel Odessa, inbetween the Montparnasse Bienvenue and the Edgar Quinet metro stations. Probably not the most ideal location, but good price for a quad room. Also looking at the Hotel Sofia, better price for a quad room, near the Barbès-Rochechouart station.

After checking into hotel and dropping bags in room, stroll the Jardin du Luxembourg as well as the Montparnasse Cemetery (we love old cemeteries!).

Next stop, Eiffel Tower. I wanted to save this for later in the afternoon/evening, as I want the kids to see it at night. Ideally, I'd like to go 'up' while it's still light enough for spectacular views, but still be in the area when it's dark and lit up.

Dinner somewhere around the tower.

Perhaps a river cruise, not sure on the timing of this though.

Saturday--

Breakfast of croissants etc somewhere near hotel.

Here's what I'd like to do this day. Not too sure if logistically it's doable though. Still working through this.

Louvre and Notre Dame. The Louvre may just be a drive by to see the Mona Lisa. I could probably spend all day there, but the kids, not so much. Notre Dame, is another 'could spend all day' as we are all quite content just sitting and looking in old churces. We spent quite some time in York Cathedral a few years ago, so I'm certain Notre Dame will require just as much, if not more of our 'sitting time'!

I'd love to take them up the funicular to Sacre-Coeur, but according to what I've read, it's only open 10-5 in April, and I don't know that it will work, location wise.

Other than that, we are open and will wander, which we love, and get lost, which we also love, and discover things along the way.

What I would really like to include, as I know we would all like it is a Ghost Walk. If anyone knows of one I would appreciate the info.

My other concern is that we are going to be there Friday-Sunday, with Sunday being Easter Sunday. Should I be concerned about the holiday and closings???

Thank you so much for your thoughts, all info is very much appreciated.

One more quick thing, as I'll probably get some comments on the hotel choices. I'm not trying to be snarky, just trying to save some typing time for those of you who will say:

"Stay in an apartment, closer to the center of things"...I've looked and can't seem to find one that will beat the price of a quad (120 per night at the Hotel Odessa and 88 at the Hotel Sofia), if you can recommend one, please do!

"Get two double/twin rooms"...As a single mom, budget is key, and we really only need/desire a clean, safe place to sleep, that is budget friendly. We have in the past, and will continue to do for as long as we travel together, stayed in budget places, with only one bathroom between us. I do draw the line at a shared bathroom though!!! Now, when I meet the man who will keep me in the style I would like to become accustomed to, then we'll get another room for the kids!!!!!

Thanks!

OMG...I sound like a stupid teenager in my title...

That should read "DOES this look doable?!"

Wait - what day are you arriving and what day is your full day there?

If the full day there is Easter, I really would forget it. Not everything is closed, but so much is (or was when I was there on Easter a few years ago) it really wouldn't be worth it, IMO.

And even if you do do this, I certainly wouldn't venture over to Montmartre with such limited time.

Sorry for not being clear...

We will arrive on Friday afternoon and leave to come back to the states on Easter Sunday. We will have all day Saturday.

As you said...You'll be leaving and out at the airport on Easter Sunday, so that part is good.
The day before, on Saturday, Paris will probably be teeming with People, but certainly doable. Sounds like you have nice, but hectic, plan for the 1 1/2 days...and you will get an overview.
We were in Paris that same weekend one time (not out of choice, but ending a weeklong France,,Provence and to Paris get together with our daughter who was teaching in Turkey, Spring Break).
Around Notre Dame it was a madhouse, and long lines to get in(we didn't do),,,,time standing in line which you don't have to spare.
The best thing, and common sense that I know you have, is to just do what you can, and get an overview of Paris, and enjoy walking the streets, seeing some of the sights,and enjoy "Being there". It should be lots of fun.
You have done research which is good, but maybe you'll not get to all that is planned....though you "MIGHT">
Sunday you'll need to be at the airport around 9 AM,,which means leaving "downtown" Paris at 8 or before.
Have a GREAT trip, both in the UK and Paris. Lucky teens, you have!!!

I always say add Ste Chapelle when it is not listed on an itinerary. The stained glass is truly amazing
At Notre Dame I would climb the tower unless lines are too long which might be the case that weekend.

A boat trip on the Seine would definitely be a good idea--it gives you a whole different perspective on the city.

Thank you so much for the replies! Keep em' coming!

I am confused. Is your flight home from Paris or London? If London, you will have to return to London on Saturday.

Something your teenagers might enjoy is the street entertainment on St. Michael Blvd. and especially around Notre Dame at night. later in the evening is the best, weather permitting. There is everything from roller bladers, fire eaters, live statues, and tons of music. The best part it's all free, except for any donations you might want to make.

Also, Berthillion ice cream on I'lle St. Louis is great, but we prefer Amarino gelatto(also Rue St. Louis en I'lle and many other locations--look at their web site).

At Amarino, every cone is made very carefully by hand in the shape of a flower. Corny---but everyone loves it!

We also, would skip Sacre-Coeur and add St. Chapelle.

IMO both the boat tours and the Eiffel Tower are better at night.

Fat Bike Tours offer many different ideas that you might like.

Our first trip to Paris was a whirlwind 3 days, and we just returned from our 6th trip there. Every time we long to return!

Thank you tpayt.

Roger---we are flying out of Paris.

Thank you all!!

Hi pantelia, trip sounds great we are in the middle of something similar. Having just been to sacre coeur yesterday, I would probably avoid the area near Barbes metro as my own girls felt a little unsafe walking through the shop area a bit closer to Anvers station seems nicer.

We too did the flying visit to Louvre on Frday night with late night opening and a evening boat cruise down the Seine may be enjoyable for you all too.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

pantelia -- it's definitely doable! My parents just spent a month with us in the UK and we did Paris as a day trip so you'll have more time than us!

My advice is in regards to the Eiffel Tower. I love it, it's gorgeous, it's a must see. But with roughly 36 hours visiting it twice, once to go up in the day and once to come back while it's all lit up is wasting time. What I recommend and what I do with my own relatives when they visit Paris with me, is to go up the Arch de Triomphe at the end of the Champs. It has amazing views like the ET -- but even better because you get to see the ET itself! It's also cheaper than the ET. This way you get to see all of Paris and the ET all lit up and sparkly without backtracking.

Oh, and check the Louvre website for their highlights tour. I believe it's a self guided tour you can print out before you go and it will take you past their top 10.

Have fun!

Have to chime in and say definitely add Ste. Chappelle. As for Notre Dame, I've been to Paris 5 times, including high summer, and have always just walked in...so maybe there won't be lines. If your children like history, the Conciergerie is right in the same area as well--Marie Antoinette's last "home" before the guillotine.

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I'm trying to recap your plans.

Friday - Eiffel Tower and then maybe the boat cruise. The boat will give you a wonderful view of the ET all lit up as you pass right by the tower.

Saturday - Notre Dame & Louvre definitely. Ste-Chappelle and Sacre Coeur provisionally. You can definitely do ND, Louvre, and S-C, especially if you only want to see a few things at the Louvre. Is your intent in Montmartre to use the funicular or to see Sacre Coeur. It was unclear. It sounds like you won't go to Sacre Coeur if the funicular is not running. There are steps up the hill to Sacre Coeur.

You might want to fit in the Louvre on Friday evening as it's open until 9:45 and your 18 year old will get in free after 6:00. You can then walk to the Pont Neuf and take the boat cruise from there on the Vedettes du Pont Neuf. You can print a coupon from their web site for a 2 Euro per person discount. You can also buy tickets in advance and get a 4 Euro per person discount but in April the weather might not be good so it's risky buying tickets ahead for the boat trip.

There is a free Notre Dame tour on Saturdays at 2:30. The tour runs close to 2 hours.

I'd skip Montmarte and Sacre Coeur. The Louvre and Notre Dame are definitely doable on a Saturday. You only need to do as much of the Louvre as you want. I know you said the kids are not really into art museums but the Orsay is amazing. If you want to take them to a cool Paris neighborhood, go to the Marais and that area. There are some great old churches and it has very much of a village feel.

is there still the big friday night rollerblade thing? http://www.pari-roller.com/index.php?p=101

or how about a segway tour?

What are your kids interested in?

In truth, Notre-Dame is better on the outside than the inside; there are more interesting churches. I would put the Sainte-Chapelle first on the list, both for history and architecture--not to mention the fabulous stained glass.

Just getting into and out of the Louvre on a Saturday will take a chunk out of your available time. You might consider one of the city's smaller museums, in which case head for the Museum of the City of Paris: history, art, and architecture all nicely combined. Its official name is the Carnavalet.

Do a Seine cruise in the evening; that way you can see many of the city's historic buildings lit up along the river.

For a great view of the city, go up the Montparnassse Tower. By doing so you can see the Eiffel Tower very well and skip the lines at the tower itself.