My partner and I are a romantic couple and have never been to Paris before. Our intention is to celebrate his 50th birthday in that city and we would be interested in any advice about must-see shows (I hear the Moulin Rouge is over-rated?), must-eat-at restaurants and other useful insights into Paris and environs. We will be there in May 2006.

Even though I was with my daughter and my wife was still at home in the states, I had the luck to turn 50 in Paris last year in June. Paris is a wonderful place to have a birthday, especially the 50th. We started with some wine and wandered the Champs du Mars in front of the Eifel Tower, climbed the tower just before dusk and had some great views from there, had a Seine river cruise which was great, and finished with some live music on a quai. The tower lights up and sparkles after dark and the river area is always lively at night. I hope this helps. I have also heard that the Moulin Rouge is a tourist trap and very overrated. Go to virtualtourist.com for some detailed reports on places in Paris from other experienced travelers as well. Good Luck and happy 50th.

John

welshod,

Welcome to Fodor's!

There are many, many differnet kinds of shows in Paris. A music concert of some type might be a good bet if you don't speak French.

There are so many "perfect" restaurant in Paris that it is unfair to elevate any of them to "must see" status of the others. These wonderful restaurants range in price from 50Euro to 500Euro for dinner for two with wines.

One insight for a couple celebrating a 50th birthday on a first visit might be to stay in the St. Germaine neighborhood or on one of the islands.

Please give us some more info:
1) How long is your visit?
2) What neighborhood are thinking of basing yourselves in?
3) Do you have a dining budget?
4) Do you like art? architecture? walking? jazz? classical? hiking? history?
5) Are you foodies?
6) Do you have a hotel/apt. budget?

For other useful insights, please click on this Paris "superthread" created:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34519236

P.S. You might want to start a NEW post and include "Paris" somewhere in the subject header. Something along the lines of "50 yr. old and Partner seeking advice for first Paris visit". You'll be surprised how many people are eager to help once they know you want their advice on a visit to Paris.

I am not much of a pre-planner and found Paris a perfect city for that. After arrival we got a free city map from the hotel lobby and picked up free local entertainment guides.

It's easy to figure out an interesting day... for instance, get up, find some coffee and pastries first, then walk or take Metro to the Eiffle Tower, using your map, wander your way back thru other neighborhoods, seeing museums, monuments, parks that interest you, stopping for wine in sidewalk cafes, and lunch when you see someplace that looks good. Like that...

For restaurants I keep my eyes open during the day, for ones that look nice and are nearby the hotel, and return there in the evenings.

My DH & I went to Paris for his birthday a few years ago. Someone told me about the Eiffel Tower turning into a giant sparkler on the hour, during the evening, but I hadn't told DH. On the evening itself we wandered around Montmartre, enjoying the atmosphere & checking out restaurants, & with me secretly looking for one with a view of the Eiffel Tower. (This was in late October so dining outside wasn't an option.) Just managed to time it perfectly so that we were seated by the window with a glass of champagne when the 9pm display started ! It was a lovely moment. I think Montmartre is still one of the most romantic areas, although obviously touristy.

I've never been to the Moulin Rouge or similar but it doesn't sound like my cup of tea, or indeed romantic.

Don't bother with Moulin Rouge at all. It absolutely is a tourist trap, with a not very good show and terrible food. There are too many fabulous restaurants in Paris for you to spend any time there!