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-   -   Only 3 Days in Paris (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/only-3-days-in-paris-66023/)

mark Mar 21st, 2000 04:13 PM

Only 3 Days in Paris
 
First time visit to Paris will be a short one. Please help on 'must sees'.

steve Mar 21st, 2000 05:55 PM

You will surely get lots of various opinions on this question, but I'll be the first to offer one. <BR>I would take a city tour the first morning in Paris. This will give you an overview and help you get your bearings. <BR>The Louvre is pretty much a must-see for anyone with even a slight interest in art. The Musee D'Orsay has the most wonderful collection of impressionist art that you're likely to ever see. <BR>Notre Dame is not only beautiful but legendary so another must see. <BR>The daytime lines at the Eiffel Tower might take up too much of your time, but lines are usually not as bad in the evenings. <BR>A boat tour on the Seine is fun and gives you a different perspective of the city. <BR>Do lots of walking-just walking around the neighborhoods is a definate must. <BR>I would also suggest you do lots of research. There are tons of books and websites with great info on Paris and you can determine which things are of most interest to you.

Bob Brown Mar 21st, 2000 06:21 PM

I agree fully Steve's cogent assessment. <BR>Paris is unique in that it is a city that can almost be all things to virtually all people. I read through 5 guide books and asked a ton of questions before my trip last September. <BR>People tend to answer based on what they found interesting. For example, I loved a concert at Ste. Chapelle and enjoyed a performance of Turandot at the Opera Bastille. I told one friend of mine that and he said "Yikes, what a waste of money!!" So decide what part of Paris you want to see. There is a lot there. <BR>Some people have fun just strolling around; others want to hit every museum they can, and still others feel like they must blow $500 or so at the Lido. <BR> <BR>I can chime in IF you like art. <BR>Visit the Louvre, but don't forget Musee Marmottan if you like Monet, and Musee d'Orangerie for more Monet and others. <BR>And, Steve has already characterized the Musee d'Orsay. <BR>One suggestion that I find somewhat amusing was made by one of the regular contributors, who, I gather, is a Parisian, or at least a native Frenchman. He says if you want a view over the city go to the top floor of the Montparnasse Tower. That way you can get a high view of Paris, see the Eiffel Tower in all of its splendor and, the best part of all, you can NOT see that hideously ugly Montparnasse Tower because you are standing on it!! (Well, its not that ugly! But if you don't see it, you will not miss it!) <BR> <BR>But, again, it is your trip; so read the books and ask questions. I think it is important to design a trip to meet your own vision of what a Paris visit should contain. Ask specific questions here, and you will get good answers because this forum has many regular and articulate contributors who know Paris very well! <BR>

dan woodlief Mar 21st, 2000 06:24 PM

Eiffel Tower, especially view from Palais de Chaillot terrace <BR>boat ride on Seine <BR> <BR>Ste. Chapelle <BR> <BR>Louvre <BR> <BR>Musee d'Orsay <BR> <BR>walk along Quais <BR> <BR>Notre-Dame <BR> <BR>Champs Elysees around Arc de Triomphe <BR>at least one park - Luxembourg Gardens or Tuileries <BR> <BR>Place de la Concorde <BR> <BR>eat a good meal <BR> <BR>just wander around <BR> <BR>Napoleon's tomb in Les Invalides <BR> <BR>You might want to check other similar posts from recent weeks, such as Paris in 4 days, for other ideas <BR>

elaine Mar 22nd, 2000 04:49 AM

If you would like to look at my Paris sightseeing notes, feel free to email me. Have a great trip.

lin delamaine Mar 22nd, 2000 10:21 AM

Very simple - WALK. Everywhere. Do not go inside anything but purchase the 11 Great Walks in Paris (Fodors or Frommers) and follow them. We did three each day (yes, we were exhausted) and saw wonderful things. If you see one thing you must go to the Jewish Monument behind Notre Dame. It made us both cry and there was not a soul there. All you need to do is walk and people watch. The Louvre is best seen at 11pm when the lights are on.

Dick Mar 22nd, 2000 12:50 PM

Your are getting sound advice from previous persons. Also suggest you check out reference guides as mentioned and partition your days there. We did Effiel Tower early-mid morning and crowds were almost non-existent when there in June of 1998 (World Cup soccer fans and all). Could have spent more time at the Louvre and wished we had been able to take in the gardens at Palace of Versailles. Do suggest you get a good reference book like Fodors and plan what you would like to see based on descriptions and interests. We were on escorted tour otherwise I would like to have visited the Jewish Monument behind Notre Dame. Have a great trip. Dick

Sherri Mar 22nd, 2000 01:33 PM

We usually just spend three days in Paris. Buy the Carte Musees et Monuments (three days for less than $25.00 US). With this "Paris Museum Pass" you get unlimited visits to City and State owned museums. You do not have to buy tickets or stand in line. You can purchase the pass (pay with a credit card) at the airport tourist office, the Paris tourist office, major metro stations, and at any museum that is included. <BR> <BR>The pass covers more than museums. In addition to the Louvre, d'Orsay, Rodin Museum, it covers the towers at Notre Dame, the Arch de Triomphe, St. Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Invalides (Napoleon's tomb), the sewers, Versailles, and so much more. About the only things not covered are the Eiffel Tour, Marmatton, and the boat on the Seine. It pays for itself after four or five admissions. Best of all - if you just want to pop in the Picasso Museum, stop at the Louvre for one more peek at Mona, or go to d'Orsay every day, you can. <BR> <BR>Get up early, stay out late, organize your day, and you can see so much. <BR> <BR>

elvira Mar 22nd, 2000 02:02 PM

elvira's down'n'dirty, no rest for the weary, Paris in three days: <BR> - I don't know which days of the week you're in Paris, so you'll have to match the days to what's open - <BR> <BR>Day: Louvre at 9:00, lunch at noon at cafe Marly; metro to Pere LaChaise Cemetery until 4; cafe; Bateau Mouche; dinner at 7; Eiffel Tower; crawl to hotel and collapse <BR> <BR>Day: Notre Dame at 8:30; Musee d'Orsay at 9:30; lunch at noon; Les Invalides until 3; Rodin Museum until 4:45. You're in the 7th; wander; check out fancy doorways, look in churches. Have dinner about 7; see previous day for final instruction. <BR> <BR>Day:Versailles at 9; lunch at noon; Ste Chapelle at 2:30; cafe and wander along Seine for bouquinistes; Sacre Coeur and Monmartre from 5:30 til 7; dinner; fall down dead. <BR> <BR>If you have any energy in the evenings, then wander the little streets south of the Seine, east of Boul'Mich (5th); there are jazz clubs in this area if you REALLY can stay awake. <BR> <BR>Now, if you were to ask for "what would really give me the feel of why everyone raves about Paris...", well, that's a whole nother cuppa.

Bob Brown Mar 22nd, 2000 05:15 PM

Mark: A lot of what you do depends on your stamina. Me, I get a shot of adrenalin from Paris and London, and Switzerland, if the sun is shining. <BR>Can't wait to get up into those hills. <BR>But I have had my quota of high altitude sleet storms!! Nothing like wind-driven tiny ice pellets at 8,000 feet! But, I will be ready this year! I have Goretex gloves and a cap with a longer bill to keep the stuff out of my face.

Tom Mar 22nd, 2000 06:47 PM

Boat tour (take the ones which leave by the Pont Neuf with the live guide) is a great way to see the city. Loved d'orangerie and just walking everywhere. would make a list of what you would like to see, but play it by ear. my style is to see what feels right rather than try and pack in everything and be too exhausted to enjoy it. Motto: you can always go back!! <BR> <BR>Most unusual site we saw which was creepy but fascinating: the catacombs.

Caitlin Mar 23rd, 2000 07:57 AM

Just a note, since a couple of posts recommended the Musee de l'Orangerie: it is cloaed all this year for renovation. One less decision to make, I guess. On the other hand, I assume the previous posters visited Paris during the past few years, when the Centre George Pompidou (the Beaubourg), and its Musee National d'Art Moderne, was closed for renovation. It's reopened now, and is definitely a destiniation (even if you don't go to the museum).


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