Were I advising my sons in their 20s I'd suggest getting to Notre Dame or the Louvre area and then walking down along the Seine -- with good walking shoes -- toward the Eiffel Tower, and possibly taking the Batobus back. Once back at Notre Dame area (or ending up there after starting at Louvre) it's an easy skip to Left Bank area where she could find a nice bistro frequented by young people. Alternatively she could take the Metro or cab over to Champs Elysee and walk from the Arch end to the other.

As said, it really depends on her interests--personally I find Louvre/Notre Dame/Left Bank more interesting than Champs Elysee, which has too many superstores and traffic for my taste, but to each her own.

I recommend a copy of Let's Go or similar guide for airplane reading.

I agree that the Eiffel Tower = Paris, but you can see it from any of the bridges over the Seine and from most of Paris, so I feel it's less interesting to be literally on the spot there as opposed, say, to seeing Notre Dame. On the other hand, there's a great crepe-maker across the street from the ET!

avrooster, I just asked my own 22 year old daughter, who has been to Paris several times. Here's what she said: "There's a risk of trying to see too much. If she's interested in art, I'd choose the Musée d'Orsay over the Louvre, simply because it is more manageable. I'd suggest a stroll down rue Rivoli to get a sense of what some of the shops are like, and some time in a café to people-watch and to feel like a Parisien."

Scarlett, you are an angel.

Anselm

I just got back from Paris last week and it was quite cold since I spent most of my time walking outside. After the sun went down at around 4:30 pm, temps felt as low as 34 F by evening. I'm guessing she'll be at the Eiffel Tower at night (which is just amazing, she'll love this, and there are plenty of people around all night) so she should definitely bring her warmest coat, as suggested by others. Even a long wool coat or down parka needs to be augmented by layers, *definitely* a scarf, hat, and gloves. These things can be easily/cheaply purchased from street vendors that same afternoon along the touristy thoroughfares if she doesn't already own this stuff.

I brought wool tights, etc. to wear under all of my clothing under the warmest coat I own and I've never done this at home -- and I live in Chicago... (but I don't walk outside for hours in the winter.)

Paris is absolutely gorgeous at night so there's still plenty of sightseeing to do in the evening. I'd say that the Champs Elysees, Concorde, Saint Germain/St Michel area etc. are actually much nicer at night, esp. with holiday lights. (the Champs Elysees is like a big outdoor mall to me with its Virgin Records and Burger King on the one hand and Louis Vuitton, Gucci boutiques on the other -- both unappealing to me). Saint Chapelle should be attempted in the daytime (maybe first thing after she drops off her luggage?)when all the stained glass can be viewed in brightest light possible.

If I were in my early 20's I'd love the Marais along Rue du Rivoli. The demographic is young with stores like H&M and Zara, so there are people her age around. Saint Germain is a bit upscale, Latin Quarter plenty of other students. good luck!

Wow, thank you guys!
Pretty good answers, considering I've been told I used the wrong header!!
Got only a couple of answers to the same question on TA, BTW!! LOL!!
Happy Holidays!!

And why did this land in the "Fodorite Lounge", may I ask?
Maybe some genius believes these are not travel-related questions?

Great, we are back in the Europe forum now!! LOL!!!

lol, avrooster, you are bouncing back and forth? maybe you just sound like you should be in a lounge ? lol
I want to be in a lounge but in Buenos Aires

I agree with Anselm, (<i>not about me being an angel, Thank you, Anselm for such kind words!</i but D'Orsay is more manageable and so completely beautiful..

Du Louvre is also very beautiful, and quite manageable if you don't bite off too much. Plan on hitting the biggies (<i>e.g.</i>, Mona Lisa, Nike, etc. - make your own list), and you'll see a lot on the way from one to the other. It's not necessary to dedicate a half-day to one wing and not have time to finish it.

Assuming the lecture comment was made in response to my suggestions - I was not lecturing.

Simply pointing out that if she spends a little time on it herself she will be much more familiar with what she's doing and better prepared to deal with Paris. Never mind seeing what she really wants to.
(It only takes a few hours to read a guidebook and look at a couple web sites.)

Unless the parent is going along s/he doing all the research is of very little use to the traveler when she finds herself on the spot with decisions to make.

Don't forget your daughter will have at least 4-6 hours to look over that guidebook while waiting in the airport or on the plane before 'bedtime'.

Thank you, again, everybody!!
nyt: I understand the people who mentioned lecturing meant the comment by Rex.
Scarlett: for a while, this thread appeared in the Fodorite Lounge, instead of in the Europe forum. Do you understand my previous posts now?

Never mind these posts get the hotel!

I booked for her the Hotel Residence Foch. Comments?

Hi av, I understood what you meant before ..I just made a joke .
Glad you are getting good advice .. Merry Christmas.