First time Paris trip for 25th...any advice?
 

Hi. I usually post on the US board. We don't go overseas too often these days. The last time we went out of the states was in 1991 to England/Scotland for an awards trip with his company. So, this year, also an awards trip to Dublin, Ireland. Since it is our 25th wedding anniversary, thought it would work well to tack on a visit to Paris. Neither of us have been before.

Here are a few things about us; we are early 50's, leaving two older teens home, going in April sometime (not sure yet), we love history, like a little museum time(will do the Louvre for certain), love food and wine (though we don't know much about French wine but are willing to learn), love WWII history, love to be around people, just walking, seeing sights, taking our time, smelling the roses. We want to do a few touristy things but not planning every minutes.

A friend has suggested a boutique hotel in the Latin quarter, I believe is where it is.

So, are there any tips, must sees, don't do's that you would like to share with two Americans looking for some fun, romance, and to learn a little something along the way. PS we do not speak any French.

Hi H,

Look up Paris under "destinations".

Also see Paris Superthread
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

Check www.whichbudget.com for flights from Dublin.

>A friend has suggested a boutique hotel ...<

If you give us the name, we might be able to give you some info about it.

Have a lovely visit.

((I))

Hi Heavens. Would help if you were more specific about what sort of advice you're looking for. Do you want ideas for hotels? If so, what's the budget?

Would help to know how many days you're thinking of being in Paris. Based on your interests, sounds like Paris is just the right place for you. ;)

This is an absolutey perfect idea for your 25th anniversary! Congratulations.


<<...love WWII history, love to be around people, just walking, seeing sights, taking our time, smelling the roses...>>

You're going to LOVE Paris.

One thing I would suggest is to get your additional airline tickets and and your your hotel booked ASAP. For Paris, April is just around the corner. Budget flights from Dublin to Paris will not get cheaper and hotels will start filling up as well.

As suggested above, please tell us the name of the hotel you are considering and people here will likely have heard of it and can comment. Also, we can tell you about restaurants near your hotel to consider. There are dining places in Paris to fit all budgets. If you tell us your dining out budget we can also make ore appropriate suggestions.

I'm certain if you gave a bit more information on budget, what is included in your award trip, etc, we could give more help.

But since you did mention an interest in WWII history, be sure to visit , the Musee de le Armee at Les Invalides, and also Musee de Jean Moulin and Musee de le Liberation atop the Metro Montparnesse

There's a lot of good advice on this thread for someone who asked for tips for a first trip to both Paris and London:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34714359

You can disregard the stuff about London (or, better yet, save it for another trip).

Bon soir, Heavens!
My main suggestion would be to stay in an apartment, not a hotel. It will give you more of a local, less "toursity" (per your description) "feel" for Paris, and more flexibility . For example, you can visit the wonderful open air markets and cook some meals yourselves.. Not sure of your budget, but you'll be surprised that some of the available places are less per nightthan many hotels.
As a sort of intro, check the sites for parispiedaterre.com and parisperfect.com.
"A little msueum" time--yes, the Louvre, and if you can make just one other art museum, perhps thye Musee d'orsay.
Neighborhoods: lots of differing opinions on this, but based on your self-description recommend staying in the 7th.

Hi Heavens:

LOL! As you've probably learned on the US boards, you ask a question and you get...more questions!

Really, though. Tell us how long you'll be in Paris and the name of the hotel you're considering (as well as budget info). You'll get lots of suggestions from there.

Also, get a good streetmap. You'll be spending a lot of time walking, so I'd recommend a small-ish laminated Streetwise Paris map that folds up nicely and can slip into a pocket or purse. Once you've made a list of your top 5 or 10 things to do and see, then you can find them on the map before you arrive so you can get a sense of the layout of the city. Have a wonderful time...my first time to Paris was for my 10th anniversary and it was magical!

For history...may I suggest the Carnavalet Museum; and as to WWI and WWII, there are sad and amazing little bronze plaques set in walls here and there. Speaks to my heart, at least.

OK, here is the hotel, let me know what you think; It is the St. Germain Des Pres on 36 Rue Bonaparte. She said it is about $175 to $200. She has sent many couples there and they have loved it, and loved the area. Hope she won't kill me for posting here. Think she will? Anyway, what do you think?

I do not know how long you will be in Paris , but since you are a WWII buff please visit Invalides (Napoleon's tomb is there and on the main floor there is a couple of other generals and/or Field Marshalls)and the attached War Museum. It is suposed to be one of the best , if not the best. The WWII uniforms from all the involved countries, weapons, movies, etc. There is a can of Zyclon D (wrong spelling) and a bin filled with shoes of the dead from the concentration camps. Just as a courtesy try to learn a couple of basic French words. My sister and I (50's babes)with my yougest son went a year ago tomorrow. I taught myself begining French and was so glad I did. Enjoy!

Thanks. Not sure about how long for the trip or when, exactly. Won't know until the Company tells us when the awards trip will be. Maybe three to five days, is about right. At this time, this is all that I know.

Jemappell, did you find the people were receptive to your attempts to speak French? I hear both sides; that they are upset if you don't speak French, and that they are upset if you try and speak a little French. I would at least like to somewhat pronounce the language. It is so beautiful...

heavens,
I am sure that you will enjoy Paris,as a tip, try and learn a few words like please and thank you, in french. Most will speak english, but many people get uptight when they expect the french to automatically speak english, a little effort will make a tremoundous difference to your holiday

I don't know that hotel but seem to recall it gets favorable comments here on Fodors. Your friend is right. It's a very good location.

As for "learning" French, go to the library and see if they have a CD on basic French...you really need to hear the words. A program for travellers is best. Even a little French will take you a long way in Paris. (and it's fun!)

Here's my list of things not to be missed: Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, E Tower, sunset cruise on the Seine, Notre Dame, St. Chapelle (on a sunny day), Opera Garnier, Musee Rodin, Marais walks, Latin Quarter at night, and strolling Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite. Leave LOTS of time for just wandering through Paris' lovely streets, as well as relaxing at outdoor cafes for coffee or wine. Nighttime is great for walking because of all the softly lit monuments, fountains and bridges. Check into Batobus, kind of a boat trolly service that runs along the Seine.

You're going to fall in love with (and in!) Paris!

Ditto on the D'Orsay and St. Chapelle. Try to get tickets ahead for the D'Orsay... the lines can be very discouraging.

being able to walk to the front of the line at the D'Orsay made the pass worth it..

btw- or favorite affordable hotel in the 6th is Hotel St. Germain on rue de bac. http://www.paris-hotel-st-germain.com/

Heavens,

The St. Germain Des Pres on 36 Rue Bonaparte is a fantastic location - it doesn't get much better. I've havn't stayed at that particular hotel but stayed very close to it. It does get great reviews by Fodorites here.

If you have the option of 3, 4, or 5 days in Paris, then try for 5. You'll understand once you are there.

As for language, even a little bit of efort goes a long way. A few days with a French language CD during your morning/afternoon commute should do the trick. At least the basics: "good morning", "good evening", "please", "how much?", "thank you", and "Do you speak English?". Don't worry about it though, it's the thought that counts. Most everyone will switch to English as soon as they hear an American accent to make things smoother and to make you feel more at ease. Just don't make English the first thing out of your mouth.

I will try and learn some French. Maybe get some tapes or something. Should be fun. And if we don't go, I can impress my friends when we go to restaurants, LOL.

Thanks for all of your help. Will do more research about the area. Now that I am getting the research going, I am very excited about going to this beautiful city. Sure hope we get to go now...