I have just decided quickly to spend a week or so in Paris next month. It's my fifth time there, so I'm looking for something different. Never been to Chartres, so that's a possibility. Too bad not good time of year for Giverny. Other ideas about cool new neighborhoods, anything else new (last visit was almost three years ago).

Thanks.

What interests you? Hard to recommend without knowing that.

I guess I should've been more specific. Art and architecture. Charm, in whatever form it takes...perhaps a particularly lovely small city or town with (or even without) an interesting history. That would be for the day trips. I know that there are some up-and-coming neighborhoods in Paris but not sure where they are. Any new cultural attractions in Paris. This may not be specific enough, but I hope someone has some ideas.

Hi and,

Seethe Paris part of my trip report for some suggestions:

Ira Does France
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645

The New York Times covered an area that is very up-and-coming..talked about how the Marais had been totally gentrified and that the new area for artists and cool places to eat is someplace which I believe is Northeast of there. Sorry I cannot recall the name but somehow Canal San Martin sticks in my mind....you could check the times on the web for more details. If I remember anything else I will post.

Yes, Canal St-Martin in the 10th.

I'm going to Paris next week...and there are two exhibits that I'm very excited to see..........
DADA at the Pompidou.....
and
Klimt & an exhibition titled Meloncholy at the Grand Palais.....

For something very quirky, check out Deyrolle on Rud du Bac!!
www.pbase.com/al309/paris1

andib:
Mind if I take a free ride on your post?

We've never wandered through the area around the Grand Palais. I see these gorgeous photos of the area but don't read much about it.

What's it like? Worth spending a few hours around there? Thanks for any tips.

Chartres, St. Germain-en-Laye, Rouen are all worthy day trips. For an over nighter try Mormandy.

Or Normandy would work as well.

Fontainbleau is really nice in the fall. And its an easy day trip. It has a beautiful forest.

Chartres, by all means, and perhaps a day-trip to Rouen to visit the assorted cathedrals and perhaps some of the exquisite abbeys in the region. For charm coupled with art, Barbizon.

in terms of "coming" neighborhoods, bercy might qualify...

you'd be pioneering and there is a lot of demolition/construction going on. but there is also a lot of new vitality with smart shops and quietly (now) trendy restaurants in the making.