Just returned from second trip to Paris. Husband's first. I always do loads of research prior to a trip. The first two days in Paris this time, we almost felt too pressured because we were trying to hard to see and do the "MUSTS". And, one must NEVER feel pressure in Paris!!! ;-) <BR> <BR>When we decided we didn't have our Paris pace, and on Day 3 slowed down, stopped in the cafes, window shopped, really shopped (!), we were much happier. <BR> <BR>Figure this. Take away, perhaps 10% of any suggestions that you read here or in the books and let that suffice. Trust your own self as you walk through Paris. Look at the menus and peer in a window, choose THAT place for dinner. One thing we found was that the guidebooks suggesting restaurants (often very good) were loaded with Americans (as are we). We gave up on that, and found our own places and ate with the French. <BR> <BR>We went into places that you could only find by wandering. Old old old bars, where not a soul spoke English. <BR> <BR>And by the way, fellow Americans. Keep your voices down in the restaurants. Everyone there does not need to know your life's history and travel plans. <BR> <BR>Trust your hearts...and walk, walk, walk. <BR> <BR>

Lu hello. Congratulations! You did absolutely the RIGHT thing! Just slow down and relax. To walk is the very best thing to discover a town like Paris. <BR>I did enjoy reading your post.

I agree on the pace issue, but also think you have to see/do a certain mix to get a real sense of Paris. I could not have spent the week window shopping and sitting in cafes. It's not my natural pace...but I was very happy to window shop on my way from one place to the next. Yes, walking is the best way to get around...we found it faster than taking the metro, or at least it seemed faster and a lot more fun. We ate 3 "real meals" in real restaurants. While not bad, they were the worst food experiences we had all week. (And all 3 restaurants were recommended in "the books.") The rest of the time we grabbed food d'emporter and ate on the run...charcuterie, sandwiches from boulangeries, crepes etc., light snacks in salons de the. We also fell in love with Bon Marche's food hall and bought food for breakfast and several dinners which we at in our apartment. These were the best and most fun meals.

I'm with you, Lu... And I ALWAYS agree with Ursula. Trying to fill out a checklist full things from sites to places to eat is a mistake when there are so many interesting discoveries to make. Make Paris your own with unique experiences and interactions. If you miss something important, catch it the next time. There is nothing that says you are required to visit the places in the guides or that the only places worth eating in are the ones you've heard about from someone else. Suggestions and ideas are great, but for everything you do, you will miss 10 things that you COULD have done or discovered. That's just the way it is and it is really no tragedy!

Lu, <BR> <BR>Good advice. We are returning to Paris for our second trip this May, I have already made a list of thing to do and see and see the second time around. The list is getting very long. You have reminded me to slow down and enjoy the simple things that Paris is full of. I wish that we had two weeks and not just one!!!! <BR> <BR>

Lu, <BR>"Trust your hearts...and walk, walk, walk." <BR> <BR>Excellent advice! We made our first trip (and not the last!) this past October and while we heard about the excellent subway system, what can you experience while you're in a hole in the ground? <BR> <BR>Our hotel was a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe and a half block off the Champs-Elysees. Excellent location and good hotel. <BR> <BR>The first day we just got the "lay of the land", tested out limited French speaking skills and finally figured out the Franc/USD exchange rate. Pressure was off. <BR> <BR>The second day we walked up to the Arc, over to the Eiffel Tower, down to the Lourve/d'Orsay, Notre Dame then up to Sacre Coueur/Monmarte then back to the hotel. Took in every bit of that great city. <BR> <BR>Stopped at interesting shops, cafes and sights along the way. <BR> <BR>The next few days we went back to the places that interested us the most. <BR> <BR>5 days wasn't enough. What I'd give for another walk in a light rain along the Seine hand in hand with Mrs. Kal right now! <BR> <BR>Kal

It's a magical city, isn't it? I am in a "love state" already...63 days and counting. (Aloha, Kal!) And I agree, I always wish I had been able to poke around in little shops a little more, but sometimes the pace is dictated by T. Something about spending money makes him nervous But aaahh those walks by the Seine.

Lu, <BR> <BR>Funny. <BR> <BR>...Oddly enough (considering my career) I tend to be a "seat of her pants" kind of girl when I travel...maybe too(?) spontaneous? Nawwww... <BR>More often than not, I just let "things happen" and (embarrassingly) enough, don't remember names of many wonderful inns, restaurants, streets, villages, bus lines, etc...I've experienced. (I COULD, however, walk you back to ANY place I've ever been to ...if by intuition only.) (I could also tell you what I was wearing, who I was with, who I met, where in the sky the sun was, what songs were playing...etc...) <BR>Oh. and where to find the ticket stub or match box somewhere in my desk... <BR> <BR>I absolutely ADORE languages, reading, people, history, etc, etc, etc... <BR>Travel can be so many things to so many people. <BR> <BR>I cannot comprehend people who do not care to use the resources so available to them. I thrive on prelimary research and self introspection before traveling...and before...and after. <BR> <BR>Then there's Art... <BR> <BR>Just go for it.

To Kal: I was wondering what hotel you stayed in?

I wanted to add my 2 cents here. I have been checking this site for just about 2 months now and I learned so much from it. I felt really prepared for my trip to Paris. I speak just a little french but I got by. My travel companion did not do any research, did not speak nor understand the language, she was bored (!!!) by the city. She is a jaded New Yorker and to those New Yorkers, any city will pale in comparison. I am a former New Yorker and I can't understand her point of view. I wanted to stay longer because we did not get to see the Louvre (strike) or some other sights, such as La Samarataine or Bon Marche, but she was ready to hit the road. And I did notice more than anything how loud she was whereas all the Europeans spoke so quietly. Oh, maybe my next trip I will be with someone who can appreciate that beautiful city. Sigh. <BR><BR>PS- we did have hot chocolate at Angelina's- We walked way out of our way to find it since there have been so many posts about it here! Wow. Good stuff.

hiya lu..<BR>i read and enjoyed your post very much and couldnt agree with you more....about the slowing down that is.<BR>i see so many people planning wonderful and expensive trips with these incedible itenararies attached. i think that the emphasis should be on leisure.<BR>pick a few must sees and the rest are all up to whim.<BR>best way to travel... in my opinion!