We will be returning to Paris for the second time in the fall. We will have two days before traveling to Switzerland.
We will either stay in Paris or go stay somewhere in the Burgundy region (on the way to Switzerland).
Any tips on what to do on a second trip to Paris (we did all of the must-do's the first time around)?
I have been to Paris five times and thinking about going again. There is so much to see and do I don't think it can ever get boring. My last two trips were for 2+ weeks each and other than a few museums, I didn't do any of the traditional tourist stuff. There are many wonderful, but less popular museums, market streets, neighborhoods and parks to explore. Then there are all those cafes where for the price of "un cafe" you can experience world class people watching. Two days won't be nearly long enough.
I'm guessing that all the "must-do's" means the 3-star sites on Rick's At a Glance list. But what about all of the 2-star sites? This list doesn't even mention walking tours, photo safaris, river boats, other churches covered in the book, including the royal tombs at St. Denis, flea markets, food markets, or more Chateaux near Paris. I'm another one who has made several visits and would return at the drop of a hat.
Also, it's cheaper to book ahead for your TGV from Paris to Switzerland (or to Dijon or other destination), but booking ahead for a train to immediately follow your flight arrival could result in you losing the price paid and having to buy a new ticket if you miss the connection.
I generally believe in flying as close as possible to the first place were you want to spend time. Flights to Paris can usually extend to a connection to Strasbourg or Basel/Mulhouse airports for about the same price, and hopefully all on one ticket, so that the connection is coordinated.
Are you city people, or country people? Will you have your fill of "the great outdoors" in CH so no need to see the French countryside? My travel partner likes Paris just fine but LOVES the Loire Valley and the Beaune/Dijon region because she's a countryside lover.
Also crazy about Switzerland, BTW.
There are a few interesting recent posts here about Burgundy, like this one: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/suggestions-on-one-night-stop-between-colmar-and-amboise
We love Burgundy..have sent you a PM....and the fall is a wonderful time to travel in my opinion.Paris is great in the fall, also.For something different to do go to some of the outdoor food markets, find the passages and stroll through them, visit the Vanves flea market early on Saturday or Sunday morning.
