Hello all -
Wife and I planning first trip to France. Would appreciate thoughts and input on Itinerary.

First two weeks May, 2008
One week in Paris
7 nights in Paris - lots to see...
would love hidden treasures?

One week in Provence.
3 nights in Arles and surrounds
3 nights in Isle sur la sorgue and surrounds and last night in Aix.

We'll have a car - special places?

Thanks so much
Greg

Hi Gregbo

We spent a week in Paris in May 06 . . . wasn't nearly long enough to see and do all that we wanted, so now we're planning another visit next year!

One unusual thing that we happened upon was a canal trip that takes you out of the main city centre, and explores the locks and underground areas of one of the canals.

Our hotel was able to make the booking for us, but if you take a look at the website you may be able to do this for yourselves.

We travelled from Parc de la Vilette back to the Seine - I think this is the more interesting way (rather than the reverse trip).

Just make sure that you allow yourselves plenty of time to get out to the park by train - we found that the park was such an interesting area that we could really have spent the morning exploring there, then done the canal trip back into Paris.
The website is www.pariscanal.com

There are also a number of great DIY walks on this website - just key in 'Paris walks' into the search bar. We did at least one of these each day; the info they give lets you know what to look out for, as well as the little 'gems' you discover on the way.

Happy travels, Di

Hi

My wife and I went to Paris in April last year. I have posted a trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm . Maybe you can find some useful info there to start with

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Hi G,

>...would love hidden treasures.

I'll let you in on these secrets if you promise not to tell anyone else.

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

100 Great Things to Do in Paris
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...mp;tid=1277898

Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34712768

Jacquemart-Andre’ Museum http://tinyurl.com/p9pol

Enjoy your visit.

Regarding your 3 nights in Arles and surrounds - special places?...

Les Baux and Pont du Gard were two of the highlights of our three week stay in Provence.

And your 3 nights in Isle sur la sorgue and surrounds - special places?...

Our favorites were Venasque, Joucas, Lacoste, Saignon, Seguret, Le Crestet and Brantes.

If you have a night that you want a special dinner in Paris, don't miss Les Ombres - atop the Musee de Quai Branly. Its just a few blocks from the Eiffel tower, and the whole restaurant is glass so the view is unbeatable. Not touristy feeling either - good food, great service, great sommolier, but will require an advanced reservation. Google it to see the website (or search within this forum) - you'll see the view Im talking about!

Thank you all!! -

I have lots more reading to do right here on Fodor's!

Any time spent in Cote de Rhone areas?

GB

Hopefully you only have the car for when you are in Provence. No need for car in Paris area, nor for getting to Provence.

That being said...what are your particular interests? Might help to dig up those treasures

Have a look at the threads suggested here, and look at the Fodor City Guide on this site. Seven days...maybe one day trip (Versailles or Chartres or Giverny for the gardens). I'd stick around Paris as you can fill your days quite nicely. Where are you staying?

We were in Paris in May '06. They are not hidden treasures, but we really liked the Jacquemart Andre and the Cluny Museums.

I also recommend a stop at Laduree on the Champs Elysee for macarons.

We went to Giverny for a day trip, and the wisteria was breathtaking.