Paris - 1 day sightseeing
 

I will be going to Paris at the end of July. I will have one or two days for sightseeing. As this will be my first time there, any suggestions on what to do or see in this very limited time would be greatly appreciated.

I also had a very limited amount of time when I was in Paris. I had only a few hours and the first thing I did was go to the Eiffel Tower and buy a ticket to go up to the top. I didn't go to the very top but the level before that. Definitely go all the way up! At that point I saw that Paris was really beautiful - I was sort of indifferent before that. I took the to subway around which was very easy. I didn't go insde the Louvre, or Notre Dame, you can enjoy someplaces just from the outside if you don't have time. I didn't even eat anything when I was there, which was probably a mistake, but I wanted to spend time seeing the city...(and you can always eat later). Bonne chance!

I was in Paris for a conference a few weeks ago and, like the previous correspondent, had a revelation at how beautiful Paris is. The city seems to have really cleaned itself up over the last couple of years. All of the buildings have been cleaned of years of soot and dirt and the gilt on statues, gates, etc. has been redone. The streets are much cleaner now than I remember from a number of years ago. If you only have one day in Paris, my best advice would be to WALK! Paris is a great city to walk around and you will see more that way than any other. Start at the Louvre and walk from there through the Tuilleries Gardens (be sure to sit at the fountains if it's good weather) and then up the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Then through the Trocadero, across the river to the Eiffel Tower. Up the ET as suggested previously, then continue along the riverfront to the Musee d'Orsay. Then further down the river to the Ile de France and Notre Dame. Then back across the river. You could also stop in the Quartier Latin on your way. Have a great time!

Just a note. I was in Paris for 4 days the 2nd week of June, & the bell tower at Notre Dame was closed for
refurbishing, so you can not walk up the steps to the top of the tower. This was my thrid trip to Paris & this
was the first time that I went up to the 3rd level on the Eiffel Tower. I found out that there is a difference
on the sites between the 2nd & 3rd level. The 3rd is much much better -- well worth it. In fact we went up to
the 3rd level twice, once during the day & once at night (about 10PM -- it didn't get dark until about 10:15pm).
The night time journey was something to experience but I will never do it again. During the day, we were able to
get right on the elevators with no waiting & go right to the top. At night, there were more crowds (museums closed &
more people wanting to go up at night). The wait for both elevators was quite abit longer, but the worst of it was
when we got to the top level, it was so crowded that everybody was pushing & shoving, you could barely get to the
railing to look out over Paris. Besides the crowds, everybody (naturally) wanted to take pictures, so that was holding
the crowd from moving some what. You would be considerate of other people trying to take pictures, but when you tried
to take a picture for a souvenir you would not get the same consideration. The crowds at the museums, Versailles, &
other places didn't bother me as much as that evening on the Tower. But it is something that you may want to
experience once because Paris is such a beautiful city. & We had no problems with any of the French people (just the
tourists from other countries). We had our 9 yr old son with us & I taught him alittle bit of French & when he used
it in the restaurants, stores & hotel, the French people there warmed up even more.

Paris is a lot of fun, beautiful, lots of interesting things to do, but the people are as snooty and unfriendly as all the books say. Anyway, the Eiffel Tower is a must, and we went all the way up - the view is unbelievable. I would walk down the Champs Elysee toward the Arc de Triomphe, and go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe -- not as high, but a nice view. Walking along the Seine, on any side, at any point, is beautiful. However, hope the weather is OK for walking - we were there last July, and it was around 55 degrees F, rainy and windy; we were freezing. Nonetheless, a very worthwhile trip. Enjoy.

You will love Paris. To the above suggestions I would add Montmartre. The view of Paris from the steps of the Sacre Coer is magnificent. Also there are neat shops and cafes up there. Have a great time.

we found the french people very indifferent and rude. Best advice is to walk, we visited Notre Dame, Louvre, Walked along the Seine River, and to the Eiffel Tower, Must see the Eiffel Tower at night, when it is all lit up, But be sure to take the Metro!