Paris Travel Answers

Re your local tour guide. We had a lady (French) named Marlene and she worked for the group below. She was excellent. Overall these folk arranged our pick up from the rail and then to Eurostar at the end on our holidays. (Ms.) Ning Bond Well Arranged Travel, Inc. Tour Operator - France & Italy Group Tours, Women's Tours, Private Tours, Shore Excursions www.wellarrangedtravel.com

There are lots of travel pages in here where members (inclkuding me) have posted tips about tourist traps, eating-out, nightlife, etc. One of my tips is about my own favourite walk from Notre DSame to Champs Elysees. That will take-in a lot of what yopu mention above. I also recommend that you experience a view of the Eiffel Tower from the balcony at the Trocadero - truly awsome (take your camera!) You'll see plenty of the sights even if you can't spend long inside places - but do try to see Montmartre and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur during your trip too.

I am far from an expert on the logistics of methodically visiting the sites around Paris. But one recommendation I often give is this: Aside from the culture and architecture, part of the allure of Paris is the historical luxury and decadence of the city. You can enjoy these places even on a budget. If you cannot afford to stay five star hotels, it is worth going to the bar for a drink. Places I would recommend are Le Bar Du Plaza Athenee plaza-athenee-paris.com/the-..., and the bar at the Hôtel de Crillon. The people watching and atmosphere are amazing. Does not cost anything to get dressed up, and walk into a place, then just have a drink (even water) and enjoy the atmosphere. Enjoy your trip. Cheers!

Just to say, if you do end up having to get your tax refund at the airport, then allow a LOT of time. We met huge queues at that counter and didn't get our refund.

No need to hire a guide, many of the major sites are clustered together, Notre- Dame Sainte -Chapelle, Conciergerie, Marche aux Fleurs, Pont Neuf, Palais de Justice etc all on Ile de la Cite and Ile St Louis. As you walk around this small area you will find all sorts of interesting things to see. Walking along the river you will come to The Louvre and an assortment of other historic sites. in may 2007 we had 3 days in Paris, one day was used to visit the palace Versailles and its gardens. We also visited Montmarte & Pigalle, at the same time visiting Sacre-Couer, approx 20 minutes using the metro train service. I recommend you find accommodation close to the tourist centre.Our accommodation was in The Latin Quarter, near Sorbonne University. Only a 10 minute walk to Notre Dame. Recommend you purchase a good guide book or borrow one from your local library. We have the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Paris Travel Guide. It is a small guide that will easily fit into your handbag. It breaks Paris up into Top 10 categories. Everything is easy, rail maps etc. If you visit my Paris page you can see what we did in 3 days, however exclude Versailles which took most of a day and the rest was done in 2 days. We saw much more than I have recorded on VT. Good Luck, Mike

Thank you all for THE most helpful replies... Definately with a better perspective and direction. Perhaps we'll not take on a group tour afterall. It's all in the fun to get lost and find your way out I guess. My concern was really getting as much as we can out of our short 3 days at Paris... Thank you all once again! I'm beginning to really enjoy VT... Can't wait!!

I will add my favourite way to get around.. besides walking.. take the Batobus!! it stops at 8 of the major sites and you can get your ticket in the morning and get on and off as much as you want all day... from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower!! check their web site... Paris is a wonderful city to walk!!! You are staying in a Great spot can walk To Notre Dame then to St Chapelle to see the beautiful stained glass!! across the Seine past Hotel De Ville (city hall) then left toward the Louvre and Tuilleries cross the Seine to Musee d' orsay (love this building) which houses a large collection of Impressionists back across the Seine to the Tuilleries Place De La Concorde then along the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe.. then the metro from Franklin D Roosevelt to the Trocadero for a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower... across the Seine to the Eiffel tower and then well from there you can either take the metro home or walk if you are still able!!! ha ha... enjoy just some ideas.. Most importantly get a map now so you can see the lay out of the city!! Leanne