I have just read in another forum that many of Paris's top attractions are under construction-- scaffolding on the front of the Louvre and Notre Dame and netting on the Eiffel Tower. Is this correct? We are going at the end of September.

Ray, I got back from a June trip to Paris and the sites you mention are being worked on. The Eiffel Tower did have some netting underneath it. But it does not really obstruct it's view at all. The part of the Louvre being worked on is way in the back towards the Tulieries garden, and the majority (and most interesting parts) of the Louvre are free and clear. Notre Dame, I'm afraid to report, has had scaffolding covering up the entire facade for well over two years.

I've just passed this morning in front of the Opera (the old one) which is so covered with scaffolding that you don't even know what the building looks like. And it seems like it's going to last quite a while, since they built an artificial sidewalk, drew lines on the street, etc. I think that's the price for getting ready for the millenium... (I've just been to Nazareth, and it's hell there !)

Bill Fleites, Sorry to say Notre Dame has had scaffoling since my last trip to Paris, 5 years ago this October. I am disappointed to hear of all the construction going on because I enjoy photography and my last shot of Notre Dame, the scaffoling ruined the shot!

During our trip to Paris three years ago, I was so disappointed at the scaffolding at Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame and Pont Alexandre III. Interestingly, there was a bridge where you could see the "old" and "refurbished" parts. In our travels to Europe, we've noticed that they are constantly improving everything. The Arc de Triomphe was sparkling, whereas in the photos and on the postcards it was covered with black exhaust fumes, or whatever. Paris is absolutely spectacular. So, I wouldn't worry about what's undergoing restoration. There's so much else to appreciate. With any luck, there will be no major strikes at the museums or with public transportation during your visit.

Ray, <BR>We were in Paris two months ago and there was scaffolding on Notre Dame and netting around the "bottom" portion of the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower work is for the "millenium" celebration we were told. Incidentally there are huge numbers up on the Eiffel Tower that are counting down the days to the millenium -- it's really pretty at night. At one time or another when we have been in Paris various buildings have been having work done on them (cleaning, etc.) We have family there and they just say it's an on-going project to keep everything looking good (and clean). Don't let this sort of thing spoil your trip, there is so much to see and do, and besides you can always use it as an excuse to go back again and get those photos of the bldgs. without scaffolding Sept. is a nice month in Paris - many of the tourists have departed and it's easier to get around -- weather should be good too. Just go and enjoy it.

we were in Paris two weeks ago and ongoing repairs didn't present much of a problem. <BR>At Notre Dame the scaffolding on the front facade does preclude some photo ops, but there are plenty of postcards for sale. The bell tower was closed for repairs, but if I remember correctly it was reopening at the end of the month. <BR>I would suggest taking the time to walk around to the opposite side of the building. The back doesn't have the scaffolding and gives you a very different perspective on the architecture of the entire building. If you take the bridge across the Seine, near the back of the building, you will have some beautiful photo ops, and you can enjoy the bookstalls as well. <BR>Remember, if something is under repair on this trip it gives you a reason to return again!

Notre-Dame is all done now and has re-opened the towers.

Just got back from Paris. Merde, Fouquet's on the Champs Elysees is closed and being renovated.