Can Versailles (just palaces and not prob not garden), Musee Orsay, and Louvre be done in 1 day?

No chance. There's no point in discussing this in detail, you've just got too long a list for two days. Look into the different sites again and cut your list by at least half.

you can ride past and check them off a list.

Dear goddess: No. No. No. You cannot, simply cannot, do/see all the things on your itinerary. On your day of arrival, for instance: It will be 2:30 at the earliest that you will arrive at your hotel, so let's say you will hit the rue running by 3:00. So for the next few hours you want to go to 3 museums and Notre Dame & crypt, and have dinner, not taking into account closing hours of the venues and of course, JETLAG. You'll be lucky if you visit Notre Dame only before you start to flag. We all want to see as much as we can on our first visits but your itinerary is the most unrealistic I have ever seen. (By the way, when I was in Paris last December there was a an endless queue of people waiting to get in to Notre Dame. And don't forget it will be starting to get dark by 4:30 when you are there.)

I don't see where you have factored in any transit time. It is a crazy schedule. First, toss out the lunches, you don't time and it will good for the diet. If coming from the US on day 1, jet lag needs to be addressed and you do not do that by staying inside at a bunch of museums. As recommended earlier, cut it in half.

Wow, thank you so much for the realistic insight, and I was pulling hairs trying to plan an itinerary to see everything. Sorry if it seems like a ridiculous question but it is my first time going to Europe and i really don't know where to begin and end.. got too excited. Hm, but some of the museums I think I am just going to duck in quickly with the museum pass for 4 days (so i will start using once I arrive) and not stick around too long. I will probably only spend most of my time at Notre Dame, Louvre, and maybe within the vicinity of Montmarte. I basically had categorized my attractions by area Day 1- quick galette or crepe for, since my hotel is 6 mins walking distance from Notre Dame, thats my 1st stop..then it takes about 15 min walk to the Marais district where I can do a quick duck in for Carnavalet, Arts+Metiers, and Centre Pompidou, and dinner nearby, then walk back to hotel. Day 2-quick breakfast at hotel,Versaille thats about 1hr from my hotel by metro, quick visit in the palace, then back to district 7 for Orsay which is about 40mins stick around for an hour, then walk 10mins to Louvre, get there around 3:30/4 and stay til closing at 6, then metro to Eiffel area to just look at from bottom (not going up), then dinner around 8ish nearby, metro Pont du Arts about 15mins, and walk back to hotel. Last Day 3-either quick breakfast at hotel or around cafe nearby around 8-9am, 10min walk to Pantheon for quick look, then 10mins to St.Chapelle til noonish-1, lunch either nearby (Latin quarter) or metro to Montmarte, Sacre Coeur basilica 3:30-5pm, walk down to district 9/10 20mins, pass by Opera Garnier(dont know if I can even get inside but mayb just look around outside), stop by Galaries Lafayette an hr or so just to look around at design of building and not shop, dinner around 8pm-ish around nearby, metro to arc about 5mins, 10pm arc de triomphe. Yes I already looked at the operation hours for all these places during my time of visit. =) Very tight schedule I know but is it doable??

Any suggestions on how to narrow down my schedule?? such as, which places to omit entirely and which places are must-see. thank you!

Two suggestions for all you want to see,do. Get to Versaille early as possible to hopefully avoid crowd. For the Lourve, check it out on line to get a feel of what you want to see, old masters, statues,etc. That way at least you have somewhat of a plan. Also do not enter from the pyramid, use the other entrance, sorry can't remember what it is called but it will save you time. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice Gail =) yes, I have thought about which exhibits to visit in Louvre and not all the exhibits because I know what's in there already (studied art history and architecture in college), still I will probably spend 2 1/2-3 hours there even though its less crowded in the late afternoon. I am also not going straight to the Mona Lisa since it will probably be the most crowded at earlier hours. Is Versaille and Louvre doable, without being overly exhausted, in 1 day? Musee d'orsay same day or no??

Too many "quick looks" and "just duck in"s ... you are not going to SEE anything. If all you want to do is check a place off your long list, then carry on doing what you plan on doing. But if you want to actually see the city you are visiting, enjoy the city you are paying a bundle to get to, then please cut down the list. The Pompidou, the Carnavalet and even Verailles (I know, I know!) could be left for your next visit to Paris, because you will be back. On such a short stay it is madness to leave the city for Versailles. Spend all your time in Paris. Go to the Jaquemart-Andre Museum or the Nissim Camondo, both in Paris, instead. Each is fabulous and never crowded and so satisfying to visit. They are housed in what were private mansions, the kind I like to think Proust would have been familiar with. Take time to stop and smell les fleurs.

Yes you are right, Norma! Thank you so much for the insight. I think I am stressing myself out too much with this thing. This trip is supposed to be relaxing and inspiring and not a burden. =) There's always a next time, and hopefully with a better travel partner(s). My travel partner this time doesn't like to travel at all..so I think going to so many places in 3 days is not a good idea after all. thanks everyone!!

I would drop Versailles, not because it's not worthwhile, but because it takes about 45 minutes each way to get there (plus waiting time for the RER, walking from the station to the entrance, etc). So, by not trying to see it, you save over 2 hours right there; on such a short visit with so many other things you want to see, you need every minute of that time.

Since you live in New York, you know how visitors say NYC is "so exhausting": then you ask what they did, and it turns out they saw the Empire State Building, went to a Broadway show, shopped at Macy's and Century 21, and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - all in one day! Don't make their mistake.

You aren't allowing any time to actually enjoy Paris itself. Paris for me is not museums, department stores, Centre Pompidou, or Montmartre (hate that area). The joy of being in Paris, for me, is walking all around the two islands, along the river to Place de la Concorde, through the 4th, 5th and 6th arrondissement, and most of all.. spending time in the Luxembourg Gardens where it's beautiful and you're surrounded by Parisians enjoying their time there. Add to that, sitting at a sidewalk cafe (not next to a tourist site) and enjoying and absorbing that you are in Paris.

Good on ya, Stella!! You are open to suggestions and willing to take on board the idea that "slower is better". There is a small museum not far from Sacre Coeur, Musee de Montmartre, (google it) which is never crowded and can be visited in an hour or so, if you like Renoir, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and that lot. Nothing too important but a pleasant place nevertheless and only (I think) €8 entry fee. If you feel the need to see a chateau, Chateau Malmaison (google it) can be reached by public transportation from Paris in very short order. It was the Empress Josephine's home at one time and has lots of Napoleonic memorabilia in it. It is very pretty, has few visitors and you can go there and back in a couple of hours. I do hope you have the absolutely best time in Paris!

I would drop a lot of the "quick look" museums ... personally, I'd skip the Mona Lisa ...but add the Orangerie and just sit in front of the Monet waterlilies for a half hour and feel their tranquility. Maybe you should leave out the one-hour dinners as well, just pick up a sandwich at Monoprix and eat it in your hotel room as you fall into bed exhausted. Or pick any Euro 12 "menu" in one of hundreds of Latin Quarter restaurants.

FYI, even with a museum pass there is still some waiting time -- especially for security checks at Louvre, Orsay and Ste. Chapelle. (Scaffolding on one side of Ste. Chapelle blocks some of the windows, might be down on another visit.)

I don't think you have enough time to see Versailles. I would narrow it down to The Louvre and maybe The Orsay, Galleries Lafayette, visit Notre Dame but don't wait in line to go in unless you get there really early in the A.M. and the Eiffel Tower. Leave time for wandering around and getting lost which is inevitable IMO. Figure on spending a little time to relax at a cafe and people watch. Paris isn't all about the sites in guidebooks and just taking some time to absorb everything is very rewarding.

Don't discount the effects of jet lag and being tired when you arrive. Try and stay up late enough to see the city at night. If you haven't picked up Rick's book on Paris and Rome I would. He gives many recommendations for budget meals along with self guided tours. Tear out the Paris section and carry it with you to find restaurants on the fly. Picking a convenient restaurant because you are tired and hungry will lead to disappointment I guarantee. At least with Rick's recommendations you have a good chance of a decent meal. Pick up some cheese bread and Jamon for a cheap lunch.

Stella aka Japmoongoddess

YOure doing things ass backwards here.

You may want to get a guide book and look at things to do and see in ..... then look at how much time it takes. granted, the published times may not be the same as yours, but you will get an idea on how long to estimate. Or you can ask here. But again, what someone likes may not be the same as your likes.

Just so you know you can easily spend 1 full day in the Louve. If i remember correctly, the Louve is open late on wednesday? the MO i could have spent 1/2+ a day easily. I would check any of the museums/attractions you plan on visting and see if they have any days where they are open late. That way you can make the most of your day time and use that after hours in those places.

If you already have your plane/train/bus/coach/ reserved or paid for then all you can do now is to fill in the time but i hope its quality time.

Since this is your first trip across the big pond, look at it as a learning experience and plan to come back. If not you wont like the vacation.

figure out whats most important to you both and rank them in some order. that way you can pick the top 2, 3 or 4 sights and leave the rest for the next time. Also, if you try to choose things to do/see that are close togeather then you wont be wasting your time to/from things.

happy trails.

Thank you so much for taking your time out to offer me the advices and comments, everyone!! Yes I am very open to any type of constructive criticisms and suggestions since I've never been to those places before =)

@Harold-Yes, I totally agree and now I can relate to these tourists here in NYC. hopefully I can find a balance between seeing most places I want to see and doing it in a relaxed and non-exhausting way. =) *sigh

@Norma-Thank you for these great alternatives you offered me!! I will take them into consideration for my modified itinerary =)

@Susan-I wish i could do that but since I only have 2 1/2 days in actuality, I really want to see the architectures and art history stuff that I really came for =) Next time if I have more time I can relax and embrace spontaneity. (also when the weather permits since Im going in late november/december. regardless, Thank u for the advice!

@Laura-Thank you for the reminder! I just realized that I will need to wait in line for the security checks too =T

@Richard- Yes, I think I will narrow down to just those main attractions and save Versaille for next time. Its true because I really dont know how long I will stay at one place, I can't depend on estimated durations from the internet, really depends if I like it enough or not and inevitable lines.

@Ray- Yes, I know prioritizing is very important this time. There's always another time! Art and architecture is my passion so those will be my must-sees. =)

Would it help to stop for a minute and ask yourself the following questions:

Why do I want to go to Paris? Your reason for going is unique and should satisfy you- no one else (except maybe your travel partner).

What is most important to see or do - then list them in order.

You've done a great job at figuring the travel time, but not the energy some of this itinery requires. Not only is there the time difference, but your brain is also processing a different language swirling around you and unfamiliar terrain. Street signs are up on buildings and you'll be learning which direction you need to go on the metro. It's all doable, but it takes energy. why is it that you want to go to the Orsay or Louvre? Are there particular pieces you want to see? We did Orsay and Versailles in one day, but couldn't have added the Louvre - how important it seeing Versailles?

Part of the beauty of Paris (Europe in general) is the pace and the fact they don't rush around as frantically as we do. It also means things can take longer to accomplish.

Lucky you to be going - we all want you to have a good time.

Patty you really nailed it for me. You made me realize I need to answer those questions before I even ask others =T Thank you for pointing it out. Also, you're right, Paris seems to give me the idea of a more relaxed and slower pace whereas in NYC im used to everything fast and with a clear plan. Also, being the control freak that I am, I just wanted my 1st time there to have any unexpected bad experiences..that's why Im trying to plan my every move and minutes/hrs.. haha..silly me. =T But like everyone had advise me, I think I need to slow myself down too and just go along with things while having a general idea where I am going on each day..choosing only the places I want to go most badly and saving the rest for next time. Thank you everyone again!! I am very grateful for you guys to take time to advise me =)

Stella, now I understand your perspective better.. your passion for architecture and art history puts a different slant on it (that's why the more info we have in the original question the more helpful responses can be.. :) Patty's suggestion is good advice.. picking your two must sees for each day and allowing for a much slower pace so you can enjoy Paris itself would make a good combo I think. Paris is nothing like NYC.. no hectic fast pace there at all. I like NYC very, very much but it's way different from Paris. When you're in Paris walking around you will be surrounded by amazing, unbelievable architecture and art history everywhere you look.. don't even need to enter a museum for that in Paris.. :)

Stella,
It's refreshing to see on this forum someone who is actually listening to everyone's advice and adjusting your thinking accordingly. People ask a lot of questions but frequently don't like the advice they get if it doesn't suit their desire. If you take away anything from the answers you get here it should be to slow down and enjoy what you do and not stress over what you don't have time for. As has been said many times on this forum, plan your itinerary like it won't be your last trip to Europe.

Have you picked up any guidebooks like our host's for example?

One problem with planning an itinerary to the minute is if you get 'off schedule' you will be screwed for the rest of the day. How much fun is vacation if you're stressed all the time about keeping on schedule? I agree with the others who recommend prioritizing what you really want to see and do, and expect to return for the other things. It will make for a much more enjoyable trip. As for architecture, just wandering around will be eye candy for you! It's a beautiful city. My favorite. :-)

Thank you for the quick responses everyone! yes, i've acquired alot of valuable insight and I think I can take on this itinerary with a clearer mind of what I MUST DO THIS time =) and save the rest for next time. Very realistic, optimistic, stress-free, and positive advice that everyone is guiding me.

@Susan- u r right! =) definitely I will come back next time probably in nicer weather and enjoy the outdoor sceneries and parks that you've mentioned. thank u! =)

@Richard- because I was seriously very stressed out and stuck on the idea of seeing everything in the little time that I had but worried if its doable, but everyone really opened my eyes and helped me alot to redefine this trip. Whether agreeing or opposing with me, I welcome everyone's opinion and experience. In terms of the guidebooks, should i just look over and plan accordingly or is it practical to bring with me while I am there? I'm actually traveling to Paris 3 days/Rome 3 days. Is there a book just for those 2 places? thanks again!!

@Andrea- i agree =) paris in itself is the center of the art world, I am grateful just to visit the place so I really shouldn't stress too much about which attraction to go inside and rather just enjoy the whole experience of my presence. I'm sure I will be mesmerized by my surroundings regardless if its the hotel's room or inside one of their great art institutions =) thank u!

For such a short trip you don't need large guidebooks. On this website in the travel store (tab is in the top of the page) you can buy a Pocket Paris and Pocket Rome book. That should give you enough information. You can also find Rick Steves and other guidebooks at Barnes & Noble.

Stella,

I'm wading into the discussion a bit late, but have a few comments. Your initial Itinerary wore me out just reading it; it's FAR too ambitious! In reading through some of your subsequent posts, it's good to see that you're going to slow it down a bit.

How are you planning to get from Paris to Rome? Is that already arranged?

If you're traveling from NYC, the jet lag likely won't be as bad as those of us on the west coast have to deal with, but it will likely still be somewhat of an issue. You may want to allow some time at the beginning to get up to "touring speed".

What are you most interested in seeing in the Louvre? The Mona Lisa is usually at the top of the list for most people, and that's located in the Denon Wing. Be sure to wear a Money Belt and be vigilant for pickpockets especially in that part of the Museum, as they WILL be operating there. The "scrum" in front of the painting is often VERY tightly packed, which provides optimum conditions for pickpockets. However I should add that when I was there in June, I only experienced some "probing" but didn't lose anything.

Regarding the "quick lunch by Orsay", you could also have lunch inside the Orsay. There's a beautiful and elegant formal dining room on the second floor (white linens, that sort of thing) and a Cafeteria on the top floor. The Orsay is one of my favourites, and I could easily spend four hours or more there.

To streamline your planning, you might try listing all the places you want to see in Paris (and Rome) in order of priority. Try to fit in as many as you can on a relaxed touring schedule. Any that are left over, you can see on the next visit (that's the method I normally use).

Where are you planning to buy your Paris Museum Pass? They're sold in the airports, so it's very easy to pick one up when you arrive.

I definitely agree with a previous suggestion to pick up a copy of the Pocket Paris and Pocket Rome Guidebooks (although not sure there will be time to order them in?). You may be able to find copies at larger book stores in your area.

One important point to mention..... there are some potentially expensive "caveats" when using public transit in Rome (and Italy). If you need further information on that, send me a PM and I'll provide my usual "boilerplate" on the subject.

I'm assuming your trip is coming up very shortly, so you'll have to get the planning sorted fairly quickly.

Happy travels!

Get the books for Paris and Rome. You won't have to read the entire book such as all the hotel recommendations. This may sound crazy but take a razor and cut out the sections with restaurant and tourist sites and carry those with you. I made the mistake in Paris of just eating where ever was convenient and seems popular and had some pretty lousy meals. By the time I got to Rome I vowed to stick with the recommended restaurants and enjoyed my meals much more. Close to where you are staying, the cafeteria on the top floor of the BVM store is a budget option, that you would never find on your own for example.

Using Rick's self guided tours is one of my wife's favorite things. We really like to know what we are seeing and he lays it out easily with enough detail to make it educational. In Rome, I can't recommend his "Nighttime Walk" enough. The tours won't cost anything but the price of the books.

thank u everyone for your responses and advice!! i will definitely incorporate them into my final plan =)

@ken-thank you for giving me a rundown of each aspect i need to think about and better idea of what i need to do coming from where i am =)

@richard- sounds great, i will definitely invest in those books because I dont want any bad expereinces, thank you so much for letting me know how useful they are!

Just wanted to chime in with my support of cutting down your plans. I did most of that over six days, sine I had been wanting to go Paris since I was nine and it took over twenty years, and I exhausted myself so much that I didn't enjoy it as much as I could. Think of this as a starter trip, check out some of the big sights, and plan to come back with more time for lounging in cafes.

@ Christina- its great to see someone from NYC that can relate to me and give me sound advice =) thank u!!

I finally got my hands on a copy of the pocketsize Ricksteve's Paris from barnes and nobles bookstore! Its so helpful and detailed. but i purchased the wrong book for Rome..got the lonely planet one instead of Ricksteve's..ahh noo, must exchange tomorrow asap

Lonely Planet is excellent.

Stella, you know that if I am from NYC and exhausted myself in Paris, that it must be pretty overwhelming!

Just going to jump in to say that if you're an art nerd, I'd suggest allowing yourself LOTS of time for one or two big museums instead of trying to dip your toes into several. I mean, for starters, it's pretty impossible for anyone who cares about art or history to do less than 2 hours in the Lourve. I've probaby spent about a total of 10 hours over 3 trips and still haven't seen everything I want to, or had enough time to really enjoy some stuff. It's just amazing. That said, museum fatigue is a thing, too, so I'd budget a morning for a big museum like the Lourve or Orsay and then spend the evening NOT doing museums - maybe just walking around and enjoying the architecture, or taking in "lesser" sights like the Luxeumbourg Gardens and the Pantheon. So you don't get burnt out on all that great art (it is possible!)

bonsoir from paris! tonight is my 3rd night in paris and unfortunately, last night =( i am a little sad but satisfied that i got to see most of the places i wanted to. I decided to follow the advice of not leaving paris to go outside during this 3 day itinerary, and boy am i glad! i already feel very exhausted and burnt out walking everywhere (i only started to take the metro and RER today and i have to say, its pretty convenient and easy). I only purchased the museum pass for 2 days since 1st day i had major jetlag but managed to check out a few places in the marais district =)walking up to the top of the notre dame and arc de triomphe, and coming down the eiffel by stairs was a serious work-out too! hmm, the only downside of this paris 1st trip was that some of the restaurants i wanted to go to were closed. i did not know most places are closed on sundays? *sigh. but good taste of paris overall for the 1st time and this is def not gonna be my last time! thank u everyone for your advices!

I was just in Paris in October and I'm still jealous. First, acknowledge that you will be back. But if I may offer some suggestions, bunching certain attractions together while you're in the area just makes sense. When you visit Notre Dame, plan on seeing Ste. Chapelle while you're so nearby. Then cross the bridge to the Isle St. Louis and get a cone from le Bertillon. The Marais is also nearby. When visiting the Pantheon, visit the Jardins du Luxembourg which is a couple blocks away. Bonus...the street Owen Wilson waited for the car to pick him up in Midnight in Paris is to the left and behind the Pantheon. That's a lot of boxes to tick off in about an hour. You can tour the Opera Garnier by going to the ticket office around the back of the building. I felt it was worth it. Then hit the Galleries Lafayette behind the Opera. It's a department store, what can I say. But the roof deck offered a great view and it was free. I'd skip the Champs Elysee unless you like American shopping malls. For the Eiffel tower, I had more fun at night at the Palais de Chaillot across the river. It's a fun gathering and you can see the tower sparkle at the top of every hour. If you don't plan on ascending the tower, this would be the best view. You can't go wrong when you visit Paris. You also won't see as much as you plan on seeing. You'll see. But it won't matter, because you will return.

thank u frank! I did exactly that, bunching places together around the same area. however, 3 days in Paris was just not enough to see everything. but i will def come back. also, unfortunately, the galaries lafayette was closed on sunday that I went =( after the arc, I walked down champs elysee and I had to say that it was my least favorite bc it was too packed with tourists and yes, we have many of the same shops in new york, just like our 5th avenue. I posted my highlights and lowlights on the trip report if anyone is interested to see what happened on my 1st trip.. haha ;) thanks again for everyones input!