Well I'm just totally misinformed about both the St. Chapelle and the Musee d'Orsay... :/

While looking at details for the St. Chapelle the first thing I came across was this site:
http://www.stechapelle.com/
So I automatically assumed it was a winery. Don't I feel a little sheepish!

I also really remember reading somewhere that Orsay had modern art? Either way, I think it'll be a lovely visit for us. Also considering the Pompidou and the Orangerie if we have time.

Thanks again everyone for the wonderful suggestions :)

You can see the collections on the websites for the Orsay:
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/collect.../painting.html

Orsay homepage
http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html?cHash=1030a57d48

The building is quite beautiful,it's a converted train station that was done very well. The collection includes a lot of Impressionist and Academy works.

and the Pompidou:
http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompido...ionM=3.2.1&L=2

Pompidou homepage
http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompido...enDocument&L=2

The building is not beautiful but it's certainly quirky and fun, and there's a beautiful view which includes the Eiffel Tower from the outdoor escalator. The collection includes expressionists, cubists, abstracts, etc.

Here's the Orangerie website for good measure- it's a small museum, right by the Tuileries gardens.
http://www.musee-orangerie.fr/

You can't really go wrong no matter what museums you choose :)

We have stayed in 7th near the Eiffel Tower and have always managed to find reasonably priced restaurants by walking aorund our neighborhood. Last fall we enjoyed a pleasant dinner at Cafe Roussillon and lunch with business people at La Terrasse. We have also picnicked on a bench looking at the Eiffel Tower and brought dinner back to our hotel or apartment for dinner.

And don't miss the Sainte Chapelle--it is stunning.

ok this may be a no-go for some people but if you like steak i suggest visiting this place for a unique parisian experience.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaur...de_France.html

as you will see, it gets mixed reviews but its such Parisian feel, there is nowhere quite like it. It is very reasonable (even cheap!) prices and the building is amazing- an old workers dining room. All the order is wriiten on the table cloth and its a buzzy vibe. Although get there as early as possible as queues form wuite quickly.

We make a point of going on every trip as love the steak and the real French feel of the place.

@HG001London - See, I told you that you were in my brain! haha We've already got Chartier on the list ;)

Well we depart tomorrow, very excited to see the world! Thank you all for your tips!

haha, well have a wonderful trip....and the sun has come out today and it is even a bit warm so london but be trying to welcome you with nice weather! :-)

one last tip. If you like ice cream, check this place out on isle st louis

http://www.berthillon.fr/

Surprisingly, London seems to be having the best weather so far out of the 3 cities we're visiting.. I was shocked! :)

Ice cream?! Oh but of course!! haha Thank you again!

Have a great trip!

On more thing to consider about the Louvre: there are English speaking tours twice a day for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. You get a very nice overview of this vast museum. It was very well done and a nice opportunity for an introduction to an amazing institution especially when one has limited time.

Lots of good info above. Someone asked about 24 hours in Paris and was kindly shown (by Apres_Londee) the following suggestions for comparison:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/desti.../parisitin.htm

On another post I have posted this itinerary for 3 1/2 days, here it is for your comments and advices, this group has also great suggestions to DanielleJane, thought I'll get yours for mine:
Wednesday August 15 = Day 1

• Airport arrival scheduled at 12:30 p.m
• After checking to the hotel hopefully 2 p.m. [I have no idea how we will get to it, any suggestions? Taxi for the 4 of us?]
• 3:30 p.m. we’ll go out visit possibly
• Head first to the Arc de Triomphe for a top great view.
• Walk from the Arc de Triomphe down the grand avenue des Champs-Elysées across Place de la Concorde and to Tuileries Garden and to the Vedettes du Pont Neuf for an evening boat tour of the Seine river.
• Diner : either at a Paris Bistro Chez Andre 12, Rue Marbeuf or at La Casa Alcalde Blvd de Grenelle Spanish cuisine.
• Back to the hotel then….

Thursday August 16 = Day 2
• Montmartre - Sacre Coeur- Place du Tertre - Le Moulin de la Galette- Le Bateau Lavoir [how would you go from Blvd de Grenelle ? metro? RER?Taxi? walk?]
• The louvre [closes at 9:45 p.m.] and those of us who don’t want to spend time too much time with Art may be could go to Galleries Lafayette it closes at 9 p.m on Thursdays & I think it is a short distance from The Louvre or another option to enjoy Jardin des tuileries….
• Diner at L’Ecluse 64, rue François 1er
• Back to the hotel then….


Friday August 17 = Day 3
• destination is Notre Dame Cathedral [it opens at 8 a.m.]
• Cross Pont Neuf to the Ile de la Cité , visit Sainte Chapelle.[it opens at 9:30 am ] .
• Head to the Latin Quarter. For a meal, may be Rue Mouffetard for lively atmosphere and plenty of choice.
Before or after quartier Latin , one could add Orsay museum if we want to see more art – or at The louvre we were not able to cover enough on day 2….and if not interested for more, some of us might just enjoy the Tuileries gardens .
• Walk to Trocadéro [I am not sure what route would be the best though?]
• Then to the Eiffel Tower for a ride up if possible [depends of the waiting line-if too long we might do the Tour Montparnasse instead]
• Walk to Boulevard Montparnasse for diner [Chez Bebert]
• If we did not go up Eiffel tower or if we feel like doing both, Tour Montparnasse closes at 23h45 for the view
• Back to the hotel then….
Saturday August 18 = Day 4
• Check out from the hotel Blvd de Grenelle [good idea annig we could ask the hotel to store our luggage ]
• Walk through the Marais (the medieval section of town)
• WHAT COULD WE ADD TO IT THAT WOULD NOT MAKE IT TOO LATE FOR US TO GET TO ANOTHER HOTEL BY THE AIRPORT ??, since it is a Saturday traffic will be heavy probably ! and if the hoel de Grenelle accept to store our luggage, we will need to pick them up….

THANK YOU THANK YOU

Sorry to bump a 3 1/2 year old thread, but I have to say to HG001London that your day walking trip itinerary is BEYOND HELPFUL!!!

I'm just starting to plan a trip to Paris and before finding this thread, I felt completely in the black. But after reading your suggestions along with the rest of this thread, I feel 100x more knowledgeable and now have a great idea of what I want to do. Thanks!

I've been to Paris earlier this year, it's a super nice city that is worth exploring beyond museums and 'must-see' places. If you need some advice, you can see my list of romantic things to do: http://www.travel-monkey.com/5-roman...o-do-in-paris/ and about exploring different districts of Paris: http://www.travel-monkey.com/explore-paris-districts/ and see what you like best! I highly recommend Montpartre for cultural hype and 11th arr. for cafes and shops. Enjoy!