I am traveling over to Europe in late June for a conference, and have arranged it to leave a week later in order to see some of Europe; I thought that Paris might be a good choice. <BR><BR> First, can anyone give me any advice with regards to Paris and France. I have about 7-8 days before I have to leave. Does anyone have a suggestion about:<BR><BR>a) A good area in Paris in which to stay ? I don’t know much about the city and its suburbs. Hopefully easily accessible to sights via Metro; safe area. <BR><BR>b) A recommendation for reasonably priced hotel or accommodations. 1 person only. <BR><BR>c) Some places to visit you found particularly interesting, and also perhaps some which are lesser known but particularly interesting. <BR><BR><BR> d)Any places to visit which are outside the city. Do you suggest a day tour? Which ones? <BR><BR>Any suggestions which you have would be helpful. Thanks a lot!<BR><BR>Jeff <BR><BR>

Hi Jeff, <BR><BR>I just returned from Europe last night. I planned my entire trip using this board, a few travel books and recommendations from co-workers living in Europe. I am a single female who went alone - I felt very safe in Paris. <BR><BR>I stayed at the Mercure Paris La Sorbonne (sp?) across the street from the Sorbonne (college) near Luxenberg Gardens. I was within easy walking distance (less than 5 minutes) to the RER and the metro.<BR><BR>It was also a close walk to many of the sights. The hotel was clean, nicely decorated and the staff was friendly (there was even a shower!!)<BR><BR>The best thing that I did was to purchase a 3-day museum pass. You pay 1 price which allows you access to almost every museum and monument (that way you don't feel guilty about going into a certain museum to see one piece that interests you). <BR><BR>As an added bonus, in most places you get to cut the line. This saved me a lot of time at Versailles.<BR><BR>I think it was about 25 euros for the 3 days - you can get it at any of the museums or major train stations (I picked up mine at the Lourve). I think the only thing that it didn't cover was the Eiffel Tower. <BR><BR>

Part II<BR><BR>My favorite tourist things (since this was my first visit) were as follows: <BR><BR>The Gardens and Palace at Versailles - an easy ride on the RER (Vero or Vick). I went on a Sunday (when they run the fountains, which costs you 5 extra euros, but it's worth it) and spent about 4 hours walking around - get there early to view the palace before the tour groups arrive or do the Garden first and the Palace later. Marie Antoinette's Hamlet (I think that is what it is called) was a favorite (if I had to do it again I'd rent a bike). There were a few areas that you couldn't get to as the area by Grand Trianon is being refurbished (I guess there was a big storm in 1999). It's closed on Mondays.<BR><BR>Norte Dame was breathtaking (make sure you climb the tower outside to get a close up view of the Gargoiles and a great view of the city). Check out point-zero here as well (a gold spot from which everything in Paris is measured). The island behind Notre Dame was also cute for walking (don't miss Bertillion's ice cream and shopping for picnic supplies).<BR><BR>I spent about 3 hours at the Lourve (but could have spent days). I also got there early and got right in (if there is a line, you can bypass by using the gift shop entrance). I am not a museum person, but had to see the Mona Lisa, Venus De Milo, Napolean's Apt., Psyche & Cupid, the Medivial Moat, etc. There were some men in gallery near the Mona Lisa who were copying paintings. It was interesting to watch them work. <BR><BR>The walk from the Louvre through the Jardid de Tuleries (stop at Angelina for Hot Chocolate) down Champ-Elysee and to L'Arc de Triomphe is a must (the museam pass allows you access to cimb the monument).

Part III<BR><BR>I stopped at the Rodin Museum to see The Thinker and The Kiss - the gardens behind the museum are beautiful. Napolean's Tomb is across the street (and covered by the museum pass so I stopped in). <BR><BR>The Orsay Museum was interesting (but by that point I was beat so I didn't appreaciate it as much as the Louvre and Rodin).<BR><BR>I climbed the Eiffel Tower - 719 steps to level 2 and you avoid the lines and get some great exercise. You then have to wait in line for the elevator to the 3rd level but it was only about 30 minutes and you have great views whie you are waiting. <BR><BR>There is a park in front of the Eiffel called Champ-de-Mars. At night the view of the Eiffel with all it's lights from the park was beautiful.<BR><BR>I know that the people on this board don't like Rick Steve's, but a friend lent me a Rick Steve's Guide. I used it in Versailles and found it to be great. I also did the Marais (Place des Vogses to the Jewish section (great falafels at #34 Rue Des Rosiers) and Montmarte (Sacre-Coeur to Moulin Rouge) walks that he outlines which were both great. <BR><BR>Pompidou Center (the modern art museum) was cool (again covered by your pass), as was the fountain outside dedicated to Stravinsky (to the left). I also enjoyed Forum des Halles (nearby). The people watching in this area was great!!<BR><BR>Don't miss Sainte-Chapelle (note that there are two lines to get though security, you can use either one even though only the right one is marked Sainte-Chapelle they both take you to the same place - the line was huge on the right - I flew through the left line in about 30 seconds). This church is amazing. Floor to ceiling stained glass from top to bottom with incredible detail. <BR><BR>I walked through St-Germain-De-Pres (there is a cute market there). Skip Le Prix Deux Magots - the food wasn't bad and the people watching was good - but it's way over priced!!<BR><BR>I also took a canal ride. They were all similiar, so I chose Bateaux Mouches at Pont De L'Alma. You don't get a great view from your seat, so I stood outside, up front and got an incredible view of all the bridges and sights (they take you to the island after Notre Dame and back to the Statue of Liberty). <BR><BR>For another great city view, go to Samaritaine's Department Store. Take the elevator to the 9th floor and then climb 2 sets of steps to the observation deck. You get a great (free) view of the city.<BR><BR>There are lots of pastry shops and great eateries in Paris. I agree with the board that anyplace with a line is probably a good choice. <BR><BR>I had a terrific dinner one evening at Le Balzar (49, Rue Des Ecoles). I was the only American and the place was full. The staff was wonderful, people watching great with beautiful decor. The french onion soup could have fed a family of 5. I had a really funny waiter who saw me using my phrase book to figure out what to order. He walked over and handed me another menu - in Chinese and asked if this would be easier. He laughed and then handed me an English menu. <BR><BR>I feel like I missed so much...my advice is to pick your top 10 "have to sees" and make sure you make time for stolling, people watching and lots of eating!!<BR><BR>The french people were wonderful, I found everyone to be very helpful - most people spoke English.<BR><BR>Sorry about the spelling errors.... reading back I noticed a few...<BR><BR>Have a great trip!!

P.S. One thing I forgot to mention. Check out "Paris Walks" (they have an internet site). <BR><BR>I did 4 of the London Walks and found them to be great. <BR><BR>While on one of the walks, I met an American who had lived in Paris for 5 years. She told me that the "Paris Walks" were also wonderful. <BR><BR>The guides speak English, are comical and give you a great overview of the area which you are touring (the ones in London were about $5.00 and lasted 2 hours). Unfortunatly I didn't make it on any of them. <BR><BR>Next, take note that many of the museums are closed on either Monday's or Tuesday's. Check the schedule before you go.<BR><BR>Last, forget about cabs. The subway system is pretty easy if you pick up a good map. The biggest problem is finding your stop within the maze of trains lines. Once you find it, navigating through the train system is very easy. <BR><BR>

Hi,<BR>Suggestions by Linda are great and I will stick to it -especially if you have only a few days to spare. Try the following cosy, nice hotels and very safe area -not far from the Parliament (assembl&eacute;e nationale) too:<BR><BR>Hotel de Lille<BR>40 rue de Lille<BR>75007 Paris<BR>Tel: +33 1.42.61.29.09<BR>Fax: +33 1.42.61.53.97<BR><BR>Hote d'Orsay Solferino<BR>91 rue de Lille<BR>75007 Paris<BR>Tel: +33 1 47 05 85 54<BR>Fax: +33 1 45 55 51 16<BR><BR>Easy train and walking distances to the Louvre, mus&eacute;e d'orsay, eiffel tower, marai etc.

ttt

Why do I get the feeling that Linda wrote this post as a way of putting in her trip report?<BR>Is Jeff real or is Jeff Linda? Or is Linda Jeff?<BR>maybe I should answer my own question with a 4 part reply!