As usual this forum has been a great help to us for planning our trip. I have tried to plan a surprise trip for my husband (G) thrice and have had to cancel it for one reason or the other...this time around G decided to book the tickets for our trip to Paris...hopefully we'd get there this time around.

We are both in our thirties...love to travel...and are fairly active. We are budget travelers and like to keep our meals etc. simple..however we wouldn't want to miss out on visiting/ taking a tour of some place because it is too expensive. I try hard to get a good but inexpensive place to stay...and also try and eat our breakfast at out apartment and would like to get sandwiches/ crepes/ falafal for lunch. G can pretty much each everything except beef and pork and I am a vegetarian who can eat eggs...but doesn't love them...except in cakes and pastries .

We leave on 28th July from London. We are taking the 5:25am euro star and would be in Paris at 8:45.

A link to our apartment:

http://www.vrbo.com/275340

We got the apartment at a special rate of 80euros/night and booked our return tickets for 69 pounds each.

We would like to take the public transport to our apartment. I have just asked the owner for directions...am waiting to hear back from him.

We plan to but a carnet of 10 tickets (as suggested here) to share between the two of us. We do hope to walk a lot...and use the buses/ metro only if absolutely essential.

We also plan to get the 4 day Museum pass (please suggest the best place to buy it).

With the help of this forum I have drawn a rough itinerary...almost a wish list of places we would like to see in four days...I am completely open to changing things around and know that as usual we may end up only seeing half the places on my list...

Day 1 : 28th July-
- Sandeman's New Europe free tour - 11:00- 2:30- http://www.newparistours.com/daily-t...free-tour.html

(we have to meet at the fountain of St Michel - is that walking distance from our apartment? We love to walk...so a half an hour walk is completely doable..)

The tour covers quite a few highlights (we don't go to go in any where)...but it seems like a good introduction to the city...

We would like to visit some cafe/ park for an hour or so...to just relax a bit (any suggestions would be welcome).

4:00- 5:30- Tomb of Napoleon/ Hotel des Invalides

I want to reach Musee d'Orsay at 6:00 as there is a 6:30 Highlight tour...

We would like to spend about couple of hours at d'Orsay.

We would then like to take the Seine cruise. I have read several recommendations for Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf on this forum...should we book ahead. I am not sure what time should we take the cruise. If we book the 9:00pm cruise would we see the Eiffel tower twinkling by the hour? Also should we go up on Arc de Triomphe / the Eiffel Tower? We can't possibly do both tonight and are not sure if we can come back another night.


Day 2: 29th July- Friday

10:00- 2:00pm Notre Dame/ Tower of Notre Dame/ La Conciergerie (if there is a better time/order to do it please do let us know).

Get some lunch...in one of the cafes in Île Saint-Louis...

Around 4:00pm get to Orangerie - and get the audio guide. The museum is open till 5:45...do you think it would give us enough time? We have just seen one of Monet's water lilies at the Tate Modern...and loved it...we would really want to visit this museum with enough time.

In the evening we would like to go to Montmartre and spend the evening there. Is it safe to take the bus back fairly late in the night. We do prefer taking buses as you can see more of the city. Are there double Decker buses in Paris? However we are not averse to taking the metro if it makes more sense.

Day 3: 30th July- Saturday

11:00 am - Louvre - guided tour ( we wouldn't want to spend too much time here...as I have heard it can be quite overwhelming...) I have also downloaded the rick steves auido guide. They were really helpful for our trip to Rome and Florence and was wondering if the ones to Paris are as useful.

I would definitely want to visit Luxembourg gardens, Musee Rodin and walk around the area we are living in a bit...or any other interesting areas that you would suggest...and get some shopping done.

Day 4: Visit Versailles and Triamon Palaces and Marie Antoinette's Estate. I have read that it is best to leave early for Versailles...is it best to book the tickets now?

Take the train back to London at 8:30...

I would love to get feedback on this itinerary...is there something that we need to change around or add...would love to get recommendations for inexpensive eating places (vegetarian friendly...I am sorry to say...and it will sound completely blasphemous...however my limited experience of vegetarian French food hasn't been the best...I would like to change it). We would also like to try amazing pastries/ cakes/ creme brulee/ macrons and kir royale..

I am getting really excited about our trip now...it has always been a dream to go to Paris with G...especially after we watched Before Sunset together...tonight we are going to watch Midnight in Paris...

Great location , just steps from Rue de Rivoli/ There is excellent bus transprot along there.You are in short walking distance from Notre Dame and Place St Michel. The Louvre and the d'Orsay should be no problem for you.

You can get your Versailles tickets at the station in conjunction with your rail ticket.

Even Lux. Gardens and theRodin should not be a problem if you are both good walkers. Lots of inexpensive cafes if you walk up rue de Rivoli toward the Bastille.There is a grocery store and also a nice Monoprix on that route. Several good patisseries too.

Actually, if you have a Paris museum pass, it is accepted at Versailles.

http://en.parismuseumpass.com/rub-mu...-by-name-5.htm

for time saving, I might do Musee Rodin and Hotel des Invalides on the same day, as they are quite close together (assuming they are both open when you want to go).

there are hop on, hop off buses in Paris, not sure if they are double deckers

depending also on your interest, I was disappointed with the Conciergerie...not at sinister and chilling as the Tower of London and not much to see there really...just my opinion

Enjoy your trip.

There is something at Versailles the museum pass doesn't cover, but I don't know the details, you'll have to check. I think any special fees for the fountain show for sure, maybe something else.

First, yes, you can easily walk from your apt to the St Michel fountain, if long walks don't bother you. That is near the RER St Michel stop, I'm sure it isn't over a mile, if that.

I think 1:45 is enough time at l'Orangerie museum. It's not that big.

I think it would be safe taking the bus back from Montmartre at night but wouldn't do it or count on it. Unless you know for sure exactly which route you want and it is very convenient to your start and stop points and you know it runs late at night. Many buses do not. If it fits all those criteria, sure, why not. I take the bus at night from the Opera building and things like that, as I get tired of the metro, and like that you don't have to walk around tunnels and things on the bus. But you can have long waits for the bus at night.

There isn't any bus line I know of that goes that route (from Montmartre to where your apt is). So I don't think you will have a choice, I think you'll have to take metro. Unless you dont' mind transfers. Bus 95 goes down to near rue de Rvioli, but generally buses on the east of that street don't go that far west (as far as where 95 would connect). 95 goes down to Pyramides or Palais Royal area but it starts from the far west side of Montmartre (rue Damremont). I don't think there is a bus starting farther east.

The only double decker buses in Paris are the hop-on/off sightseeing buses which you won't be taking, I presume (they aren't cheap). The price is worth it if you plan to use them a lot.

Location for appartment is good.

28th
I like Paris Walks, but the Sandeman seems to give a good overview. You must walk at a decent pace

Vedettes is a good one. Sunset is 9:30. Tower lights up at sunset. Could you take the 9:30 tour? You need to get from Orsay back to the Island.and eat dinner.

Time wise, might not make it up the tower unless do it earlier. I would pick Eiffel over Arc if you had to pick 1.

The other boat tours leave from Pont D'Alma, have later hours, and are bigger boats. Long walk from apt. Could combine with nice local resto:

http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en/pen.../hours-13.html
http://www.chezfrancis-restaurant.com/


29th
You must add Sainte-Chapelle. Magnificent stained glass. I would do this first, then Notre Dame, then Ile st Louis. There are couple of good places to have lunch on Ile St Louis just after you cross the bridge. Acutally there is a decent place for breakfast across from the Justice buildings that you could go to before Chapelle.

If Monets are your thing, could go to Marmottan Museum which has a huge collection. It is located a bit away from downtown, so you would see a bit of a local flavour. I can recommend a nice place for dinner if fish is OK.

Look at the Montartrobus

http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/r_28131/montmartrobus/

30th.
Add Palais Royal, maybe a hot chocolate at Angelina's, maybe look at antique shops in Louvre des Antiquaires.

The Rodin backtracks a bit to where you were on the 28th.

You will not have time for Versailles today, and with such a limited time, I would not leave the city. Maybe end day at Place des Vosges area for dinner and browsing.

Thanks a lot for your responses...Avalon this apartment did have great reviews and when I checked on Google maps it did seem quite central...so we were really happy to get it.

Thanks for the suggestion about getting the tickets for Versailles with the rest of the tickets. ..We would definitely do that. Would you have any specific cafes in mind in the area that you have suggested?

Denisea we thought our first day was anyways quite busy...can't see how I can fit in Musee Rodin on the same day...Thanks for the heads up about Conciergerie...we will put it on our may be list...and see if we get time...

Christina I will check about what things are covered in the museum pass at Versailles...however if the fountains are not covered...then what I have read...I think it is worthwhile to spend that extra bit...isn't it?

Thanks a lot for your detailed information about the bus...perhaps we would take the train back from Monmartre...is it safe to take the metro back at say around 11:30- 12:00 in the night?

Could someone please help me with the following:

- What time should we book on the Seine Cruise?
- Does the first day seem too busy?
- Is going up on Arc De Triomphe worth coming back for on another day?
- Should we go up on the Eiffel Tower?
- Does the order of our itinerary look all right...or do we need to change things around?

Specific recommendations for dinner would also be much appreciated...

Thanks a lot for all the help

No need to book Seine cruise, just show up. Can get discount on Vedettes on-line.
First day...not too busy, just finding time to have dinner and do cruise
Skip Arc. If you REALLY must, do, take Metro from Louvre up to Arc.
Eiffel...I'd do it, Day 3 after Rodin? Could pick one night for cruise, another to go up ( or early morning). Buy tickets on-line.
If going to Versailles, go first thing in morning using RER.

Bus 67 goes from Sacre Coeur to Hotel de Ville . The apt is a short distance from there.

Bus 67 is a fairly good choice, but I believe it starts from Pigalle metro, not Sacre Coeur. And it doesn't run past 9 pm weekdays and 5 pm on Sat and Sunday. So regardless it wouldn't work if one wanted to be up there past 9 pm. It might be a good bus to go up there, though, so you can see things more. YOu get it on rue de Rivoli.

I think taking the metro is pretty safe anywhere and time in Paris, even late at night (although on some lines, there can be a little more rowdiness or whatever in some locations). You just have to be aware of your surrounding, and perhaps stick with other people (eg, enter a car with more folks in it). I've seen activities of some drunken punks at various times at night on the bus/metro system, sure, particularly in bar areas where they are, of course. And then there are the ones who are not drunken punks but are petty criminals, although they aren't limited to late at night.

I would do it, just be cautious, as I said. YOu can take the metro from Abbesses down to Concorde, then transfer and go east to St Paul or wherever is closest to your apt.

I don't know about paying extra at Versailles and what that involves, so can't help you there. FOuntains are worth it so some people, not others. They are only at a certain time, also, so it affects your plan. I would just wonder if you have to pay extra how you do that and if you have to wait in a line to do that, which defeats some of the purpose of the pass.

Thanks a lot Michel...I had read about the discount...that is why wanted to book online. I really want to do the Seine cruise on our first night there...because I feel the first time you see a city like Paris while the lights are coming on...must be a special experience. I have read that Paris looks really stunning from the river...and I would love to see the light come on while on the cruise. That was the reason why I was hoping to take the 9:00/ 9:30 pm cruise. Also I wanted to make sure that we get the tickets for that particular time.

I still remember when for our first day in London we got out of the Westminster station and saw the Big Ben and the houses of parliament all lit up...it's something that I don't think I can ever forget...the same is true of St Paul’s Cathedral...I had gone in for a play at the globe and by the time I came out the lights had come on...that sight is virtually etched in my memory. Maybe I am laying too much emphasis on it...

You are right to point out our dinner dilemma ...I had completely forgotten about it. Are there any decent crepe stalls/ falafal stands around Eiffel tower? Can we get off the cruise and get something to eat?

We will go up the Eiffel tower on another day as suggested by you...

Avalon can't thank you enough for the bus number...is it a night bus? Would it be running late in the night, and how is the frequency?

Christina...you and I were probably posting at the same time. Thanks a lot for clarifying about Bus 67...the metro sounds good...we are used to travelling on the train...so I am sure we would be fine. However thanks a lot for your suggestions...

I tried having a quick look at the Versailles website...but I can't make out which are the bits for which one needs separate tickets...I will get back home and look at it more carefully...

Ahh..like that "first view" story. That is perfect reason for Seine cruise first night. They light up bridges and buldings so it is quite magical.


You could bring food on board, if needed. The good thing with Vedettes is that you are not far from Left Bank restaurants. The cruise does not stop, so no bakery visits

I've never had problem with getting tickets. If you are walking by, could pick up...say before dinner. Maybe before Nap's tomb? The Bateaux Mouches (ones near Pont d'Alma) are very large.

I was in Paris last year in the fall. I used Paris walks to visit Montmarte and enjoyed it. As recommended by another poster I agree with hot chocolate at Angelina's at 226 Rue de Rivoli (the main street behind the Louvre). They also serve tea. I did not eat there but the food looked great and my friend visited 6 months later, ate there and loved it. But the hot chocolate is a very filling meal in itself so you will likely not finish it if you get it after a full meal.

Give yourself a lot of time to walk around the city and enjoy its beauty. You can get a crepe anywhere from street stands if you like.

At the Louvre, I would personally skip audio guides and find the type of art you like and go straight to those areas based on the map provided at the museum. I did The French and Dutch and Flemish paintings on the second floor in one morning. There is enough to just look at that I felt no need for an audioguide but that is a personal preference. If you have a museum pass, then use the Richelieu entrance.

The d'Orsay is the next art museum I would recommend.

Notre Dame was nice. I did not do the Eiffel tower or the Arc -- again, personal preference.

I found the Bateaux Mouches boat ride at night on the Seine uninteresting, but that is b/c I had been walking around and seeing the city on foot for 7 days and the recorded narration on the boat ride was horribly dull. If you do another type of Seine cruise and have company it would likely be very different.

I took the RER C from St Michel station to Versailles. Versailles is a full day committment. If you have to pay separately for the fountains for some reason, there is a gate to the fountains/gardens where you can do that. Do not miss Marie Antionette's hamlet if you go -- very picturesque with farm animals , ponds, little cottages (you do not enter the cottages, you just view from outside). It was very scenic and the highlight of my trip to Versailles. It is a 40 minute walk from the palace, but I think you can walk through the scenic gardens to get there. You can also pay for a little trolley like thing or a golf cart instead of walking.

If you are into Monet, then a side trip for a day to Giverny to see Monet's home and gardens in Normandy was even a quicker trip than Versailles. You will see his water lilies and the little bridge, etc. You can get there in about 45 minutes from Paris. You would take the Metro from St Lazare station and then go upstairs and outside that station to get the SNCF train to Vernon in Normandy. This site gives a little info about getting there if interested http://giverny.org/transpor/

You would need to give yourself time to buy the SNCF ticket b/c the lines could be long, or you can purchase the ticket in advance online or at one of the booths they have spattered around Paris and have it printed out for you in advance. Again, it's just a day trip option if you do not do Versailles.

Have fun!

If the fountains are on at Versailles you simply have to pay the difference (8€?) above the Museum Pass. Only way to see the gardens if that is the case. Weekends or special days only I believe. Not worth it in my opinion, but others are 180 different.

Rodin was our favorite -- to each their own.

You can buy the Museum passes at a tabac or Tourist Info place if you want to avoid that first line.

Click my name for a detailed trip report if interested (first timers viewpoint).

In a pinch, some of the coach companies do a Versailles / Giverny combo tour. Still thinking you should stay in Paris though

If you like Monet, you'll probably need to budget more than two hours at the d'Orsay.

Agree with Michel that you should add in Sainte Chapelle - it's gorgeous!

I don't know....but the Eiffel tower is a must and the Arc is a must! You are young and active and can walk up both to avoid the long lines. You will not regret it! I agree that you need to see the Mona Lisa and your favorites at the Lourve... You will be blown away... Take your camera..
Note: expect delays and have your iPad or your reading material handy....

I would suggest u do the 9:30 pm cruise on Vedettes. buy your ticket online for a substantial discount (maybe 4 euros). U don't need to select a date or time when u buy the tickets. The ET lights up at sunset and does its twinkly thing on the hour. If you're worried about getting on the boat, get to the stop early...maybe 15 minutes or so to be sure to get a seat. We did a 10:30 boat and it wasn't completely filled up, but the 10 pm one was full.

Have a wonderful trip

Maybe you could rethink your time in Montmartre if it is worrying you, try leaving a little earlier. We stayed in the area last month and had no problems at all wandering around but were usually indoors by around 10pm (we are in our 50's). Plenty of places to eat and see the sunset from Sacre Coeur or take a picnic there.

Walk up hill on Rue Lepic from the Moulin Rouge, its a really interesting area. Maybe get there around early evening then use the Montmartrobus as suggested above to return.

We had no problems using the printed voucher for the Vendettes to get our discount and we did not prebook just got there a little earlier. Its a great thing to do on your first night, we had the most spectacular sunset too. I think we got on around 9-9.30.

Best wishes for a wonderful trip and have an almond pastry for me - I miss them!

This is absolutely fabulous...so many responses...I went through them carefully and have planned to incorporate some changes...

Michel thanks a lot for your suggestion...we definitely will go to Sainte-Chapelle. However we were planning to to go the Notre Dame tower first as I had read that it can be particularly crowded...though honestly I am sure we would not be out of the apartment before 10...would love to go to Marmottan museum ...but probably on our next visit. We usually get fairly late starts in the morning...I am learning to accept that now...so we usually end up covering a lot less than what we had planned for.

Fish works for G...not for me...though if there are other veg options available I wouldn't mind.

The montmartrobus looks great...is it better to take that bus than to explore the area than on foot? for the hot chocolate and food reco...we would definitely give it a go.

We would also go to Palais Royal and Angelina's...thanks.

Nomadder your suggestion about Louvre is really good...however the problem is that we are still trying to figure out what kind of art we really like...so I thought maybe the highlight tour that gives some details about the history and some of the most popular art would be best for us. Maybe on our next visit we could do what you suggest. I have downloaded the rick steves audio guide for Louvre and am a little torn between going for the highlight tour and the audio guide...has any one here done either?

31st July is when we want to go to Versailles...and we would make sure that we leave early enough. We have allocated one full day to it...so hopefully should be all right. Nomadder thanks for the info about the place where we could get the tickets for the gardens and fountains.

Indydad just read your trip report...really loved it...I think we also fell in love with sculptures after our visit to the Borghese museum in Rome...that is why I have included Rodin to our list must go places...You make a very convincing argument about missing out the fountains and the gardens...however as you said when you have gone all the way to Versailles, might as well see the gardens and fountains. I will let you know what we thought about it. You reached there fairly early and still it was so crowded...does it become less crowded in the afternoons...maybe we could go for Triamon Palaces and Marie Antoinette's Estate and the gardens first and then visit the palace in the afternoon. Do you feel that would work better?