Paris & beyond..9 days
 

Heading to France for 8-9 days in April or May (group of 6 20somethings)..we've traveled extensively through Europe and South America, but some of us never made it to Paris... so thinking of a good itinerary that covers all the major Paris attractions and also includes getting out of the city..How's this? Any suggestions would be welcome.


Day 1: arrive in Paris from NY, head for Arc di Triumpf & Champs Elysse
Day 2: Montmartr
Day 3: Notre Dam, Louvre, Toulleries, Concord
Day 4: d'Orsey, Invalides, Latin Qtr, Eiffel
Day 5: Versailles
Day 6: relax and enjoy Paris (free day)
Day 7-8: Loire Valley? Luxembourg?, Givery?
Day 9: go home

Thanks so much,

Sergey

hi, sergey,

with this many days, you have a choice -either spend the whole time in Paris, or split your time between paris and onther destination, giving the latter at least 3 nights, so you don't feel to rushed.

there is undoubtedly enough in Paris to fill 7-8 days [which is what you seem to have] especially if you add in day trips to Versialles and giverney [which you can easily do in a day].

if you want to see the loire or normandy, you should reckon on spending 3 nights in that region - you could go by train or car.

perhaps you need to have a vote?

regards, ann

I agree that I wouldn't go to the Loire as a day trip. Giverny is a nice day trip, take the train and there will be a bus waiting to take you to Monet's house, or do the walk. Your trip on the train takes you through pleasant towns. A block away from Monet's house and gardens is the American Impressionist Museum. It has always had interesting exhibits when I have visited, plus it's the loveliest place to have lunch, with a view of their own beautiful garden. You can take a cab from there, ask to go to Rouen first to see the cathedral Monet painted so much, then back to Vernon for the train back.

A whole day for Montmartre seems excessive to me, and there is no way you can see Notre-Dame cathedral, the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, AND the Place de la Concorde all on the same day unless you go past them at a run. On Day 4 you are also trying to crowd too much in. If I were you I'd skip visiting the Loire Valley and Giverny and add that time to Paris so that you can take your time and actually see things instead of hurrying past them. That's the best way to enjoy Paris.

By Luxembourg, do you mean the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris? Or something else?

By Luxembourg, I mean the one near Belgium :) just an idea.
I am not sure about Giverny..I love Monet..but after Louvre & d'Orsey..I am not sure I will want to do any more art-related activites...
I was thinking to go to Loire Valley for 2 days/2 nights actualy..for days 7-9..rent a car and drive around from Chomabard to Villandry to Chanenceu & Amboy..but mostly just to relax from all the sightseeing in Paris.

I rather doubt that driving around is going to be especially relaxing unless you have some experience driving in Europe. What do you want to see in Luxembourg?

just a change of scenary really...I want to do 6 days of hardcore sightseeing in Paris, and than 2-3 days of a more relaxed activities...granted I am sure I can just as easily relax in Paris itself, but the group wants to get out the city and explore something new. As excited as I am about going to Paris...I want to make this a more "france" trip rather than just the city.

Yes I know Luxembourg is not in France :)
By "france" I meant I am leaning towards Loire Valley....but I am taking your advice seriously..so I am all ears.