first day's touring
 

How much energy do you usually have for the first day you arrive in Europe? We get into Paris at 11am, figuring 2 hours from airport to checkin, I am trying to plan the rest of the afternoon. I thought of walking the marais area on a 2 hour tour, then going to the musee d'orsay (Its open late that night). Is this way too much to expect?

You did not say how long you plan to stay in Paris. From my experience, you will be to tired. I would take a nap as soon as getting to the room (if it’s ready) and then go for a light walk in the area and light dinner, go to sleep early that night. Then, next morning you can get up early and enjoy all the tours and museums without falling asleep.

I will only be in Paris for 4 days, so I would like to see as much as possible! Does anybody have suggestions for the first afternoon in town?

I like to stay up after arriving till at least 4 PM or so..the sun helps your body adjust from jet lag.But I think I'd skip a regimented walking tour and do it at my own pace. Depending on where my hotel was located, I'd probably visit Ile de St Louis and Ile de la cite, walk around Notre dame, just admire the eiffel Tower and other buildings from the outside, have some lunch then go back to hotel at 4 or so , have a nap , and an earlyish dinner then go to bed. Then Hit the streets running the next day

I like to keep going as much as possible to help my body adjust to the time change; the last couple of trips, I haven't even needed to take a nap at all that first day.<BR><BR>Do active stuff - like a walking tour, either with a guide or by yourself. Stay outside in the fresh air, too. I tried the Musee d'Orsay once on the first day (my second time visiting the musuem), and the pictures were a blur. You also might want to avoid quiet churches (though walking to the top of Notre Dame would keep you awake).<BR><BR>You could also take a quick power nap after you walk around, to give you the energy for the Musee d'Orsay.

My latest trip to France (just got back last week) had this same (or very similar) "late" arrival - - at 11:20 a.m. - - and we were pelasantly surprised at our ability to "go at it" all day long. The plane was not very full - - my wife and I had a D and F seat with no E; my mother-in-law actually got a full D-E-F row to her self, and her frioend an A-B to herself.<BR><BR>We immediately left CDG and went to Giverny and as someone else suggested, it was good to have an "active, walking-around" destination. We spent about 2 hours walking around there and buying stuff - - and then spent perhaps another hour there with a late lunch. Then embarked upon a 2+ hour drive to Vimoutiers, arriving about 6 pm. Had a modestly early dinner, that was not all that fast, and then everyone hit the hay, dear tired around 8:30.<BR><BR>It was as good an arrival day as I can remember having recently. I think that those late night east coast departures and late morning arrivals were part of why it went so well.<BR><BR>And the less-sardine-ish than usual flight helped a lot too.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Your going to be VERY tired and sleepy once you get to Paris. To prevent that, you must get atleast 6+hrs in the plance (no caffeine!!) and once you get to Paris, continue the day. Drink coffee avoid sugar and carbohydrates that can make you drowsy.

It will help if you can sleep at all on the plane (even just an hour ot two). And definitely do not take a nap. Keep moving and get lots of fresh air. I LOVE the d'Orsay - but on your first day is probably not the best time to see it. If the weather is nice stay outside. Walk the Ile St Louis, take an open top double decker tour bus, walk to the Eiffel Tower, anything outside.<BR><BR>If you are too tired to walk a lot the l'opentour sightseeing buses are a godsend. Fresh air and sunshine are important.<BR><BR>Eat a light dinner around 7 PM, take another short walk and go to bed at 9:30 or 10PM<BR><BR>The next morning you will be ready to hit the museums, etc.

I'm probably like you, want to hit the road running (sorta). I assume you're staying in the Marais so look at Rick Steves' Paris guidebook - he has a Marais walk. The Place de Vosges is very nice and in the area. The Jewish quarter is also quite fun to see. Lots of people about. I spent a month in Paris last year, arriving at my apartment at 11:00 and hit the road. Try to keep to your normal sleeping hours and you'll be refreshed. You're in Paris for such a short time you don't want to waste it sleeping, if possible. Any questions, please e-mail me directly.

Thanks for all of the suggestions! I certainly do not want to sleepwalk through the Orsay! I think we'll take the Marais walk and then hit the Eiffel tower, as suggested. If we have the energy still we'll go to the arch de triomphe and walk the Chammps-Elysees until we're too tired and take the metro the rest of the way back to the hotel! Thanks for all of your really helpful advise!

Helen<BR><BR>Suggest you time it so you are atop the arch de triomphe at sunset. Magical views of the city as the city lights come on. Enjoy your trip.