I have been to both London and Paris only one time each. They are so different but I loved them both in different ways. Paris was magical to me but the language barrier was stressful. I became homesick in Paris and was ready to leave when my week was over but I think I could have stayed in London forever. I am hoping to return to each soon.

To the 59th mailer-x([email protected]),<BR>To answer your question-and as I did state in follow-up-I've never been to either city. My question to YOU is,<BR>what is wrong with polling up peoples experiences, which takes seconds to read, and blending it in with ideas from Rick Steve's, Fodors, Frommers, etc. and then making my own decisions based on such a wealth of information.<BR>I consider it ALL very informative and easily digestable, and adds to the fun and excitement of PLANNING the trip.<BR>Sorry you take issue with the method, but then again, why are you reading the talk forum?<BR>Mark

Mark, you simply can't go wrong with either London or Paris! I have been to London many times, and usually stay at least 10 days. I never get tired of it. I love the museums, the beautiful parks, and just soaking up all that history. I think your 12 year old daughter will love it. There are tons of fun things to do, as others have elaborated on in this post.<BR><BR>My last two trips abroad have been to Paris, which I also love, and I'm going back in May. However, I think a kid might enjoy London better. My 14 year old grandson was in Paris last spring with a school group, and liked it the least of the places they went (they also were in Switzerland and Austria).<BR>I think your idea of going to both sounds good. Have fun!

My observation is that only a few people find Paris overrated. Many more find London a bit of a let-down. I prefer Paris. London, to me, is too similar to a big US city (but more expensive). London has a lot of neat things to do (mainly, shop, theater, and museums). Paris has that (at least the shopping and museums) and a certain ambience. For me, London is also a bit more exhausting (I am not used to major cities). If you go to London, plan to get out of town for several days of your trip. Finally, in weighing costs, some posts make it sound like London is relatively cheap (only blank number of pounds for a meal). If you are traveling from the US, those pounds add up (both in number as well as the poor exchange rate). We ate at Pizza Express in London for lunch w/wine and it cost us over 30 pounds for 2 adults and a kid. That translates into nearly US$50! France (except in certain areas) is a bargain.

Good lord, mark, you never mentioned blending us in with Rick Steeves. Have mercy on us, lol!!!! Somebody said you're going both places. Can we now be released to help someone else?

Good lord x([email protected]), why are you including yourself with &quot;us&quot;? Have mercy on the rest of us posters! <BR><BR>However, if I may, I will temporarily stand in for Mark and release you. Go. You are dismissed. Goodbye!<BR><BR>Mark, both London and Paris are amazing places, you can't go terribly wrong with either. <BR><BR>However, if money is a major issue, choose Paris! Also, you don't say why your wife and daughter prefer London (since I believe they've never been to either?) but do they know the shopping is a lot cheaper in Paris? (That's one of the myriad reasons I go there!) <BR><BR>In addition to great shopping, there are a million other things to do in Paris as well. (As there are in London - I can't imagine people saying there are &quot;more&quot; in one or the other. It all depends on your taste.) <BR><BR>I've been five times now but have never been in summer; it would be fun to see the &quot;Paris Plage&quot; that the mayor constructed last summer on the banks of the Seine. Does anybody know if this will be an annual thing?

JB, you're a prince. I must confess I stuck around long enough to read your message, and it was worth the wait. All that new information was simply over the top. What I love about this website is the uniqueness of its posters, just when you've thought you've heard it all, up pops a new perspective. JB, you are hereby awarded the daily Christina Award for fresh data above and beyond. Wear it with pride.

good info

I'm also a London-lover. Paris is a beautiful city with great ambience...but like another poster said, I get anxious when I have to speak French and never truly relax like I should. I think I would enjoy Paris more if I had a better command of the language. To me Paris is an adult destination, whereas London is more &quot;kid-friendly&quot;.<BR><BR><BR>

BOTH! BOTH! BOTH!<BR><BR>I would say Paris (with daytrips) for 4-5 days and London for 2-3 days.<BR><BR>Have a great time!

Paris, hands down. In fact, Paris is my favorite city destination.

London THEATER is a real bargain, particularly for a New Yorker!! Even full price tickets are a bargain! In February saw Private Lives with Lindsay Duncan and Alan Rickman - had the best seats in the house for about $50. I would try to get tickets for a musical (My Fair Lady? Lion King?) in advance - worth it!

Yes, Paris Plage is going to be an annual operation. The City Hall announced that next year's would draw the lessons from this year's shortcomings, such as more animation, more cultural offerings, etc.

Mark ,<BR><BR>I hate to admit it, being a born &amp; bred londoner,but I honestly prefer living in Paris now.<BR>I was in London last week for a few days &amp; couldn t believe how expensive everything has become.<BR>If you are coming all that way from the US then you should try at least 2 days in London but keep paris as your base.<BR><BR>best of luck &amp; happy holidays<BR><BR>mark<BR>parishuttle<BR>

Mark, as you live in Paris, do you have any details on the new Musee de la Collaboration Francaise which I believe is opening at the end of April. Thanks.