Only 2 days in Paris....
 

My boyfriend and I are thrilled to visit Paris in April but sadly, we don't have much time. Only 2 days (and 2 nights). So, we're wondering which 2 restaurants to go to, which 2 cultural events (ballet?), which boat ride? And the big question, where to stay? I'm guessing some place in Champs-Elysees? Someone suggested The Concorde Ambassador, but I was trying to find a cozy French hideout instead. Any thoughts would be wonderful in planning what we hope will be a dream vacation! Thanks!!

If cozy is what you're seeking, I would steer clear of the Champs-Elysées. Get a copy of this month's National Geographic Traveler Magazine and check out their excellent selection of 22 charming hotels in Paris for under $100 a night. For a first trip to Paris, you'll probably want to be fairly centrally located - the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th arrondissements would be suitable.As for restaurants, what's your budget? Do you want to dine like kings or eat well but at modest price? Certainly take a bâteaux-mouche ride, preferably at night when the city is illuminated. And go for the major sites - Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle....and some shopping, of course.

Good advice above. I cannot add much to it. <BR>I think you need to asses one critical point. Are you two lovers of art? <BR>If no, then read no farther. <BR>If yes, then you need to decide if you want to venture into the Louvre. That could shoot a whole day, which means that you will not see something else. <BR>If you like the art of the Impressionist Period, then I strongly recommend the Musee d'Orsay. It is a very good museum and the principal paintings can be viewed in about 4 hours. <BR>You will not be able to tarry at many paintings, but it can be done without major sacrifice. <BR>The Rodin Museum is a good one, too. <BR>Some of it is outside, so if it raining, which happens a lot in April in Paris, it may not be the best bargain. <BR>For culture, look for a concert at Ste. Chapelle. That way you could hear music and see one of the wonders of the Middle Ages at the same time. Those stained glass walls at Ste. Chapelle are in a class by themselves.

Thanks for the advice! We do love art, and I've done the Louvre as a teen a bit back, so I'd love to seek out the smaller galleries. As for the restaurant q, we definitely want to eat like Kings, so I'm guessing cheap is out. I wonder what area we should stay in if we want cozy? I like the bohemian idea of the left bank, but it may not be accessible to the major sites. Thanks again for all your input StCirq and bob!!!

The Left Bank isn't relly any less accessible to the sights than the Right - it's got the Tour Eiffel, Les Invalides, Musée Rodin, Musée d'Orsay, many of the most famous old bistros and cafés, etc. I'm partial to the 7th arrondissement, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend that to first-timers. You'll probably enjoy the 5th or 6th, where you can really be "in the thick of things" and within easy distance of most sights.

Hi Molly: <BR>After this short trip you'll be looking forward to your next vacation to Paris. <BR>You can eat like kings and not spend a fortune. There are so many lovely restaurants and cafes to choose from. <BR>I agree with Bob about Musee D'orsay. Small and elegant. <BR>Be sure to take some time to just sit in a cafe, drink coffee or wine and just watch the City of Paris go by you. Definitely take a cruise on the Seine especially in the evening. Stroll after dinner. I'd save the ballet for your next visit. <BR>Stay away from the Champs...too many other choices for places to stay! <BR>Enjoy your trip!

Like Molly my husband and I will be in Paris for 2 days/nights.Thanks for the sight suggestions.I also need some restaurant/bistro suggestions that have great food and best represent traditional charm and character. <BR> <BR>Thanks,Christine

How about Hotel Verneuil? It's in the 7eme snuggled up against the 6eme. You are walking distance from the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Notre Dame and shopping and restaurants galore!

I am going to butt in again with another one of my observations. I have found that if you are in one of the Arrondissements numbered less than 8, you are ok location wise. If a bus or Metro station is close by, travel time is minimal. I often would walk a ways just to see and hear the sights and sounds of Paris. Little surprises in architecture, people's behavior, shops, and historic locations have a way of popping up unexpectedly. On a two day trip you may not have time to do much lingering. But I have learned to prefer the bus to the Metro so I can gaze out of the window. <BR>Last year one of the funniest events of my life took place when we were walking along the Champ de Mars. A young hot shot on a skate board banged into this lady in front of us. She unleased a stream of Gallic invective that was wonderful. I could not understand much of what she said, the the meaning was crystal clear. Then she kicked the kid's skate board down the steps. <BR>Good thing the river was not within range, or that young fellow would have been minus one skate board. <BR>I have heard it said that the French have spirit; othes have an attitude. <BR>Perhaps. <BR>

Bob: That skateboarding story is hilarious. I'm still torn btwn the Champs Elysees and St. Germaine, 6th area. Only because I have friends from two schools of thought who are pushing me in diff. directions. The truth is, I just want to eat a chocolate croissant, check out Van Gogh at the M. Dorsay, and the kiss at Rodin, and stroll into a few bread/wine stores. Then walk along the seine. So I'm thinking of the hotel relais medicis near the Luxembourg gardens. Now it's down to the restaurants....

We are arriving from Charlotte Sunday morning the 1st for a short visit before heading to Bruges. We will visit the Louvre after lunch and our plan is to see only one or two sections rather than trying to jump around. Back to the hotel@6:00,chill for a bit, then dinner(havent decided where yet)and a cruise on the Seine. Monday a.m., hop on the Metro to the Musee d'Orsay for a few hours, lunch, then on to Notre Dame and a stroll through Ile St Louis to a legendary ice cream shop called Berthillon. Then late day espresso for second wind, dinner somewhere in Latin Quarter. I know we are missing a lot, but we have a day and a night on the return to relax and spend time people watching at a cafe. Phew... We will report on our experiences in Paris, Bruge, and Amsterdam when we get back to the states...