Such a thing as a "Man's Man" enjoying Paris?
 

Hello! My husband and I are honeymooning in Paris. We have 5 days/nights before we go to Venice. I have been dreaming of visiting Paris since I was very young and I know I will enjoy EVERYTHING. However, my husband is another story. If he had his way, we'd be on a beach (I don't have a problem with that) or fishing. And we'd avoid the airport and standing on line at all costs.

I won the coin toss.

Have any of you taken a trip with such a man? I would love for my husband to enjoy it as much as I will, but besides the obvious excitement of being in a foreign country and being in one of the most romantic places on earth, what else can I schedule to ensure he has a nice time? So far, I have decided on the following:

1. Booking a cruise on the Seine
2. Trip to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe
3. Cheese, wine and crusty bread anywhere
4. Versaille

Any suggestions/changes? Thank you for your help!

Good plan, so far.

If he suggests going fishing on your honeymoon rather than other activities in ANY city you're in big trouble.

Dukey, well said!

My husband is an outdoorsy person, and he loves Paris.

What about Napolean's Tomb? Does he like military stuff?

Even people who don't like museums tend to like Rodin's museum. It's small, and partially outside. And very well done.

Give him a guide book on Paris, especially the Eyewitness Paris guide as it's full of photos and a light enough read. Ask him to flip through it, and then ask him what he's be interested in. Let him plan a day in Paris, as well, or even a a morning or afternoon.

Eiffel and Arc du Triomphe would be good, but don't forget Napoleon's Tomb and the war museum or something.

Not that you want to museum yourselves to death on your honeymoon, but he might enjoy the <u>Musee des Arts et Metiers</u> - lots of inventions and technical things on display, also interactive screens to further illustrate the object's purpose or how it was built.
www.arts-et-metiers.net/

For a legitimate collection of erotic art from around the world, you might both enjoy ;) the <u>Musee de l'Erotisme</u> (open late)
www.musee-erotisme.com/

He might like an overview of Paris from a tethered balloon - at Parc Citroen...
http://www.aeroparis.com/
http://events.skyteam.com/sisp/index...event_id=79655

My husband never, never wanted to go to Paris, It was my dream, but now he's hooked. I don't know if it was the food, the wine, the sights, or what. He still fishes, bikes, scuba dives, but now he also reads art books and visits European cities. I would suggest the sights listed above, but have your husband climb to the top of the eiffel tower and notre dame, walk and relax in Luxemburg gardens, do a bike tour, keep it active, then relax with a great meal and glass of wine. One of my husbands least favorite things in Paris is the cruise on the Seine (he finds this totally boring and a waste of money) he would rather walk along the Seine. The museums listed by Travelnut sound great, we may have to try those too. I just have a hunch that your husband will enjoy Paris.

A walk along the Canal St Martin is fun: it shows a less well known side of the city, and in the evening there will likely be a number of fishermen (pleasant older guys, mostly, with long bamboo poles, fishing with bread) who are only too happy to chat about fishing or life, in general. A climb to the top of Notre Dame will give anyone a workout and the view is stupendous!

This sounds great! Thanks for all the suggestions! :)

Well wehearttravel, you did better than I ever did. My darling late husband had absolutely no interest in going to Paris. He always wanted to be in Italy..and consequently that is where we went, for two months each time. But I have never been to Paris or France. So congratulations!!! You are getting your husband to Paris, I am impressed, lol. And do have a wonderful time.

Get Rick STeves guide book. Look at his website WWW.Ricksteves.com. There are so many thing to do and see.

Hi W,

&quot;You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink&quot;.

He either will or won't like Paris.

I'm not sure that a Seine cruise would be of major interest, but I second the suggestion for a walk along the banks, especially at night.

Versailles is best on a Sunday, in season, when the fountains are on.

He might like the Cluny Museum
www.musee-moyenage.fr

You get a nice view of the city from the Sacre Coeur. Take the no. 18 bus (Montmartrobus) from Place Pigalle up and walk through Montmartre back to Pigalle. You can look at the Moulin Rouge.

How are you getting to Venice?

((I))

He might enjoy Mus&eacute;e de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of the Hunt and Nature) on rue des archives. The collections include hunting in art and the art of hunting.

www.chassenature.org

For a real &quot;Man's Man&quot; outing, how about the Paris Sewer Tour? Here's a link to the European Sewer Safari - Paris is the first on the list.

http://www.ooze.com/sewer/howto.html

Have fun in Paris. Peace, Robyn :)&gt;-

Paris was very low (if at all) on my husband's list, so I was surprised last year when that was where he chose for us to go. He hates lines, crowds, urban noise and congestion, etc. He always chooses hiking, rafting, flying etc. as his recreation/vacation activities.

He had a great time! I chose a central hotel with air conditioning (heat is another enemy) rather than an older place with more character that we could retreat to anytime the city became too much.

We got up early to avoid the lines and crowds at the museum of the day, spent the afternoon walking, seeing all the outdoor sights, or taking a break back at the hotel. Then back out in the evening again.

I am the planner because I enjoy the research and traveling more than he. He counts on me to know how to get everywhere, what the hours are, how to avoid the crowds, etc. He appreciates my efforts and it keeps us both happy.

We also left the city by train for a daytrip to a chateau. He didnt' care too much for the chateau, but he liked getting out of the city and into the countryside.

I haven't taken on Venice with him yet. It is also at the bottom of the list. I would do the same thing though, stay on the island, then wander around during the morning, retreat to hotel or to other island in the afternoon, then back in Venice in the evening, which I think is the best. I think my husband would like all the boat transportation.

My DH, the outdoorsy type, said he wanted to go home the first day in Paris!
Slowly, by doing things outdoors :walking, just looking at buildings, visiting only the gardens at Vers., avoiding line-ups
etc, he wormed up to the city. Since that first time ( for him) we have been back twice and he wants to go again!

good luck to you.

Fisherman's stores:

Reve de Peche, 141 rue Cardinet, 17th arrondissement

Des Poissons Si Grandes, 45 La Tour Mauberg, 7th arrondissement.

A canal ride, with dancing alongside the river Marne:

http://www.canauxrama.com/produits/e_fiche7.htm

I want to second the suggestion of Les Invalides and the Army Museum. Don't just see Napoleon's tomb, and don't limit the musuem tour to the WWII exhibts. You may not want to go through the entire museum, but any guy ought to be interested in the portion of the musuem dedicated to the Napoleonic wars (note: outside the WWII exhibit, all the signs are in French, and my French is very rusty, but even if you speak no French, it would still be interesting). It was very educational to learn how Charles De Gaulle won the war singlehandedly, but, strangely, I didn't learn anything about Waterloo, even though we visited on the anniversary of the battle.

Most men like architecture and engineering feats. Notre Dame, St. Chapelle, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles all appeal on that level. If you want to sneak in one art museum, the Orsay is a good one, becuase most guys would probably be at least moderately interested in the art it displays, but seeing how they converted an old railway station into a museum is interesting in and of itself. On the other hand, a place like the Louvre is all about the art, so that might not be as appealing--if you go, don't plan on more than a couple of hours, if that. I can't imagine too many manly men being excited over the modern &quot;art&quot; at the Pompidou. Most men can also appreciate sculpture, due to the sheer physical exertion involved in making art out of marble, etc. The Rodin is close to Les Invalides and probably would be intersting.

With regard to standing in lines, buy the Museum pass, even if it doesn't look like it will save you a lot of money. It will save you standing in line, and it sounds like your husband will appreciate that. It's always good to feel like a VIP and skip the line. In that same regard, may I suggest that when you visit Versailles, you consider taking a carriage ride to tour the gardens, and, if possible, time it so that you do this while the fountains are running. Again, it's another chance to feel like a VIP, and gives you a good comprehensive view of the gardens from a different perspective than you would get on foot, and without that tiring museum-pace stroll that can really start to wear on you.

I'm not sure about the Seine cruise. I spent six days in Paris on my 2004 trip and didn't feel like I missed anything by not taking a river cruise. Unless he tells you otherwise, I can't see where that would be more appealing than seeing Paris at street level.

I think you are defintely on the right track with food. Check out some cheese shops and bakeries. Restaurants can be a little trickier. I'm one of those guys that is not a lover a fancy fare, but, if you can decipher the menu, you won't have trouble finding good food that should appeal to even picky or indifferent eaters.

Has anyone actually taken the Paris sewer tour? I know it's weird, but SO would probably love it.

Is it interesting? What kinds of things to you see? How long is the tour? And most important, does it really smell down there? Because if it does, I don't care how interesting it is -- ah ain't goin'.

hi wehearttravel-

I don't think you have said what time of the year you are traveling, but hoe about a football (soccer) game? Surely there will be other manly men in attendance!

My man also enjoys wine tastings, walks in Montmartre, very romantic, and great for people watching. A Seine River cruise is a must. Yes, it's a little stale if you've done it 20 times like I have, but I still say it should not be missed.

I would recommend having one day to walk from the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs Elysees, down to the Tuileries gardens to the Louvre. There is a tomb of the unknown soldier memorial at the Arc de Triomphe. For you, down the Champs Elysees there are lots of designer shops, fabulous restaurants where you can sit and people watch for a bit, have a crepe along the way... There are also a few car dealerships where you husband can drool and flex some muscle if need be! :)

Eiffel Tower- of course, AND the tower flashes at different intervals at night. Does anyone know the exact timings?

Oh- another manly suggestion- the Moulin Rouge- I am not sure if that's your &quot;cup of tea&quot;, but all of my mal friends have anjoyed it!

The Eiffel's strobes come on upon the hour, every hour, after dark for 10 minutes. (I don't know if they go all night but they go til late evening).

Take him up to the bar at the top of the Montparnasse tower for a drink. I don't think anyone could fail to be amazed at the sight of tout Paris spread out before you.

Take him to the Jacquemart-Andr&eacute; museum for Sunday brunch and then go for a brisk walk in the Parc Monceau.

Take the RER out to Chatou and the Ile des Impressionistes and have lunch at the Maison Fournaise, where Renoir painted Luncheon of the boating Party. Take a hike around the island.

Go to Auvers-sur-Oise with him (also on the RER) and hike all over town exploring the various Van Gogh sites. Visit the wonderful museum in the Ch&acirc;teau there and learn about the Impressionist movement and how to drink absinthe.

And yes, give him a guidebook and find out what HE'd like to do, then do it.

If all else fails and he isn't impressed with Paris after a few days, you may want to break up the trip and take a day tour.
I have done numerous day tours via TGV/train and been back in Paris by late evening. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Tours or elsewhere in the Loire Valley. Take in a Chateau or a wine tour. You can book them right at a booth in the Tours train station.
2. La Rochelle is a nice town along the coast.
3. Mt. St. Michele and Brittany Coast.
4. Normandy and the U.S. Cemetary
5. Epernay or Reims for a bubbly tour.
6. Alsace region(if the new TGV line is open when you go) I have done this in a day but via the regular train that takes 4 hours one way. Can't wait for the TGV line to open.
7. One of numerous small villages that have been well preserved for centuries.
I prefer to do it on my own via train but there are a few tour companies in Paris offering one day trips.

Wehearttravel, I completely understand your situation. If my husband had his way, we would be staying here:

http://tinyurl.com/2zndjt

Oh this makes me chuckle. My husband is also NOT a city person...and I guess he could be called a &quot;Man's Man&quot;. Since Paris was my choice for our 25th anniversary trip, I was a little concerned but he LOVED Paris. Good suggestions on Napoleon's tomb and the War museum. It was a hit. The other thing that intrigued him were the riot police squads out in full force during last March's demonstrations. A line of about 30 police in full riot gear lined up as we were walking along the street. He was sure if we just stayed and watched we would see some action. I'm like...excuse me but can we get the HECK out of here? We're going back in April.

Well- Hemingway seemed to - even thouth there was nothing for him to shoot.

Hold it now. Let me get this straight. Is the implication of all this that if I love Paris, enjoy museums, covet walks through parks with my wife, enjoy romantic dinners with the one I love, look forward spending time shopping, share a glass of wine in a cafe... then I am not a man's man????
There is something wrong with this picture.
So you mean I've got to burp, swear,spit, fart and be a complete ignoramous and impatient and not enjoy anything cultural.
So now you tell me. No wonder I never got to date the cheerleaders in high school or invited to join the fraternities.

But Robjame (commenting entirely theoretically, of course, not suggesting action), I'll bet if you called those cheerleaders now, from Paris, and asked for a date you'd have MUCH more luck.

I've had several friends like this. And not only about Paris, but also any other destination that involves a long flight and a bit of the unknown.

They just don't know what they don't know.

Most now plan a European trip or two every year now. Don't be surprised if your husband suggests going back after you return home.

&quot;So you mean I've got to burp, swear,spit, fart and be ....&quot;
I don't know if that is a a description of a man' man or just a jerk.
Some people just love the outdoors ;
it does not mean the don't read, enjoy art, architecture, good restaurants and
beautiful sights.

My first trip to Paris was about 10 years ago and I was not all that excited to see the city, but after about 10 minutes being there, &quot;Je suis fou de Paris!&quot; I have been back 6 times.

I did the boat trip on the river, glad it did it but would not do it again. I think I liked it the day I did because my feet were tired from walking.

There is just so much to do in that city. Let him help with the planning.

Bon Voyage!

I second the suggestion of walking along the Canal St. Martin. I can see my not loving cities husband chatting up those fellows!

Paris Walks http://tinyurl.com/dn6fo
offers a Sunday guided walk about Paris During the Occupation. I am thinking of taking it myself, even though I enjoy being a girl.

I don't even really understand the premise here. Somehow not liking city and liking beaches is translated into being a &quot;man's man&quot;. I don't get the connection, some women don't like big cities and enjoy the outdoors and beaches, also. And then being a &quot;man's man&quot; is related to liking war and the military. This is such sexism , I can't believe it, and such a weird train of thought. I know many very masculine men who like cities.

I always assumed a &quot;man's man&quot; was one who preferred other men. NO?

LOl, Patrick D'Accord!

Well, that was certainly my first thought, Patrick.

Though I re-read it a couple of times and I GUESS what she was saying was that her husband is an &quot;outdoors type&quot; and not a lover of art and culture. &ouml;utdoorsy&quot; somehow being equated with &quot;a man's man,&quot; and Paris somehow being equated with things feminine.

This is too much like the Dressing for Dinner in Italy thread in some ways, with stereotypes galore.

wehearttravel. Before I was married, I had a boyfriend who was straight. I designed my clothes and he sewed them.

wehearttravel, I have the perfect solution: I will be your traveling companion to Paris. While you and I are crusing the Seine, enjoying wine, cheese, and crusty bread, we'll send the guys on a fishing trip together.

Deal??

:-D

Actually my fisherman husband liked Paris once he gave it a chance. Good luck.

Wehearttravel,

I told my husband about your post during our walk today since I had written about his visit to Paris.

His reaction was that the honeymoon is for both of you, not for one to win what she wanted and the other to have to go along. But he then said that he might be old fashioned, but as long as the trip included enough time in the hotel every day, he would have enjoyed our honeymoon anywhere!

He suggested that you combine what you want to do (what you think is romantic in Paris) with what he would like to do (ask him). Otherwise, don't expect him to enjoy it as much as you will because it isn't what he wants to do.

His reminders to me about Paris last May/June--

He enjoyed the parks during the week, but found them too crowded on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Good people watching, though.

He didn't know about the Eiffel Tower lights--I just told him I wanted to see the tower lit at night, so we took the Metro over and I chose a bench to sit awhile to the top of the hour. It was a great surprise and we both enjoyed it.

He didn't like the crowds and aimless wandering along the Champs Elysees, but he did like sitting at the Arc watching the traffic and the traffic cops. Quite a show.

He wanted to avoid the artists and tourist near Montmartre, so we walked up the &quot;back way&quot;. He hasn't wanted to see a red light district since his time in the Army.

One thing I can't help you with is if you husband doesn't like museums. My husband knows a lot more than I about music and art, so he wanted to spend lots of time in museums--I was the one who had to limit the number and length of visits to save my poor feet.

Congratulations on your wedding.

There's the beach by the Seine set up every summer.