I can tell you that the Louvre is quite crowded the day after Christmas---if you are just trying to see highlights, you may be frustrated as you will not be able to run in, see that highlight or two and run out very easily. We were there 3 years ago on Dec 26 and it was wall to wall people, hot as heck and not all that enjoyable. If it's a must, then do your homework and know what you must see, where it's located and how you will get it it. For pure wow factor, I much prefer the smaller and far less crowded L'Orangerie to see the HUGE Monet canvases. They are impressive. I would do that and then enjoy lunch at Cafe Marly, overlooking the Louvre Pyramid

Can't help with the hotel really. I agree with the Champs Elysee by bus. It is pretty to see from Place de la Concorde looking at the ADT. Walking it - is also extremely crowded and has gotten so commercial that it's not that impressive (in fact I avoid it like the plague). The Christmas markets will be on the CE and the teens might enjoy them.

Great.. I liked Hotel des Balcons. I am also checking out Novotel Paris. Will decide between these 2.

We arrive in Paris at 6:30 AM on 26th. We will not get our hotel until afternoon. Does anybody know if Paris airport has showers?

We are planning to drop our luggage at the hotel by 10 AM and then set out for sight seeing. This is what I am planning

Day 1

Louvre - until 2 PM
Norte dam - until 5 PM
Seine river cruise

Day 2

L'arc du triumphe
Montmartre
Eiffel Tower

What do you guys think? Is it reasonable? I know day 1 is little heavy but then day 2 will be light and we can enjoy the leisure and beauty of the city.

Thanks

I am also thinking of renting a car. Do you think it is easy to drive through the streets with a GPS though?

Parking may be expensive but it still might save time.

Thanks

Do not think about renting a car! Public transportation and walking in Paris will save you time and money. Traffic and parking will eat up time, not save it. Everything on your itinerary is fairly close to the center except Montmartre and is easily walkable.

It is fascinating to think that anyone would save time by driving in any large city, let alone Paris.
Paris has probably the best public transit system in the world. You only have 2 days. PLEASE get a guide book with a map of Paris in it.
Look at places you want to see and group them. Montmartre would not make my list for a 2 day whirlwind.
This is really one time the Hop on bus tour would be a good investment.
I guess if you are spending 3 hours at Notre Dame you are planning to climb the stairs. Ditch the stairs and go see Ste. Chappelle nearby to use that time better.
I think seeing a real street market in Paris is a great thing--and a market street like Rue Cler fills that bill to see the elegant pastries, the gorgeous displays of meats, bread, etc. It doesn't take long--and rue Cler in particular is near the Eiffel Tower--or at least a view of it.

I did the hopon/off bus one day just for fun as it was a fine day and I thought it might be enjoyable just for the ride and a different view. It was for that purposes (especially in the less-congested areas, like the 7th), but once you got to the really dense areas (dead center), it went very slowly due to traffic. And a couple stops, such as at the Madeleine, they must have had some scheduled break as they sat there maybe 20 minutes, not just 5-10. So while it seems counter-intuitive, for someone in a hurry, I think the hopon/off bus is not the best way to go. Using the public transportation system or walking is quicker.

I can't imagine anyone thinking they should rent a car as a tourist to drive around a major capital city, in any country. This makes me think maybe the OP has never been in a big city before?

OMG---have been to Paris 6 times and would never consider renting a car. Walk, metro or bus -- all very easy---having a car would slow you down, I promise!! Take a look at the sites below to help ypu plan routes.

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_5000/accueil/

http://parisbytrain.com/paris-metro-...route-planner/

Did I miss it, or where are you arriving from? Will you be jetlagged? if so, you may want to reverse the days (to add more movement in the first).

It's been several years, but the Louvre used to have a map with some of the most sought after displays noted. You can surgically hit those (let others condemn you but I've done it). Winged Victory, Liberty leading the People, Raft of the Medusa, Mona Lisa, and on and on.

As noted the Musee Pass will get you in free and skip the lines. However, I didn't see where it would help you with your other visits. Consider googling the pass and seeing if there are other museums along the way that you can "pop" into (some noted below).

regarding your itinerary. Daylight is going to be an issue, so plan accordingly.

On day 1, if you can get into the louvre quickly you could have a really nice visit using the aforementioned map. Remember, too, that you couldn't see it all if you were there for a month. Don't try to over do it.

I personally don't think you'll need 3 hours at the Notre Dame (you could spend that time, but perhaps not on a 2 day visit), but make sure you go behind it for a neat view of the buttresses. And definitely add the St. Chapelle which is somewhat nearby (on the Ile) (and may be covered by the Pass?). It is stunning and doesn't take a long time. Also in the vicinity of the ND is an archeology/crypt museum. Not a priority, but I think it is on the Pass and doesn't take too much time. Same thing with the Conciergerie (sp?) near the Ste. Chapelle.

Not sure what you are planning to do at the Eiffel. We enjoy going up the second level and walking down to 1.

The Arc is great to see. We've climbed to the top, but you could skip that in the interest of time (IMHO). If you don't climb, it could be a pretty short visit.

I think you could add something substantive on day 2 but again light may be an issue.

We enjoy MonteMarte and Sacre Coer, but they are a pretty good distance from the center of Paris (by Metro and yes you are going to use the Metro in the interest of time and sanity). MM is touristy at the Place du tertre but it's good fun and often bustling at night.

If you were so inclined and a bit motivated, on Day 2 you could hit the Rodin and/or Invalides before or after the Eiffel (both may be pushing it), with the Rue Cler in between. The Rodin is a nice space (in addition to the sculpture). Invalides is a bit overwhelming (military items) and Napoleon's Church, I mean tomb. Understand, I'm not talking about spending 30 minutes in front of each piece of art or armor.

As others have noted, the Rue Cler isn't amazing, but it is a fixture in the Rick Steves book and an enjoyable walk. I've stayed there a couple times.

Apropos of what Christina mentioned about Madeleine, I believe that is an initiating point for that particular tour itinerary so it is sort of on a schedule. So, that would be a good place to begin the tour, if possible. And the square there is an interesting part of Paris to walk around for a little.

The Louvre can be done quite quickly:

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+si...vre.-a03453390

Does anyone know if the Paris airport has lockers for storing the luggage? We are stopping in transit so don't want to carry all the suitcases with us. Any suggestions?

Car in Paris?? Nope!

The transport system is sooo good...and the traffic can be horrible, not to mention parking and the cost of gas.

Plus...you'll waste an hour or more getting the car and dropping it off, probably, unless you're really lucky.

SS

It appears that there is a left luggage service:

http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/e...ages-Monde.htm

If you check luggage at the airport you need to be there about 4 hours before your flight. Normally you should arrive 3 hours before the flight but that's without picking up left luggage.

Thanks everyone. I will check back for more information. You guys are awesome ! Thanks for your time.

Another quick question. Since our flight will arrive at CDG at 6:00 AM, and we will not get our room until 4 PM, do you guys know any hotels who rent out at hourly basis. I am thinking all of us can have a shower in the morning and then leave for sight seeing. I heard IBIS hotel by the airport rents out on hourly rate but their website does not say anything. Any idea?

For such a short time in Paris, I would not waste the 3 hours you would invest. ;o)

It's been my experience that rooms are often ready before mid afternoon. You can always check your bags in and they should be able to give you an approximate time when it will be ready. I'd go eat breakfast, then wander around to fight the jetlag.

Another option is to rent your rooms for an extra night so they WOULD be available at 7 am when you'd show up at the hotel. But make sure you advise the hotel of your plan, so they don't expect you the night before.

Thanks Gretchen - Since the flight arrives at 6 AM, and nothing would be open at that early in the morning, might as well get fresh. That's is the thought