We will be taking Paris and the Heart of France Tour next month! We will have a free afternoon in Paris before beginning the tour, and a free day post-tour to see sights not included. I've already booked Eiffel tour tickets, and unfortunately, Versailles is closed on our full day, which is a Monday. Any suggestions on overlooked great sights? We will be hitting the museums, Ile de la Cite, and several neighborhood walking tours. Are the catacombs a good bet? We are staying in Montparnasse at beginning and Sorbonne at the end.
I went on this tour in October 2014, my first RS tour, and loved every minute!
I would suggest a Seine river boat cruise. Paris Walks does very interesting walking tours throughout different neighborhoods. This past April, we did a walk through Hemingway's Paris, which we enjoyed very much. It takes you through a good bit of the Latin Quarter, 5th arr.
It would be helpful to know your interests so I could suggest things tailored to you.
I'm not sure that its an overlooked sight, but I really love going to the top of the Notre Dame by the gargoyles. Great views and fun to get a gargoyle in the picture. Other great places with views are the Sacre Couer and the Arch de triomphe. Another really special sight with a view is the Pompidou at dusk and sunset. If you do go up to the Sacre Couer, the neighborhood is interesting to walk around. RS must have a walking tour in his guidebook.
You say you will be hitting "the museums" -- Louvre and Orsay ? Orangerie ? Rodin ? Cluny ? Invalides/ Army ? Marmatton ? Jacquemart-Andre ? Pompidou ?
Don't forget to stop and drink the coffee (or wine) and just watch Paris from a sidewalk table.
If you have some time, and love views, make sure you go to Montmarte. You can climb to the top of the Sacré-Cœur (even just going into the Basilica is lovely). Plus there are the local street artists, places to eat and some of the best views of Paris. Enjoy!
There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Paris. What you miss this time around will still be there on your next visit, and all the ones after that :-) Relax and enjoy. I'm sure during your tour you'll get a few more ideas from your guide and from tourmates.
Thanks everyone! It looks like our hotel is right by the Cluny, so we'll prob see it as well. Montmartre/Sacre Coeur I think. Has anyone taken one of the bicycle tours??
maybe search the forum re. the bike tours. I'm pretty sure I recently read some comments about Paris bike tours. I believe commenters felt they were not safe. I think it was a particular organization
Montmarte and Sacre De Coer was a highlight and a must see to me! The views were spectacular and just as good as the Eiffel Tower- it gets crowded but its amazing!!! A Irish Pub as you get off the funicular where you can get a pint- lots of souvenier shops and restaurants as well. The Notre Dame Cathedral, and just walking the streets of Paris, as well as a boat ride on the Seine- and use the Metro its quick and easy and safe.
Happy Travels✨💫
I took a Fat Tire segway tour. The guide was excellent and the route was good. They were quite concerned with participants safety, so I'd recommend their bike tours.