Paris on a whim -alone
 

Travelling to Paris first week in December. Just decided to go because I've wanted to experience the city. Any suggestions as to how to enjoy the city alone? Anyone want to meet at museum or for dinner?

Lucky you!<BR>Check out articles and discussion board of<BR>www.bonjourparis.com<BR>for suggestions and some more information.<BR><BR>www.parisavenue.com<BR>will give you details about what's on, exhibitions, concerts, etc. Runs from Wed-Tue. <BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR>

Whatever you do not do, make sure that you see Notre Dame and get a Batobus on the river. Also go to the Mus&eacute;e d'Orsay (batobus stops there) and head straight for the top floor. The Rodin museum is worth seeing and I can send you my notes on a short break in Paris if you e-mail me but the other places are musts.

Batobus does not operate in December

The Impressionist section of the Musee D'Orsay was closed due to construction when I was there in early November; another Fodor's poster mentioned even more recently that it was still closed. The building itself is worth the (reduced) price of admission, but if you're going to see the Impressionist works, you may be disappointed. There were signs posted out front (you may have to hunt for the one in English) explaining this.

Ditto on the "Lucky you" part. I go to Paris alone about once a year, and have always had great experiences. Even if you don't care for the art or the architecture of the Pompideau museum, don't miss it. It was completely restored and re-organized for the Millennium. The view of I -think-it's-Sacre-Coeur from the restaurant on the top floor is incredible, especially as the sun is going down. Although I don't know what it's like in the winter, the area in front of the museum is usually filled with performers, food and souvenier sellers - and pickpockets is a great place to wander around.

Shawn-<BR>It will likely be quite chilly and possibly wet, so bring your layers and perhaps a travel umbrella. But don't let the weather stop you - some of my best trips to Paris have been in December. Do visit the local department stores for a taste of Parisian Christmas shopping. <BR>Consider a day trip to Versailles - not just the palace, but the town itself. The merchants get together and choose a theme for the season and all decorate their shops accordingly. There are some cool little shops for gifts, usuallyy better prices than in the city. It was an unexpected pleasure when we did it a couple years ago.