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Since the Tour Eiffel is a symbol of Paris, one must see that. However to really feel the spirit of the city one should walk, walk, walk: In neighborhoods such as around Notre Dame, Marais, Montmartre, Bastille, the area around Opera Garnier or ANYwhere! Of course, stop at a sidewalk cafe for people watching. The HOHO bus (Hop On Hop Off) and the Batobus provide a great introduction to the city. Museums abound; there is not a bad one. One must first decide which interests to pursue and go from there. Whatever you want, you can find. Research and find YOUR Way!
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It's never too early to find the right place to stay. For me the right place is the right bank but that's a personal preference.
I have been to Paris numerous times and always leave without having been
to all the places on my list. I don't worry about that as I think that
just means I will be back again.
Our first trip was in 1988 and it was love at first sight.
In my opinion too many first time visitors to Paris think they need to
stay near the Eiffel Tower. Although it is obviously on the tops of any
list to see it isn't a great area to stay and there isn't a lot over
that way. (except of course the Architectural and Marine Museums, plus
probably a few I am unaware of).
My personal favourites are Museum D'Orsay which is an old train station,
just the building itself is a delight to visit; Petite Palace; Rodin
(inside if it's your first visit and just the gardens if you have been
before) especially on a nice sunny day great for a picnic lunch;
Carnavalet is a city run museum so is free and has the best exhibit of
the reign of Louis and Marie Antoinette. The Louvre is definitely worth a
visit but I suggest doing a little research ahead of time as it is so
large the best way to see it is to choose a gallery that interests you,
believe me from one who actually spent about 4 hours seeing every inch
in one go taking your time and focusing on a section or even one gallery
per visit is the way to go.
For seeing quite a few sites from afar I recommend the Batobus. The poor
man's river cruise. You can buy an all day 'on and off' ticket which
takes you from the Bastille to the Eiffel Tower with several stops in
between.
So much depends on your interests as the numerous museums and galleries
cover everything from past war history to Greek and Roman statues.
If you visit the Louvre be sure to spend some time in the Tulleries
gardens where the locals sit in the sun on the chairs thoughtfully
provided throughout the gardens.
Luxemberg Gardens are beautiful and perhaps not as busy, this will give
you a chance to visit the left bank and venture a bit further from the
centre of Paris.
When we stay in Paris we always rent an apartment, I think a must if you are staying a week or more.
You can live like a local and submerge yourself in all things Parisian.
Au revoir,
@LuxTravelDiva
This is my standard answer about Paris. Should you wish more general information about France please let me know. It would take me awhile but I could put together a similar outline.
Hope this helps.
I have been to Paris numerous times and always leave without having been
to all the places on my list. I don't worry about that as I think that
just means I will be back again.
Our first trip was in 1988 and it was love at first sight.
In my opinion too many first time visitors to Paris think they need to
stay near the Eiffel Tower. Although it is obviously on the tops of any
list to see it isn't a great area to stay and there isn't a lot over
that way. (except of course the Architectural and Marine Museums, plus
probably a few I am unaware of).
My personal favourites are Museum D'Orsay which is an old train station,
just the building itself is a delight to visit; Petite Palace; Rodin
(inside if it's your first visit and just the gardens if you have been
before) especially on a nice sunny day great for a picnic lunch;
Carnavalet is a city run museum so is free and has the best exhibit of
the reign of Louis and Marie Antoinette. The Louvre is definitely worth a
visit but I suggest doing a little research ahead of time as it is so
large the best way to see it is to choose a gallery that interests you,
believe me from one who actually spent about 4 hours seeing every inch
in one go taking your time and focusing on a section or even one gallery
per visit is the way to go.
For seeing quite a few sites from afar I recommend the Batobus. The poor
man's river cruise. You can buy an all day 'on and off' ticket which
takes you from the Bastille to the Eiffel Tower with several stops in
between.
So much depends on your interests as the numerous museums and galleries
cover everything from past war history to Greek and Roman statues.
If you visit the Louvre be sure to spend some time in the Tulleries
gardens where the locals sit in the sun on the chairs thoughtfully
provided throughout the gardens.
Luxemberg Gardens are beautiful and perhaps not as busy, this will give
you a chance to visit the left bank and venture a bit further from the
centre of Paris.
When we stay in Paris we always rent an apartment, I think a must if you are staying a week or more.
You can live like a local and submerge yourself in all things Parisian.
Au revoir,
@LuxTravelDiva
This is my standard answer about Paris. Should you wish more general information about France please let me know. It would take me awhile but I could put together a similar outline.
Hope this helps.
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