campobasso

Hello,
My spouse and I will be in Paris for six days in October 2015. We plan on visiting the some of the top attractions but would like to see other venues and take some excursions that aren't quite so touristy. (if that is at all possible). We are open for traveling on the Metro, enjoying cullinary delights, wine tastings, seeing some great Paris history, experiencing off the beaten track sights and sounds. We love and appreciate Europe's city's, but do enjoy the local spots and countryside too. (no bike trips please) Can't fit it all in - in only six days but, want to come home feeling that our trip to Paris was a fantastic, fun-filled experience.
Thanks,
Campobasso

phaddix

I am sure you will get a lot of great feedback here. Some of my thoughts on things that are less touristy or still feel very Parisian if they are touristy.

At least one picnic at either Square du Vert - Galant on Pont Neuf, Champ de Mars in front of Eiffel Tower or Luxembourg Gardens.

Smaller Museums including:
- Rodin Museum
- Picasso Museum
- Orangerie Gallery

Market streets - either Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd or Rue Mouffetard in the 6th

Flea Market: Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen including lunch at Chez Luisette

At least one great dinner - would highly recommend Frenchie (http://www.frenchie-restaurant.com/en) or the no reservation wine bar across the street.

Christina

I think any museum is pretty touristy, except really small ones (PIcasso and Orangerie are two of the biggest in terms of reputation and tourists knowing about them). Small ones without a lot of tourists (any museum has some, that's who goes to museums a lot) are the postal museum, or the Bourdelle or one at Montparnasse station dedicated to the French resistance, and things like that.

I think a market street is a good idea, there are plenty of tourists on several of them (including Mouffetard), but not as much as say, rue Cler or the market streets in St Germain (Buci) or around rue de la Huchette. Montorgueil and Mouffetard are good ideas. Rue Daguerre in the 14th doesn't have a lot of tourists, but I don't think it's quite as good, either.

If you want a park, go to end of RER B and visit Parc Montsouris in the 14th which is lovely and there aren't a lot of tourists in it.

inspiredexplorer

I went in early October 2014, and one edited version of my morning (if you like Impressionist Art/Monet) is to start at Musee de l'Orangerie first thing, beat the crowds and experience the nympheas with few other people.

Then get the metro (30-35 min), cab (15 min), or walk (1 hr +) to Musee Marmottan Monet, for a less popular museum with a great Monet collection and often excellent special exhibitions: the one on while you are visiting is the private collection Arthur and Hedy Hahnloser-Bühler with some big names and little seen pieces.

http://www.marmottan.fr/uk/expositio...nir-musee-2590

Musee Marmottan is situated just in front of the sprawling Bois du Boulogne, a public park with various lakes, streams, and gardens to explore, plus quiet forested paths. Would be great for a picnic on the grass near a lake if the weather is nice!

I have a Nice + Paris trip report around here, and the last picture on this page I took at Bois de Boulogne in October 2014:

http://inspiredexplorer.com/paris-day-monet/

mytravelove

From other things not mentioned yet:

Go to Galerie Lafayette (yes, the luxury shopping mall) and climb up to the rooftop terrace. The view of Palais Garnier and well, Paris, is amazing!

Go stroll through the hanging gardens. They are gardens created from former rail tracks and are elevated, so you can see the neighbourhoods well, incl. some real Parisian homes It starts off the Place de la Bastille. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...e.html#REVIEWS

Philosophygirl

I agree with many comments you've received; Galerie Lafayette and Luxembourg Gardens and Musee de l'Orangerie (if you get there right when Musee de l'Orangerie opens, Monet's water lillies are meditative and simply all encompassing). I would also add Musee d'Orsay -- the building is sublime and the art accessible. I love walking about in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th -- the neighborhood has great character and wonderful shops.

With only six days, I would stay in Paris proper and take your time for unexpected adventures, shops, long dinners. Let me know if you'd like restaurant recommendations!

GLM

All of this is great just don't try to do too much. Take some time to enjoy your visit and the sites.

In my experience, waiting in lines to enter places like the Eiffel Tower or to see the Mona Lisa take don't enhance the experience.

Let the day dictate what you do. Get lost, have fun.

dwdvagamundo

Thanks for all the info! Campobasso, we plan to be in Paris the week after you.

catcrazyaf

Palais Garnier English tour.

St. Chapelle music performance.

Muse Marmottan.

Bois de Vincennes floral park.

Have a wonderful trip. I love Paris!

Edward2005

Get the city museum pass. Let's you bypass long lines at the biggies.

italynovice

Philosophy girl, for those of us following this forum, please give any Restaurant recommendations you think would add to the Paris experience.

chutney

I would add Musee Jacquemart Andre ( an elegant home filled with art treasures)
Also, the Cluny. It is filled with medieval art and Roman ruins. There are many pieces of the original facade of Notre Dame there. They were salvaged after it was defaced during the French Revolution. A beautiful place, well worth the visit.

I would also add the cathedral in St Denis to see where all the French Kings and Queens are buried.


Something very touristy, but worth doing is an evening cruise on the s
seine in a Bateau Mouche. All the monuments are lit up. Quite magical.

menachem

Jeu de Paume and MEP are specialized photography museums/galleries, well curated and almost always interesting.

Also consider Fondation Cartier and Palais de Tokyo.

Cathinjoetown

If you are interested in the history of Paris, I highly recommend the Musée Carnavalet which you can combine with a walking tour of the Marais and the Picasso Museum. The Carnavalet is medium-sized.

Also second the suggestion of the Cluny, museum of life in the middles ages, Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and as chutney said, incredible excavations of Roman baths. Great location at the intersections of blvds St. Germain and St. Michel.

RJD

Tour the Passages, covered markets that are both quaint and non-touristy. Many are 19th century gems. You can find about about them in any good tourist guide. I use the Michelin Green Guide

dwdvagamundo

Carnavalet Museum is free and full of really interesting objects. It needs a couple of visits to see it all. Cluny is great if you have any interest in the Middle Ages. Highly recommend both.

campobasso

Thank you all for your wonderful recommendations. Getting your experienced point of view is so helpful.
The walks, neighborhoods, museums I can't wait. Can't fit it all in but, we will certainly try. Those places recommended for picnics sound delightful. Yes, Philosophygirl - would love to hear more restaurant recommendations. Now the countdown begins......
Thank you, thank you again.
Campobasso

campobasso

Eight more days to go and we will be on our trip to London, Dublin and Paris. Thank you again - for all of your suggestions. Lot's to take in but, looking forward to it all. Will comment when we return. To dwdvagumundo - I look forward to hearing about you Paris experience when you return.
Have fun, we plan to.
Campobasso

waterdog

Paris is a great city for walking. Wander around some afternoon taking the time to stop in a café or bistro to enjoy a glass of wine. Instead of the Metro, try the bus system. It is excellent and you get to see where you are going. I second the recommendation for the Cluny. Try some local market streets as well.
By the way my wife's family is from Campobasso. So I am intrigued by your screen name.
Have a great trip!

teacherCanada

Wonderful ideas in this thread. I feel I just might take advantage of some of them.

tC