So, what's the best thing to do in Paris?

[Arger68]

Long story short, my wife is from Switzerland and we are going over there for Christmas & New Years. I have always wanted to see Normandy, so we'll be going up there for a couple days. My wife wants to spend a couple days in Paris as well, which is great but what would be the best place to go / things to see there? I know I want to see the Eiffel Tower, but don't know much beyond that. Help!!

[Phillycat]

1. The Louvre would top my list.

I think the building is hideous, but it has arguably the finest collection of art on the planet.

[Arger68]

2. Sounds good, I'll look into that!! n/t

[Phillycat]

5. Me personally, I'd rather hit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence,

but that's because I'm an Italian Renaissance art freak. But the Louvre is pretty much unparalleled. It's MASSIVE, definitely wear your walking shoes.

The Mona Lisa's there. :) Be prepared for it to be MUCH smaller than you'd think.

[Arger68]

7. Wow, I didn't know the Mona Lisa was there.

We'll definitely go there now. Maybe we can hit Florence another time when we go over. I think marrying a European was probably one of my smarter moves, maybe the only one!!

[bicentennial_baby]

14. Yep, La Joconda is in the Louvre

As well as an innumerable number of famous pieces...But D'Orsay is the goldmine. Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh...Amazing. :)

[Truebrit71sbruv]

17. The Louvre is amazing... almost too much...

I would also recommend the Musee D'Orsay which is wonderful filled with some wonderful impressionist and expressionist works.

Follow this link: http://www.museums-of-paris.com/ as it also gives details of all the major, and some of the less well-known museums. You can also buy a Museums Pass that will give you access to all the museums in Paris for one ticket price. If you want to experience a real flavour of Paris, be sure to take the Metro, just avoid rush-hour if you can - you can get multi-ticket "Carnets" that allow you to get around at a very reasonable price.

I'd also recommend a visit to the Arch de Triomphe at night. Clamber up it and have a mind-boggling view of idiot Parisian drivers playing chicken on the Place de L'Etoile! Astonishing!

You could also visit Les Invalides and see the spectacular tomb erected for Napoleon, and the Opera is also a stunning building.

If more modern art is your bag, you can hit the Pompidou centre - built in the eighties it is in itself an amazing building. The Champs Elysees is also a bit of a tourist hit - some of the most exclusive boutiques in the world can be found there - and also a rather good restaurant "Fouquets" - VERY pricey, but man will you be pampered.

A trip to La Defense is also worthwhile, as it is the new(ish) business centre for Paris, with an utterly stunning Arch, built to mirror the Arc de Trimophe, which you can also go up, (in a testicle clenching exterior elevator ride).

ummmmm.... what else.....

Oh... a Sunday morning strolling around the Sacre Coeur is also worthwhile, as the view is stunning across Paris, and there is a delightful flea market in the street surrounding it.

There is so much I've missed... but you can find out more once you get there....

Oh yes... there is off course the Museum of Erotica (if you're partial to that kind of thing) and it's not remotely tacky - it's actually totally fascinating, and done, of course, with the unique sense of Parisian flair....

[radwriter0555]

36. I was disappointed in the Uffizi.. It's rather like looking at a stranger's

photo album, since it's mostly portraiture. And I found the religious themes overwhelming and finally boring at the end of the day.

But I've seen it, right? My next museum trek is through Amsterdam and Belgium for the flemish masters...

[plcdude]

3. beat me

http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home_flash.jsp?bmLocale=en

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Have sex.

[Arger68]

6. Well, duh!!!!

But we want to do more than that!:P

[Rabrrrrrr]

41. I've never gotten past that part in Paris.

Why? Are there other things in Paris?

:rofl:

(actually I've never been to Paris, so don't take me literally)

[Haole Girl]

44. Dammit

You beat me to it!

Paris is one of the world's most romantic destinations...from what I hear, anyway. I've been all over the world and still haven't made it there. Someday....

[Call Me Wesley]

8. A hello to your wife from a fellow Swiss.

Paris is a big city, so there are many places worth a visit. Rue Montparnasse, although not anymore what it once was, but still - there might be a hint of the Old Paris still breathing. Notre Dame, of course. Louvre, no question. Montmartre. The Marais district, almost the oldest part of Paris. Luxembourg Gardens, Saint Germain des Prés, just to name a few.

:hi:

[Arger68]

10. I will tell her hello for you.

Where are you from in Switzerland? My wife is from Gumligen (bei Bern). Thank you for the suggestions!!:toast:

[Call Me Wesley]

13. Gümligen! :) Grüezi!

Will she be awake in Paris? (Sorry! Just had to do it, she'll understand! :rofl: )

I grew up in Zürich but am now living (with my wife who's an US citizen) in Ticino.

:toast:

[seemunkee]

9. Musee D'Orsay

I would go to Paris just for that one museum

[Truebrit71sbruv]

18. totally with you on that one!!!!

fantastic place...

[momophile]

22. I'll third this nt

[Paladin]

25. Make That A Fourth

The d'Orsay is phenominal. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face and enrich your soul.....

[plcdude]

11. Another place is this one

http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompidou/Accueil.nsf/tunnel?OpenForm

[bicentennial_baby]

12. Musee D'Orsay, Louvre, Latin Quartier

Montmartre, Crepes in Montparnasse....I could go on and on... :)

[Call Me Wesley]

16. Heh heh!

What I said, except I forgot the Latin quarter! ;)

I still have all the old pics from the Sixties when my mother was living there and attending the art school:



:hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

23. That's a beautiful picture!!!

Wow, you should post more of those....stunning. :o

:hi:

[Taverner]

15. Take a bus to the countryside

Paris is overrated - the French Countryside is underrated....people are really friendly there and the food is awesome.

[S n o w b a l l]

19. Check out this blog...

It's excellent and I think you'll get some good ideas.

http://parisdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

[leftofthedial]

20. Louvre

then leave

[Auggie]

21. Hang out in a cafe, drink some wine, stay warm...

it will be really cold!

[Arger68]

26. I'm from Minnesota -

it won't be cold.;-)

[pitohui]

24. a couple days ain't enough -- don't miss sainte chapelle tho

the louvre is a whole day, d'orsay another, i guess if i had only two days i would pick one museum day and use another day just to wander

depending on the days, come up by the cite metro stop to visit either the plant market or the bird market then wander along the streets -- the bird market is i think on sundays with lots of canaries singing it's cute

paris is really huge, i think it's 11 million people (?) so best to research in advance and pick something special you must do if you have limited time

i think notre dame and sacred heart or at least one of them is a "must"

the old history of paris involves religion and the cathedrals, there is no charge to visit cathedrals (as there often is in england) but be respectful so this won't change

it is cold but don't hope for snow, as it isn't too likely, i find if you wear a good brand of interlock silk long underwear you can go all day, it ain't the north pole or anything

if you like to walk, you will keep discovering stuff

there is a monument behind notre dame, for the jewish people who were removed by the nazi's, i can't remember what it's called but it's quite spooky

[cobalt1999]

27. If you don't mind springing for the price...

stay at the 4 Seasons Hotel in Paris. It's in a restored 1920's building (who can't be romantic thinking about 20's Paris). The place is unbelievable and has a great spa for after all that walking. My wife and I usually hit this very little restaurant just around the corner on a side street (I don't remember the name but the concierge knows it), that has the absolute best food in Paris.

[democracyindanger]

28. Get a bicycle with a basket

put on a beret and a striped shirt, put a couple baguettes in the basket and have somebody take a picture.

[Flying Dream Blues]

29. One more for Musee' D'Orsay...also, Notre Dame, Sainte Chappelle

and Les Tuileries. The Latin Quarter is fun to wander at night. Just catty corner across the Seine from Notre Dame is the L'Hotel de Notre Dame. It is a bargain and has great views of Notre Dame...very nice if small rooms with character (exposed beams, windows that open out to the beautiful view of the cathedral and river!)

Cafes and wandering along the river and in the little streets beyond are the best parts of Paris. If I have to pick just one site, it would be Musee D'Orsay. More beautiful impressionist paintings in one spot than you can believe. It's overwhelming!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

30. An evening boat ride on the Seine is pure magic.

The boats pass all the major architectural sights (including the Eiffel Tower in her glittering best). I did this in April when it was warm, so I stayed outdoors on the deck, but most of the boats are covered with large windows so I think it wouldn't be too cold. A definite high for the senses! And not outrageously expensive, either.

[Beausoir]

31. The coldest beer and the most beautiful view is from the top of the Eiffel Tower,

BUT, you really need to climb the steps up to Sacre Coeur in Montmarte and buy a wonderful little piece of art there. Haggle with the snooty French artisans, although don't expect to get very far. Buy a gorgeous original little watercolor and then duck into a nearby bistro and have whatever they are recommending that day. Drink the house wine and marvel at the fact that you are in Paris.

Make love to your wife in Paris...don't forget that. Making love in Paris is one of the ultimate experiences!

While out in Normandy, do not miss Mont St Michel. A magical place. Also, if you can manage a night in St Malo, you will have the best time of your trip. Delicious foods, wonderful old city with a medevial wall built around it to protect from land or sea.

Enjoy!

[Midlodemocrat]

57. We stayed at a hotel on Mont St. Michel,

and had the most marvelous gigot. It was spectacular.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

32. ALL these suggestions are excellent, ...but...

Do not miss the Sainte Chappelle!

It is the most amazing stained glass building you will ever see!

If you're into photography at all, you must see this!

The walls are essentially all stained glass, with just enough structure to hold them up.........

It is amazing, and dumbfounding, and brilliant........and, well, you get the idea!

:bounce: :bounce:

[Richard Steele]

33. The BEST thing to do is... pretend you're not an American.

Once you can do that, it's all good.

[Arger68]

38. Lol - well, I've got my American tourist safety

sweatshirt from zazzle.com - hopefully they'll cut me a little slack.

http://www.zazzle.com/products/product/product.asp?product_id=235224178947565054

[Floogeldy]

34. French prostitutes are some of the best in the world.

That is, if you get a few free hours while you are there. Wouldn't want the wife to find out. Say no more. ;)

:evilgrin:

[Arger68]

39. Yeah, if only!!! n/t

[radwriter0555]

35. Have LUNCH at Cafe Angelina before you hit the Louvre, you can stroll

to the Louvre through the gardens. http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/France/Ile_de_France/Paris-99080/Restaurants-Paris-Angelina-BR-1.html

Plan to spend at least a day in the Louvre.

Visit Galleries Lafayette for the most lovely christmas displays and shopping.

Visit Champs Elysees at night for lovely lights. There is a great italian restaurant about a block down from the Arch de Triumphe on the left hand side, up the stairs. I think it's called Vesuvius...

Go to the Flea Market.

LEARN SOME KEY FRENCH PHRASES BEFORE YOU GO.

The underground is remarkably easy way to get around.

[u4ic]

37. Versailles isn't that far out of Paris

http://www.chateauversailles.fr/en/

[radwriter0555]

55. It isn't far, but it's VERY cold in Paris in the winter... and Versailles isn't

known to be warm and cozy.

I want to go soooo much, but we haven't made the time yet, in the fall or spring...

[MissMillie]

40. well, "eat" would have been on the top of my list

but the museums sound like fun too.

I'll bet they don't let you eat in the museums....

[Hosnon]

42. Dinner boat cruise up and down the Seine...hands down. Pricey but worth every penny. nt

[PassingFair]

43. Luxembourg Gardens

Don't know why, but my walks there
have stayed with me. BEAUTIFUL.

If you don't know about it, read up on
the Paris Commune of 1871, the
"Worker's Revolution" and visit
the "Wall of the Communards"

A true and spontaneous revolution
that ended very badly, but served
as a lesson for marx and engels.

http://www.marxists.org/glossary/orgs/p/a.htm

snip>

"The "Wall of the Federals" at the Pere Lachaise cemetery, where the final mass murder was consummated, is still standing today, a mute but eloquent testimony to the savagery of which the ruling class is capable as soon as the working class dares to come out for its rights. Then came the mass arrests <38,000 workers arrested>; when the slaughter of them all proved to be impossible, the shooting of victims arbitrarily selected from the prisoners' ranks, and the removal of the rest to great camps where they awaited trial by courts-martial."

The Pere Lachaise cemetery is worth the trip in itself, but DON'T miss the wall (I CRIED!)

VERY moving!

[Haole Girl]

45. Take a lot of photos...and share them with us when you return...

...please? :hi:

[Arger68]

46. I'll do that - I think I'll need

a couple more chips for my camera though!!;-)

[nosillies]

47. eat

Seriously, that's all I want to do when I go there. I gorge.

[Tyo]

48. Absolutely right

You beat me to it. Plan your visit around food and you'll be just fine :9

[kay1864]

49. How many days do you have?

You said "a couple" but I didn't know if that literally meant 2, or if you might have 3.

[Arger68]

52. About 2 1/2. We're going to Normandy

on December 27th and 28th, and we have to get back to Switzerland by the evening of the 30th.

[RetroLounge]

50. Fall In Love...

eom

RL

[xchrom]

51. all i can say is --

prepare to fall in love.

it is really breathtaking -- my fav city.

just BEING there is enough.

[Arugula Latte]

53. Eat at the Olive Garden.

:hide:

[Connonym]

54. Eat!

Even the most simple foods taste better in France. Notre Dam is beautiful even if you're not religious. The catecombs are somehow simultaneously scary and boring at the same time. Arc de triumph is a must see, especially if you're interested in war stuff (which I'm guessing by the Normandy thing you probably are). And of course it's the most romantic city in the world, wink, wink, nudge, nudge, if you know what I mean.

Have fun. I'm sooo jealous.

[LSK]

56. Olive Garden!!!

:hide:



:popcorn:

[Arugula Latte]

58. *ahem*

See the post two spots above yours ...



;)

[LSK]

59. saw it after I posted

But its a worthy recommendation for Paris.

:popcorn:

[Arger68]

60. Sorry to you and Oregonian, but

honey and I prefer Cracker Barrel of Paris, thank you very much!:P

[Arugula Latte]

64. Barbarian!

Why don't you get some culture, Philistine?!

:P

[Arger68]

65. Hey, we'll go to Olive Garden,

but only if we make it to Italy!!}(

[Arugula Latte]

66. Well, okay then.

That will be more AUTHENTIC! :D

[Little Wing]

61. Pull out

[schmuls]

62. Check Pere Lachaise cemetary on Paris's NE side. It is like a

city, with named streets, gothic monuments, Chopin, Wilde, Edith Piaf, Simone Signoret, Yves Montand, Seurat, Isadore Duncan. Pick up a map across the street at the florist (2 Euro). They don't have any at the entrance and will bet pissed if you ask. Bring some t.p. if you are going to use the restrooms at the entrance. I forgot the monument to Heloise and Abelard, perhaps the coolest monument there (in the Jewish quarter). Oh, and if you run into someone named Idir Saidi in the Latin Quarter who tries to give you a French kiss, please tell him that he an immature asshole and that if he had a little finese he would be a great fuck! Thanks.

[BarenakedLady]

63. I don't know

And I feel I should hurt someone for not knowing.

[Onlooker]

67. Here are a few suggestions

Walk along the right bank of the Seine; visit the Louvre for a couple hours, focusing only on the masterpieces; walk further and cross over to visit the Musee D'Orsay, which is more enjoyable than the Louvre and has the greatest Impressionist collection by far and is a gorgeous museum. Walk back on the left bank to San Michel. You'll pass lots of lovely little shops and galleries. Consider stoping for a drink or coffee at Les Deux Magots. When you're near San Michel, you'll find lots of restaurants. You also might want to visit Luxembourg Gardens.

The Eiffel Tower is overpriced and crowded, but if you want to do something along those lines, look into going to Parc Andre Citroen and getting on the balloon that rises about 1,000 feet and gives you a gorgeous view of the city.

A good restaurant near Luxembourg Gardens is Chez Diane on rue Servandoni. (At least it was good 4 yrs ago, the last time I was in Paris.)

[Pied Piper]

68. Let me share a little secret...

Have dinner at Le Vieux Bistro. It's located on the street that runs on the north side of Notre Dame, I think it's called Cloitres Notre Dame. The waiters are perfectly snooty, and the food is par excellence! A bit pricey, but not out of the tourist's budget.

If you can get to the NE side of the city, I think the most beautiful park in Paris is the Parc des Buttes-chaumont. Stunning.

If this is your first visit to Paris, by all means, see as many of the standard sites as you can. On my first visit, I brought a check-list, and we managed to see them all. On my second visit, we decided not to see any of the standards, but chose instead to hang out in various "under-rated" neighborhoods. It was the best!

If you go to the Musee D'Orsay, they have a great luncheon experince waiting for you.

The catacombs are interesting, as well as the various cemetaries located throughout the city (my favorites are the Cimitiere de Montmartre and the Cimitiere de Passy (Pere LaChaise is great, but a bit overwhelming).

Have a great time, and post the photos!