Lindybeth

At the end of January, I will be attending a meeting in Nice, France. I'm thinking about flying into Paris on a Friday (from New Jersey) and stopping over for a night in Paris before catching a flight to Nice on Sunday. I have never been to Paris (or Nice), only "parle francaise un peu" (speak a little French), and will be traveling alone. Could anyone recommend an ideal itinerary for my short time in Paris? I would like to at least see Mona in the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and maybe Victor Hugo's house. Also, is the weather in January going to be too cold for a walking tour? Thanks so much!

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batobus

As you only have one full day, why don't you try the Batobus (http://www.batobus.com/english/index.htm). It's a hop-on/hop-off boat that travels up and down the Seine stopping at the main monuments. It's not a bateau-mouche or tour boat, but it would be a fun way to travel from monument to monument without having to get the metro or walk for miles!

Lindybeth

Thanks for the reply! I went to the Batobus website and it looks like a great transport option. Except it looks like it takes the winter off! Does anyone know if the Batobus runs during the winter?

Ryan

I've found that Paris is actually a fairly compact city, in terms of the major tourist destinations. The Louvre and Notre Dame are about a 10 minute walk from each other. (If you prefer Impressionist paintings, you might consider visting the D'Orsay, as well, or instead of the Louvre.)<BR><BR>The Eiffel Tower is accessible by the train from the station just across from either the Louvre or Notre Dame. Alternatively, you may want to just take a cab as that will save some time.

Lori

Lucky you!! My advice is to set a schedule and stick to it. Study the metro map and map out your routes. The metro is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest way to get around Paris.

hanl

Lindybeth, I'm sorry! I didn't realise the Batobus doesn't run over the winter. In that case I would have to agree with Ryan, that walking may be a good option. I lived in Paris for 3 years and it is a pretty compact place - I walked everywhere.<BR><BR>Here's an itinerary that you might like to try, if you enjoy walking that is!! <BR><BR>(First, arm yourself with a good map) <BR><BR>You might want to start out at the Eiffel tower first thing in the morning, as it is furthest from the other monuments that you would like to visit. Do make sure you get there early though as you can waste a lot of time waiting in line for the elevator to take you up and down between levels. If you only have a day it would be a shame to waste it standing in queues!!<BR><BR>After the Eiffel tower, you could either walk along the Seine to the Louvre, or hop on the RER C (urban train) and get off at the Mus&eacute;e D'Orsay stop. Then you can walk across the Seine to the Louvre. <BR><BR>If you want to save time, avoid going in the entrance located by the Pyramid as there are often queues. The site www.louvre.fr has a plan showing the various access points and apparently you can buy tickets in advance. However little time you try and spend in there, you will find it's a bit of a maze so plan for that, even if you only mean to see the Mona Lisa (known to French people as La Joconde) you're bound to get sidetracked!!<BR><BR>Once you've visited the Louvre, you can then walk east along the Rue de Rivoli if you fancy a bit of shopping (mainly chain stores, clothing, shoes, etc), or walk along the Seine. Personally I would opt for the latter as shoppers on the Rue de Rivoli can make it a bit crowded on Saturdays. <BR><BR>So, make your way eastwards to the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris!!) and cross over onto the island called the Ile de la Cit&eacute;. From here, take the Quai des Orf&egrave;vres (on the south side of the island), and you can walk to Notre Dame. <BR><BR>The Cathedral itself is a fairly short visit, but if you want to go up the Towers (it costs but i can't remember how much) then be prepared to queue.<BR><BR>From Notre Dame, you could continue walking eastwards through the gardens to the tip of the Ile de la Cit&eacute;, and then across to the next island, called the Ile St Louis. Cross back onto the right bank of the Seine via the Pont Louis-Philippe, and keep walking in a straight line, crossing back over the Rue de Rivoli and going up the rue Vieille du temple. You'll then reach the district known as the Marais, a very quaint old district which among other things is the Jewish quarter of Paris. Keep walking along the rue Vieille du temple until it crosses the rue des Francs Bourgeois. Turn right along this street and it will take you to the Place des Vosges, an absolutely gorgeous old square which houses the Mus&eacute;e Victor Hugo (south-east corner).<BR><BR>The weather in Paris is rarely too cold for walking (It never went below freezing the whole time I lived there!). It may be rainy though so don't forget your umbrella!

Lindybeth

Wow Hanl! Thanks so much for the thorough itinerary! I really appreciate it! Could you recommend a central hotel location to hit all these spots? Recommendation on hotels in that area would be great (moderate budget)? I was thinking about staying in a hotel by the Eiffel Tower, but it sounds a bit out of the way.

hanl

I'm afraid I can't be much help with hotels, as I actually lived in Paris I didn't have much need for them!! <BR><BR>It depends on your budget, obviously, although I would avoid being very close to the Eiffel tower, as personally I find that area to be quite boring (of course, that's just my opinion)!!! And, as you say, compared to the other sights and monuments in paris, it is relatively on the edge of things. <BR><BR>Somewhere centrally located would obviously be best. The St Michel area (on the border of the 5th and 6th arrondissements) might be good, as it's very lively, full of eateries and shops, and easy to access from the RER train line that goes out to CDG airport.

hanl

Oops, just to clarify, when I say St Michel I mean the Place St Michel (large square with stunning fountain, facing the Seine).

Parisfan

Perhaps to make the most of the day, you could take "hop on, hop off" bus and hit all the highlights. Do a search for L'Open Tour for their website with route and cost, etc. Have a great trip!

oldorch

i was there last january and the weather was great for walking arond the city. i think the bigger fear is rain rather than cold. the louvre is massive. it is difficult to leave there once you get in. i would recommend avoiding there due to your lack of time.

Lindybeth

Thanks everyone for your replies! Since there is so much to do, I have decided to stay in Paris for 3 nights before heading to Nice. I am considering a stay at the Hotel de Fleurie in the 6th Arr during my trip. Can I walk to most of the major attractions from here? The rate they quoted is 167 ? for a standard queen size bed room and private bathroom (bath and shower) and 130 ? for a single room with bath or shower. Since I am traveling alone, I was wondering if it is worth spending the extra money for the double room or whether the single will be fine. Also, does anyone recommend a particular room is this hotel? One that is quite, but with a bit of a view would be great!<BR><BR>As always, thanks a bunch! <BR>