Hi All,

My husband and I were on NWA.com and noticed their very low promotional fares for Paris. We have always wanted to go, and were thinking of going for Valentines Day, kind of a last hurrah before we start to focus on starting our family. The thing is, we have two destination weddings for friends this year that are sapping our vacation time. Therefore, we were looking at leaving for Paris on a Tuesday evening (arrive Wed. morning) and coming home on Sunday. So, we would in essence have 4 days there. My question for you seasoned Paris'ers is, is this enough time for a good trip? If so, what are your opinions on the things we should be sure to do and see in our shorter time there? Oh also, any idea what the weather would be like there in early/mid Feb.? Thanks so much for your help!
Julie

You can get full weather details under the history option on www.weather.com
Obviously, it will be cold and short daylight. If the flight price is very good (say, under $700), I don't see why you couldn't enjoy it.

if you look up my trip report, dh and I left tuesday before thanksgiving and returned that sunday - although there NEVER is enough time for Paris - we thought our four days were great - I say go for it!

Why not? What a memorable getaway for you two!

Hello, NY2005. I am completely biased, but if I were child-free, had the resources for a quick jaunt to Paris, and had a husband who would travel (mine does, but always protests and complains until he arrives wherever we're going), this would be a no-brainer. You will have a different experience than you would making this part of a longer, more leisurely trip, but really, it's PARIS.

What kinds of things do you like to do? There are a million 'must dos', and none, really, depending on your interests. On such a short trip I would not try to see the whole city...I might pick a few sights that I really wanted and divide my time between those and the nearest cafe. I would probably not even try to go outside the city (unless you have a really burning desire for a day trip to Versailles, but with only four days I would probably choose to just stay in town).

BTW, yes, I am planning to take my kids there someday, and I know we will have a delightful time, but I would not cross the Atlantic with them for a four-day excursion. Just want to clear that up. : )

The weather will not necessarily be great. I would expect temperatures in the 40s and a good probability of some rain or at least overcast weather. But that wouldn't stop me.

Four days in Paris is certainly better than four days at home dreaming of Paris.

Plan well what you want to see and do and select a hotel in a central location to those sights. Bring layers of clothing so as to be prepared for different weather scenarios.

Paris is a wonderfully romantic and beautiful city...what's not to enjoy?

I have gone to Paris for the same period and been very happy with the trip. Don't get the idea that you have to see everything, just plan the things that you want to do and see and you can have a great trip.

My first trip to Paris was just three nights (as part of a longer trip to Europe) and thinking back, I had a great overview and was able to see and do a lot in that time. It only fueled my desire to go back, and I've been back four times (including a two week stay).

I agree with the others that you are in an ideal situation to do this, especially if you've got a good fare and don't mind spending the airfare for less than a week's trip.

My only caution would be relative to the jet lag. Study up on how to minimize jet lag, as you want to acclimate as quickly as possible. (On my first trip, I had been in Europe already for a week, so this wasn't an issue.)

I'd also suggest beginning your stay in Paris (maybe your arrival day) with one of the overview bus tours. This is a great way to get a sense of the entire city and identify how you want to use the rest of your time.

Kathy

The first time I went to Paris it was in mid-February and one day was in the 60's and the next day it snowed. You can't plan on the weather here anymore than anyplace else I guess.

NY2005,

I have been here almost a year and a half, and there will never be enough time to do everything. I would strongly recommend you do it. Just plan a few things you really want to do/see, but be sure to leave yourself time to wander and just soak it all up.

I'll be looking forward to hearing what you decide. Don't worry about the weather -- it can change two or three times in a day, but we all seem to be able to get around.

Go for it...! I would plan on weather being quite chilly with good chances of rain, so I'd layer...sweaters, jackets, gloves, hats, scarves. I tend to buy an umbrella there (if it lasts its a nice momento).
If you two want to do the museum rounds, that you'll have to investigate as to what appeals to you. Of course, Paris has something for everyone from military stuff to modern art.
Otherwise, set aside time for long gazes into each other's eyes at cafes' and restaurants; kiss on bridges (search here and there are endless discussions of all price ranges of restaurants).
Also, we all have our favorite places to stay but for you two, I'd recommend the 1st through the 7th (as you're first timers).

Definitely do it! We have been for 3 nights, 4 nights, up to 7 nights and loved every trip. We have been twice in February. The first time the weather varied from cold to springlike. The second time, it snowed. You never know. But who cares about the weather, it's Paris.

Go for it, but I agree that you should do what you can to minimize jet lag. Can you sleep on a plane? (I'm sure it helps to not be traveling with children.) If I didn't have kids with me, I might try to take a sleeping pill, so as not to arrive so tired. If you do, please try out a pill before you leave, so you know how you will feel when you wake up.

Last hurray? Of course : do it!! I know Paris very well (live in France and am in Paris about 4 times per year) and my first advice is: do not try to see 30 things in 4 days. Pick some places that are not to be missed and enjoy them fully and save the rest for a later hurray!
Of course a hop on hop off bus tour may be interesting as they give lots of info and an overall impression.
I would pick one or 2 museums : The Louvre is a must of course (there is a Louvre museum official site) It is also open on some nights.
If you want to do another then pick the Quai'd'Orsay museum-beautifully redone (a former trainstation) for the impressionists.
Of course you will have to stroll on the Seine river banks and bridges and visit Notre Dame and the island in the Seine.
Try to plan your stay by half days. For instance morning right bank , afternoon Left etc.
Musts are:- Palais Royal with its beautiful garden and arcades (just next to the Louvre.
(A hotel near the Louvre would be perfect you can alsowalk over to the left bank from there.)
Of course Tour Eiffel and a bit of Champs Elysées.
Place Vendôme for its architecture and the most famous jewelry in the world
Etc etc etc .
On the left bank lots of small pittoresque streets around St Germain .
For shopping stroll down for luxurous (window)shopping 'Faubourg St Honoré'
you will cross Place Vendome and go on to the Madeleine Church. One day have coffee in the expensive but unique antique tearoom'La Durée' on Rue Royale (Madeleine)-also knows for its delicious Macarons
Dept stores: you will want to go to Galeries Lafayette (open at nights on Thursday) but although known by all the tourists : do not forget the next door 'Printemps' , perhaps better.
On the left bank le 'Bon March&eacute which means 'cheap' but it is in fact a luxury store - just beautiful and not so many people.
(Take the Metro to Rue du Bac, stroll down rue du Bac until you see Bonmarché after that continue by Rue ChercheMidi -lovely neighbourhood.
Go to a typical Parisian Brasserie for instance Le Grand Colbert (also near Louvre and Palais Royal and ask for a table in the centre.(This is where Diana Keaton and Jack Nichols were having dinner in the movie.( Always book well ahead the general rule is that Paris is always crowded everywhere.)You will love it. On the left bank for instance : le Petit Zinc To complete it all do go one evening to the Lido and see the show, a real Parisian revue with the Bluebell girls. They have of course an English website and you can book on-line. I know they have a special Valentine menu but that is perhaps only more expensive. You can do dinner and show or show only and prices vary with different menus, late evening shows without dinner are always cheaper.
This is a unique Paris thing which you should do once in a lifetime.
There are many reasonably priced hotels.
Start booking! I think I must stop all my info but I love Paris so much myself!
A last tip for lunch try a wine bar of the (small) chain l'Ecluse (there are 5 one at Madeleine, one on Quai de Seine etc.
You will come back completely exhausted and broke but happy I am sure!

Just to top the thread..!

Four days in Paris is certainly better than no days in Paris!

DH and I took our first (and only) trip to Paris in November 2005. We only had 4 days but had a great time. We decided to pace ourselves and went with knowing that we would go back. This helped keep us from feeling too rushed. We did tons of walking and sightseeing and had an overall fabulous time.

Tracy

ivee has some wonderful suggestions, but it would take weeks to do it all.
don't race around ( you may be jet-lagged),see the sites ( forget about spending hours in museums), sit in cafes, have lovely dinners and ( if the weather is o.k.) walk by the river ( boat cruise is nice too) .

Good place to stay is 6th arrond. near 7th.

for our four day trip this past november, we stayed at

Best Western Trocadero - 3 Avenue Raymond-Poincare, Paris, FR-75116

for 83 E a night - great room with a view of the Tour Eiffel - would stay there again in a heartbeat.

I think it sounds great- Paris is easy to get around, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, and 4 days will be plenty of time to see and get the feel for Paris. My first trip to Paris was for three days and I definitely felt like I had a good experience - last year we went for a week.

Paris is a great walking city. I also have been to the Louvre twice and have determined that it is my least favorite musuem that I have ever been to and I was an art history major. Too big and dreary for me and just too overwhelming. I also dislike the Pompedou - although I like George's restaurant and the outdoor space. I loved the Picasso Museum, D'Orsay (yes), Cluny, and the Rodin. I also love just walking around the Islands, the Marais, Luxembourg Garden, Sacre Couer, Eiffel Tower...plan a boat ride on the Seine in the evening - very lovely. We did a walking tour of Montemarte and that was really a lot of fun. I loved Montemarte because I thought the Place du Terte was right out of an old movie or Epcot -although it was just perfectly so touristy and fun. Dress warm, drink cafe or chocolate or wine and you'll have a wonderful time.
My family is going to Rome in February and we have a 45 minute connection in Paris on our way home so we're counting on a possible night in Paris!

Well, of course you have to go! And I would stay in the 1st, 4th, 6th or the area on the border of 6 & 7. Get as central as you can to maximize time.

You will have a wonderful time.