I have been to Paris a lot but this time it is with my family. If you were starting at the Place de la Madeleine (8th arrond)-- and you will be leaving your luggage around there say 10 am. What would you do to walk off some jet lag?? The more specific the better. Think walking towards the Seine-- a restaurant and perhaps an interesting store -- maybe a museum- or maybe not. A park. Suggest away.
I don't think I will be too alert so I want to plug things in and go that route. Thanks.
Walk towards the direction of Place de la Concorde and then you run into Tullieries and the Champs Elysees
From Place de la Concorde you will see to your left, the Tuileries, and ahead and to your right, the river and in the distance the Eiffel Tower. I would walk along the river in the direction of the Eiffel Tower.
Depending on the state of your jet lag and how much stimulation you wanted, as opposed to the "'green routes" suggested, you could take the "window route" along Faubourg Saint Honore ( stores like Hermes) to Avenue Matignon (art galleries) to Avenue Montaigne (Big Name designer shops) to Pt. de Alma and lots of cafe choices
Others have made great suggestions. If you are arriving before 1 pm, you might look for an open air market to buy some lunch or fruit, cheese, or just have a look. I do love the markets. Walking towards the Seine is a fabulous idea. I love the Eiffel Tower, so walking through the Tuileries to the Seine and towards the tower is a great walk. You could have supper on Rue Cler, then if you can stay up, wait to watch the first twinkling lights at sunset of the Eiffel tower, on the hour. Best view is from the Trocadero. Then metro, bus or cab, back to your hotel, depending on your fatigue.
Another lovely sight at sunset is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It sits on the Seine which is always lovely, especially at sunset.
Another idea....bus or metro to the Luxembourg Gardens, have a walk around. You could walk to the Eiffel Tower from there. Rue Cler is on your way as is Rodin's museum, where if you only visit their gardens, the entry is very inexpensive. Buy a carnet, 10 tickets for the bus or metro, which come in handy when your feet get tired.
You could do one of Rick's walks that takes you near the Seine too!
Enjoy Paris!
