What to Do in Paris / Que faire a Paris?

I guess I can't try to pass this off as a Parisian baker? The blue shutters and tile roof are a giveaway?

Bonjour les amis,

A friend, who is coming to France, just wrote me for some information...

Hi Kristin-

My wife and I are going to be in Paris from June 17- July 3. We rented a flat in Ile St. Louis. We want to make the most of our trip, so we'd love some tips!...

***

Au secours! I am not that familiar with the big city and am unable to recommend restaurants, museums, and other must-see-and-do's. Please, je vous en prie, help me by sharing your Paris suggestions in the comments box. Recommend restaurants, shops, picturesque rues... shows, favorite markets, movie theaters... anything that pleased, tickled, or fascinated you last time you were in Paris.

Don't hesitate to add your suggestions on hotels, B&B's, etc... I hope we can make this a useful guide for all who wish to visit Paris. Mille mercis for your help!

Note: Perhaps you have never been to Paris but are busy drawing up a dream map of places you intend to visit. Thanks you for sharing those, too!

Amicalement,

Kristin
P.S.: check out these French Word-A-Day reader guides:

=> What to do in Lyon / Que Faire à Lyon (click here)

=>What to do in Aix-en-Provence / Que Faire à Aix-en-Provence (click here)

=>What to do in the Loire... / Que Faire dans la Loire (click here) 

 

Comments

[ksam]

One of the first things they should do is listen to a podcast a couple of friends of mine do for Paris. It's called "Katia & Kyliemac Tourist Tips" and it covers a lot of great topics, from what to do (and what NOT to do), what to see, where to eat, etc.

http://touristtips.katiaandkyliemac.com/

In case anyone else is interested, they also do a podcast about their everyday life in Paris:
http://www.katiaandkyliemac.com/

and one covering the meanings of funny French expressions:
http://learnfrench.katiaandkyliemac.com/

[Cassie]

The 5th (75005) is a great area to discover: Place de la Sorbonne is beautiful with lovely cafés and restaurants. There's also a good hotel there too. The jardin du Luxembourg is not far either so take a look round there. there's also le Panthéon where famous French people are buried, even the creator of Braille! Alternatively, head to the 18th, get off at Abbesses, there are plenty of bars and individual boutiques galore. Le lieu is a great little bar for a drink!

Hope this helps,
Cassie

[Cassie]

Also for shopping, go to Châtelet (métro Châtelet or Hôtel de ville), rue de Rivoli. There's also the department store BHV there too. Lots of shops! You can also visit the Hôtel de Ville and you're not far from the Marais district either (métro St Paul, line 1)

[Shauneen]

Apart from all the obvious things, I can thoroughly recommend Bateaux Parisiens (www.bateauxparisiens.com. I would go all out on their Service Etoile; champagne, beautiful dinner, wine with every course, digestif, excellent entertainment and all the sights of Paris from the comfort of a boat. Who can beat a twinkling Tour D'Eifel?

Also, the Moulin Rouge is an incredible spectacle.

Take the train to Versailles and visit the Château, if you can get a guide it makes all the difference.

Musée D'Orsay - impressionist paintings in the converted railway building.

St Germain de Prés on the left bank for cafes and people watching. Let Paris come to you.

The best free view in Paris is from the roof-top cafe in Le Printemps (store and Paris establishment).

Madeleine for Fauchard and Hediard (foodie heaven.

Finally, just walk through the streets looking at the buildings and getting lost, you are never very far away from a metro station if you need to be rescued and it is the best way to find great restaurants that are a little of the beaten track.
Tripadvisor is super for recommending places to eat and things to do.

I hope your friend loves Paris as much as I do. This is just of the top of my head. I hope that it helps

[missjane]

This is so cool! At the end of July I will be in Paris... only for the day, sadly. My current list is a little touristy, I admit, but hey, je suis un touriste!

I will be very interested to see what turns up in the comments!

- start at Montmartre for coffee, crepes and general vibes
- bit of shopping... probably Galeries Lafeyette as I love the building.
- hang out at the Musee D’Orsay for a few hours... did not get nearly long enough here last time I was in Paris.
- wander around the Jardins des Tuileries and outside the Louvre
- visit Notre Dame
- find somewhere I can have a glass (or two) of Champagne and some duck... thanks for the food blog link!!

short, since I only have one day! look forward to other suggestions.

[Alan McBride]

http://www.bonjourparis.com/

This is a great site for Paris with lots of useful information here.

[bonnie poppe]

Eat dinner at Chartier, an authentic Paris bistro from the turn of the century. Very reasonably priced too. Visit the free museum of Paris in the Marais, the Carnavalet -- it has the history of paris on display via "stuff" and has Proust's bedroom and the wonderful Mucha Bijouterie (jewelry store). Take the cruise from the Arsenal boat docks to the end of the line at the other side of Paris, it goes thru the 10th and has the bridges from "Amelie" -- go the the markets at Bastille and Aligre.
bonnie
roquebrun/san diego

[Wendy Joint]

With regard to the paris museums I really recommend you book online before visiting as the queues can be very long for popular art exhibitions for instance.

I can really recommend the Cremerie Polidor in rue Monsieur le Prince for an authentic bistro experience and the food is good and generous. Here's a link to the Frommers Review http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/D41342.html
Get there early or you might have to queue!

[Sten]

I am yet to visit Paris myself yet, but as a huge Serge Gainsbourg fan (as every discerning Francophile arguably should be!) the first place I would head to would be 5 Rue de Verneuil, his old house. It will perhaps not mean a great deal if you're not a fan, though. The front of the house has been scrawled with numerous messages and dedications and inside has apparently been kept exactly as he left it when he died. There was talk of opening it up as some sort of museum but I don't know if this is still on the cards.

[Roger Anderson]

My wife and I have been to Paris four times now and we never seem to tire of seeing old favorites and finding new attractions. Besides the others mentioned already, I would add to visit Les Invalides, the rest home Louis IV built for his retired and invalid soldiers which is now mostly a museum but most importantly, the location of the tomb of Napoleon I. We also love the Musee Dorsey, the Musee Rodin for sculpture, walking and eating along the Rue Mouffetard near the Pantheon which is downhill from Place Contrascarpe. The many cathedrals of Paris beginning with Notre Dame, exploring the narrow streets near Place St.Michel near the Seine, taking a Bateau ride down the Seine in an open top boat especially at night with all the building lighted by the lights from the boats, seeing the Eiffel Tower day or night, and on and on.

Roger

[Stef]

Ok...

>> at first buy "Pariscope" at the kiosk, a journal that lists all events and places to be (for example free concerts on sundays)

>> Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Bateau Mouche and the Louvre are a MUST. Make sure to climb up the stairs of Notre Dame (be early, there is always a crowd). The tickets to the Louvre can be bought in advance, so at least there you can escape the waiting. I am not sure if this service exists for other sights, ask in the tourist office.

>> Visit St.Eustache, the church near Les Halles (come there before 10, the light is "magnifique"), which is almost as high as Notre Dame but has another style.

>> Bastille is good for the evenings, plenty of bars and restaurants are waiting for you (start in Rue Faubourg St-Antoine)

>> Stroll through rue Mouffetard et rue Monge, there are little shops, cafés and mini-restaurants (I'm fallen for the greek crepes)and a nice little market

>> Don't forget the nature: The parks "Buttes chaumont", "Jardin de Luxembourg" and "Monceau" as well as the wood "Bois de Boulogne" are great.

>> my prefered (free) view of Paris: take the metro 11 and stop at Belleville

>> you should also visit Napoleons tomb in the "Dôme des Invalides", the place is formidable!

>> As Shauneen said, get lost! You can also take the metro and stop at stations at random and walk. Paris rewards the discoverer...

>> Don't eat or drink anything on Champs-Elysées! Everything is way to expensive!

>>>> Anyway, whatever you do, you are going to have a lot of fun! (I am actually pretty jealous ;o)

[Chris Golding]

One restaurant I liked: L'Escure, 7,rue de Mondovi,
Tel: 42 60 18 91

Very French, very friendly and welcoming staff, very good value for money for the location.

I also recommend the views from Tour Montparnasse - cheaper and less crowded than Eiffel Tower

[Katie]

Before you go to Paris, purchase the box of cards called City Walks in Paris. When you need inspiration for what to do, pull out a card, which is well-marked with a map, walking route and snack breaks. As distractable as my friend, Natalie, and I are, though, we often start a walk and 4 hours later, we have only covered a quarter of the territory we were supposed to cover in 1 hour! We have never been disappointed with our discoveries and are always anxious to try a new walk.

Since your friends are staying on Ile Saint Louis, they are very close to the mothership of the best ice cream in the universe, Berthillon. They simply must stop in there for a dish, then treat themselves to a cone at least once a day!

I stay in the 7th arrondisement, and there are some wonderful restaurants on rue Surcouf and sur Saint Dominique. Try Le Petit Bordelais on rue Surcouf. The menu degustation is 45 euros for 5 courses. The chef is brilliant and extremely friendly. Right next door is Au Petit Tonneau, with its wonderful owner/chef, Ginette Boyer. Make sure to say hello to her from Katie and Natalie!

Chef Christian Constant has 4 restaurants on rue Saint Dominique. The big name is Violin d'Ingres, but we really loved Cafe Constant.

If you love wonderful seafood, beautifully prepared, another restaurant to try is Dome de la Bastille, right across from the very famous and highly overrated (IMHO) Bofinger. This is over near Place de la Bastille.

It took over 15 years for me to get in to see Napoleon's Tomb in Les Invalides, but I'm glad I finally made it. Even more interesitng, though, is the War Museum, with a very fine display which makes some of the battles understandable, if you're in to why armies moved the way they did. We had been to several battlefields in Belgium and Normandy, and this museum is very well done.

Take a train out to Giverny to see Monet's house and garden, or if you want to be chauffeured, arrange a minibus with ParisVision. They have a few tours to Giverny with an afternoon stop at either Versailles or Auvers-sur-Oise. Lunch is included.

Go to Versailles, but make sure to book in advance, because the queues are daunting.

Another daytrip out of the city would be to the Normandy D Day sites. Again, ParisVision has a minibus trip. Not cheap, but someone else does the driving. Again, lunch is included.

Museums are everywhere, but some of my favorites are the Cluny, the Orangerie and the Marmatton. One can sit in the room with the "Dame et la Licorne" tapestries for hours! The Orangerie in the Tuilleries houses Monet's waterlily paintings, and the Marmatton is a small private museum in the 18th with a marvelous collection of Impressionist paintings. And, there's always something surprising and fun to discover at the Pompidou Center, plus, the view from the top over Paris is spectacular.

I love visitng Musee D'Orsay (book tickets online ahead of time to avoid the queue), lunching in the exquisitely beautiful restaurant, and then plunging back to the exhibits. In the evening, go up to Montmartre and wander where those same artists did.

I love wandering through churches, and one of my favorites is Saint Severin on Boulevard Saint Germain. The ultra-modern stained glass windows are a wonderful contrast with the ancient church. I adore the twisted column, reminiscent of the tree of life.

Another favorite church is Saint Merry near the Pompidou. It is very special; there is a magic in the church that draws me back year after year. It is not beautiful, but it is very active in the community.

Saint Chapelle is beautiful and you will never forget it, but again, the queues are very long and you can't book in advance.

While you're in the Marais, and if you're a Harry Potter fan, you will enjoy finding rue Nicolas Flamel and the nearby street named for his wife, Prunelle.

Spend an afternoon wandering through Pere Lachaise cemetery. Be a tourist, buy a map and enjoy the scavenger hunt of finding the graves. Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde have very famous tombs, but I love paying homage to the musicians and authors, and then being moved to tears over the memorials to people who died during the world wars.

Have a wonderful, wonderful time! I'm bringing a small group of friends at the end of July for a week and I can't wait!

If anyone is looking for a delightful small hotel, try Hotel Valadon, in the 7th. The owners, Victor and Maria Orsenne, are fluent in English, French, and German. The hotel is small, but don't be put off by the 2 star rating. The rooms are spacious for Paris with a private bath. Breakfast is provided, and Victor's homemade jam is to die for. Say hello from Katie and Natalie!

[Sarah Towle]

Check out my blog for some ideas in context:
http://francofilesfunfacts.blogspot.com/

Have a good trip!

[Jackie Sand]

Great recommendations, particularly the last poster. Careful, however because the Marmottan is in the 16th, not the 18th! Try the organic Sunday market on the Boulevard Raspail in the 6th arrondissement. It is fabulous!

[Sue Klein]

Ah Paris... I have stayed in Marais at St Jean d'Arc. Perfect place to stay.
1. As for musee de Rhodin is my favorite (someone else also listed it).
2.I think a beautiful place to see is Sainte-Chapelle at the Palais de Justice.
3.One should go sit in a park and just relax and watch.
4.The Stravinsky Fountain near Centre Pompidou is fun
5. Brasserie Printemps (blvd Haussman) with the art deco dome. Stop at 5pm for glass of wine.
6. Walk along the left bank and look at all the Bookiniste

Just a quick list...
Sue K

[Alan Mailloux]

We've been to Paris many times and have found great use of the Good Value Restaurant Guide at this site: http://www.parisrestaurantrecommendations.com/
It's well worth the price.

Cheers!
Alan

[John, Paris]

There are lots of good suggestions already, but I'll add my 2-centimes worth.

First, BRAVO for choosing an apartment. Paris is really a cluster of little villages, and each quartier has it's own personality and ambiance. In the several years before we decided to move to Paris, we rented an apartment in a different quartier each time we went. That allowed us to become familiar with quite an assortment of different "villages" within the city. There's nothing better than a freshly baked croissant for breakfast obtained from the boulangerie or patisserie just down on the corner!

As for Saint Eustache - if you're there on a Sunday, go to the free organ concert at 5:30p.

Don't miss Sainte Chapelle - especially if you're into stained glass, but go on a sunny day. Nearly all the stained glass is still original from the 13th century.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainte-Chapelle

If you're into modern art, don't miss the Pompidou near Les Halles. Stop for a coffee afterwards at Café Beaubourg - très branché!

We recommend Vaux le Vicompte rather than Versailles. It was built by Louis XIV's treasurer, Nicolas Fouquet - using absconded funds. Fouquet made the big mistake of inviting Louis to the estate, serving him on gold plates and presenting a new original play by Moliere. Louis looked into where Fouquet got the money and promptly had him thrown in the clink. Louis hired all the same architects that Fouquet used to build Versailles. I personally think the gardens there are more spectacular than Versailles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaux-le-Vicomte

Other great day trips out of town include Chartres (catch the 10:30 train out of Montparnasse, do the Malcolm Miller tour at noon, then have lunch at Le Serpent) and Giverny - Monet's house and gardens.

[Evelyn Jackson]

All the above suggestions are great! I would echo taking the Seine cruise at night...spectacular! Churches are wonderful, but you can get a bit overloaded with them. My favorite thing to do in churches: listen to music...many of them host musical performances at a reasonable cost and lots of atmosphere. An Easter Monday concert in St. Germain des Pres was a stunning way to spend an evening. The Cluny is my favorite museum...they host Medieval music there in the evenings. Here's my plug for my fav restaurant: Bistrot d'Henri on rue Princess. Have fun!! (how can you NOT...2 weeks in Paris!)

[John, Paris]

Oh, I forgot to add:

If you plan to do lots of museums, consider purchasing the Museum Pass. You'll skip all the lines and get priority entry.

http://www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php

[Bob Burgess]

Paris. The list of wonderful things to do is huge. There are many fine suggestions in the comments above.
One thing about traveling in France in general: Call your credit card and tell them you are going. They might block your card otherwise.
Call your bank to see if they have a relationship with a French bank ( Bank of America = BNP). Then use the ATM machines to get your money. There will be no charge other than the exchange . Credit cards will add various charges to any transaction, so cash will save you money every time.

Two web sites, one mt photos of Paris and one very deep series of suggestions:
http://www.rburgessphoto.com/The_Paris_Collection.html
http://www.understandfrance.org/Paris/UnknownParis.html

By the way. You can't go wrong but be ready to walk.
Bon Voyage.

[Marianne Rankin]

I haven't been to Paris since 1979, and I don't know if it still exists. But you could try to find the restaurant "Auberge du Vieux Logis." If it is still there, chances are it is as good now as it was then.

In terms of places (aside from such standards as the Eiffel Tower), be sure to see the Sainte-Chapelle. The stained-glass windows are magnificent. One can rent tapes (or whatever the latest technology is) describing what you are looking at, in French or English. It's one of the best churches to see in addition to Notre Dame.

[George]

We spent one night in Paris before flying back to the U.S. at the end of our trip to Provence in 2002. When asked what we could not miss, the receptionist at our hotel near the Gare de Lyon suggested one of the Bateaux Mouches boat rides. She was absolutely right! The weather cooperated and our sunset ride was unforgettable!

[Alden Griffith]

"Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris" is a must! Really. You can't go wrong with it. I was recently in Paris and the first thing we did is go to "Les Papilles" (30, rue Gay-Lassac / near J. Luxembourg) and ordered the 4-course lunch menu. YUM YUM YUM. Also, Place Dauphine on the West tip of Ile de la Cite is a great place to wind down an evening with a drink/desert at "Rose de France".

Alden

[Barbara Mortimer]

First thing is to see the whole of Paris. I suggest going straight to the steps of Sacre Coeur Montmartre. Then later at other vantage points you will have a reference point.
Best private house is Musee Jacquemart Andre open 7 days on Bvd Haussmann.
Best private garden in Paris is the Rodin.
There is a delightful little tea house on the Ile St Louis.
All the food vendors sell delicious baguettes. Paris is the perfect city for walks & picnics.Babs M.

[Susan W]

I would heartily second the recommendations for the Cluny, Sainte Chapelle and Bertillons. You might also like to visit Place de Vosges and the Viaduc des Arts (especially if you want to do some shopping and have some money, otherwise just look in the shops and walk in garden on the top). Musée Andre-Jacquemart is also interesting if you like 19th C collections and historic houses, and has a nice cafe. Don't miss the Louvre – you are there long enough to spend a day there, and it is the home of so many iconic works of art (the ancient Greek, Roman and early Renaissance galleries are a particularly good alternative to 'great painting overload').

[Karen]

Rodin's Garden - a small gallery/museum of Rodin's work. Most displayed in outdoor gardens.

[Patricia Lenny]

I just returned from Paris where I stayed at the Hotel des Deux Ilse on the Isle Saint Louis. My favorite location in Paris. We had a wonderful dinner right on the same street at 51 rue Saint-Louis at Sorza. For a really special and surprising treat go to the Gare Lyon and visit the restaurant Train Bleu. Enjoy!

[John Hecker]

Our favorite restaurant is ON the Ile St. Louis. TASTEVIN
Madame Annick Puisieux, the proprieter, took us in about 30 years ago - before we knew that reservations were a must for most restaurants. MAKE A RESERVATION though. Madame is wonderfully charming. Her 6'6" son (who was only a small child when we first dined there) should be manning the small bar.
http://www.letastevin-paris.com/Page2.html

[Annie]

We went to Paris with our family last year - not much to ad to the above, but I would recommend "Paris Plages", which has become a tradition in the last few years - they create a "beach" along the Seine, with misting machines, lots of lounging areas, a small pool with public hours, believe it or not, boules, and scheduled bands - very fun and relaxing.

[Kelley Loftus]

But most of all! La Charlotte en L'Isle - 24 rue St. Louis en l'isle. Handmade lollipops, chocolate and the most amazing chocolate chaud...but also puppet shows and music, magic. It will be right down the street. It will be a destination forever.

[Candy]

If you like street markets, a wonderful one is located on Rue Mouffetard. It is closed Sunday afternoons and all day Monday. But any other time is wonderful. It is located at the southern end of the street.

[Jeff]

Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd is a MUST!!!!

In the core of Paris, this pedestrian street was my home base for one and a half years...

Lots of restos, cafes, and street vendors including the famous Stroher pastry shop...

They are only a 30 minute walk away...

Jeff

[Paul Heffron]

Be sure to have lunch at Fauchon, the famous
gourmet restaurant opposite the Madelleine.
Then go around the corner on the Rue de Fauborg Ste Honore to the main Hermes store
in Paris. You won't see a better collection
of their silks anywhere. For dinner make
reservations at Maxim's, probably the most famous restaurant in the world. We had a
wonderful lunch there. (Formal dress required.)

(Kristin, You haven't spent much time in Paris?? You must fix that asap!)

[Mary]

For our trip to Paris this past spring we followed Clotilde's recommendations as well as France Today magazine's in having lunch at various museums. Wonderful food and ambiance.
Every Sunday afternoon at around 4 p.m. there is a free organ concert at Notre Dame.

[Robbin]

I love Paris, lots of great walking. I've spent many nights there but I can't remember too much specific without reviewing my notes, other than the Jardin du Luxembourg which is a favourite place of mine to people-watch and get away from the tourists (the walk there is nice too if I recall).

I also really enjoyed the Cluny Museum (Museum de Moyen Ages) which is a must if you are interested in tapestries (and it was almost completed devoid of tourists last time I was there). I also loved Sainte-Chappelle, the stained glass is amazing.

Enjoy!

[Laura P]

Unconventional touring fun:
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris
English speaking cruiser bike tours. Americans David and Kelly started this years ago and we have been fans since our first trip in 2003. Go early in your trip and note the places you want to return to to spend more time.

After dinner:
Glaces Bertillion (translating this to ice cream seems to be an injustice). Several in town but there's one very close to your hotel.

Shopping:
Lancel is a great french leather marque that is no longer available in the states. Reasonable compared to other boutique brands.

Monoprix - french Target. Great inexpensive items for friends or to keep in your home to make you feel like you're still in Paris. Shopping there makes you feel like a native. I buy their beautiful foldable/reusable shopping bags (~1 euro) as help getting everything home and then as a chic accessory back home.

[Patricia]

I just sent this list to a friend - so I'm passing it one unedited:

1. Sainte Chapelle (a gorgeous small church just a few steps from Notre Dame, but it's totally surrounded by the courts and police now, so you might need to ask for directions)
2. Parc Monceau (Renoir and Chopin used to hang out here)
3. Musee Nissim Cammondo (this is a small house museum just next to #2 above)
4. Parc de Bagatelle (this is a gorgeous garden built by Marie Antoinette's brother inside the much larger Bois de Boulogne - go to the Porte Maillot metro stop and then take a bus, just ask the driver to let you off at the parc)
5. Musee Jacquemart-Andre (another small house museum - and its lunch room is a wonderful place for a reasonable meal)
6. Angelinas (tea room on the rue de Rivoli, opposite the Tuileries, near the Louvre - it's right next to the Hotel Meurice - Coco Chanel went here every day - they have their house specialty hot chocolate which is to die for and the house pastry is the Mont-Blanc)
7. Musee des Arts Decoratifs (this is a far wing of the Louvre - not far from Angelinas - the installations usually are about fashion and change a couple of times a year - there's also a permanent exhibit of jewelry that's quite lovely - it has a great gift shop)
8. Jardin du Palais Royal (this is right across from one of the Louve entrances on the rue de Rivoli side - it looks like a government building with guards in uniform, but you go behind them to the garden - it's a lovely, peaceful place for a bag lunch or just to read for a while and it's surrounded by wonderful boutiques - Jefferson bought his silverware in one of them while he was living in Paris)
9. the covered passages (there are many, but the nicest are right behind the Palais Royal - Gallerie Vivienne and Gallerie Colbert - the Colbert was closed the last time I stuck my head around that neighborhood, but it may have reopened - the passages themselves are historical and architectural wonders - the first covered shopping in the world and the precursors to modern malls - many have quite wonderful boutiques - there are several more in a warren by the Musee Grevin - they are marked on my map "Streetwise Paris" with a dotted red line - but it was years before I found them all)
10. the musee du Luxembourg (this small museum has just one installation at a time - I saw an exhibition of Lalique jewelry there two years ago that was just amazing)

[Tim]

Staying on the Ile Saint Louis is a great place to connect to lots of Paris. Some recommendations:

Do a walking tour of Le Marais (which is right next to Ile Saint Louis). It has a great deal of history and is one of the oldest parts of Paris.
http://www.paris-walks.com/

There is a restaurant just off of Place des Vosges called Chez Janou (http://www.chezjanou.com/). Its a great little bistro, not too pricey, and great food.

Another restaurant not too far from Ile Saint Louis in the Marais is Vins des Pyrenees. 25, rue Beautreillis - 75004 Paris

Visit the Crypt d'Archeology near Notre Dame. Here you will see the remnants of ancient Paris, and learn how the city was developed.

My current two favorite tourist books are:
"Walks through lost Paris" by Leonard Pitt
"Paris, a Roman city" (Archaeological guides to France)

There are tons of parks in the city as well. As something a little different, I suggest the Viaduct des Arts in the 12th (entry near Bastille).

[Nicole]

For a chance to have a wonderful meal and mingle with other restaurant patron try this restaurant on Saint-Louis. Below is the link:
http://www.nosancetreslesgaulois.com

Also for a romantic evening dinner with amazing views of the city (you can do lunch as well) try Chez George on the top floor of the Centre Pompidou. The cuisine is unbelievable!

I also recommend trying out the Parc Monceau in the 17th, or a nice walk in Neuilly to escape the tourist regime. Another great view is from the cafe's at the bottom of Sacre Coeur, or if you're up for a hike there are always locals playing guitar and hanging out on the steps in front of the Sacre Coeur early evening in the summers.

I lived in Paris for a year and these were among my favorites!

[Sarah LaBelle]

If you like architecture, see the Centre Pompidou, designed by Renzo Piano, opened in the 1970s. That architect's latest museum to open is the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago last month. The view of the city from the roof is grand. The contrast of the Pompidou to the buildings around it is great. When it opened, it had the first free library in Paris. Not sure how that goes now.

Like many others, I recommend the Musée Rodin. For Rodin's sculptures, for the works he kept as his own by others, and for the gardens around his home / studio.

Sarah

[Stephanie]

Everything posted before me sounds wonderful. I would like to suggest visting the catacombs. It is absolutely one of my favorite sites. Only the French could arrange bones into works of art! Also, when you visit Notre Dame, walk behind the church and visit the Jewish Deportation site. It is beautiful and very humbling.

[Candice]

I know that many people have recommended the Eiffel Tower, which is definitely a must see, but I have to say that I much prefer the Eiffel tower at night. The area just seems to be more alive then. The view from the top is so much more breathtaking when all you can see are the lights of the city. When I was there at night, there was just a romantic air about the whole area, and, in that moment, it was that quintessential experience that every American tourist in Paris wants to have but can never accurately put into words.

[La Rêveuse]

I lived in Paris for a year, and spent much of the time being a tourist. I was determined to wring every bit of goodness out of every day!!! I compiled some of my findings in these posts:

http://mrsbinparis.blogspot.com/search?q=tips%20for%20tourists

Tips for tourists--stuff to save you money, get a true french experience, and look like you know what you are doing, etc.

I just got back from another visit, and still discovered new things, including a stop at the salon de thé at the Paris Mosqué, and a tour of St. Germain de l'Auxerrois (Amazing!) Paris never fails to surprise me.

BTW, a GREAT place to go is http://loisivethe.com/ L'Oisive-Thé, a charming and eclectic salon de thé/café that also serves a delightful brunch on the Butte aux Cailles in the 13e. Aimee, the owner, is the famous http://putyourflareon.blogs.com/putyourflareon/ PutYourFlareOn, and she's fabulous. They also run a knit café several nights a week. (Plus she is a dear friend and a wonderful person!)

BTW, why don't a hrefs and bolds (html) work?

[Mona]

Dear Lovely Kristin,
I have been there but not enough times to recommend anything. The gal with webblog ParisBreakfasts though has a lot of ideas and is quiet cute.

Love and fun to you and your friends.

XO

[Douglas Carver]

There are great suggestions above -- and great plan to stay on the Ile St. Louis. Over December/January I stayed in an apartment just across the river from Notre Dame, on the Left Bank -- a wonderful way to get a sense of the rhythm of the city.

For suggestions, I echo making sure to stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens (or better yet, brink a book and/or a picnic). Unlike the Tuilleries, the Luxembourg is where Parisians go to perambulate.

I have a good restaurant recommendation as well, not flashy, not touristy -- Bistro des Augustins, on the quays near Place St Michel. Small, dark, a bit rough around the edges, feels like you have stepped back in time a few decades, excellent food.

And I heartily agree with strolling through the Marais and the 5th -- and if you like books, you might never leave the 5th. When in the Marais, make sure you go by the Holocaust Memorial -- a moving reminder of Europe's greatest tragedy and horror, and a salutary reminder of why we must remain vigilant today.

[Ted]

If you're looking for something tasty and exotic, go to L'as du falafel, Rue des Rosiers.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/travel/31bite.html

It will change your life (or perhaps your perception of falafel).

[Andrea Carr-Evans]

I have been to Paris many times, but this past February went to a museum that has NEVER been recommended to me before. If you like music of ANY sort and interest in musical instruments you must go to the Cite de la Musique (http://www.citedelamusique.fr/anglais). It is an amazing place filled with all of today's modern (i.e. the last 4 centuries of musical instruments), and they have recordings of lots of them being played. The audio headphones come as part of the price of the entrance fee (no added fee).. and are the best part. It may be a bit of a metro ride, but an easy one -- but without a doubt well worth the trip. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music.
I will let others make restaurant and site visiting recommendations. But I had to plug the Cite de la Musique because it was a highlight of this past trip to Paris.

[Judy]

For more comments and advise and to pose specific questions the people on Slow Travel can't be beat so visit the France site: http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/frm/f/3956056284

[mark slonim]

so much covered by others, but:

special small museum: musée marmottan (monet's private art collection)(16th arr.)--before or after: picnic in the bois de boulogne

special very small restaurant (5th arr.): les papilles

museum frequently missed: l'orangerie

[jeremy]

I've been to Paris twice and absolutely love it. My three recommendations (all repeats of what others have said) are the Musee Cluny (the medieval museum), Pere Lachaise Cemetary (Abelard and Heloise's grave is the best), and the Catacombs. I've had luck with most restaurants (apart from a gyro place in the latin quarter). I especially recommend the pizza in Paris, which seems strange, I know, but the pizza in Europe is so much better than the stuff down the street in Indiana. Like ALL the pizza, everywhere. Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, France...the pizza is great. And I've never been to Italy.

[Audra]

I highly recommend Patacrepe near the Denfert-Rochereau metro stop for great crepes in a slightly off the beaten path setting. C'est magnifique!

[Tim Cimbura]

Check out my page for some Paris travel suggestons.
http://www.cimbura.com/france_travel.php

[Suzanne]

There is a terrific ice cream shop right behind Notre Dame on Ile St. Louis, I'd recommend stopping there for a nice break it has great views of the cathedral and terrific people watching.

For a unique dining experience I would try Hidden Kitchens in Paris, you actually dine in a private home with 16 other guests. (It sounds like fun) Here's the link:

http://www.hkmenus.com/index.html

As everyone has pointed out, Paris is simply a great place to walk, it's my favorite city in the world.

[Susan]

First of all, what a great place to rent an apartment! Don't forget to take a look around the shops there -- the cheese shop, in particular, is wonderful. I shopped there when I rented an apartment in the Marais...speaking of which, you should go and take a walk through the Marais area. It is historic and has a pedestrian walkway now. Also, great food for eating while you walk (falafel, etc.)

The large gardens are wonderful, but if you want the real feeling of Paris, sit for a while in some of the smaller parks that you will find in the residential areas.

Don't miss the Musee Picasso and the Pompidou. There are, of course, too many galleries and museums to mention, but you will see what's on in the publications and, before, at all the touist web sites.

Paris also has a bike rental service now, so that might be fun to do.

Try this small restaurant that has great food: Les Fetes Galantes. It's at 17 Rue de l'Ecole Polytechnique (Tel. 01 43 26 10 40).

[karen]

My top 3 suggestions:

1) Start your week w/The Eiffle in the morning & le Bateau trip (when it's not hot). Then at the end of your week see the Eiffle again at night when it lights up and then take the Bateau (Parisiene perhaps) for the night view

2) Musee de L'Orangerie & Tuileries gardens

3) Walk the St-Germain-des-Pres area (inc. St.Sulpice & Luxembourge Gardens)
http://www.french-at-a-touch.com/French_Regions/Ile-de-France/saint_germaine.htm

My next 3 choices:
Musee D'Orsey
Versailles
Day trip to Monet's Gardens

My restaurant suggestions:
Street cafe, street cafe, street cafe!!

[Chris]

We were there in April but have been to Paris many times. The most memorable meal we had was at Le Pamphlet in the Marais - wonderful! We also researched markets and visited one every day. One beautiful day we walked in the park above the Viaduc des Arts - had never been there either and it was lovely. Of course the museums and parks are a real treat always!

[Chris]

June 21st is so much fun - being the first day of summer the French celebrate with la fete de la musique. There are scheduled concerts all over the city and impromptu concerts everywhere. Enjoy!

If you like concerts, check out the wonderful events in Bagatelle Gardens in the Bois de Bologne. Ste. Chapelle has lovely concerts, too. (Be sure to see Sainte Chapelle on a sunny day).

[Myrna L.]

Don't miss Angelina's for heavenly hot chocolate, the Tuileries, Place des Vosges, boatride up Canal Saint Martin, stroll all around Ile St-Louis, Berthillon's for yummy ice cream and all the rest of the suggestions.

[Julie]

I've only gotten to spend a few days in that wonderful city, so I don't know all the nooks and crannies yet. My suggestions are really reinforcements of what has also been mentioned. A huge "oui" to Jardin du Luxembourg and the neighborhood around the Pantheon. Take a picnic breakfast and newspaper to the garden on a Sunday morning and just relax like the natives.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/urbanrelief/P7230280.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/urbanrelief/P7230275.jpg

Musée d'Orsay is a must. We watched the end of Tour du France from there.

Le Paris Plages could take an entire afternoon (longer if you grab one of the loungers and just close your eyes to soak in the sun). The colors, the people, the food, and the wonderfully French absurdity of recreating a tropical beach along the Seine just because it would be fun makes it a don't-miss event.

For a great nighttime view of the city, take a night tour of the bell tower at Notre Dame. The line is shorter and you'll probably need the exercise after dinner. Plus, there are all the acrobats, fire jugglers, musicians, etc. that gather there, especially on a Friday night.

As soon as you arrive in Paris take a daytime cruise of the Seine. It gives you the lay of the land, plus you can see the houseboats and their geraniums as well as all the Seine-level life (lovers in passionate embrace, jazz musicians using the acoustics under bridges for practicing, dog walkers, etc.)

We had good food and friendly service at La Taverne de Montmarte. And the cab ride from that part of the city back to our hotel (our feet were too tired) was a wonderful education about French politics delivered by our lively professeur/cabdriver.

But really, in Paris it's hard to make a wrong move, even if you decide to just spend the whole trip sitting in a different cafe every day.

[Alison]

Wow - lots of fun stuff! I'll have to copy these postings for Ideas when I visit Paris this Fall.

I've enjoyed some of the following in my previous visits to Paris...

- Best Restaurant: Dans Le Noir(.com) where your servers/guides are blind and you experience their world of darkness. Food is fabulous and the experience memorable! In 2005 I paid ~23 euros for a 3 course meal
51, rue Quincampoix 75004 PARIS
TEL : 01 42 77 98 04

- Notre Dame Cathedral: Try to be there during Evensong (around 5:30-5:45 pm) - beautiful music!

- Pont d'Alexandre (bridge) is a perfect vantage point for the Eiffel Tower at night, and is very beautiful itself (does the Tower still sparkle at a certain time?)

- Take a bike tour of Paris (if you're adventuresome, you can rent bikes from the city and wander as you will, if not, there are tour companies) A picnic lunch at one of the famous parks is a perfect break :)

[Jane Waterhouse]

Wow, but just to add......

My absolutely best favourite restaurant is the Terminus Nord, directly opposite Gare do Nord. It has wonderful seafood and a great mounainous plateau de fruits de mer for 2 to share. You won't need anything else. It is very popular though and you may have to queue, but being a brasserie it is open long hours and so eating off peak can be good. the atmosphere of the place is also great, its entertainment just to be queueing.

My second favourite is Le Chien qui Fume, which is at the the back of Les Halles. Also good seafood and very friendly.

Chartier is also a great experience, though don't expect a gourmet delight. But do expect grreat eccentricity - orders written on the paper tablecloths, almost rude staff. But it is cheap and the decor is fantastic. It opens at 6, so get there early to avoid queueing. Its off the Grand Boulevards.

You might also like to look at Pere Lachaise cemetery and see Oscar Wilde's and Jim Morrison's graves. Bit of a pilgrimage though.

I am intending to spend a few days in Paris in October, so these posts have been good for me to remind me why I love Paris so, so much.

Jane in the Minervois

[Art Ream - New Hampshire]

You have all the wonderful comments from many people. We loved Paris, and have friends who live in the city.

The best thing they taught me... Roll out of bed in the morning cross the Avenue into the bakery grab my fresh favorite, jump next door grab some fruit from the local vendor...

Crawl back to the apartment, and enjoy breakfast in bed...

Where else can you find everything you need on a 12 foot wide avenue with wonderful people to talk to... It was so refreshing NOT to walk into a super market...

Cheers!

[Rich Lucas]

Kristin, absolute shame on you for not enjoying Paris.

You MUST take a Velo bike around the river. Cheap and you can pick them up in one location and return anywhere there is an open slot!

You must eat at:
Dinner at Senderens
9 Place de Madeleine, 75008 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 65 22 90

I am usually one for the casual vibe of any-Bistro, but Senderens offers both a stronger casual atmosphere with amazing food.

[kellie tayer]

Be sure to visit Shakespeare and Company, a very famous bookstore with an amazing history if interesting writers who've lived there and may still be living there now. Also visit Pere Lachaise, the cemetery--fascinating!!

[Brooke (French Teacher getting ready to take a group of students to Paris in 3 days)]

Three smaller but interesting museums:
1. Le musee Rodin
2. The Picasso museum, near the Marais, je pense.
3. The Salvador Dali museum in Montmartre.

Great ethnic restaurants are found in le Quartier Latin.

For some relaxation and beauty go to the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pere Lachaise cemetary (many famous French authors, artists, composers, musicians are buried there as well as our infamous Jim Morrison.)

[alicia matthes]

We have always enjoyed the expositions at the Petit Palais, Rodin Musee, and Musee D'Orsay. We always do two things a day..ie. visit one large museum such as the D'orsay and then visit an area, church or a smaller museum. A wonderful place to relax and people watch is the Luxembourg Gardens and the Tuilleries. There is a museum in the gardens that often has interesting exhibits. For all museums, get a museum pass; otherwise lines are going to take up your time. Our favorite find this last trip was the new anthropology museum (Branly) The living wall of plants is impressive! If you like Dali, this little museum in Montmarte is fun. Also the Picasso Museum. The tour of the Paris Opera is well worth your time if you are so inclined. Also The Orangerie is lovely with Monet's water-lilies....Have a mont blanc at Anglelina's after!!! Rue Cler is a fun street with lots of food shops--and rue moufftard is fun as well. Favorite place to look for foodstuffs, etc. the Bon Marche food store. The Bon Marche dept. store is wonderful, but I always went just before we were leaving, as otherwise it is much too tempting. It is worth the wait to go to Berthillion for some ice cream or sorbet on Ile St. Louis. A favorite little restaurant of ours is Le P'tit Troquet on Rue d l'exposition.
Just walk and discover!! Bon chance!

[Dan Schaeffer]

Hotel
I've stayed several times at the Hotel du Pantheon. It is a small hotel with small rooms but some offer views of the Pantheon and it is a great starting point for seeing the Left Bank - Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, St. Sulpice, Blvd St. Germain all very close.

www.hoteldupantheon.com

19, place du Pantheon
75005 Paris, France
+33 1 43 54 32 95

Museums
Besides the major ones, I love the Musee Marmottan with its great collection of Monets.

Restaurants
Le Gavroche - go here for wonderful steak frites.
2nd arrondissement
19, rue St-Marc
01 42 96 89 70

Le Bon Saint Pourçain - in the shadows of St. Sulpice; wonderful bistro right out of a postcard.
10 bis, rue Servandoni Paris, France 75006
Phone:
01-43-54-93-63

[Katie]

Wow, so many great tips - but here are mine:

Notre Dame is completely incredible. I have to go back every time I go to Paris.

I love the Marais - it's fascinating, and L'As du Fallafel is delicious. Also, les philosophes is a nice cafe.

Just across the bridge from Notre-Dame is Cafe Panis - probably my favorite cafe in Paris. And just a few blocks over is Shakespeare & Company - a must-see.

I love just wandering the Latin Quarter; the Rue Mouffetard street market is a series of small wonders.

Caveau de la Huchette, just down the street opposite Notre-Dame, has fantastic live jazz music and swing dancing on most weekends.

The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay are fabulous, of course. I like the Orsay a little better, though, because of the intimate feel and all the lovely impressionist paintings.

[Teresa Engebretsen]

There are a ton of suggestions here- too many even for me to read in one sitting but here are my two sous worth--
--dinner or lunch at Le Florimond 19, ave. de la Motte Piquet very close to Eiffel Tower- very good, not too expensive
--Musée Marmottan if they are Monet lovers- rooms and rooms of his work as well as other Impressionists
--Giverny also for Monet lovers- short trip from Paris- go with a tour company- I went with one that leaves from near the Louvre- take a picnic and eat on a bench in the gardens- paradise
--Rue Cler to buy picnic supplies (I always stay in a hotel in this area) and Rue St. Dominique - there is a great wine shop there, too (not part of Nicolas chain)
--La Grande Epicerie at Bon Marché department store- I spend hours there! You can get Joel Durand chocolate there (handsome chocolate maker in St. Rémy de Provence- delicious chocolate, too!)
--Eiffel Tower ascent around dusk so you can watch the lights come on in the city- too cool- they sparkle for 10 minutes on the hour
--Check out Rick Steve's Paris book for great suggestions
Bon voyage!!

[Leanne Ulvang]

Great ideas already, and I heartily endorse Musée Carnavalet (Marais), Crypte Archéologique (enter in front of Notre Dame Cath.), and Musée Nissam de Camondo (near Parc Monceau). Not yet mentioned: use the Batobus to go along the Seine. You can buy one day, three day and 5 day passes (I think) and it makes a circular route, stopping at obvious "monument" places like Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower and Louvre. From the Ile St. Louis, either the Hotel de Ville or Notre Dame stop is the closest. Just across the bridge from your hotel, on the left bank, on Rue St. Germaine (I think) is the Collège des Bernardins, a beautifully restored 13th century building. Free and it takes not long to see the two areas open to the public. We loved the Gallière museum of fashion (but check to see if there's an exhibit on). When we were there in April it was of the crinolines from the Second Empire. Near there (Metro stop Alma) is the long street market of Alma, with great foods and such. The Marché des Oiseaux (bird market) is every Sunday morning around the corner from Notre Dame -- very colorful! BTW, when you see Musée Carnavalet, you will realize that a dozen visits wouldn't do it justice! In the very back of the 2nd building, at the bottom of a staircase in the old Orangerie are the Gallo-Roman relics and some Neolithic finds. There are rooms and rooms that educate you on the revolution and early 19th C history. Don't overlook the scale models of Paris from the middle ages on to the immediately-pre Haussman look. Face it, you don't have enough time to do it all! And I'm not sure that you can get a bad meal in Paris if you get away from the most touristy streets and pick a café, any café!
Leanne

[martina]

I'd suggest going to David Lebovitz' blog
http://www.davidlebovitz.com/ He has a section about visiting Paris, where to eat etc. He lives in Paris and written many best selling cookbooks.

[Kathryn Gower]

You can't miss one of the oldest churches in Paris, l'Eglise St. Julien le Pauvre in the 5eme arrondissement, right across the Seine from Notre-Dame cathedral. The site and church have ancient Roman roots, and there are delightful views of the Seine and Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Check out a phenomenal "oldest" tree in Paris that is located right on the church site(Square Rene Viviani) Historical, picturesque and unique!

[James]

If they are going to be staying on Ile St. Louis, then they absolutely need to spend some time enjoying an ice cream at Maison des Glaces Bertillon--Bertillon's ice cream shop. It is a slice of heaven right on the island in Paris' center.

[Cathy]

Cacao et Chocolat (rue Cler) for lick-the-cup hot chocolat; Poilane for bread - take home a boule - it's one French bread that will survive the trip and it makes great toast; I second Les Fetes Galantes; the street creperie on corner of Blvd. St. Germain and rue des Carmes - nutella and banana crepes made w/a WHOLE banana; watch boules in the Jardin de Luxembourg; even tho it's a chain, try the tarte au citron at La Brioche Doree - it's the best we've had anywhere - sandwiches are good there too. There's a great little italian 'fast-food' take-out place on rue Moufftard - food is cheap and good - lots of students go there - can't remember the name but go around lunch and you'll see the line. The one thing we learned is to do one major site a day, and then spend the rest of the day wandering and exploring. Taking time to savor fewer things is much more satisfying - pretend the rest isn't there and you'll always have next time...

[Ann Yungmeyer]

Take a bike tour with Fat Tire Tours. I did the Paris Night tour and Giverny (Monet's Gardens)and loved both. Its really a fun way to see the sights! http://fattirebiketours.com/paris

[Candy]

As a retired French teacher I have taken many groups to Paris over the past 30 years - students and adults. I am in the process of writing my own "guide". I have done Days 1 and 2 (in detail) and have included hints on how to make the most of a short time in this my favorite city. If anyone would like my 2 day guide you may email me at candywitt@msn.com with "Paris" in the subject line and I would be very happy to email the document to you. Bon Voyage!

[Kathryn]

Musee Cluny - on Rue St. Michel. It is a wonderful, underappreciated museum. Its the medieval museum of Paris.. built on ruins of Roman baths, features Charlemagne's sword and the célèbre Lady and the Unicorn tapestry.
Le Petit Grec - phenomenal creperie on Rue Mouffetard, near Place Monge metro stop. Massive, thick, amazing crêpes salées et sucres. I tell everyone I know who goes to Paris to seek this little place out and so far everyone has agreed that it is definitely worth it. Also, Rue Mouffetard is a neat little street to wander up and down.
The Marais - can wander for hours. I wholehearedly second L'As de Fallafel. Best I've had outside of Israel
for serious shoppers - Le Trois Marches de Catherine B in St. German-de-Pres is an amazing second hand store that specializes in Chanel and Hermes. One of the few place you can get a Kelly or Birkin without waiting five years.

[Jennifer Dianovsky]

I have a favorite restaurant in the 7eme arrondissement. It's called La Varangue, Philippe's restaurant at 27 rue Augereau. It's very near the Champs de Mars Park and Eiffel Tower. He has wonderful choices and is the owner, bus boy, waiter and cook. Also my very favorite thing to see in Paris Sainte Chappelle. Look for the Vivaldi concert in the evening. It's amazing to sit in this ancient church and listen to classical music. But you really can't go wrong with anything you choose to do, after all, you are in Paris.

[Amy]

We just returned from a week in Paris and it was spectacular! If you are looking for a splurge and want amazing dining experience I highly recommend Taillevent.

For a hotel, I recommend Hotel de la Motte Picquet. The service is outstanding and it is conveniently located right next to Rue Cler and the Ecole Militaire Metro stop. It is also a very short walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Other restaurant recommendations are Tastevin on Ile St.Louis, Goumard in the 1er, and Le Fumoir (which is a find located right behind the Louvre).

I found the fountains and gardens at Versailles to be amazing - be sure to catch them during one of the show times. And Ste Chapelle is breathtaking.

[Margaret]

Just a couple of things to add -

* A great funky Kurdish restaurant on Rue du Faubourg du Temple between Rue St-Maur and Boulevard de Belleville (try the soup and bread at least)

* The Belleville Market - a treat for all senses

[Linda]

How about a tour? That way someone shows you some great areas of Paris. I recommend Barbara at http://www.paristalks.com/ . She is a fun, long time resident of Paris.

[jr from San Diego]

PARIS
--SOUVENIRS—rue de Rivoli near the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, take métro to Palais Royal or Tuileries
--FABRICS—rue de Steinkerque, take metro to Anvers, walk up Steinkerque to Sacré Coeur Basilica and Montmartre, lots of trinket shops and fabric shops
--(SMALL) ART MUSEUM—Jacquemart-André Museum, 158 blvd. Haussmann, near Arc de Triomphe, take métro to Etoile, great art museum and mansion, wonderful lunch room
--LEFT BANK—rue de la Huchette, take métro to Saint Michel, Latin (student) quarter, across the river from Notre Dame, street of moderately priced Greek restaurants (lots of atmosphere and lots of fun), intersects lower end of Blvd. St. Michel
--SEINE RIVER Cruise on a bateau mouche (boat) , board near the Eiffel Tower, take the métro to Trocadero, walk across to Eiffel Tower, easy, relaxing, worth the time
--CLUNY MUSEUM (Musée de CLUNY)—take métro to Saint Michel, walk up the blvd. Saint Michel about one block, museum on the left, ancient history and Roman ruins, Lady and the Unicorn tapestries
--LUXEMBOURG GARDEN (Jardin du Luxembourg)—take métro to Saint Michel or Sorbonne, near the upper end of blvd. Saint Michel, near the Sorbonne University; see especially the Medeci Fountain
--CATHÉDRALE DE NOTRE DAME—wonderful cathedral experience, with occasional concerts, lovely gardens (picnic spot) behind the church; look for Deportation Museum just across a small street behind the church and down some steps; walk across small bridge to Ile Saint-Louis, a quaint and quiet neighborhood of mansions, with a fabulous view.
--BOUQUINNISTES—book seller stands along the river, near Notre Dame

[Linda R.]

1. Musee Rodin
2. Musee d'Orsay
3. Musee national Picasso, Hôtel Salé 5,rue de Thorigny
4. Monet's gardens at Giverny - day trip by train. for a schedule go to http://giverny.org/transpor/
5. a wonderful sidewalk creperie along Blvd St. Michel across from le Jardin du Luxembourg
6. Centre Pompidou in Beaubourg - go to http://www.centrepompidou.fr/ to find out special exhibitions

[Carol from Seattle]

The parks and gardens will be spectacular then. Take a look at the descriptions: http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Paris/Paris_parks2.shtml

My strongest suggestion is to WALK everywhere. Don't bother with the metro or you will miss the surprises that Paris has to offer, like stumbling upon a circus supply store on a side street while walking in the rain - no alternative, we just walked into another world!

[Christine]

Very first thing that comes to mind since you're right on Ile St-Louis--
Berthillon! They make the most wonderful ice cream and sorbet. I'm particularly fond of the sorbet, which comes in flavors you probably never even thought of!
There are several shops on Ile St-Louis. You'll want to go more than once!

[Julie Mautner]

Hi, this list is a great resource....thanks to everyone for their wonderful ideas. I'd like to put in a small plug for a friend in Paris, who has a business helping people plan their time in Paris, from an afternoon to a week or longer. She helped me recently and she's really great. I just posted a story about her on my blog at www.provencepost.com (Wed June 17th). Wendy's services might be useful to some of you. Best Wishes!

[Alicia K.]

If there is one thing I do EVERYTIME I am in Paris, it is to visit L'AS DU FALAFEL, the most amazing falafel/shawarma restaurant you will ever find. It is located in the 4th, in the Marais- the Jewish quarter. You will find this gem of a kosher restaurant at the end of the magnetic Rue de Rosiers. It is closed on Saturdays, so make sure to get there some other day. Oh man, I am so jealous that you get to go to Paris, just because of this!

And then of course, there is Montmartre. Nothing beats its charm, if you ask me. It is the 18th district. Get off at Abbesses, walk right behind the metro awning, and find the heartwarming " I love you wall". I love you written in every language you could find. Montmartre has GREAT boutique shopping, great food, and obviously some touristy things to do.

Have fun, I'm jealous!

[Mona]

OMG Kristin- Do you think you will even have time to read through all of this? Shows how much everyone loves you.

I just remembered this awesome site from my girlfriend who actually lived in Paris, moved to Pasadena, and is now in Congo for part of summer.

http://stufftodoinla.wordpress.com/stuff-to-do-in-paris/

I hope you have time to check it out.

xoxo

[Karryll in San Rafael, CA]

My favorite thing the first time I visited Paris was Les Nympheas at the Orangerie. Now they are on display again and should not be missed. A museum that few seem to know about is Le musee de la vie romantique, but it is a wonderful escape right in the middle of the city. It also has a lovely garden and tea salon.

[Jacki]

Wow - this is fabulous. I will definitely be saving this info for the next time I visit Paris. I have a couple things to add...

Sainte Chapelle is the most beautiful church in the world. Cruise by there the first day and scope the classical concerts that are scheduled. Attend one of these (beautiful music in a beautiful surrounding) and skip the long lines!

If you have not been to Paris before, spending a day on one of the Open Bus tours is a good way to get your bearings and spot the attractions you want to visit in more depth later.

Jardin des Plantes (near Luxembourg) is absolutely breathtaking any time of the year. Be sure to find the merry-go-round of prehistoric animals. It is beautiful!

Angelina's hot chocolate is outrageously expensive, but you MUST have a cup (think liquid chocolate bar!)

Someone mentioned Monoprix. I make several visits there to buy Poulain Noir Cafe bars to bring home as gifts (and for my private stash.) Absolutely my very favorite chocolate in the world! It is not sold in the U.S.

Ile Saint Louis is fabulous - a great central location for seeing Paris and a wonderful place to explore in itself. I hope to stay there next time I go to Paris.

Finally - just walk, walk, walk. Paris is magical! I find that I can eat and drink absolutely everything I want, but gain no weight because I am walking non-stop every day. Then, when I get home, I actually lose a few pounds -- ENJOY!

[Suzanne]

Books and maps...
When you get to Paris, buy Pariscope (already mentioned)and Le Petit Parisien, "l'indispensable" book of maps for streets, bus and metro...will save you time getting around. Full of information.
To take:
Rick Steves Paris 2009 for great practical information about almost everything.
Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris by Clotilde Dusoulier
To read before you go:
Paris, Paris Journey into the City of Light by David Downie
Paris Discovered by Mary McAuliffe
Bon voyage!

[John]

What a delightful stroll down memory lane!
Since Ile St Louis will be the home base, I'll echo Sue K's suggestion to visit the bouquinistes along the Seine. The tradition of the outdoor used bookseller started in the 16thC, and their green stalls are world famous. On the Right Bank they're around Pont Marie, and along the Left along Quai de la Tournelle. Mostly French editions, but many in a variety of other languages, and some interesting artwork offered as well, such as the 19thC print of a Left Bank scene now hanging in our front hall!
As Kellie notes, Shakespeare & Co is nearby, and a must for a look-see. Enjoy!

[Jeanne]

SUNDAY IS FETES DE MUSIQUE WITH FREE MUSIC ALL OVER THE CITY!!! ENJOY AND DON'T FORGET UNE GLACE OF BERTHILON - RIGHT THERE ON THE ILE DE ST LOUIS!

[a l i s o n]

shakespeare & co! http://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/

pariscope - concerts. saw the beastie boys when i lived in paris 10 years ago. amazing!

les puces (flea markets) THE BEST!! http://www.parispuces.com/en/Default.asp

l'orangerie

order "une noisette" at a cafe - just a "little coffee"

wander. wander. wander.

[Jenni]

*any* Context:Paris walking tour... they are AMAZING! I've done them in Paris, Florence and Rome. Truly truly good. Check them out at:
http://www.contexttravel.com/paris/

[suzy white]

I just watched the movie "Paris,Je T'aime" and I so want to go back.I've only been twice but have seen many of the suggestions posted. Someone recommended Hotel Jean d'Arc in the Marais and I second it. We have stayed there both times and love it.If you make it to the Bastille, take a walk above the crowds on the Promenade Plantee.Canal St. Martin is a great spot as well (in the 10th and 11th arrondisement).If you like kitchen goodies, head to Dehillerin's and check out their selection of bakeware.

[Tom]

Go to Place Dauphine at the far end of Ile de la Cité. You will feel like you have stepped back into Paris of 50 years ago. It is here that Yves Montand & Simone Signoret had their apartment. And there are three restaurants but I suggest Caveau du Palais (see http://gofrance.about.com/od/parisdining/ig/Paris-Cafe-Picture-Gallery/Le-Caveau-du-Palais-Restaurant.htm). You will have an excellent traditional French meal at a fairly reasonable price. They speak English, too, but will work with you on your French. I have gone every time I visit Paris (at least 2-3 times per year for the last 25 years). I also saw the posting on Sainte Chapelle. Don't miss it!! Even many of my French friends are unaware of this beautiful and historical edifice!

[Cate C]

The free organ concerts at Notre Dame are spine-tingling. I think they're Sunday afternoons.

[Bonnie Powers]

We are life-long Parisianophiles...but we've only recently discovered the Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th. BTW it's where one of the first Montgolfières ascended back in the late 18th century. The Auberge de la Butte is a small oozing-with-charm resto where we had the best sole and a gratin de banane that we'll never forget. The windows are the original acid-etched ones and the actual site is three-four hundred years old! The neighborhood seems very different from most in Paris...it's quiet, charming and full of surprises. Be sure to walk around the main little square where an artist has painted a marvelous fresco on a long wall nearby.