Dornroschen

I posted this question under a different heading, however at the suggestion of someone I reposted with a different title. So if you read my first question, this is the same one! Sorry about the mix up. So here it is: I will be in Paris for two days in late July. I have a reservation at the Trinite Plaza Hotel in the 9th district. I'm hoping someone, anyone can help me figure out how to see all the major sites of Paris in one day (the other day is just an afternoon and evening). As well as recommending some nice cafes or restaurants in the 9th area. Also does anyone know where to get a metro map BEFORE I get to Paris? Oh and one more quick question, which main train station is the best to come into if I'm staying in the 9th? Thanks!

Dornroschen

I forgot to add that I really don't care to see any churches, except perhaps the Notre Dame if I have time. I am very interested in historical sites as well.

ira

Hi
You ask, "...which main train station is the best to come into if I'm staying in the 9th?".
See http://travel.yahoo.com/p/travelguide/563853/sc/air
OR
ask your hotel for their recommendations.

See http://www.ratp.fr/index_eng.htm for Metro and bus maps and schedules.

Is there a particular reason that you have chosen this hotel. It's not in the center of things.

ira

Hi again,
Forget the first website - it is for if you come into CDG airport.
Your hotel is near both Gare St. Lazare and Gare du Nord.

StCirq

You don't say where you're coming FROM, but at any rate, you don't have a choice about which "main station" you'll arrive at - it's predetermined by geography for the most part. You can check train schedules at www.sncf.com.

You can get a map of the metro system at www.ratp.fr, as well as maps of the commuter rail (RER) service and bus routes.

If seeing "all the major sites of Paris" in one day is a priority I would recommend you pick a different hotel so as to maximize your traveling time. The 9me arrondissement is not particularly central.

To plan your day in Paris, get a decent guidebook that has a map of Paris, and plot how you can most quickly and efficiently get from one place to another. With the metro and bus maps, that shouldn't be too hard to do. And keep in mind that Paris isn't a huge city like, say, London. You can walk between some sites almost as fast as you can get there by public transportation.

Shopgirl

Hi - Last time in Paris, I had bought one of those 'Streetwise' maps. They are laminated and folded and had a map of the Metro. It was very helpful. I like to buy these for all the cities we go to and they can be found at your local Borders.

You also may want to think of doing a 'hop on/hop off' bus tour that will take you to all the sights. I have done these in other cities (i.e. Rome, London) and can be helpful. They give you a good overview and some history of what you are seeing.

I would also recommend getting the Museum Pass, which I think can be bought for one day (at the TI)- not only will your admission be covered, but you don't have to wait in line - a BIG timesaver especially if you only have one day. You can probably eat up an hour or so, just in line for the Louvre.

Do try to steal some time in some of the gardens. A good opportunity to relax and people-watch. Good luck!

Christina

I'll try a little. First, I don't think you'll have a choice of train stations as they serve different lines and cities. In a few cases, you do, but that would be outweighed by the train schedule you preferred, probably.

You can get a metro map in major bookstores (that sell travel maps and books) or travel bookstores. They are usually included on the back of any Paris city map (Streetwise Paris is a good one readily available in bookstores). You can go to www.ratp.fr and print a metro line map, I believe, but that will only give you the station names, there won't be any streets on it, so probably won't be that useful to you.

Trinite Plaza is a nice area. I can't name names of places right in that particular spot, but I'm sure you'll have no trouble just seeing cafes around where you stay. There are nice shops and cafes around the place where the church is and the Trinite metro stop. Also, some cafes and bistros around Notre Dame de Lorette stop a little east of there. You can try Bistro des Deux Theatres on rue Blanche for good prix fixe meals, just a bit north of Trinite square.

I'll leave the itinerary to others for suggestions.

Barb_in_Ga

Many of the posters here will be happy to give you a suggested itinerary, but we'll need more info from you to plan around closing days, etc.

First, what day of the week will you arrive, how are you coming(airplane, train), and how long will you have been traveling? The things you can do will vary depending on the days of the week, and what time you arrive. Also, what time will you be leaving, and by what mode of transport?

Tell us whether you love /hate museums, what era of art you prefer, whether you want to climb a lot of steps or avoid them, love churches and their art, want to see street life(markets, artists, booksellers), want to eat at memorable restaurants, or just grab food as you go.

Check out this list of "top" sights--which are musts for you?

Museums: The Louvre, d'Orsay, Rodin, Pompidou, Picasso, Marmottan and others

Churches: Notre-Dame, St. Chapelle, Sacre-Coeur, St. German des Pres, St. Eustache

Historic buildings/Monuments: Opera Garnier, l'Hotel de Ville, Conciergerie, Palais Royale, l'Invalides(Napoleon's tomb), Eiffel Tower, l'Arc de Triomphe

Boat ride on the Seine(an absolute must!)

As you can see--there's a lot to see in a short time, but you can see an amazing amount in a short time if you set priorities.

For a short, first time visit, I wouldn't try to see some things in depth, but without knowing your interests, I wouldn't presume to give you an itinerary. Some people would be happy to see Notre Dame from the Seine boat tour(you get an excellent view), but others would insist on going inside for the full experience. Some would be happy to see the Eiffel Tower from the river, also, and not take time to go up(especially in summer).

Since you aren't going til July, you should make a list of things you want to know more about, do a search on this forum, borrow books and videos from your library, and you'll be amazed how quickly you'll have an itinerary. Hope this helps, Barb

Dornroschen

I will be arriving in Paris by train from Dresden via Frankfurt (I believe). I will be arriving on a friday night and staying Saturday and leaving Sunday by train as well. I don't really want to see any churches, while they are beautiful however you can only see so many! I enjoy museums but also love street life, street art and culture. I try to buy a painting from a street artist in every city I visit so that is a must for me. I want to see the Museum d'Orsay but don't want to even attempt the Louvre for this trip. Barb, all of the historic sites you listed I would like to see. How do I look into the boat tour more? Do they do them at night? thanks guys!

mclaurie

There are several different boat tour companies. The famous well known is called Bateau Mouche. If you type bateau mouche into the text search you will kill 2 birds with one stone. You'll get lots of strings about the various boats with pros & cons but you'll also see suggestions for "must sees" on short Paris visits. Yes the boats go at night-some include dinner-usually discouraged here because of high price & disappointing food.

TimS

I agree with the posters above who said to get a good guidebook, visit your local library, etc. I highly recommend _Rick Steves' Paris 2003_. You can order it directly from his Europe Through the Back Door Web site, www.ricksteves.com. To get free information by mail, visit the official French Government Tourist Office Web site, http://us.franceguide.com (omit "www"). Highlight "Traveling to France." Click on "Brochure Request." You can check up to two free items on the list of choices. One should be the "General Paris Kit."