I am going to be in Paris for five days, partially to visit a friend who is studying there. I arrive on Thursday from London where I'm living (so no jet lag) in the morning. I was planning to see Paris Thursday, Giverny Friday, Paris Saturday with friend and Versailles Sunday with friend.

I have been to Paris before for a bit and seen most of the main sights; I'm concentrating on some other sights like parks, gardens, museums besides Louvre and Orsay, etc. I think I can probably accomplish most of what I want to see Thursday and Sunday. If so, I would have a free day.

Should I stay in Paris, or do another day trip? I had thought of a complicated Loire Valley day but I think it will be a lot of rushing and I may need to do this later when I can stay there for a day or two.

Thoughts include Fontainbleau or Vaux or Chantilly, except this might be overkill after Versailles. I love champaigne and would probablly really enjoy Rheims, but this might be something to do when (if?) I'm married; maybe more romantic. Other thoughts include the place with the Impressionist exhibit where they show you 500 reproductions (can't remember what this is called).

Just looking for advice from others as to what they would do or sights I had not considered but might be really nice. If it is a day trip, I'd be looking for something easy and train-related, not too far away.

Have you already been to a garden called Bagatelle in the Bois de Bologne (a huge park)? The rose garden there is beyond words. Depends on when you are going, of course, but I have been there in April, and in May, and in June, and the iris, clematis, roses, etc. are spectacular as is the setting. PJK

I haven't done this but I want to... I think it is a short train ride to Troyes, which has an interesting medieval center... as does nearby smaller Provins (not sure you can get a train to Provins)..

http://www.tourisme-troyes.com/welcome/index.htm

http://www.aube-champagne.com/troyes...g=en&zone=

Have you taken a look at the Paris Superthread, Joe? There's a post in it called What to Do in Paris When You've Seen All the Sights (or something on that order). You might be able to cull some good ideas from it.

Thanks so far. I am planning to see Bois de Bologne, so I'll be sure to hit the garden. And the Superthread always boggles my mind, but I should definitely check there.

topping

Hi JoeTro, May I suggest you simply chill on your extra day in Paris by taking the Metro to Rebublique and walking the short distance to the Square F Lemaitre where you can start a leisurely stroll down the Canal Saint Martin. The scenery changes all the time. When you get to Quai de Valmy stop off at Le Chaland for lunch. Get a table in the open windows and watch the passing parade while you eat.
Continue on past the busy intersection of Place De Stalingrad and on to Quai de Loire where the pleasure boat leaves to come back down the canal through all the 11 or so locks. All the time you will have a comentary in French & English, with lovely old French tunes playing over the speakers in between.
You will end up in Port de Arsenal where there are more cafe's. The magnificent Colonne de Juliet will be towering overhead. Metro back home from Bastille.

ttt

Why not wait until you arrive to decide? Keep your eyes and ears open for something of interest on your first four days. Maybe check the local entertainment weekly or newpapers. Or ask your friend who lives there, their suggestion. You could get lucky to stumble upon some kind of local event or festival.

What does anyone think about a day trip to Rouen from Paris on my possibly "free" day? It would have a few things that really interest me - churches, cathedral, a great fine arts museums, etc., and is about 70 minutes away. Any thoughts? Has anyone been here before?

A day trip to Troyes to visit the tool museum, the cathedral and the town itself.

Rouen is an excellent choice for a daytrip. It's chock full of great architecture, history, and food. It would keep you plenty busy for a day, but it's not so far from Paris that if you left early and returned in the evening you'd get to see the best of it.

topping for further comments, especially about Rouen.

I've been planning a day trip there, although I'm thinking I want to stay over one night...

http://www.rouentourisme.com/default.asp?file=pg0-0_en

You can download and print a good sized doc with tourist info, hotels, etc.

Here's a "press pack" to print:
http://www.normandy-tourism.org/gb/13press/PRESS_GB.pdf

I do recommend Rouen, but no ne has even mentioned Chartres. This cathedral has a more esoteric history than any other, being built on a holy Celtic site, being dedicated to Mary (probalby Mary Magedeline) with a verable black madonna ,one gaudy one underground near the mystical healing well (which lost its powers during the Revolution due to contimination), and one of dark pear wood in the main cathedral that captivated me long before I knew her history. Additionally, Chartes has the orignal round labyrinth which has been so copied recently,spread all across the nave. There are tours "underground" which are worth taking if you can arrange it, and roman ruins recently excavated near the entry of the cathedral. Plus, below the cathedral runs the river, with a restaurant outdoors on its banks where the medievel women went to wash laundry, along with a wonderful walk though the half timbered lower town, equal to the wonderful houses of that sort in Rouen.

Hi Tod,
Wow, your suggestion on a spare day sounds really cool.
We are going to Paris in May, and I will consider your idea.
We have been looking at all the traditional things to do but your day maybe quite special as probably very few tourists veer off the beaten paths.
Do you have any further comments and other off the path ideas (or anyone else?)
Thanks again.
Dave

I'm not sure the Canal St-Martin qualifies as "off the beaten path," as it's featured in most guidebooks. Some other possibilities include Auvers-sur-Oise, the Ile des Impressionistes (with the Maison Fournaise restaurant where Renoir painted "Luncheon of the Boating Party&quot, Chantilly and Senlis, Fontainebleau, and Barbizon.

Joe,

I would definitely consider Chartres - it is a must see!

There is a very good outdoor restaurant in ther Bagatelle gardens--Jardins de Bagatelle.

The place with the 500 impressionists work is the Auvers Chateau--well worth seeing.

If you decide to stay in Paris on that
Monday, the Jacquemart-Andre Museum is well worth visiting. It is in a beautiful mansion in the 6e, I believe. It has a wonderful collection of Italian art. The mansion itself is a gem. You could spend half a day here then have lunch in its very nice dining place. Do rent the guide "wand".

Incidentally, this could be a good fall back should weather or other circumstances turn sour and you do not go far from Paris.

Anthony