Must see/do for a first time solo trip to Paris.
 

I have 2 days to explore Paris on my own. Any suggestions. There are a few of the basics that I'm definately going to do, but not thrilled about doing it alone.

Any suggestions.

S.

Hi SC,

Have you looked at the minguide to Paris under "destinations"?

((I))

The miniguides are right here on the Fodor's website. Here's Paris:

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...tion=paris@117

Also, here are some self guided walking tours from a helpful poster here on the Europe board:

Notre Dame and Islands
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34454939

Latin Quarter
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34454229

St Germain and Shopping
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34454443

Marais, Shopping, Eating
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34454657

Right Bank, Shopping, Eating
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34455303

The Passages
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34455833

Parc Monceau and Grands Boulevards
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34455870

Montmartre
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34456501

If you only have two days and want to see some of the key sites such as the Musee D'Orsay or Louvre, I highly recommend buying the carte musee, a 1, 3 or 5 day museum pass. The pass allows you to skip the long lines outside these major tourist sites and gives you priority access- a key time saver for such a short trip. See the site at
http://www.discoverfrance.com/gotoparis/musee.html. We used it when my mom came over and were really happy we had bought it.

Chef huh? Was once a dream of mine!Well, get a copy of this month's Travel & Leisure. One of the cooking schools is having a "class" just for lunch!! The teacher's are some of the finest chefs in Paris (they apparently are taking turns doing this...)
Perhaps it is mentioned on the website.
I adored being in Paris alone. Plan on lots of cafe stops and wine...
When you going? Where are you going to stay?

Consider taking a walk with Paris Walks (http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pariswalking/). Not only do they do a good job, but, if you're not thrilled about being on your own, it would be a way to spend a couple of hours in the company of other people.

I'd suggest a hotel in a very central location. Then just pick up a free street map and take off walking to see the major sites... I'd include Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries, Luxembourg Gardens, St Chappelle. Stop for a glass of wine along the way in sidewalk cafes, grab a great sandwich from a bakery and have a picnic in a park. It will be big fun and no problem doing it solo. Enjoy!

If I had only two days, the things that I absolutely would not miss are Ste. Chapelle, the Impressionists at the Musee D'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens a walk around the outside of Notre Dame and the Tuilleries with a quick stop at the Louvre to see the Winged Victory.

I suggest that you put the name 'degas' into the search box and read ALL of his Paris walks !
Once you are there, you will find that you will just wander and explore and discover on your own, it is wonderful :)

If your goal is "drive-by shootings" of famous monuments rather than wandering on foot, your best bet is probably a do-it-yourself bus tour (covers the same real estate as the commercial tours at 20% of the price).

<b>http://www.frommers.com/cgi-bin/[email protected]^[email protected]/6</b>

Great Info!! Bookmarking

Try a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours. I took the evening ride last September and it was a blast. It's a good way to meet fellow travelers too.

http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/

P.S. IMO, Paris is the perfect place to explore on your own. I know not everybody enjoys solo travel, but if you have to do it, Paris is the place to be.