Hi artzyjen,

Paris at the end of March is a wonderful time to visit! The weather will be nice, and you'll beat the later spring crowds...

I'm not too familiar with the museum passes, so I can't be much help there. Pick something that will offer flexibility. If you're interested in truly experiencing the city, you don't want to make yourself feel like you have to get your money's worth out of a pass if you stumble upon unexpected finds...

While I have done all the touristy things in Paris, I prefer seeing somewhat "off the beaten path" stuff. Here are my recommendations:

-Ile St. Louis is great for exploring. It's not too big, and it's one of the most upscale places for Parisians to live. There a lots of little shops and cafes to explore and it's right in the center of Paris.

-the Marais (4th arrondissement) is a lovely quarter just to walk around in. Find a good walking tour in a guidebook, or just get lost.

-Not off the beaten track, but often overlooked is Sainte-Chapelle. It's right across the street from Notre Dame, yet I'm shocked at how many people see Notre Dame and not Sainte-Chapelle. In my humble opinion, it's much prettier and more interesting!

Hope this helps...

artzyjen,
You don't need to purchase a special Versailles pass if you already have the Paris Museum Pass, as it's included on there. As for seeing Paris, I would suggest a couple of things...the Batobus -- www.batobus.com -- and Paris Walks -- http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pariswalking/.
Sandy

Visit Petit Palais, it's a great museum and underseen. Also visit Tulieres and Luxembourg gardens and Place Des Vosges.

Thanks so much for the wealth of information! I think I will only get the two day museum pass and spend the rest of the time enjoying the city at my leisure. While I intend on spending a good amount of time at the Louvre, Pompidou and D'Orsay for the two days I have the museum pass, I definitely plan on exploring the city on my own. I barely know any French, but I intend on learning a few more important phrases before I go.

I will try my luck at the rail. I think I'm too scared to drive the rental car my husband offered to get me. The walking tours definitely sound interesting... I think I'll try to do at least one of those. Does anyone have an idea of a large market square with rows of 17th century style shops (I think it might be relatively close to Notre Dame)? (I have a family connection to it. My grandparents and my mother and uncle lived in Europe in the 50's and 60's and traveled to Paris frequently. This square was my grandmother's favorite place and she gave me a painting of it -she bought from a street painter. She's no longer living but I would really like to surprise my Mother with a photograph of the square as it is now.)

I second the Sainte-Chapelle. Be sure to go when the sun is bright so that the windows will shine. It is the most impressive display of stained glass anywhere.

For photography, almost anywhere is an opportunity. There is a wonderful view of the Seine from the bridge that crosses the Seine touching the tip of the Isle St. Louis. Also, consider paying to go to the top of the Tour Montparnasse around 11pm with a chance to shoot illuminated Paris.

Enjoy yourself!

Try Rick Steves Paris tour book the info is great for you even if you are alone in the city. Have fun and enjoy