My wife and I are going to Paris for the first time. We don't speak French. We will be there for one week. What is the best way to see Paris and maybe make day trips from there? Is there a good tour agency? What is your advice?

BUY A BOOK (S) ON PARIS! GO TO THE LIBRARY! READ! <BR>

Boat tours with English speaking guides that leave from the Pont Neuf are an interesting way to see a few landmarks from the Seine. Also, an unusal sight is tour the catacombs, very creepy, but interesting.

Read posting titled "Oh no, I'm turning into a Fodorite snob!

You should try to learn basic phrases in French - "Where is," "How much," "I am/We are," etc. There are many basic tapes available in stores and libraries - they're simple to use and worth the effort. Look for "Basic French" or "French for Visitors" types of tapes. <BR> <BR>Once you've addressed a French person in French, they will generally come to your mercy and reply in English. It's somewhat naive to address a French person in English and expect a friendly, English answer.

my question for the people who angrily respond to postings like this: why do you bother responding?

See website www.igougo.com <BR>my guide name is Kathy and I have a travel journal with info and pictures on Paris. <BR>the 1st Sunday of the month the Louvre is free-use the metro stop-Louvre-Palais (not the entrance under the pyrimid) this is better anytime. <BR>Orsay if you like impressionists. <BR>Versaille is a good day trip (its closed Tues I think ) <BR>Pere La Chaise (ck spelling) cemetary is also interesting. Jim Morrison is there but also a lot of Parisians Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. They have maps free at the entrance. <BR>Latin Quarter for cheap food lots of good Greek Places there. <BR>Monmartre at night is good and lots of nice restaurants there also. <BR>Good hotel is Champ de mars about 440.00 ff a nite they have a website with pictures.