Paris in Oct. frm 10/13-10/18.
 

Hi I'm travelling for the very first time to Paris.Has always been my dream!Will be celebrating my 5th Yr wedding anniversary.Plan to stay at The Hotel Du Louvre.Would like some guidance on what to do in order to have a wonderful Paris experience.We love great food, shopping,musuems and shows.Any ideas/comments.Also, how is the weather during this time.Thank you in advance.

Noticed while reviewing some photos I took in the gardens at the Rodin Museum that roses were still in bloom in the second week of November, 2001.

You'll want to begin by having a look at the Fodor miniguide for Paris, available on this site. The weather in October is usually pleasant--not hot, not yet cold. You should have a wonderful time! Once you've looked at the miniguide (and bought a copy of the Michelin Green Guide to Paris), come back here with specific questions.

You are going to have a great time!
I suggest buying your ticket in advance for the Louvre as to avoid any possibility of long lines. You can check out www.louvre.fr for info where you can buy them in advance. Or, if you enter through the mall entrance, you can purchase the tickets there and the security line should be much shorter.
A fellow I work with said that he & his wife went to a Moulin Rouge dinner show & loved it.
Also, taking a river boat ride is nice. Some people use the www.batobus.com for sightseeing & getting on/off at different stops.
If you want to save a little money & have a romantic dinner, there is the St. Germaine bridge (I believe it's called...we called it the boardwalk bridge) that people just lay out blankets at night, hang out and eat/drink on the bridge. My husband & I did this our last night...brought sandwiches & wine and watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle every hour on the hour.
The hotel you booked is very nice & great location...I passed by it many times while walking to the Louvre.

You can go to the basement of Virgin Megastore (52-60, Ave des Champs Elysees) and browse the fliers for concerts. There are many classical concerts offered in several of the churches - it's a very lovely way to spend an evening. You can usually buy the tickets at the counter right there in Virgin Megastore, or at the concert.

ergreen, if it's been your life-long dream to go to Paris, you must have some ideas about what you want to see! Make a list of the things you absolutely don't want to miss. Get a map of Paris (Streetwise Paris is good) and figure out which ones are close together and do them the same day. You don't want to waste a lot of time crisscrossing the city and backtracking.

If you like museums, it will probably be a good idea to get a 3-day museum pass. This gets you in plus you skip the long lines and is worth it just for that feature. You can buy one at most metro stations, or at the museums they cover. These passes are for consecutive days, so plan to go to the things covered by it three days in a row. Most museums are closed Mon or Tues, but that won't affect you as you're leaving Mon.

Do two searches here, one for Paris shopping and one for Paris restaurants, and you will get more information than you know what to do with. Have a great trip!

Topping for ergreen, since this was her first post and she may not know how to find it. You can always click on your own name at the top of the screen to find your post.

October is a very nice time weather-wise. Yes, Paris is always unpredictible so carry your folding umbrella and layered clothing just in case. Once we went it was really great, sunny, 70F+ weather and then it turned cold and drizzly within two days. You never know but on the whole October is great.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice.Underhill-i went to get the Michelin guide and did not like it.But thanks for the advice.Any suggestions on carrying US dollars or travelers checks?Also,any comments on Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche in the Latin Quarters or should we stay with Hotel du Louvre.

Hi er,

>Any suggestions on carrying US dollars or travelers checks?

Only as emergency funds. Bring an ATM card and a credit card.

>Also,any comments on Hotel Henri IV Rive Gauche in the Latin Quarters or should we stay with Hotel du Louvre.

Have you entered the name of the hotel in the "search this forum" box?