I know that you could probably spend weeks in Paris and not see everything, but I need some advice. How many days should I stay in Paris where I can comfortably see many things and feel like I got the real flavor of Paris. I definitely want to have one day in Versailles. The maximum amount of time that I can stay is 9 full days. But, since time is cutting it close, and I have to meet family elsewhere in Europe, I may have to cut the Paris trip to 8 days. Please advise. Would 8 days be enough time?

There is no such thing as enough time -- but, realistically, you can see quite a bit in eight days. Just read some of the posts here on Paris and have some idea of what you want to see. And enjoy!

Chris, <BR> <BR>This past March I spent a total 9 days in France, 2 days in Normandy, 1 day visiting Versailles, and another day in Reims, so I guess we had 5 full days in Paris, plus the evenings from our day trips. I think the amount of time you are planning on your visit is sufficient. Just keep in mind that you won't see everything this visit. Relax at a sidewalk cafe, and drink in the city of Paris.

IMHO, there is never enough time in Paris. We have been there 3 times with a 4th upcoming and have still not seen everything. Anyway, 8 days is a good first time trip with a day in Versailles giving you 7. My suggestion is to make a list of the must sees (Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc De Triomphe, etc), the would like to see (Sacre Couer, Invalides, etc), and the if I have time (Pere Lachaise cemetary, Montparnesse Tower etc)(of course these are only my lists). Plan your daily itinery around your must see list and check off each sight as you see it. Have a great time.

That is a really great amount of time for a first trip to Paris. Both times I've been, I only had 5 days, and that was OK but really left me wanting more. I basically only had time to see the highlights. You'll have time to see a little more, plus build in some downtime at sidewalk cafes to people-watch, and meander the streets of the city for a few hours just for the sake of getting lost and discovering a little market or some wonderful place. Have a great time. And yes, you'll still feel like you didn't get to see everything you wanted to, but that's OK, because it's motivation to return.

For most people, I would say four days is a minimum, but an ideal first visit is at least 6-7 days. The better you plan ahead, the better you will make use of the time you have. This is a great site for that. All the books say Paris is so compact, and the sights are so close together. I disagree. Sure, compared to some places that is the case, but in Paris there are just so many sights, and the neighborhoods themselves deserve so much time. My feet will never agree with the books on that one after I spent a week there.

Our first trip was 8 days. We saw (and walked) plenty. Second trip was 10 days and, again, we saw (and walked) lots. We're going back next year for another 10 days. Best bet is to photocopy a one-page map of Paris and highlight everything you want to see and do to assist in preparing your daily itineraries. If you go to one neighborhood then another (as opposed to going to this museum, attraction, then that) you'll get much more in. And, you won't miss a lot of things would would when dashing from one place to another. Have you tried the AOL travel boards? Lots of fabulous trip reports with terrific ideas.

My wife and I spent 5 days in Paris last September, and to be honest about it, I think I allowed at least 3 days too few, even for what was essentially a "tourist trip". <BR>One day was used to take the train to Vernon so we could tour Monet's home and gardens. Another day was used to visit Versailles, so that in reality left us only 3 days for Paris proper. Without Giverney or a similar attraction, I think 7 days will give you a good shot at seeing the highlights. Let me strongly suggest that you decide which attractions are your prime targets and try to group them by proximity. Then, study the bus maps and the Metro routes so you will not waste time taking wrong routes. I prefer the bus because I did not like all those long tunnels and steps in the Metro. At least with the bus, you can see where you are going. I will admit, however, that the bus is not optimal at rush hour both morning and evening. For us the 5 days went in a big rush. We were constantly going, looking, seeing and doing. Except for one Sunday, we left the hotel early and often were through with our evening meal until after 10 PM. <BR>One good thing about a 5 day visit is that I knew we would not see it all, so even before I left, I was making plans to return. Hopefully we will make our return in a few days. So plan, design, and above all, once you are there, savor the moment of where you are. You cannot see it all, so see well what you visit. <BR>That way it will be memorable. <BR>

Don't think I could ever spend enough time in Paris. But 8 days is enough to see alot and get to know the city a little bit. the longest i've stayed was 7 days and i wasn't ready to leave then.

A lifetime!!! I stayed 12 days last time and will be 20 days this time (4 in the 7th, 4 in Normandy, 12 in the 1st). Versailles can be done as a day trip or overnight easily on your own by train or with a bus tour. <BR> <BR>As you pick the must sees, group the fun to see and maybe we'll see it geography with those. That way you will know what might be close by and alter your plans accordingly. It's a pity to miss a fun to see because you didn't realize it was a few blocks away from the big attractions.

Eight days in Paris is a good amount if you plan out your itinerary. I agree with Donna - get a map of Paris, and from a guidebook(s), circle the sights you want to see. Make a list with opening/closing times (no sense going to the Louvre on Tuesday), then plan your daily itineraries, sticking to one or two neighborhoods rather than hotfooting it back and forth across the city. Build in downtime for strolling, wandering, and idling at cafes. Save time by buying a Carte des Musees (bypass the lines at major sights), and either a metro pass or carnets (no waiting in line to buy a ticket each time, or scrambling for coins to buy from the machines). I write my itineraries on looseleaf notebook paper, then carry each day's with me; I include metro info and the addresses/serving times of restaurants (I usually just find a restaurant along the way, but if I don't happen upon one, I have at least a couple on which to fall back). <BR> <BR>And, as virtually everyone has noted, don't worry if you miss stuff. The Eiffel Tower will be there for a while; the kite flying competition won't.