I think your plans are fine and cover the obvious highlights that most tourists enjoy seeing. I agree with Ira that you should walk down the Champs-Elysees -- That particular vista and urban planning are unlike anything else I've seen, and important to Paris.

I also am not crazy about Picasso or that museum and wouldn't substitute it for the Rodin. The Marais has been trendy for quite a long time now, I guess -- maybe 10 years, at least? I thought it had peaked and gone down in comparison to the really top trendy area, but it remains very popular.

I think you could have a point with the shuttle and if you are arriving in rush hour, one might be a good idea. I don't take them myself but I never arrive in rush hour and don't care about saving a little money on that kind of thing, but if you do, I think it's a good idea.

I wouldn't go to the flea markets myself in such a short time, unless this is your absolute passion in life. I find the grand dept. stores or just smaller shops in St-Germain or the Marais infinitely more interesting and better shopping that those flea markets which involve considerable travel time, also.

Have an agenda for these walks, some guidebooks have good walking tours. For example, a walk in the "Latin Qtr" could mean a lot of things, and most tourists would not find the really interesting and pleasant parts of the Latin Qtr, and the historic churches and buildings and information on them (ie, MOntagne Ste-Genevieve, Val de Grace, Mouffetard quarter, church St-Etienne du Mont, etc) without guidance (it is not near St-Michel metro). Michelin Green Guides have good annotated walking tours, I think -- my old one does, in any case.

Here's my plug for a couple of churches, one of which Christina mentioned.
Just behind the Pantheon is an exquisite little church, St. Etienne-du-Mont. It has stained glass windows that in my opinion rival Ste. Chapelle for color, though not for detail. There is an original filigree stone rood screen with two spiral staircases. There is also a small chapel dedicated to Ste Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. I love this little church.

St. Julien-le-Pauvre is the oldest complete church in Paris (St. Germain has a part that is older). It is a modest, sweet little church, now used for worship by Greek Catholics. It is set in a little garden, from which you have a great view of Notre Dame across the river. You can also have a rest on a bench.

I am not Rick Steves's biggest fan, but his book on Paris does have a couple of good walking itineraries (not much detail, but a good route), esp. for the left bank.

I have a file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

Bon voyage

Thanks again everyone.

We do have info on a few different neighborhood walks.

Also, thanks for recommending that church, my wife loves stained glass.

We're sticking with Rodin and not Picasso (simply can't do everything!).

Ice Cream is a big YES.

Thanks for the Markets link, very useful.

Keep your thoughts/suggestions coming!

we absolutely love the artist "square" next to sacre couer. we always leave with a little local artwork from there. enjoy the trip.

Rippowam, this sounds like a fine itinerary! And very romantic!! I'm glad you decided to stick with the Rodin Musuem; it is very romantic, just looking at The Kiss gave me shivers, the gardens are lovely and it's a very easy museum to maneuver through. I just wasn't that impressed with Picasso. Plus, he and his artwork and very romantic to me and not very conducive to that carefree, romantic feeling you & yours may wish to invoke on your honeymoon!!!!

Happy Honeymoon!!!!
@>->---

AHEM - are NOT romantic (referring to Picasso).

Thank again for your help.

Here's our "final" itinerary, subject to change of course.

Friday, Day 1- Notre Dame, St.Chapelle, Louvre, subway to Arc de Triomphe, walk back towards Louvre along Champs Elysee.

Saturday, Day 2 - Early at one of the Flea Markets (an hour or two), then the Montmarte wine/harvest Festival (feedback?), then explore the Marais and end with Bateaux Mouche.

Sunday, Day 3 - Take the hop on/off bus tour and explore the Left Bank. D'Orsay, Rodin, Lux Gardens, St.Germain and Latin Qtr (all included on the bus "loop". End with Eiffel Tower.

Monday, Day 4 - Wrap up anything not finished listed above, misc. shopping and we'll still have one more bus tour day to hop on/off to explore.

On Tuesday, we'll have a few hours in the morning to fit in any "last minute" things as well, before we pick up our rental car.

We realize that our plan is ambitious, but we believe it's flexible enough to make changes if necessary and still see the highlights.

Any thoughts?