Only 8 hrs. in Paris
 

We will have an 8 hr. layover in Paris. What should we see and do in that short time?

If it is the first time, I would suggest a trip on the "bateau-mouche" on the Seine River. You have an overview of the city from a pleasant angle, and it is not to tiring if you are between planes. <BR>Then depending on your tasyes and hobbies, you can select one museum (louvre,Orsay,...), or monument, or just walk and have a drink on a "terrasse" in the latin quarter, champs elysees, or go shopping in the Grands Magasins. <BR> <BR>

I'm assuming that, since you're asking what to do, that there isn't anything in particular that you've always dreamed of seeing or doing in Paris. If that's the case, then I wouldn't invest too much time in any single time consuming activity (like a museum or standing in line to ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower). If I were you, I would shoot for a general overview of the city, something like this: from the airport (I assume, since you say layover, that you are at the airport), take the Roissy Bus to the Opera building. If you like to shop, this is an opportunity to check out Galleries Lafeyette, which is right near the Opera. From the Opera, walk up Honore St Faubourg, through Place Vendome (past the Ritz where Diana had her last dinner), all the way until you hit the Tulieres. Stroll through the Tulieres, then continue walking up towards the Champs Elysee. At this point, you might be wanting lunch, maybe have something at an outdoor restaurant on the Champs Elysee (a little expensive, but a Paris experience). Walk to the end of the Champs Elysee, until you get to the Arc de Triomphe. Walk towards the Eiffel Tower, cross the bridge to the Chaillot Palace, where you can get a great view (and great pictures) of the Eiffel Tower. Then walk along the Seine, past the Alma bridge (another Diana spot, many tributes and flowers at the spot where she died), past the Musee D'Orsay. Shortly after, you will come to the beginning of the bookstalls, if this interests you, maybe browse a bit. Follow this all the way to Notre Dame (it generally doesn't take too long to get inside and look around,so if you're interested, you may want to go in). At this point, it's probably time for another snack, or a cup of coffee, and you're in a perfect spot (try an outdoor cafe at St Germain/St Michel intersection). If you still have energy, stroll down St. Michel, shop if you're interested, and you will soon come to the Sorbonne. If you want dinner (and you have time), maybe try a restaurant on Rue de l'Harpe in the Latin Quarter (right off St. Michel, near the Sorbonne). There is a row of good, inexpensive restaurants there. Then get on the Metro, ride it back to the Opera, and take the Roissy bus back to the airport. In my opinion, this walking tour takes you to most major sights and, while it is tiring, it can easily be done in one day. If at any point you are too tired or don't want to walk any more, you can get on the Metro at many points along the way and get off at a later spot. Have fun! Kimberley

Kimberly's itinerary is a great one --but we were there six days (got home 2 and 1/2 weeks ago) and didn't manage to fit all that in! <BR> <BR>I think you could get all of the "flavor" of Paris, and still have some flesh on the soles of your feet, by taking the Metro to Ile St. Louis or Ile de Cite, exploring the major sights therein (Notre Dame, in particular), get a sense of the magical, winding Paris streets and shops, and cross a short bridge for a little of the Seine bookstall scene. You will see the architecture that IS Paris....avenue after avenue of short (six story, max), buff colored buildings with teeny wrought iron balustrades or balconies...and find plenty of opportunities for a cafe respite for lunch/dinner/etc. If this is your first trip to Paris....wow! 8 hours.....? wow! I predict: as soon as you get home, you'll start a new piggy bank marked: Paris!!! <BR> <BR>

Kimberly has provided an incredibly outstanding itinerary! Go for it! If you don't make it to the end, don't worry about it. You'll definitely want to return! On the other hand, if you're not up for all that walking, take cabs from one place to the next. And, if you can fit in a ride on a boat - all the better. You can catch a boat across from the Eiffel Tower or to the east of the Right Bank end of Pont de l'Alma.

Thank you so much for all the suggestions. It all sounds great just hope I have gotten some sleep on the plane so I can see most of it.