fossil41

Sorry thought it was. I got metro to Gambir
so as I could walk downhill
But it's still an experience

StCirq

Never heard of Gambir. But yes, Père Lachaise is a treat, though it can take a lot of time to scramble around that hillside and locate particular graves (even with a map of the cemetery). And the neighborhood around the cemetery is really diverse and lively.

fossil41

StCirq. Would you suggest Pere Lachaise to people that visit
Paris or other site,s first as I only went there on my 3rd trip to
Paris.
Maybe you can help my memory. I went to Napoleans tomb with
the black marble sarcophigas but can't remember name of the
building it was kept in. Thanks I you can!!!!

DebitNM

Les Invalides.

StCirq

fossil41, Les Invalides is where Napoleon's tomb is, in the 7ème.

I think I went to Paris at least 15 times before I went to Père Lachaise. I think there are more iconic and relevant sites in Paris for most people, but it really depends on your interests.

gh21

Glad to hear that you've included a tour of Opera Garnier. We did the tour this year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Stac2109

Thank you for all of the wonderful tips which I have definitely noted in my spreadsheet to refer to. D'Orsay now has the whole morning as well and I had a little inkling that perhaps I might need to do this. Decided to do Porte Vanves market instead and go early on Sunday as I am am really taken by interesting objects and I hope I may just be able to squeeze at least one into my hand held luggage. We will definitely be taking advantage of the sunset to see all the lights come on and then do the cruise as well. Have decided to go to Arc de Triomphe at night as well after the Louvre and researched what metro and buses to take for this day to conserve energy. Also looking at back up options for dining in place of picnics should the weather not be great. Un Dimanche a Paris looks wonderful and duly noted! I have read about Pere Lachaise and while it sounds very interesting, I think it will have to wait for another visit ..... along with any other sights we don't make

Again, thank you all so much for your input and great suggestions. This has made our itinerary so much better and allowed us to free up some time just to relax a little and take in all that Paris can offer. I will be sure to post a trip report upon my return as well.

fossil41

Sorry to confuse That metro was not
Gambir. It was Gambetta

denisea

Take a look at this website for all things sweet and delicious in Paris!

http://www.parispatisseries.com/

ParisAmsterdam

fossil41,

Black? Napoleon is in a red sarcophagus:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Na...dercropped.jpg

denisea

I think there maybe a black sarcophagus that contains the remains of his son, if I remember correctly.

fossil41

I stand corrected it is red tho it was 1983 that I saw it and the
ravages of time have played havock with my memory
None the less it must have made an impression
Paris is such a special place!!!!!

stricky

This is a very ambitious plan and once you get there and see how beautiful it is just to walk around, you might not be as motivated to pack so much in every day. Also, it's not realistic to plan a day trip to Versailles then go to the Pompidou before dinner. You'll need all day at Versailles, and it's a lovely town too, so you can find a restaurant there for dinner before you take the train back to paris. BTW - the train to Versailles continues on to Chartres. You could begin there in the morning, then go to Versailles for lunch, and an afternoon tour of Versailles and the gardens.

Gretchen

As is my usual stance, as a non fan of Versailles, I would leave that "loose" in your planning, and go if you really don't feel as if there is more of Paris that is calling you. You have a really short time to really enjoy the vibe of Paris itself.

AJPeabody

Versailles is quite impressive and is worth multiple visits, over time. The architecture and interiors give context to the economic forces that ptoduced the Revolution. The grounds and outer buildings are themselves worth a day.

That said, a proper visit requires nice weather and a leisurely outlook, not something to fit into a particular day of a whirlwind first Paris visit. I suspect the OP will be infected by Paris and decide to stay in the city that day.

denisea

I agree to leave Versailles for another time. It is immense! Too much in Paris to see and do....no need to leave during a 6 day trip.

Michael

Pont de Arcs Bridge (do the padlock thingy with my love)

Please don't. If you think about it, it is a form of tagging, as destructive as the spray paint. Metal bridges are painted to protect them from the elements. Locks move, wear off the paint, require more upkeep to the bridge. As when you are in nature, the smaller your footprint the better.