I never heard that Budapest is called Paris of the East (as Caroline said),and I does not think that they are similar.

Bucharest was called the 'little Paris', it has an Arc Triumph and a big boulevard (named Sosea) similar with Champ Elisee.
But for sure I can not recommend to go to Bucharest instead of Paris!

You already received a lot of suggestions; there are many beautiful and interesting cities in Europe, but sorry, I can not tell you 'go to X, Y or Z instead Paris', because Paris is unique.
By the way, you does not like Rome, or you already visited it and now you want to see another city?

Ira."Partner is overdosed on Paris..
Nonsense." I agree but he's one of those who wants to go somewhere different every time..
Thanks for the ideas I will have to see for myself about Lyon...I get the impression it is kinda similar to Paris but just in the center for the most part...Dijon would be better?
wow, everyone likes Prague...

It's made my wonder why I like Paris so much...She is a feminine city...so charming to look at... lots of parks....lots to do ...I think it is the bakeries!!! really.Panera is just not cutting it.

No, I think I'm looking for that culture that values the good things in life...The other cities mentioned are nice for different reasons....

And here I thought Saigon was the "Paris of the East!!"

Last year we were in Lisbon and one guide book described it as the new Paris. This year we were in Prague and someone said it was the "Paris of Eastern Europe". Recently I was researching a trip to Buenos Aries and, you guessed it, it was referred to as the "Paris of South America"!

I am thinking that if your travel partner is looking for something different then you sould not be tring to recreate Paris. So many great cities out there, pick one of the suggestions and explore.

For what it is worth I think you would enjoy Prague too.

If I couldn't go back to Paris, which I love almost as much as I love my partner, I would head for Barcelona and, if not there, then New York. Those three cities would keep me happy forever...

I would go with Vienna, Positano/Capri.

Hi A,

Vienna or Venice?

How about Nice? Just got back from a three week vacation in France, started in Paris and ended in Nice. Having known nothing about Nice, I was so pleasantly surprised- I can hardly wait to go back. Though I don't think you'd consider it a Paris wannabe city.

For other cities in France, I would go with Lille, Marseille or Toulouse.

London.

It is more current and more vibrant than Paris right now. If you haven't been in, say 5 years, you will be astonished at how different it feels. The people are optimistic. The restaurant scene is amazing. And there is enough history, art, and culture to keep you occupied for weeks or months.

Prague or Budapest would be considerations for me, as well.

I have been touting the idea that Barcelona is the new Paris. Not quite, but it is pretty close. As I wander the city I constantly make comparisons and on several scores Barcelona even comes out on top--just not on the issue of endlessly interesting places to see and streets to walk. Paris still scores on that point.

Amsterdam - Amsterdam - Amsterdam!
And i'm flying to Prague 9 days from today (just had to share :) :) :))

Another vote for Nice. Lots to see in town and with good transportation options for daytrips along the Cote d'Azur. Not to speak of the little Train des Pignes back into the hilly Nice hinterlands. Investigating the cuisine Nicoise is interesting too.

I know this is the Europe board but ---- Buenos Aires.

I don't get all the "Paris of the _____ claims." Paris is unique and other cities have their own charm. Buenos Aries has a European flavor with the tango beat. If your partner is overdosed on Paris, another European city may not excite, but South America might.

I would go to Amsterdam, Venice, Capri.

Again, not Europe but, how 'bout Montreal?

When I saw your title Lyon was the first place that came to mind. I think it's a wonderful place. It's very elegant, has much to see and is easier to handle than Paris. Vieux Lyon is wonderful. If you want to wander away for a couple of days, it's only 2 hours by train to Lake Geneva.

Thanks Grass ....I'm definately going to consider Lyon, Amsterdam. Barcelona and Prague!!!! and I want to hit Marseilles and Toulouse when I get south.

Don't think like that, or you'll be disappointed where ever you go! I know because I've done that, and it almost ruined Prague for me.

I had dreamed about Prague (after seeing some beautiful scenes on TV) for 10 years before finally getting to go. It was every every bit as gorgeous as in the books, but for a good half of my trip I wasn't able to enjoy it because in the meantime I had discovered Paris, and that just wasn't Paris. Only toward the end of the week, when I gave up comparing, was I finally able to appreciate Prague for its own beauty.

But to answer your question-- my "next favorite Paris wannabe city"-- New York.

I've always gotten a kick out of how any city with so much as a 20 foot long canal calls itself "the Venice of ________".