Two days only in Paris: What shall we do???
 

My husband and I have never been to Paris, and now we have the chance for three nights and two days (a Sunday and Monday) in mid-September. What are the things we shouldn't miss??? Oh yes, our host has arranged for a driver ... but they want us to do the planning! Yikes!?! Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance --- MBC

Sadly, you're going to have to miss a lot of sites, as Paris 'must-sees' would fill up 10 days. You'll have to decide what you're willing to sacrifice based on personal preferences. <BR> <BR>If you give us an idea of what you like/don't like, someone can give you a breakdown of things to do within those parameters.

I was in Paris for a short amount of time and the must sees that I was told were the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Notre Dame. <BR> <BR>The Eiffel Tower had a 45 minute long line to go to the top. Then at the top we waited about 20 minutes to come back down. The Louvre is the most humongous museum I have ever visited. If you go there you must go as soon as it opens. It holds major works of art such as the Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa. I would spend the whole day there. The Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe are quick stops. I was told to visit Versailles but I never made it there. We were in Paris on Monday and Versailles is closed on Mondays. The crypt to the Notre Dame is closed on Mondays also. So be sure to plan other things on that Monday. You may not be able to go to Versailles anyway as it is an excursion outside of Paris.

For an introduction to the city take a boat ride on the Seine. You'll see a lot and get a good idea of where you want to go up close. Walk up the Champs D'Elysses from the Louvre to the Arc De Triumph. With limited time, I wouldn't go into any museums but you may want to see the Louvre for a while anyway. The walk through the Tuilleries gardens to the Arc is great as is the view from the top. Without the Louvre-- or walking quickly after a fast stop-- that would be a morning. I would then spend an afternoon seeing Notre Dame and wandering around the isle de la cite. Go up the Eiffel Tower at night when the city is lit up. On the second day, I would spend some time on the left bank and in the Luxembourg Gardens-- really pretty and great for people watching. The place des vosges is also good but not as conveniently located if I remember correctly. Basically spend time doing what you like-- spend half a day wandering, sit in a cafe, have a great meal, or visit the museum of your choice.

if you like museums, my favorite is the rodin. partly because it is not so HUGE and it doesn't consume so much time. there is a beautiful garden around the museum--i love gardens. but also the D'Orsay is wonderful to. it is big, so since you don't have alot of time i would say go through the impressionism exhibit definately. that would only take a couple of hours. <BR> <BR>just walking around Paris and sitting at a cafe with a glass of wine is a must also.

Our first trip to Paris was a whirlwind. Here is what we did to hit the high points: We made a list of things we wanted to see and plotted them out on a map. We then hit them successively by geographic location. A hint: Buy a museum pass (at Metro stations, etc.) It will get you in many places for free and you can cut in line. Be cognizant of when certain museums/sights are open/closed. Go to some places at night. Our first visit was rushed, but what a rush!!!! Enjoy.

Don't miss Montmarte, Notre Dame is a must, be sure just to take some time to set yourself down at a cafe and drink in some of Paris by people watching. Try to take a night cruise on the Seine. You'll will definitely be returning to this wonderful city and for a much longer visit. Enjoy!

That is a short stay. I always suggest taking a trolly tour when you arrive in town. They usually last a half-day; sometimes you can get an all-day pass that lets you get off and on as you please. They are in English and allow you a chance to get your bearings and see a lot of the "drive-by" attractions in an efficient manner.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I know the trip will be a whirlwind, but as Jeff said, What a rush! I keep wondering if this city will meet all the expectations ... Will let you know in a post-trip note! Again, thanks for the help! MBC

Boat tour is a must (go on the line with live tour guides, not recording in different languages). These leave from the Pont Neuf. Also, an unusual site (creepy, but fascinating) is the catacombs. I always enjoy tossing in a couple unusual things rather than just the normal sites. Loved Versaille, but may take up too much time since only there a few days I would stay in the city.

i AGREE ABOUT THE BATEAU MOUCHE--THE BOAT TRIPE- AS AN INTRODUCTION--NOTRE DAME NORMALLLY HAS AN ORGAN CONCERT ON SUNDAY EVENING, WHICH CAN BE SPECTACULAR IF YOU LIKE THAT SORT OF THING--WALKING AROUND NOTRE DAME IS ALSO A DREAM--EITHER AT DAY OR NIGHT, WITH LIGHTS ON IT---WALKING IN PARIS IS MAGICAL--PARIS IS A WALKING CITY--WITH MANY PEOPLE ON THE STREETS--THE SMALL FORMER ROYAL CHAPEL--STE. CHAPPELLE-- IS AMAZING-- CHECK WHEN IT'S OPEN---IF YOU LIKE ART AT ALL, THE MUSEE D'ORSAY IS WORLD-CLASS-----

Paris' reputed charm and romance completely eluded me on our 3-day visit except for the $7 Seine boat trip from Pont Neuf. If I have to go back again for 3 days, I'll take 3 boat trips!

My wife and I were there over the Easter <BR>weekend and saw the usual sites mentioned. Since you have a driver why <BR>not a drive around the city after dinner,then a cabaret, followed by a <BR>late nite snack and an early morning <BR>1AM or so DRIVE .... ???? Stolls along <BR>the boulevards, drinks at the sidewalk <BR>cafes ..... all of the above and the <BR>usual (Notre Dame/Eifel/Momarte) .... <BR>