Why MUST everybody love Paris? Usually my first impression of a city is what what remains and trying to LEARN TO LIKE a city just doesn't work. Though I have been to Paris several times (as well as London) I find I would much rather be in St. Petersburg, Madrid, Berlin, Rome, or Istanbul. But that's me, and I resent people telling me that no - Paris should be number one!

Dear Charlie,

I don't think anyone told *you* that *you* should like Paris.

Hi mp,

If I may suggest:

Paris is a great walking city. Each day, pck a 'must see' and take the Metro or bus out to it if it is more than 3 km, and walk back.

My wife and I usually do 3-5 miles per day walking in Paris. (Keeps the poundage off.)

Have a great trip.

My method... Another way to mitigate the 'overwhelming' is to site-see on foot. I know (I know) everyone says the Metro is a snap, etc. but for me it is intimidating. So I pick my hotel in an area of interest to me, and set out on foot, making larger swoops each day, or walking to one particular site of interest using a street map. You see soooo much this way (of the normal every day things in the city). Stop into cafes and shops along the way. No, you won't see all the "must sees" of Paris, but you will have a lovely low-stress time.

ira, what a wimp you are to only walk 3 miles per day! That would not even work off my pre-full english breakfast snack! Start doing 10 miles and then come back and talk to me about sore feet and blisters.

I lived 3 years in Grenoble, and one in Paris, in the 16th. I loved my experience of living in medium size town. But for me there is no other city like Paris. I try to go back to France whenever I can, even though I cannot go back to Grenoble every time and visit friends. The last time we went to France for a week, 2 days in St. Michel and 4 in Paris. It was short, but we went to Belleville for Vietnamise lunch, and color. to Les Halles and Opera for the bustling of the people, to Champs Elysee for the light. to Notre Dame and stroll along the Seine. Had memorable dinners. but what is marvelous about Paris, is a group of small cities. Like when you go to the 16th, or when you to Butte de Chaumont, the stores, the streets, the people are different. why don't you give a chance to Paris, and start with one quartier a time? And on top you will not have problem venturing beyond the touristy atractions. The last time we wanted to be tourists, and went to Moulin Rouge. Bonne chance et laissez la ville lumiere allume votre vacances.

Degas, I presume you mean to be humorous but did it occur to you that ira may have a physical condition which precludes walking extended distances. Last week, you answered one of my posts with the query "you been hitting the sauce tonight?" after I corrected one of my typos. Did it occur to you I may be struggling with alcoholism? I'm not but you don't know that and it would be very painful if I were.

Since we really do not know each other and cannot see each other , we can only try to stay 'light' on these subjects. I would not take offense at any remarks of Degas, which I would automatically think are just meant to be joking anyway.
Why some people think just because my name is Scarlett and I live in a big white house, with many servants, that I am somehow not as sophisticated as ya'll.

Scarlett, it is because we don't know each other nor see each other that comments which make fun of another poster's physical attributes are inappropriate even in jest. I was properly chastised on another board for making the same type of comments and the poster who was partially paralyzed was unjustifiably hurt by the comment.

jsmith, my basic approach is one of fun, humor, and playfulness. When I like someone, I often poke a little fun at them, expecting to get some back in return. And if I wanted to be nasty, I would not do it by merely asking someone if they had been "hitting the sauce."

Since ira stated that he often walks 3 miles, my assumption was he was not disabled. If I knew him to be so, then I would never approach him in a hurtful manner.

May I suggest that you are being a little too sensitive and trying to walk as if on egshells when it is not needed here?

I am going to Paris the day after tomorrow for the first time. What is the temperature there in Farenheit, anyone know the weather? I am packing. Staying in the 8th district. Any leads on wonderful restaurants or antique haunts? Thanks...also love photography and the little cobblestoned streets and architecture! Thanks again!

teadrinker: You'll have a fantastic time with photography in the fall! Not only the obvious landscapes, but a lot of the usual subjects are no longer half-hidden by full trees and the lighting is superb as long as the weather holds...do a search for "meteo", Paris, France to find more on current weather.

Bon Voyage and let us know how it went when you g et back!

teadrinker, click on destinations, then Paris, then halfway down the page on the left you'll find a button for the weather - current and a ten day forecast.

Hello Mp413,

You requested recommendations for hotels in certain areas. I have a preference for the Marais and I've had a lovely experience in the following hotel:
Grand Hotel Jeanne d'Arc
3, rue de Jarente 75004 Paris FRANCE
Subway: Saint Paul
Tel: +33 1 48 87 62 11 - Fax: +33 1 48 87 37 31

www.hoteljeannedarc.com

The website says to contact Mésange but I've always dealt with Stephan.

This hotel is VERY REASONABLE (trust me, I'm very budget-conscious), very clean with cute decor. However, you need to reserve at least 2 months in advance as it's very popular.