First time trip to Paris the first week of August. Any suggestions as to day trips from the city? Also would appreicate any recommendations on bistros, cafes to try while in Paris.

There is so much information on this site about those topics. Try typing some of those things in the search box- you will get lots of info. There are threads also, but i don't know how to do those links. good luck

Chartres Cathedral is a lovely day trip and of course Versailles which deserves a full day.

I loved Giverney. I was there early in the season a few years ago so don't know how many flowers are spring bloomers vs. summer. You don't say how many days you'll be there...sounds like a week? There is a LOT to see IN Paris, so you probably should not take TOO many day trips. One or two at the most.

As a swag, if you are there for a week or less, I'd maybe, just maybe, consider one trip. Versailles is a good one, easy access from Paris by train and would not eat up a full day. Chartres, Giverny, maybe even Reims could be others.

I would start by reading the Fodor Destination Guide from this site, then do a browse using the search button (up top) to find some Paris info. There are TONs of info here, give us a rough draft and we'll help you refine an itinerary. Why are you going to Paris, for how long? What attracts you there, what are your interests? This will help to plan your stay.

Cordialement,
Mike

Hi

I have posted a trip report with pictures and links on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm My wife and I went there in April. I have also written about the places we ate at during our stay in Paris Get in touch if you have any questions or comments.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

Hi J,

If you will be in Paris for a week or less, tere is no need for daytrips from the city.

You might find these links helpful:

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

100 Great Things to Do in Paris
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...mp;tid=1277898

Degas’s Paris Walks
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34712768

Jacquemart-Andre’ Museum http://tinyurl.com/p9pol