Paris Travel Answers

Where's the food & drinks part? I know I liked the greek restaurant section South of Ile de la Cité the best. I think the boat in between is a good choice. Don't try to squeeze too many attractions in your program. In my opinion 3 will do. PJ

The fact is that i don't know when we will start the day (so i'm not sure where we will be at lunch time). I know of enough small local retaurants around the Opera, not far from the Quartier Latin (but i avoid those IN the Quartier Latin) and in the Marais to be sure to find one for luch (i will reserve the day before). For dinner, it depends if i get a budget from the boss or not : either the cafe de l'homme facing the sparkling Tour Eiffel or the Musee du Vin for dinner (or a small place in Passy with a view on the tour Eiffel)

Great itinerary Mariev - they will have a wonderful time with you I'm sure. Just one suggestion. When you meet up with them, you could ask them to choose one of 3 museums (or no museums): the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay or the Pompidou. That being said, if their tastes are more contemporary and they choose the Pompidou, they may also appreciate the Picasso rather than the Carnavalet. Of course it will be hard to please them all, but I'm sure that they will appreciate your efforts! Bon Chance, Mary

Thaks for the suggestions : the Picasso may be a choice, i didn't dare to include visiting the Louvre as this could take a whole day but i will ask them of course

Bonjour Mariev, Of course you know that you can get in and out of the Louvre to see the Big Three (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo) in 45-60 minutes. For some people that's all that they want to see - those "biggies" and the gift shop of course ;-) Personally I'd like to spend a month at the Louvre... Mary

Hi - since it's their first visit, I would say Notre Dame, a quick stop at the Louvre (minimum the big 3), the Tour Eiffel, Champs-Elysees and Arc d Triomphe. Anything else would depend on how much time you have left. We were there in April and the lines for the Tour Eiffel were very long so take that into consideration if you planned to go to the top. I would also check and see how much time they'll be spending in Paris and if they're doing anything on their own. Sainte-Chapelle is wonderful, loved the Rodin Museum, the batobus is a little slow.... Also, having lunch or capuccino at a cafe and people watching is one of the best things to do in Paris!

Don't worry i didn't plan to go up the tour Eiffel (maybe i there is no line ... this often happens in the evening), just to dine in front of it by night. May i ask, what do do find interesting in the Champs Elysees (like most Parisians i find it interesting for the large number of cinemas but i can't see this beeing a major tourist attraction) ?

I get visitors from other countries when I am in Paris and i recommend the three walks which is outlined in www.nationalgeographic.com/lifetime. this months issue is about Paris, and there are lots of recommendations. One day walking around Seine, Marais the Ile de cite will cover most of the attractions known to foreigners and eating is never a problem. all these can be covered by foot. I had a vegetarian visitor from india who found delightful food at the quartier pondicherienne near gare du nord.. all the best

Thanks for the link and for the reminder that i will have to ask about dietary matters (i forgot that some people among them may have special needs)

We've eaten at a convenient Vegetarian resto in the Latin Quarter: Le Grenier de Notre Dame (18, rue de la Bûcherie 5e Maubert-Mutualité/St-Michel, 014 3299829) I hope that it's still there. Mary

Somehow fit in Montmartre as it has always impressed the people I took to Paris over many tours.

Yessssss - Montmartre and Sacré Coeur are absolute musts. And do not underestimate how nice it can be to have a look over Paris from la Tour Eiffel. To your question about the Champs Elysées: They are just so famous that everybody wants to be there. Personally I have always loved to have a coffee there and watch the people, and see those fabulous monuments at the distance. A boat trip on the Seine is always a good idea because you pass so many outstanding buildings and have great views. Best you ask your visitors if the are really interested in museums. I know many people who have no big interest in that. And find out if they are only too polite not to tell you LOL As I have been in Paris many times it was easy to visit a lot of museums - but I wonder if I had wanted to spend a lot of time in museums if I had only one day. To me it would be more important to feel the flair of Paris. Yes - and really go to a French restaurant with them, you know, a nice and simple one, where locals go, have a nice aperitif, and so on... ;-) Sissi

I may try Montmartre in the morning (even if it's out of the way regarding the main attractions) and the old Paris in the afternoon - i will ask them if they prefer to walk or to visit a museum (i was tinking maximum one, and a small one) - the problem is this 'only one day' ( and i still don't know exactly how long a day). Thanks all for the input

I think this sounds perfect. As a fairly frequent visitor to the city, this ois the kind of route I'd recommend to anyone who asked for tips and wanted to see the "essence" of the city.

mariev, you asked the question about what do people like on the Champs Elysees? Personally, I don't like it much as it seems too crowded with people and it seems rather touristy - however, I do like seeing the Arc de Triomphe at the end of the street and the Champs is pretty lit up at night.

Many people want to see Impressionists so the Musee d'Orsay would be my choice in place of the Louvre. If you go late in the day, zip up to the top where the Impressionists are, the announcement will be made that the museum is closing and everyone will leave. You will then have at least a full half hour or a bit longer all to yourself before you are chased out the door. I'd skip the Champs Elysees and also Sacre Coeur/Montmartre. Sacre Coeur is too far out of the way for a one-day visit and the Champs is just a bunch of expensive stores. You won't have time for shopping so why bother?! Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, Ile St. Louis, Ste. Chapelle, the BatOBus and Place des Vosges in the Marais are all utterly wonderful and should meet everyone's idea of Paris. If you keep it fairly central, you can do a lot in one day. Have fun; I'm sure they will.

I am going to weigh in on this one, although I recognize many experts that have already given excellent advice. If only a few days, a small museum like Musee Rodin or Picasso, if you can ascertain their particular interests. La Tour Eiffel is a must no matter what. I am in love with the Sacre Coeur, although I almost "passed on " trying to reach the dome. ( well worth it in retrospect). Tuileries Gardens was an absolute favorite or ours, and we wished we had found Luxembourg Gardens as well. I know you will be the perfect guide!

Again, many thanks to all who replied.