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24h in Paris, need help!

For family reasons, will be visiting Italy from Australia in October, have the opportunity of spending 24-36 hours in Paris. (I know its a short time etc but i'll take it if I can, because I wont get another chance for a long time) I've read numerous guide books, and would like to spend some time seeing the military museum at le Invalides and MUST see the 20th century painters i.e Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso et al so the Pompidou centre will be on the itinery. (Mona Lisa etc are not a priority) Could someone please suggest a starting place and practical order in which to see my main interest spots, as the guides dont give me an idea on distances and time etc and I would hate to be backtracking th/out the day. I'm planning on seeing the 'sites' when the galleries are closed and then staying up in a bar until the morning, (sounds extreme, but its my regular Saturday night routine!) Is there anywhere better than the Latin Quarter for late night bars/food? Can I leave my luggage at the train station? (Gar de Nord etc) apparently CDG airport does not have a luggage service. I know that 24-36 hours is crazy, but I have been passionate about aerly 20th century art and MUST take this opportunity. Even if it means not seeing the Eiffel Tower! Hope someone can help. Thanks for your time. Dave

Dave- Go for it - 24-36 hours scurrying from Monet to Picasso is far better than hanging around an airport lounge!! Top on your list should be the Musee d'Orsay and Musee Picasso. If you fancy Monet, don't neglect the Musee Marmottan. My advice: get a Metro map (I like the Streetwise series, the laminated fold-up and stash in your pocket type) and plan your day, with a beginning and ending point. Here's some info from the pages at www.paris.org Musee Marmottan 2, rue Louis Boilly , 75016 Paris 42 24 07 02 Metro: La Muette RER: Boulainvilliers Bus: 32, 63, PC Musee d'Orsay 1, rue de Bellechasse Metro:Solférino RER:Musée d'Orsay Bus: 24, 63, 68, 69, 73, 83, 84, 94 Musee National Picasso 5, rue de Thorigny , 75003 Metro: Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert, Filles du Calvaire Bus: 29, 69, 76, 93 (be advised that it is a brief walk from any of the Metro stops listed, lots of little streets, but well worth the effort) These threee could be the begining, middle and endpoints of a cross-Paris trek for you. Just be warned that it will only whet your palate, and you may find yourself finding a way to get back to Paris sooner than you thought!

Don't miss the military museum at Les Invalides. I didn't expect to like it but went anyway because I'm a Napoleon fan. Spent the whole morning there it was that wonderful!

Here's one possible route, sort of a circle.Leave your bags at Gare du Nord, assuming you're arriving there. (I've read on this board and/or others that this is possible.) Take the Metro to Les Invalides. (Buy a carnet - ten tickets - probably will last you for the time you'll be there.) See the military museum. Walk to the Eiffel Tower - not far. Take the metro to the Arc de Triomphe (Charles de Gaulle-Etoile station). Spend some time walking down the Champs-Elysees, stopping at a cafe for refreshment,people-watching. (Some of them on the Champs are ridiculously expensive, but worth it for the experience.) Continue walking as far as the Place de la Concorde, or farther if you aren't too tired. You could walk all the way to the Pompidou or take the metro if you're tired or time is running short. See the Pompidou. Cross the river to Notre Dame and on to the Latin Quarter. I'm not a good one to advise you on night life but I'm sure there are many bars/cafes in the Latin Quarter, especially Boulevard St. Michel area where you could while away the night. Next morning walk along the Seine and when you're ready to leave, metro back to Gare du Nord. This is just one of many possible routes, but I think it would work to get you to the top sites of Paris and the places you're interested in. Have fun!

The airport may not have a luggage check, but have you talked with your airline? They may let you check your luggage in early for your flight out. Worth a shot!

Dave! Admiring your adventurous spirit! On your sprint between the military museum and the Eiffel Tower, walk down rue Cler and enjoy a wonderful crepe from the crepe stand there. Have a great time in Paris and please post a trip report when you return.

Guys, Thanks very much for the replies. Its just struck me that here I am in Australia, at work in a hospital in Melbourne at 1 a.m , 'speaking' to people who are at this very instant, sitting at a desk just like mine, but in a completely different part of the world! Bloody amazing! Thing is, that judging by the times of everyones replies, we should all be at work!!! Dave

Let's hope your 24-36 hours don't fall on Monday or Tuesday, because those are museum closing days. Maximum Museum Itinerary (not the most efficient for mileage, but it is for times): Picasso Museum 9:30-noon Les Invalides 12:30-2:00 Musee d'Art Moderne 2:30-5:00 Jeu de Paume 5:30-7 Beaubourg 7:30-10 If this is a Monday, The Jeu de Paume and the Musee d'Art Moderne are closed; if it's Tuesday, the Beaubourg and Picasso are closed.

Yes, Dave, it is amazing and wonderful. I have noticed, BTW, that there seems to be a spate of postings around 8-9 am and 4-5 pm ET. Maybe a little Fodor's before getting down to work and at the end of the work day? Me, I have an excuse - I'm retired!

Concerning the late bars, etc...check the area of rue de la roquette, rue de lappe, etc... close to "place de la Bastille" instead of the Latin quarter.

What I would do. Take the Air France bus and get off at the end. The Opera Garnier. Check in as quickly as possible. Walk back to the Opera building (look). With back to the front of the building walk strainght and slightly to the right (not Avenue de l'Opera. slightly right of it. obviously forget the street). 5 minute walk gets you into Place Vendome and the Ritz. Beautiful square. Come out the other side to the edge of the Tuilerie gardens. Turn right 1 block and left into Plade de la Condcord. Look around. Look up the Champs Elysees. Walk left to the bridge (1 minute). Look left back toward the Tuilerie Gardens, Louvre, etc. Look right (not quite up the river) and in the distance the Eiffel Tower. Walk back to the center of the Concorde and turn up the Champs. Walk up to the Arc de Triomphe jumping into the street (careful) every block or so). Watch it get closer and closer. Stop in an outdoor for Coffee, etc and watch people go by. If possible go up the Arc. With your back to the Arc and looking down the Champs walk 45 degrees to the right (streets not exactly in that direction but go down the streets that way). You should come to the river and probably the alma Bridge. Cross the bridge looking up as the Tower looms closer and larger. At the Eiffel Tower. Probably too busy to go up. Look right to the river (it turns and comes down to the Tower) Cross the river to the Chaillet Palace. Go up the stairs for a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Cross back to the Tower. Go under it to the otehr side and keep walking through the gardens. As someone how to get to the Musium Invalides. You're a few minutes walk from there.

Actually, you can take the bus to Invalides. I think it was the AirFrance line, but, not sure. I would have to consult my notes. YOu could start there, walk to the Eiffel Tower (short distance) via Rus Cler and then head for the museums. Go for it and have a fab time! Sort of reminds me of a Hemingway thing to do. Cheers! Gigi