Duggan

Hello. I'm a newbie to the board and I am planning a trip to Paris with my wife. Neither of us have been and I would really appreciate any input (or at least point me to some threads that cover the same).

Specifically, when are the best time to go, or more importantly when not to? Not to be missed places to go in and around the city or within a reasonable day trip. And most importantly any tips, suggestions? We only have 7 days to squeeze as much as possible.

I know it is a lot but any help is appreciated.

Patrick

Here's what I'd suggest you do. Look at the block above that says search.
Enter Paris.You will come up with hundreds of posts. Read through them. It will keep you entertained for hours. Then when you've digested it, ask us all for clarification and specific questions.
You will love Paris. We're going to help you, but do this background first. OK?

nancy

If you put the word Paris in the text search you will come up with a slew of information. I stayed for a month in May 2001. The last to weeks were very warm. I would suggest late May or early June. Any questions, please e-mail me. [email protected]

Wendy

There is soooo much information here on Paris, you have come to the right place. I would suggest doing a bit of a search by typing Paris and choosing France. Read thru some posts and then decide on the basics, when you are going and what your interests are. From there we can point you in a lot of directions!

Wendy

mclaurie

Duggan- I'm not sure searching will help with when to go or not to go so let me give my point of view. There's NO bad time to go to Paris. It's obviously more pleasant to go anywhere when weather is fair, but that's also when prices tend to be highest. You can still have a great time anytime.
Issues-Not all hotels have A/C, particularly some of the better values and it DOES get hot in the summer. All (or almost all) of France gets August off so the good news-it's not as crowded (with parisians). The bad news-many restaurants are closed. Ideally end of April thru June and September for best weather that's not too hot. Having said that, American Airlines is offering some great fares RIGHT NOW for July (someone else posted today they got a $420 for RT Chicago/Paris.) Good luck!

rex

While I suspect that there are no absolute bad times to go, I'll give an answer. I think that May (later is better) or June (earlier is better) are just about tied with September as great times to go. You have slightly better chance of finding cheap air fares (assuming you are from North America) in May/June than in September. September used to be a shoulder season, but so many people have discovered how nice it is, that the demand have pushed it back to nearly "high" season.

There will be considerable dissent on this, but I would say that given a week, you should get out of the city for at least two nights. So many choices - - you need to do some reading (and maybe pick a season) to even think about where the getaway would be.

And you really do need to read, in a major way (you didn't say that you haven't done ANY reading), I really do recommend getting one or more books - - either France, broadly (it will be 30-50% about Paris and environs, most likely), or Paris specifically. And read it cover to cover, just like a novel or text book.

In fact, if you don't love reading such a thing, then it might be worth a re-think of why you want to go to Paris.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Westervile, Ohio
[email protected]

Julie

Having been to Paris in both Spring and Fall, I would have to say that September is my favorite month to go. I found the weather to be most to my liking at that time of year. I'd agree with the others about doing a search on Paris to get more information. There are hundreds of good posts on this board concerning hotels, day trips outside the city, transportation, restaurants, etc.

alohatoall

Well-said, Rex. I was just getting ready to suggest going to the library or the bookstore to read up a bit when I read your post. For a lot of us, the anticipation is almost as much fun as the trip, and reading is an integral part of the preparation and anticipation.

rex

up to the top, for Duggan

cigalechanta

Duggan, everything you need to know
concerning Paris will be here.
http://paris.org/kiosque

sciences

Paris is a gorgeous city, but August may not be the ideal time to visit. A good number of locals take this time to vacation elsewhere, and you may find more shops closed compared to other months. As as result, you might not get the full Paris effect.

Barb_in_Ga

I'll add one more thought to these suggestions: when you go to the library, check out videos on Paris. Rick Steves has done a couple, and there are probably some others. While not completely comprehensive, they do give a pleasant overview of quite a few of the high points. I liked "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paris". The book covered a lot of the basics, and has excellent chapters which help you list and prioritize the sights, restaurants, museums, etc., into a doable plan.

Powell

Duggan,

Assuming you have cultural interests do not miss:

Musee D'Orsay- contains many Imppressionist paintings, etc. Nice place to lunch too.
Opera Garnier- try and get ballet tickets.
Marmatton Museum in the Bois de Boulogne.

For shopping, Bon Marche on the Left Bank, La Samartaine on the Right Bank--great overview of Paris from the roof of the Samartaine.

Take boat ride on the Seine--do not eat on th eboat-too many nice bistros in Paris--ask your hotel owner/concierge as to where to eat.

It all really depends on your personal preferences for that would determine where you might stay. Other than August any time is the right time for Paris. Leave time just to walk and explore. It is a great city.

Good luck.

Anthony

elaine

Hi Duggan
In addition to doing a search on this message board, start at fodors.com and you will find access to LOTs of free information on Paris, highlights, suggestions, Rants and Raves comments on hotels and restaurants, etc.
I will add that imo the Fodors guide to Paris is an excellent general guidebook.
YOu will need at least one good one, and a good map. Streetwise Paris, available in most chain bookstores is excellent for most destinations.
The Paris Mapguide has even more detail, just a section of the city on each page, along with some basic tourist information. I always carry both of these maps with me.

Seven days is a good amount of time for a first visit. You'll have time for a daytrip or two: perhaps Versailles, or Giverny (the Monet Foundation) esp. if you go in a warm season when the gardens are at their best.

I would suggest as others have, May or late September when the tourist crowds are a bit less and days are not too short. However, I've been there during several different months of the year and I've loved it every time, even when it's rainy and cold.

I have a long file on Paris; if you'd like to see it, email me at
[email protected]

jheim

Hi Duggan,

My wife and I prefer mid-May to visit Paris because;

1. It is shoulder season (cost)
2. Day light hours are longer (dusk is about 9:30)
3. Normal temperatures are super (Paris is an outdoor city)

Since you have not been to Paris in the past consider the following:

1. Prioritize what you want to see - leaving half of each day 'open' as you will encounter may chance opportunities for unique experiences.
2. Recognize that 7 days is a short period of time and will give you a 'taste' of the city/people/culture. But you cannot do/experience everything.
3. Be flexible - at times what you would like to do may not be possible - a closed site, an unexpected strike etc.

Have a super trip.

Duggan

Thanks to all for the responses and the great suggestions.

I've got a lot of reading, but then again planning is half the fun.