First trip to Paris
 

We will have a three day stop in Paris in late August and since it will be our very first trip to France we would love some suggestions for EVERYTHING. Hotels, things not to miss, river cruise, restaurants, anything you have experienced and loved. I trust you all. We will also be traveling with my sister and brother in-law who have been before, but will be happy to hear some new suggestions. Thanks....Merci

With all due respect it seems to me that maybe if you did a search for Paris on the board and glean some things from that you could come back with more pertinent needs. We have no idea of your budget, if you like to shop, if you like museums, etc.

Here are my must-do's

Saint Chapelle - more beautiful than Notre Dame
Musee d'Orsay - far more interesting then the Louvre
Shopping in the Marais!!
and...

dinner at the Buddha bar!

http://www.mcdougalladventures.com/f...ris-buddha-bar

have a brilliant time. Paris is wonderful.

Although I have never stayed there (nor even set foot in it), surely the hotel to recommend is the Four Seasons Hôtel George V.

But take a look at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34714131

We'll appreciate a report back. Curious to know if they are acting apologetic or repentant there, in any way.

Best wishes,

Rex

Sainte-Chapelle is a must-see, but you absolutely must see it on a sunny day, at just the right time. The right time depends on the time of year and is when the sun streams through the magnificent stained-glass windows in the upper chapel.

It is an unforgettable sight that you will have forever, burned into your memory.

Oh sorry - I forgot my hotel recommendation. Hotel Lutetia...old world glorious France.

http://www.mcdougalladventures.com/f...-hotel-lutetia

Hi B,

You might want to look up Paris under "destinations".

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

>Hotels, ... restaurants..<

What's your budget?

((I))

Yes, I second the recommendation of the Hotel Lutetia!

It's where we stayed for our honeymoon. It's a beautiful, classic hotel in a great location of the Left Bank. It's at 45 boulevard Raspail. metro: Sevres-Babylone.

You will get much better information if you do a little research first, and then come back with specific questions -- and not all in one thread.

Otherwise, you'll just get the same old stuff we recommend over and over -- without knowing anything about you or your budget.

this is my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...fish&fid=2

No, virginiafish, that's a search of all your posts.

Here is your trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34671899

You'll be there at a time when every self-respecting French person who has the least little bit of a chance to do so will have left Paris - all of France is on vacation for all of August, and Parisians leave the city in droves.

So if you see some "Closed" signs, perceive a lack of staff in some places and sense an imbalance between the number of tourists and of natives, that'll be why.

Rent the old Jacques Tati comedy "Les Vacances de Mr. Hulot" - The vacations of Mr. Hulot, it's ancient but even then (in the '50s?) the exodus from Paris at the beginning of August was intense. It's a very funny "holiday" movie, a classic really.

Enjoy

WK

I have a long file on Paris; if you'd like to see it and if your email inbox will accept large attachments, email me at
[email protected]

I do recommend that you spend an hour in a bookstore and choose a guidebook and a map to bring with you and to plan beforehand.

One simple suggestion before leaving Paris after an afternoon of sightseeing.

Bring 2 plastic cups, a plastic knife and a corkscrew with you from home, buy a French red wine (Bourgogne or Bordeau) a baguette, and maybe some Camambert or Chevre cheese. Then at dusk take an evening cruise (Bateau Muesse, Port Alma)on the Seine for 7 euros each , sitting up top, feasting all the senses on the beauty of Paris!.

So simple yet one of the best memories my wife and I have from the first month living in Paris of our 3+ year stay.

Many thanks to all for your help. I realize it would seem logical to first do some research, however, my experience has been to do both ask Fodorites and research their suggestion. So far this system is working. I checked out the Lutetia Hotel and it seemed wonderful except the price was a bit high. I have realized it will be impossible to stay in a good area and in realative comfort for under $200 per night. I have come across a hotel or chain that are called Timhotel and I wonder if anyone is familiar with them? Also here's a list of other hotels: Hotel Sully Saint Germain, Hotel Verneuil and Hotel Saint Merry.

I would love to visit the usual sites but I also appreciate your input such as Sainte-Chapelle, etc.

What are your thoughts about the Moulin rouge, Lido or other theatre attractions?

Again, many thanks and keep the suggestions coming!

Bogger, if you like the Hotel Lutetia, try aavacations.com, as American Airlines has a great air-and-hotel package for this hotel. That's how my husband and I were able to afford such a luxurious hotel as the Lutetia for our honeymoon. I don't know how AA does it, but they have the best deals for Paris.

Well after doing some research on trip advisor, I've decided I don't really think Hotel Sully, Verneuil nor Saint Merry will be on my list. How about Hotel royal Saint Michel? Any information or experience ?