TPAYT

Bookmarking

Michael

Get the book <u>Parcs et Jardins de Paris à pied</u> and follow one or two of its suggested walks in an outlying <i>arrondissement</i>. I suspect that the book is available only in France.

Areala

WOW..What a great thread...I am basically bookmarking this because I too am going to Paris again at the end of April...This will be my 5th visit so you are one up on me and I too was wondering what else to do...but I actually didn't care because just being in Paris makes me so Happy I could just die !!!

I don't know when your going but have a really great trip and please report back as I will too because I am definitely going to use some of these great suggestions !!!

comedian

Don't go to Chartier..worst food I've eaten in Paris in 20 visits. Little restaurant near Rue des Ecoles in 5th Pre Verre..brilliant and great lunch deal, always busy with locals. My husband's family come from near Troyes and yes, it's well worth a visit not only for its medieval architecture but authentic, local people in a thriving town. You can get a bus to the Factory seconds outlets of good French brands...tons of them.

BkellyL

I'd head to Giverny - especially if you are going to l'Orangerie. The gardens are wonderful and it's fun to tour the house. The first time I took a bus tour from Paris as I was alone. Easier than on the train as it deposits you at the front door. There is a nice restaurant on site. Not sure what is blooming this time of year.
Last year several girlfriends took a day trip to Rouen where we ate at "La Couronne". We had just seen the Julie Child movie and read the book so it was really a" Julia Child day". This is the French restaurant in which Julia and Paul ate after landing in France for the first time. It was an easy trip on the train and great fun. Had plenty of time to tour the cathedral and see the Joan of Arc memorial chapel after lunch. Returned to Paris in time for dinner at a small neighborhood bistro.

cindy4782

We did the segway tour last April while visiting Paris and really enjoyed. This is a great way to see a lot of Paris in a fun way.
We also did the Versailles biking tour through Fat Tire.
The guide was great. The bike ride run (all except the small "up hill" part). You start off riding a bit through Paris to the train station. Board the train with you bicycle (they show you how...and it works out very well despite my thinking it wouldn't). When you get off the train in Versailles you first go to the marketplace where you can purchase items for a wonderful relaxing lunch on the Versailles Palace property. After lunch you have time to tour the Palace then head back to Paris. It's a pretty full day. Very enjoyable. You can see parts of Versailles that are only visable by bike or walking. I would say I have low-medium bicycling skills and I had a GREAT time. Highly recommend it.
We will be going back in September and I plan on taking the bicycle tour again to see the gardens in Versailles.

Scootoir

Bookmarking for my 8th trip in October--wonderful ideas.

travelhug

You already have so many great suggestions! But one I have not seen is the Musee de Moyen Ages (museum of the Middle Ages). It has the unicorn tapestries. I thought it was quite interesting.
For day trips, Chartres and the Champagne country are high on my list.
If you've been 6 times, you probably have been to Ste. Chappelle -- if not, that would be my #1 suggestion.
Have fun!

Ifnotnow_when

bookmarking

jpie

Another museum I find interesting is the Musée des arts et métiers. It is really fun to see all the trade & industry history.

tucsontraveler

We stayed in an apartment for 4 weeks in 2009. Our main project was to find the best macaroons in Paris and the best chocolate.We also made side trips to Loire Valley. Next trip in 2012 will be to learn more about the neighborhoods.

j_nunes41

Chartres is only a short train train ride from Paris making it perfect for a day trip.
The Cathedral at Chartres is probably one of the finest examples of the French High Gothic style of architecture.
The train, of which there are several each day, leaves from the Gare Montparnasse and takes about 1hr or even less.
The cost is about $21.00 each way (economy 2nd class).

KenF

For Paris, or any other city for that matter, I recommend looking at the local photoblogs. Just go to Google, search on "Photoblog Paris" and take a look at some of the sites. Scan through their posts to see what looks interesting to you.

If you are a foodie, I would recommend getting a copy of Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris for more ideas.

Pendolino

I thought the Cathedral of St. Denis is a totally underrated attraction. Its claim to fame is that it is the burial site of all of the French kings, going back to Charlemagne. It covers over 1,000 years of French history. While the area has become a bit scruffy, the Cathedral maintains its grandeur. The sculptures of the kings are magnificent and it is worth buying a guidebook to give you some of the insights into the lives of the rulers. The one about the pose of Catherine di Medici is particularly notable. Easy in and out on the Metro. By the way, the legend of St. Denis is particuarly notable as he is always the saint carrying his head under his arm.

farrermog

The train today to Chartres was 28 euro return, 2nd class. Those with mobility issues should note it is a fair hike through Montparnasse station from the metro to the ticket office and main line for Chartres. A pocket timetable is provided with the ticket, but services are frequent in any case. The tourist office in front of the cathedral (which currently has scaffolding on the front, Royal portal) provides a booklet with a map showing the tourist walk down behind the cathedral, along the river and back up the hill.

paristraveler1

Sign up for a few hours with a Paris Greeter ... it is FREE. http://www.parisiendunjour.fr/index.php?lang=en
just tell them what you want to see (or not see) ... I've had wonderful experiences seeing parts of Paris I hadn't yet discovered in 22 visits!

paristraveler1

Cheese tasting ...
http://www.parisonyourplate.com/
reasonably priced, lots of cheese, wine, bread and a terrific presentation about cheeses ... a definite do (just don't plan to go to dinner afterwards.. you'll be full!)

Piccolina

Thanks everyone for the awesome suggestions. I hope other fodorites will also find this thread useful for their repeated visit to Paris!

RonZ

The Musee Grevin, the wax museum, would give the impression of being a tourist trap, but it is nothing like you might think, and well worth the visit. After 40 years of trips and staying a half-block away, we finally went last time and will go again.

JeffaimeParis

The Musee Marmottan Monet: somebody mentioned it, but it is the BEST Monet museum in Paris. It has "Impression Soleil Levant", the painting after which the Impressionism movement was named. It also has the most brilliant water lily paintings anywhere. L'Orangerie is a wonderful museum as well, not only for the big but faded Monets. I really like the Petit Palais also. And don't miss the Musee Carnavalet, the museum of Paris. It's free and there is a floor with stunning Impressionist works of local Parisian painters. Also an Art Nouveau tea room to die for. St. Sulpice is a very pretty church, and an important one historically. The cafe across the street, to the north, is a classic when the weather is good.