Actually, the Aix TGV station you'll take from Paris & to Nice is way outside of Aix. You'll need a bus or taxi to get you into town.

Stu Dudley

>>Stars do really mean that much<<

Oops -- that meant to say >>Stars <red><B>don't</B></red> really mean that much.<<. But you gave us your budget so all's good.

Your budget is pretty low for ' 3 and 4 star' hotels.

You need to be careful renting apartments -- they are cracking down on holiday lets in Paris.

>>ps: I think you are cutting your time in Paris way too short<<

>>4 nights too short - why - the average tourist I think has enough with three days - what would you recommend a week in Paris - at the expense of what other place. No IME 4 nights in Paris is abut right. You do not have to spend a week in everyplace to do it justice - you could spend weeks but 3 days in Paris for the average tourist will be enough IME.<<

I think what I think - and you think what you think. Your opinion is simply different.

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris. A So shoot me.

Thanks Stud.

Also looking for good apartments in prime Paris locations near the metro and in good location close to restaurants and essentials.

For Paris prime locations can increase the budget to Euro 150 per night.

Thanks

>>Also looking for good apartments in prime Paris locations near the metro and in good location close to restaurants and essentials.<<

As before >>You need to be careful renting apartments -- they are cracking down on holiday lets in Paris.<< Many are illegal.

>>Thanks Stud.<<

Only my wife is allowed to call me that.

Stu Dudley

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris. A So shoot me.>

Just presenting an opposing opinion that 4 days for most is enough - you recommend more and that's yes your call.

Just that with nine days and they wanting to see Provence and Nice I think 4 days would be enough or even one too many perhaps - how 3, 3 and 3 - actually I would decide on either Provence or Nice - there is one travel day to consider as well and do 4 in Paris and 4 in Nice and one day to travel.

Sorry Stu Dudley. My apologies

Dear Stu Dudley,

I happen to check Windsor Hotel Nice which is quite good but Hotel Pigonnet at Aix little expensive. Can you suggest something else in Aix? Thanks

Also, still not finalized Paris accommodation. If apartments are not advisable please suggest some good hotels near Eiffel or arc De Troimphe, etc

Thanks

Here's my 2 cents worth from the 5 days we just spent in Paris.

125 Euro won't buy you much in the way of accommodation . Spend another 50 and you'll have somewhere decent to stay.
All of the arrondissements are close enough - they are just a metro trip away from anything you want to see.

I was really surprised how many people advised us not to bother going up the Eiffel Tower. Yes, it's beautiful from the ground, especially from just near the Trocadero metro, but going to the top is pretty special. I hate heights and I'm really glad I went to the top. The online tickets were sold out when I tried too but I bought Viator tour tickets for a similar price and got to the front of the line and a very informative tour with them.

Please don't stick to your Champs/Arc area for a hotel. It isBORING--and probably expensive.

Hotels in Aix
www.viamichelin.com

Did you look at the Angleterre that I suggested for Paris? I think you will find staying in St Germain des Pres to be more interesting than near the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe.

Stu Dudley

In Paris, there is studio that we have used for the past 9 or 10 years. It is very reasonably priced.

Nadine Giblin
Studio 30 sqm Paris 9e near Montmartre
E-mail : [email protected]
Website : http://locationparis9.canalblog.com

I simply stated I think the OP is not spending enough time in Paris>

4 days not enough when OP is doing a 9-day trip and wants to see some of the real France outside of Paris - where would you cut and slash?

And just why is 4 days not enough - I am steadfast that 3 full days for the average tourist is about right - Paris can be fatiguing - not everyone wants to see every museums and church, etc.

4 months would be great if possible but on a 9- or 8-day trip why more than 4 days in Paris - leaving very little to do justice for anything else.

SO informative post for me.I have also planned for Europe trip but don't have an idea about hotels,which best places to visit and food accomodations.Thanks to all who have given reply.

Concur with PalenQ on time in Paris--first time, we spent three full days there (out of a 17 day trip) and felt that was enough. This time, we're planning a week plus a couple of days at Chantilly. But three days the first time was sufficient to get a feel for the city.

Paris grows on you, but you have to give it time to grow on you. I would not take more than three days (with one more for a day-trip to Versailles or elsewhere) in the amount of time you have on this trip.

Thanks for all your your replies.

Presently I cannot book Eiffel Tour tickets online through official website for around 25 May. Other than Viator and Easy Pass, do you have any cheaper tour operators for Eiffel Tour.

Can we do Versailles tour on our own? How to commute and the costs involved?

Also, for Seine River Cruise, from where to buy tickets? Same for paris city tour to visit all historical and important landmarks.

Other than above, Moulin and Cabaret Shows look expensive and not worth it.

I heard Paris looks beautiful in night. What landmarks other than Eiffel Tower should we explore after sunset?

Will appreciate your assistance as usual.

Thanks

rajesh--

You can easily do Versailles on your own, but be sure to buy tickets on-line in advance at this website so you don't have to stand in line: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

The website will tell you how to get there easily from central Paris via RER (the train). I would say that Versailles is one attraction that you should not be concerned about the cost of entry, as it is truly "priceless." Get the full ticket for all three things: Chateau, Petite Trianon, and the Gardens. The cost of the train out and back is modest.


Seine River Cruise: there are several. The one we took (after just walking up to the ticket office), was near the Pont d'Alma, but when we go to Paris again, we'll take Vedettes de Pont Neuf, because it goes completely around the Isle de la Cite rather than just on one side of it. You can buy tickets in advance, but you'll probably do better by walking up.

I concur in not seeing the shows you mention. If you're into classical music, you might want to see about attending the opera or a concert, which would be much less touristy than Moulin Rouge, etc.

Thanks for your mail.

About to set off for France in a few days.

I have 2 days in Robion provence and would like your assistance in finalizing sight seeing spots in provence.

I am arriving in Avignon and renting a car there .

Can you please help in suggesting must do things in provence.

Thanks again!

Start with this if you haven't a guide book:

http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/f...ovence/places/