I'll be in Paris this coming Thursday through Sunday for a two-day conference (Fri. and Sat.). So I'll have two free days for sightseeing. I haven't been to Paris in at least 10 years. Is there anything new that I should try to see (or something that's been around a while but is off the beaten path)?

The Orangeie with it's Monet's has reopened since you were last there. There are always new exhibits at all the museums. Have you been to the Petit Palais , it's my favorite and free!

I second both of those. Likewise, the Grand Palais over the road from the Petit Palais may have something interesting on, and there are often free exhibitions at the Hotel de Ville.

Friday night roller-blade rally/parade (starts 10pm by the Tour Montparnasse): http://www.pari-roller.com/index.php?p=101

Promenade Plantée if the weather's nice:
http://tinyurl.com/2wum2t3

or a stroll or boat-ride up the Canal St Martin.

You should definitely stroll the beautiful and unusual Promenade Plantee: Here's the latest about it from Kerouac: http://tinyurl.com/2vfttn7

I see Patrick's given you the same link - so here is another little article to browse through: http://www.tomsguidetoparis.com/HangingOut.php

I've just remembered:

The rollerbladers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94NFZ7eRR4A

Monet at the Orangerie:
http://www.youtube.com/user/PatrickW...10/XMZ0y-QeuxU

www.girlsguidetoparis.com Happy Travels!

New foot bridge:
http://www.paris-en-photos.fr/passer...mone-beauvoir/

Beautiful Parc de Bercy: (not my pix)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2659441...7623341617439/

Centre Pompidou was renovated:
"..After renovation work from 1997 to December 1999, it opened to the public again on 1 January 2000, with expanded museum space and enhanced reception areas. Since then it has once again become one of the most visited attractions in France.."
http://www.cnac-gp.fr/

La Samaritaine closed in 2005 - - plans for lux hotel in the works?

Velib was introduced:
http://www.velib.paris.fr/content/do...+-+English.pdf