My mother is taking me to Paris at the end of May to celebrate my 30th birthday. We have both been before (separately), but many years ago. We had very different previous experiences: I backpacked through Europe during summers off of university and she travelled with my dad. So, between us we have seen the "major" sights.

I would like to return to my favourite galleries - Musee D'Orsay, Pampadoo Centre, etc., but we are not looking to only "sightsee". I don't want to run around like a lunatic - I have a 1 year old at home, work full-time in a high stress job etc - I need some time to decompress. I would like to spend time shopping, and just walking around the different neighbourhoods.

What did I probably miss the first time in Paris that I should do this time around? Where should we shop, go for lunch, people-watch? I am also looking for some suggestions of things a little off the beaten path. I am really looking forward to sharing this experience with my mom - we've never travelled like this together.

Thank you in advance for your help and suggestions!

Have you decided where you are staying? that info would probably get you some good recommendations for cafe sitting / lunches / people watching. There is a plethora of options.

You might want to explre / stroll the Promenade Plantee - an old railline now made into a trail running for quite a ways thru some nice residential areas. The Canal St. Martin is another nice option.

I came across this old post a while ago that has some wonderful ideas for just strolling through and enjoying Paris.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...o-in-paris.cfm

That older post is amazing! Thank you so much for reposting.

I should have mentioned we are looking at staying at the "Hotel St. Germain". Any thoughts?

Also, we will have 4 days in Paris (excluding travel days)

rsn, is that the Agora St. Germain, by any chance? What is the address? I'm in the midst of researching hotels for our trip in July/aug.

It's the hotel St. Germain des Pres on Rue du Bac. I have attached the web-site link below.

http://www.hotel-saint-germain.fr/uk/index.php

It was recommended by a friend. Have heard the rooms are a bit small (but they all are), but a great location.