Attractions in Paris

Which of these venues has your research narrowed down for you based on your likes and abilities? I know you've been spending a lot of time on YouTube so you must have some ideas already. It might help with recommendations if we know what seems interesting to you then forum members may be able to hep you focus on a few choices relevant to you.

My choices for me might not be what you are interested in at all..

Those in the know on this forum have said the Paris Pass is a grotesquely overpriced combination of passes you could buy separately at lower cost.

Since you are "not the Engergizer Bunny", I can't imagine any sightseeing pass would make financial sense for you. The Louvre cannot be seen in a day even if you are the Energizer Bunny, so that doesn't sound like the best choice for you.

I haven't been to Paris recently, so I can make no specific suggestions. I'd start by thinking about what type of art you're interested in, what period of history, etc.

I wonder whether a standard bus tour, without the hop-on/hop-off feature, would make more sense for you. Wouldn't it be cheaper? And hopping off sometimes means a long wait before you can get back on the bus--not an issue if you just take a drive-by bus tour to get oriented.

Don't forget a boat trip along the Seine.

Phyllis, I think the Orangerie would be perfect for you. It's smaller than the Orsay, and may be much less crowded. I haven't been there in a few years, but the last two times I was there, we had the main water lilies room almost to ourselves. And there are benches where you can sit, relax, and immerse yourself in the paintings.

The lower floor has a broader range of works, including some lovely works by artists both famous and, to many of us, less well known.

For a more active and intense day, you can't do better than the Orsay. There is something for everyone there, regardless of your tastes or experience. There is also a nice restaurant in the museum, and a great little snack bar downstairs, which is where we ate when we were there a couple of years ago. Good inexpensive sandwiches, and quick service.

We'll be in Paris this summer, and the Orsay is definitely on our list.

there is no pass that makes any sense for you. The Paris Pass never makes sense and the Museum Pass no longer has any advantages unless it saves you money -- and to save money you have to visit lots of museums in a short time.

The HOHO involves endless waiting and if you get off at stops, endless waiting for the next one. I would not do this. The Seine cruises on the other hand are well worth the time and inexpensive. The dock at Pont d'Alma is ramped and easy. Vedettes Pont Neuf involves some steep stairs to get to the boat.

the most interesting church IMHO is St. Denis which can be reached on the metro -- the tombs of the kings of France are incredible and it is never crowded.

The Luxembourg Gardens are the prettiest IMHO and well equipped with places to sit and to buy coffee and snacks. The Tuilleries are also a nice choice.

Hello to all

I have been spending hours on youtube not just now but pre Japan cruise.

Mostly I have been getting familiar with Paris and the arr's, the layout.

Getting familiar with the airport and transportation.

it took a lot of decision making to book my hotel and my flights. And that is done.

Along with youtube, I have done other research only to discover there are museums and gardens and other places that I had not even heard of.

And the Louvre . I have just discovered that it is not just a museum but a palace all unto itself and the Gardens next door. To use an old fashioned phrase, I am, blown away.

I am short on time right now but will return ...

Pam, I will think about your question to me . I need to give it thought.

I am currently planning a return trip to Paris as it has been many years and my number one priority is visiting the Orsay to see the masterpieces once again. It was an amazing life changing experience the first time. Seriously!

My suggestions in Paris or next to Paris:

palace....Chateau de Saint Cloud

Garden: the Tuilleries Gardens, site that smack of its historical association and place to rest and people watch

Bridge: Pont de Alexander III

The HoHo bus goes by or on the bridge Alexander III. You see the front of the Invalides , ie the Dome as it does that.

Where is your hotel? That may be a help deciding what to see. If it’s close enough for you to take a break you might want to do 2 sites in one day. There’s so much to see in Paris.

I’ve only spent 10 days in Paris, so others on the forum have more experience. My favorite museum in Paris is the Orsay because I like the Impressionists, and my other favorite sight is Sainte Chappelle for the amazing stained glass windows.

I also enjoy the Rick Steves audioguide walks but if I return I will look into Paris Walks. With the audioguide you can go at your own pace, which sounds ideal for you.

Which one museum fee or free would your recommend to me? There are so many exceptional ones.

• The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris (FREE). Ihttps://www.cntraveler.com/activities/paris/carnavalet-museum
• If you like house museums, Musée Jacquemart-André is wonderful.
  

Which one church would you recommend to me?

The most obvious is Notre Dame. But you should feel free to pop into any church that interests you on your walks. It is also great way to be able to sit and rest.

Which one garden or park would you recommend, free or fee?

Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

There are lots of free chairs for you to sit on and people watch. You can stroll through the gardens and look for the Medici Fountains, the Statue of Liberty, and the Palais de Luxembourg.

The idea of spending the entire day at the Louvre sounds beyond exhausting and overwhelming.

I vote for the l'Orangerie. Beautiful Monet waterlily murals and manageable size museum.

My perfect day at the d'Orsay is to arrive early. Go immediately to the fifth floor and enjoy the clock and Impressionist art. Then go have a snack, lunch or tea at Le Restaurant because of it's gorgeous historical charm/beauty.

I also love the gardens at The Rodin. Admission fee to get in to the gardens. Small, manageable and lovely art sculptures including The Thinker, outside. You also get a peek of the top of the Eiffel Tower. Never went inside the museum except to exit.

Do not miss visiting (advance tickets) Saint Chapelle.

Personally, I didn't see one bench or chair in Luxembourg gardens not covered in bird droppings. I saw lots of folks in garden chairs in the Tuileries.

First Pam

Good question Pam. You got me thinking

I love most .museums. Love Art, History, Natural History, Specialty, etc. I also like art galleries. Like "happenings" and "events" I love live music but do not hit clubs at night or concert venues. I like outdoor music and music festivals.

I love to people watch. Will love sitting outside at cafes.

Love Gardens. Love nature and wildlife.

Before Japan, I spent hours on youtube walking through every single arr.

Of course I have heard of Versailles, and The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre but there is so much to learn Only very recently did I find out that the Louvre is much more than just a museum. It's a Palace.

Until recently, I had never heard of Musee d'Orsay or Musée de l’Orangerie.

Only recently have I heard ot Tuileries Garden and then there is a church believe near my hotel with lots and lots of magnificent stained glass windows.

Never heard of Petit Palais or Musee d Cluny and the L'Opera. And it goes on and on and on what I have never heard about or know very little about.

I have a lot of research to do.

Obviously i will not be able to see most of these places so I have to make intelligent decisions about what I can do.

I will begin to watch a lot of youtube videos. And then watch some more. Now I will begin to focus on attractions.

So I am coming to forum to ask if there is anything that I should not miss from person who know much more than me about travel.

To be continued

Oh my goodness. So many responses. it is wonderful.

Someone asked where my hotel is. it is in the 5th arr, I think the Latin Quarter

I am very close to St Michel, Notre Dame and one of the beautiful gardens. I can not remember which one. I believe that I am also close to the church with the many many magnificent stained glass windows.

I think this the garden that my hotel is close to: Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

I am going to digest what all of you have told me. I am going to hit the youtube videos re the attractions. I am going to do other research as well such as going to the websites and wikipedia.

Thanks to everyone for your generosity

Hi Phil, Not sure if you are familiar with the Rick Steves Monday Night Travel tv shows, but they have several on Paris.

This first one just came out this week ( I have not watched it yet).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onPLMl6UiAk

Some older ones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OxZQ12GII8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIC0DXY-swE

Happy Planning!!

Today’s NY Times on-line has a pretty good Travel 101 Guide to Paris, here. It’s a nice, brief starting point.

With your 6 nights, five full days plus another few hours perhaps on one or both of your travel days, you cannot do it all, nor should you try.

There are many things to do and sights to see that are not on the NY Times list. Smaller museums, neighborhood churches, classical or religious music in churches, jazz clubs, more parks, the holocaust memorial, the Jewish Museum, Balzac’s and Victor Hugo’s houses, concerts, galleries, biking, walking tours and two opera houses

My suggestions are

• Not too many museums and especially not too many big and crowded museums. I’d suggest two biggies at most over the course of your five days in Paris. Look to smaller, less crowded ones.
• Enjoy simply being in Paris. Its neighborhoods. Especially one or two further from the Seine.
• Yes to Notre Dame, but also another church.
• Tempted as you may be to take a day trip to Versailles or Giverny … maybe you’ll have a better time if you avoid those two very crowded destinations (and the travel time out and back).
• Follow your nose, your eyes and ears … whether to a restaurant or a street musician. Be open to what strikes your fancy that you had not planned to experience.
• Look at Rick’s site on Paris, his TV shows and podcasts, here.
• Look at other guidebooks from your public library or a travel book store. Michelin, Lonely Planet, Moon, Rough Guide. If you know some French … Guide Routard if you can find it.
• Look on-line to see if there are any special exhibits in Paris when you’re there. Two years ago, I saw that there was a special exhibit on Sarah Bernhardt at the Petite Palais, as well as an exhibit dedicated to Monet’s brother, Claude, at the museum at the Luxembourg Gardens. Two months ago, we took in the special John Singer Sargent exhibit at the d’Orsay.
• Consider the geography. For example, the day you go to the Louvre (if you do), perhaps go to Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert, two of the Passages Couvertes described in the NYT article. They are a 12 minute walk from the Louvre and practically next to one another. Or, if you are attracted to the Luxembourg Garden, it’s a seven minute walk to the Cluny Museum, if medieval art and history appeal to you. If not, St Sulpice Church and the Pantheon are also both near by, as is the Left Bank.
  

Happy travels to you.

@ bostonphil7.....Since you have indicated that spending time in museums is an enjoyment (likewise with me depending on the subject) and listed above " history " as an interest area, if that should include the subject of military / warfare history, I can suggest 2 such situated in Paris itself.

1 The Army Museum in the Invalides (the site of the Tomb of Napoleon)

2 The French Naval Museum (Musee national de la Marine) located in the Trocadero, if you are interested the naval history of France.

Thank you everyone

I have been watching youtube videos for over two hours now.

Just finished "The Entire History of France in 20 Something Minutes" Very good but my head is spinning. All those names ...

I have watched some about the museums and I think The Orsay is going to be. a must.

Last weekend I watched a 4 part series about Napoleon on Prime and it made me see Napoleon in a whole new light.

Thank you Carrie

I am familiar with R S Monday Night Shows. I have watched some in the past. Do not remember if I watched any on Paris but I plan to check them out. They are all very good.

Fred

Thank you for all your information.

Hello Carrie

I watched R S Travel Talks: Paris. Very good and very helpful and informative. It really spoke to me.

I will be watching more.

The Louvre is wonderful but can be overwhelming. I absolutely love art museums, but after four hours there I was toast. Remember to pace yourself. I strongly recommend the D’Orsay and the Cluny Medieval museums. The Cluny is a manageable size and not as crowded. I also recommend a boat ride on the Seine. It’s nice having an activity that involves sitting down. Good luck and have a great trip! Paris is awesome.

Never heard of Petit Palais or Musee d Cluny and the L'Opera. And it goes on and on and on what I have never heard about or know very little about.

I have a lot of research to do.

I know you have mentioned your love of YouTube videos to do research, but have you bought (or borrowed from the library) the Rick Steves guide to Paris ? I really think it would serve you well, both in this early planning /conception phase and all the way to when you are there, with the practical info and tips on how to save yourself lots of hassle.

I second Kim's suggestion of checking the guidebook. Your local library will no doubt have a copy.

You also said?

I love most .museums. Love Art, History, Natural History, Specialty, etc.

In that case, may I suggest Musee des Arts et Metiers? That's usually translated as "Arts and Crafts," but it is so much more. It covers a delightful range of inventions, technology, and machines, including a Foucault's Pendulum, the first model of the Statue of Liberty, and a whimsical biplane. This one is great for just wandering and marveling. And its Metro Station is also a treat.

Check out this website: https://www.parisinsidersguide.com/arts-et-metiers-museum-paris.html

I still recommend the Orangerie and the Orsay, but do try to find time for the Arts et Metiers.

Church-Sainte Chappelle If you like music, you can get a ticket for a concert there, preferably in the afternoon. I know you're not a fan of sit down restaurants, but you should look at the website for the historic cafe Le Procope https://www.procope.com/

Ok, if I can choose just one and it’s my first time in Paris:
Museum - Musée D’Orsay (runner up - L’Orangerie)
Garden - Jardin du Luxembourg (runner up - Musée Rodin, second runner up - Place des Vosges)
Church - Sainte Chappelle (runner up - Notre Dame)
Palace or Castle - pass, not a palace person
Monument/view - Arc de Triomph. Note: the last time I was there I had an injury and I was pleased to find they had an accessible elevator to the top for anyone with a mobility impairment. To access the elevator I needed to identify myself as mobility challenged at the security area.

Splurge - a ballet performance at the Palais Garnier

I Agree with other posters that for your pace, the museum passes will not save you any money, at all.
And, skip the hop on hop off bus as it is not a convenient or cost effective mode of transportation. For €2 you can get a nice orientation bus ride through Paris on the #69 city bus. The route takes you past the Bastille, Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, along and over the river and near the Eiffel Tower.

One misconception about Paris is that you have to eat “late.” If you’re not interested in fine dining and are happy eating at a brasserie, bistro or cafe you can easily find a place offering all day service — in French look for “service continu”.

My (perhaps unpopular) hot take on the Louvre - it’s a confusing, cacophonous, maze. You’ve indicated that you are directionally challenged. I have a very good sense of direction and I’m good at reading maps and this museum layout has practically brought me to tears. I don’t like crowds and can quickly feel overwhelmed by ambient noise. I always find the Italian galleries, the area surrounding where the Mona Lisa is displayed to be very crowded and noisy with a weird, tense energy. I do understand it’s easy for me to say “skip it” because I’ve ticked that box. Go if the Louvre (or a piece of art therein) is a bucket list item, but know it’s going to be a navigation challenge.

Hi Fred

The Napoleon series was older and maybe old. It was on Amazon prime. It was not a documentary. It was a film series so I do not remember a narrator.

I will go back and see if I can find it and post a link or update the year.

Let me say that i thought it was very good. it does not mean that others will agree with me.

I have seen a lot of content about Napoleon but now it is more relevant to me because I am going to Paris.

I do not know how accurate it is. Maybe you can tell me.

There were. a lot of battle scenes which I tend to let go in one ear and out the other. I guess that is how Napoleon and others lived at the time period. They lived to conquer.

UPDATE. So I found this . It was a documentary . I think that I would say more a docudrama. I have to go back and look at it again.

Napoleon (2015) Season 1 is a historical documentary written by historian Andrew Roberts that follows the life of the French Emperor, military leader, and statesman Napoleon Bonaparte. It depicts his strategic prowess until his eventual exile. It was directed by David Barrie and released by BBC Two in June 2015.

I saw nothing about who the narrator was.

Thanks to everyone for your inout.

I do check out each and every link. When I find the time, i try to comment on each and every link.

Orsay is a must for me. Never heard of the museum until I got serious about Paris. Cluny might be another since it is in my arr. I am also very interested in Petite Palais. I never heard of either of these also until I got serious about Paris. I adore the Impressionist Period but do not wnt to limit myself to just the Impressionists.

But there are so many including the less famous ones.

And then there is The Louvre. I may never come back this way again so who knows. Might succumb. I am glad that it is open some evenings.

Hello JenS

"Jardin du Luxembourg
Church - Sainte Chappelle (runner up - Notre Dame)"

I believe that the above three recommendations are all in my arr and close to where my hotel is.

I watched one of Rick's talks on Paris yesterday and the #69 bus is mentioned.

I bring a cane with me which I do not always have to use. it depends on the terrain. Often my cane is in the way. But then there are times when I really need it.

And I do walk with an obvious stiffness. It is obvious that I have a mobility issue.

And then there is The Louvre. I may never come back this way again so who knows. Might succumb. I am glad that it is open some evenings.

I understand the temptation. As you are aware, it is a huge place! Given your constraints, to make a visit enjoyable, you would need to go very early, or late, and only focus on one part.
You have 4 main parts, roughly speaking:

• Most crowded, most famous: 1st floor along the Seine (Denon wing), with Italian (incl. Mona Lisa) & Spanish paintings, the most famous of the French paintings, the Victory of Samothrace and, um... the gallery with the stolen jewels (a magnificent room in itself)
• The ground floor around the Cour Carrée (Sully side), extending a bit into the wings and up on the 1st floor too, with a fantastic collection of ancient Greek, Roman and Mesopotamian art. It is less crowded, and fantastic IMO.
• The ground and 1st floors along the rue de Rivoli (Richelieu wing), with French sculpture (including a beautiful yard with the Chevaux de Marly) on the lower levels, and decorative arts on the 1st floor (the quietest part)
• On the top (second) floor, stretching all around the Cour Carrée and the Richelieu wing, you have room after room of French paintings, with some N. Europe ones too. It can be overwhelming.

It really pays not to criss-cross the museum too much and to stick to one part. I divided them a bit arbitrarily maybe, just trying to give you an idea of the breadth of the place.

Hi Cala

Is Church-Sainte Chappelle the church with the many magnificent stained glass windows? It is among others on the high priority list.

What kind of concerts do they have?

I looked at the restaurant link you posted. Looks like it might be close to my hotel from what I can tell. Will keep in mind but I do not eat a lot at a sitting. I snack all day long. I fill up very fast when eating a meal and then I get very hungry two hours later.

When I was on my last cruise, I got two free meals in the premium restaurants. These were four course meals and I could only eat a small amount of each plate always having to leave some food so that i could taste from all four plates brought to me.

So for me, a history nerd, one of the most awesome parts of the Louvre was the BASEMENT. They have the original walls (or the last walls) and the filled in moat from pre Louvre times!

Napoleon (2015) Season 1 is a historical documentary written by
historian Andrew Roberts that follows the life of the French Emperor,
military leader, and statesman Napoleon Bonaparte. It depicts his
strategic prowess until his eventual exile. It was directed by David
Barrie and released by BBC Two in June 2015.

I saw nothing about who the narrator was.

It was not only written by Andrew Roberts but presented by him - he was the narrator.

It was timed to be released to coincide with anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

Bostonphil, rather than keep watching YouTube videos and crowd sourcing your Paris trip, please do as Kim has suggested and look at a few guide books. Purchase the Rick Steves' Paris book, read it, study it and take it with you to Paris. It will be an invaluable reference tool for you.

You've received loads of suggestions from forum members, but honestly, with limited time, energy, budget and map skills, you need to decide what you want to do, not what the forum thinks you should do. Many of the suggestions, while wonderful, would not be at the top of most first time/only time visitors' lists.

If you can't imagine not going to the Louvre, then you should go. But have a plan or sign up for a tour so you're not wandering around lost. For example, for a modest fee in addition to the admission ticket, the 90 minute Welcome to the Louvre tour will show you the highlights (no getting lost) and then you are free to explore on your own.

Do your research. Narrow down your priorities. Then come back and ask how to organize your trip, how to make it better, ...

jeanm, I think your idea of her taking a tour at the Louvre is great. The Louvre is definitely overwhelming.

I may have missed it, but I don't think anyone has mentioned taking a meal at a creperie. That can be a quicker meal than average. Creperies usually have a good variety of savory crepes (may be called "galettes") as well as sweet options.

On the too-rare occasions when I've been willing to stop sightseeing and have a sit-down lunch, I've enjoyed taking advantage of a well-priced two- or three-course lunch deal. Those give me a balanced meal and a reasonable quantity of food. I believe lunch specials are usually available only on non-holiday weekdays.

bostonphil7,
Just to give you more to think about....The Rodin Museum is one I have visited nearly every time in Paris. The gardens with their sculptures are worth every bit of the price. If you don't visit the house (which is nice, but to me not essential) I believe the cost is about one euro. There are wonderful sculptures and some places to sit and relax and admire the setting. If you go, don't miss my favorites, "The Burghers of Calais" and "The Gates of Hell", as well as "The Thinker" and "The Kiss". It isn't too far from the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides (Army Museum with Napoleon's tomb). The cafe at the Rodin is pleasant, had good food the last time I was there, and isn't costly. Depending on how you feel, you could make it a day, combining the Eiffel Tower (from below) and the Rodin. It is walkable and you could take it slowly.

Also, I finally got to the Cluny Museum in 2023. Wow! Medieval art and sculpture in a wonderful old residence We spent 3 hours there. It has been rehabbed fairly recently and is packed with things of history and beauty. I found there were a decent amount of places to sit along the way through the rooms (my back hurts when I stand too long). It isn't far from the Orsay. I wouldn't visit them both in the same day...overload. We walked from there to a Breizh Cafe and had a great lunch of savory Breton crepes.
If I had a week in Paris, my choices of things to see and do would be: Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower (from below), Rodin Museum, Cluny Museum, Louvre (a part of it...it is too huge...David's crowning of Napoleon, yes...Mona Lisa, IMO not worth the crowds), Sainte-Chapelle, Opera Garnier, Vedettes de Pont Neuf cruise, Sacre Coeur on Montmartre (yes, I know it is late 19th century, but the mosaic work is beautiful!) with great views of Paris, sitting in a cafe along the Seine or in a quaint neighborhood watching the world go by ( daily, if possible).
As you can see, you have lots to choose from. Paris is wonderful. Amusez-vous bien!

First, let me start by saying I've spent a minimum of 2 weeks in Paris the past three years running, and I still have stuff on my list.

Yes to a day in the Louvre. You still won't see it all. Pick what you want and make that the priority. Pass on the Mona Lisa. You can find food in the museum, but I prefer to go out, eat, and return.

No to L'Orangerie. Small, crowded, and there's no way you can take in the Monet murals with wall to wall people and everyone trying to get it all on their phones. Buy the book.

Yes to d'Orsay if you have any interest in Impressionist paintings!

The Petit Palace just opened after extensive renovation and still has some scaffolding up, especially in the center garden. But it's an excellent museum, and the Grand Palace is directly across the street so you could see both the same day with no issues.

The Cluny is nice, but if you want to see Monet, in a smaller venue with minimal crowds, go to the Musée Marmottan Monet, a wonderful place with nice parks on both sides. They had an excellent exhibition of Boudin paintings this past summer; one of the best temporary shows I've seen in some time. They also have a nice tea garden where you can take a break.

If you want to binge on Napoleon then his tomb is the starting point. But since you'd be right there the des Invalides museum complex is another place where you can easily spend a couple days. Just be aware that food and drink options are very limited unless you want to walk blocks.

I refuse to stand in the line for Notre Dame, and I won't pay for a tour guide, because they snatch up all the "free" tickets and then use those to sell you their tours. And I'm not about to pay someone 50 euro to show me what I could see for free. But I can't advise on any other churches either.

One thing you might enjoy, and that's the garden at the Palace Royal. Go in the evening, on a clear night, and watch the whole place light up. It's quite moving.

And last, you don't mention when you're planning to go, but if you have any interest in antiques, you want to consider attending the Chatou Antique Fair. They haven't posted the dates for next year, but they have two meets, one spring, one fall. https://www.foiredechatou.com/en/

P.S. All the active churches in Paris are free to visit, but they may have a section (e.g. treasury or museum within) that charges a fee. Sainte-Chapelle is no longer an active church, so there is a fee, but it is well worth it. If you go, go up the stairs on your left to see the chapel first, then go back down to see the other areas. Make an early reservation if you can.
Regarding Seine River cruises, I prefer Vedettes de Piont Neuf (not expensive) over Bateaux Mouches, which seem more crowded. We have always gotten there about 20-30 minutes ahead so we were some of the first on board. That way we could go on the top deck for better views. Seats are good enough for a one hour ride and the live narration is very good. Just take a jacket or whatever you need for the weather in case it is cold or breezy.
I have never taken the Hoho bus in Paris, but in other cities (like Dublin), when you try to reboard after seeing a sight, sometimes the buses are full and you have a wait for one with room for you. If I took one I would stay on for the full circuit to have an orientation of Paris sights. Or, if I am correct, Rick recommends a certain city bus route (I don''t know the number) that goes by many of the big sights.

Since museums are high on your list, a few thoughts for you.

• Since it is likely that you will go to the Louvre, do study up in guidebooks what’s in their collection, consider what you want to see, and focus on that. When we went on our first trip to Paris, our focus was Renaissance and Dutch Masters. The mob scene around the Mona Lisa was great to photograph from a distance. Rather than get into the midst of that, we spent quiet time in front of Leonardo’s Virgin and Child with St. Anne. We were all alone, even though St. Anne was in the main hall, just steps away from the gallery with the Mona Lisa. Unless you have fortitude that many of us do not have, a full day at the Louvre is a lot.
• Quieter museums…
• Carnavalet. History of Paris. 4th. Arr. Also in the 4th is Victor Hugo House and the Museum of Jewish Art and History. Such a grouping would be great, though perhaps not on Monday or Saturday. Consider museum closure days; also, Jewish restaurants in the 4th will be closed Friday night and Saturday.
• Cluny. Near where you’re staying and you have mentioned your interest in medieval history and art. So, this should be high on your list. The tapestries and altar pieces toward the end are highlights. Would pair well with St. Chapelle which is also high on your list. Evening concert at St. Chapelle?
• Petite Palais. Shouldn’t take too long. Consider what to pair this with. Perhaps Rodin and/or Invalides? (Metro 13 - 2 stops from Champs Elysees near the Petite Palais to Invalides, for Rodin and Invalides)
• more yet … Picasso, Marmottan, Jacquemart-Andre. What are your faves? Impressionism? Renaissance? Dutch Masters? Modern?
• Orangerie vs. d’Orsay. You only have five days. Both will be crowded, so I suggest you pick one rather than go to both. After all, you aren’t the energizer bunny.

And more … neighborhoods

• You are staying in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Lots to see. And lots of tourist throngs. As you walk around, enjoy a cafe. Or an art gallery. Or a bookstore (other than the very crowded Shakespeare and Co.) perhaps up around the Sorbonne, across Blvd St. Michelle (CORRECTION: Blvd. St. Germain), away from the river.
• Somewhat quieter neighborhoods…
• Le Marais (the 4th) around Rue des Rosiers.
• Walking down the hill from Sacre-Coeur in the 18th, through Monmartre, through the 17th and into the 9th. Le Moulin des Galettes. Touristy but fun for lunch.
• Passages Couvertes, esp. in the 9th and 2nd - which are adjacent arrondissements. Passage Jouffroy, Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne and more yet.
• Rue Mouffetard in the 5th…beyond the Sorbonne away from the Left Bank.
  

A final note. Do go to Notre Dame. First thing in the morning. Weekdays 7:50 am. If you get there 8 or 8:30, you will probably have no line, it won’t be crowded, and you will have a great hour or a bit more, there. It’s an easy walk from where you’re staying.

Thank you everyone. I can not respond to all of you individually now but will eventually try to.

I have been watching more documentaries about the History Of France from the beginning. I have just finished one that began in the beginning and went to about maybe 1200 and now I am beginning French Empires and Republics - Documentary. There is one on the 100 Years War which I have skipped over for now. These docs are by Fire of Learning and it is good.

A lot of the names and moments in history sound familiar. When I took my cruise from Southampton to Lisbon and later a Mediterranean Cruise, I also did a lot of research on youtube and watched content on Prime, And I came to Forum and googled a lot.

There is a whole lot of overlap as I have discovered . Lots of "interactions" between France, Spain, and England. Same battles. Same Kings, Queens, Emperors, Empresses, sons and daughter. Names are sort of familiar but keeping up with them .... When I was trying to learn the history of England and the History of Spain, I was also learning the History of France. It is all connected as I am discovering.

I have scanned all your comments. I have leafed through them.

I am going in May and will be there May 8th which I know or have found out is. a major holiday. Is it the end of WW II? Is it Armistice Day? Looking forward to the festivities.

Members have suggested guide books. I may buy Rick's guide book to Paris but there is a problem. I have a neurological problem in my brain which first does not allow me to sleep normally but also I have trouble reading word for word. My eyes jump over words and I become tired if I try reading a book. That is why I watch a lot of movies, series and docs. I have been diagnosed with Primary Insomnia I which is a neurological problem within the brain.

I did buy Rick's guide book to London when I went to London. I leafed through it and took it with me but I chose to leave it behind at my hotel in Southampton for someone else when I went on my cruise. It was valuable but I was unable to read word for word but with a guide book, you don't really need to.

So that is why I do not buy a guide book. But I do go to the library and I leaf through a book while at the library. I have gotten a library card and have regustered with a couple of online libraries which I can access through my home library.

But there are months to go ....

I am looking for suggestions and tips from Forum but I will make my own decisions when the time comes. I might put together. a list of things that i really want to do but then not be able to do some to most of them for whatever reason.

In Yokohama, I planned on doing this, this and that but things happen and I was never able to do most of what I planned to do but did do other things.

In Paris, I will have more nights (and days) and I will not be getting ready for a very long cruise.

I think it might be Judy who suggested Rodin. I love Rodin.

And if I were to take the HoHo bus, I would stay on it and ride the whole route first, then continue for another go round maybe getting off.

That is what I did in Yokohama. i took what they call the Tourist Bus. I think that I rode the whole route twice, never got off because of being very tired but I could have.

Phil, I don’t know the exact dates of your visit, but please keep in mind many museums/sites are closed on Mondays and/or Tuesdays. This will unfortunately limit the number of days you have to visit museums.

CLOSED on Mondays

Tour Saint-Jacques

Picasso Museum

Rue Montorgueil Market

Carnavalet Museum

Musee Cognaq-Jay

Musee d’Orsay

Rodin Museum

Petit Palais

Maison de Victor Hugo

Maison de Balzac

Versailles

Musée Cernuschi

Musée Bourdelle

Châteaux de Sceaux

CLOSED on Tuesdays

Tour Saint-Jacques

Orangerie Museum

Delacroix Museum

Cluny Museum

Chateau de Chantilly

Fontainebleau Chateau

Château de Malmaison

Louvre

La Galerie Dior

Château de Compiègne

Château de Bois-Préau

Eiffel Tower, Musee d’Orsay, Versailles & Giverny especially crowded on Tuesday

Thanks for the additional information on your interests.

"I might put together. a list of things that i really want to do but then not be able to do some to most of them for whatever reason."

I think this is a good idea. I think you should start with a paper list now as you leaf and scan thru the suggestions here. As you watch your YouTube or leaf thru a guide book you can make additional notes when you come to a discussion about a museum. People are giving you great ideas and I don't want you to lose track of them by thinking you will come back to them later.

TBH, based on what you've shared with us here on this forum over the years and your Trip Reports from your last 3 or so cruises, I suggest you consider the smaller museums. I like Jane's suggestion of the Orangerie. It is not as big as the Orsay but has the wonderfully mounted huge canvases of waterlilies. Claude Monet helped design the 2 rooms where they are hung. They are in the shape of the infinity sign (sideways 8) IF you go on your first full day (depending on the day of the week) then you can decide if you want to go to the Orsay.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musée_de_l%27Orangerie

I do like the idea of your visiting the Cluny too. It is literally at the end of the street from your hotel, the Levant. You turn right out the front door and walk to the big cross street. There is a cross walk for easy crossing there and the trees you see are the medieval gardens on the back side of the Cluny. The entrance is on the other side so you have to walk around the building. Googlemaps gives it a 5-6 minute walk.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/a9fDM1ur3NXsvo52A

The fabulous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are housed at the Cluny or the Musée National du Moyen Âge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musée_de_Cluny

BTW, there is a small street market on the sidewalk along the side of the Cluny Museum which will be the side you approach from your hotel. I'm not sure exactly what days - maybe Sunday? Not exactly sure. There is also a small garden with benches on this side of the Cluny as well.

***I do recommend you bring a plastic shopping bag and tuck it in your purse so you can have it to use to sit on park benches. Sometimes there is a lot of bird poop OR if it's rained the benches are wet.

I love the Louvre and went 3 times yesterday last trip but I think you are going to find it confusing and crowded and may get overwhelmed quickly. Unless there is a particular piece you want to see at the Louvre, in your shoes I would consider skipping it even though this might be your only trip to Paris. I also love the Orsay. I only made it once this last trip but saw the special exhibition. While it is much smaller than the Louvre (but much bigger than the Orangerie), It's still easy for me to get pooped here.

To me you are going to have to be selective in what you see in your short visit. No matter what you choose, your days will be very full and you will never run out of things to see!

I've been to Paris twice, most recently this summer, and as you can see by the avalanche of suggestions on both your threads about Paris that you could spend decades there and not see or do everything that might be interesting. It is overwhelming. Based on your stated interests and your trip reports from prior travels, I also agree that the Louvre would be difficult for you - it's very big, there is a LOT of walking, it's confusing in some spots, and it's still extremely busy even in the evening hours. I went there with a 20 year old with stamina and superb cell phone navigational skills (and me with a paper map) and we still got completely lost at one point. You have received some excellent suggestions for museum and art alternatives, including the Cluny which is steps from your hotel.

I ditto Pam's suggestion that you take some notes on what sounded interesting from your two threads and spend some time deciding what you'd like to do in your short visit. Once you land on a rough outline, start a new post and ask for feedback on that. Make sure you include your specific travel dates, as you've noted there is a potential holiday issue as well as closures of various places on certain days of the week. Good luck!

I just returned from Paris yesterday.

The Louvre frazzled our nerves, and we were glad to get out. Our strategy was to view 10 particular paintings that happened to be spread between three different wings, so perhaps we let ourselves in for the resulting exhaustion. There are simply too many people, particularly in the gallery that houses the Mona Lisa. We ignored her, but one of the pieces on our list was in the same gallery so we had to fight in.
Musee Carnavalet was the opposite, and we enjoyed it very much. It's free (excepting special exhibits) and housed in a beautiful building in the charming Marais.
I visited the Cluny in June and enjoyed that experience as well.
The d'Orsay is crowded (particularly the 5th floor that houses the big impressionist works) but doable, certainly not as nerve-wracking as the Louvre.
I was excited to enter Notre Dame for the first time after the fire, but have to say I was glad to get out of there too. The un-ticketed line moved quickly at 4 in the afternoon, but again there was too many people inside.

mrbrianmgibbs

I might have to forget the Louvre. I can not stand frazzle.

I was in Hiroshima a couple of months ago. I walked into the Peace Museum, took a picture and walked out. Could not stand the crowds.

When I was in the Hermitage in 2019, the same experience. So crowded, I got frazzled but could not leave because I was on a shore excursion.

And I have seen pictures of the Sistine in Rome. While I did not get near The Sistine, just the crowds in Rome frazzled me.

I think that i am going to have to forget the Louvre.

Thank you Balso

for your information about the Louvre.

I am thinking that I am going to forfeit the Louvre. Feel like it is going to be way too crowded for me.

Hate to do it but must be realistic ...

Nigel, your information was very valuable and helpful and informative.

Fred, the docudrama was very very good. worth watching. My memory is that it was more of a docudrama rather than a documentary.

and if I have not addressed anyone personally, another thank you to all who contributed to my discussion.

I have said that i have been unable to respond to every response because there have been so many and I am so glad for them.

I am going to write up a list of things to do and see that i consider musts followed by high on my list.

I may buy a guide book but I also may just go over to the library and leaf through a couple.

In my travels, I have never spent so many nights in one place. For me 6 nights in Paris seemed like a lot to begin with but now I realize, it is not even close to enough time.

If I took a cruise, I would port in Le Havre and then an excursion would include.a long bus ride to Paris followed by 6 to 8 more hours on a. tour bus with stops and then a long bus ride back to the ship. I was not able to do it when in Le Havre. Way too tiring with too little time in Paris. Just reading the description of the excursion tired me.

Norwegian once offered a pre-cruise to Paris but it was too expensive for two or three nights. And then I think it included air fare booked by NCL and you just do not know what you are going to get when you book air through NCL.

I decided that if I was ever going to see Paris, I just had to go to Paris.

Road Scholar offers a wonderful 8 night "Easy" Paris but it would have cost me about $7,000 or maybe more and it was out of budget. Could not realistically do it.

My week in Paris is probably going to be close to the price of a cruise. I will find it interesting to compare a week in Paris to a week long cruise.

This thread may be defunct but thought I would add this.

Watched a Rick Steves You Tube yesterday that was about three years old.

Topic was Museums in Paris and Rick visited and talked about five that have all been mentioned in this thread. I can recall it included The Louvre, Orsay, Rodin, l’Orangerie and I think the Cluny.

It was so interesting and helpful.

I ditto Pam's suggestion that you take some notes on what sounded interesting from your two threads and spend some time deciding what you'd like to do in your short visit. Once you land on a rough outline, start a new post and ask for feedback on that. Make sure you include your specific travel dates, as you've noted there is a potential holiday issue as well as closures of various places on certain days of the week.

This. What Pam and CL said. Phyllis, you mentioned that you have a problem reading and so I think it's even more important to follow their advice by going through all the posts here line-by-line, figuring out what suggestions and ideas appeals to you and writing them down in a notebook (treat yourself to a new notebook and use it for this trip).

Then go through that list you've created (based on all the suggestions here) and turn it into a rough itinerary. Write it all in the notebook (or if it's easier, create a digital notebook using something like the Notes app, or Google Docs). After you have a basic itinerary, come back here for more help.

Hi Mardee

Yes, I will make notes. I prefer writing my notes in a notebook which I will take with me.

I have gotten much better at travel as you might be able to tell. I have learned how to travel with a lot help from forum..

I wince when I think back to Southampton to Lisbon,

This will be my first only land and no cruise international trip. Plan to compare the two: land vs cruise,

Still a chance that I will be able to make Coeur D'Alene end of September and would love to meet you and others in person.

.