5 FULL days in Paris - not counting arrival or departure days

Why are you asking about a day trip to a lesser chateaux, if you don't want to see Versailles? I admit it will be pretty crowded, but so would the chateaux I believe. My favorite thing to do in Paris is stroll the Ile de la Cite, Ile Ste. Louis and the Marais (including the Place des Vosges) --- sit at cafes, eat, shop, see art & take many pictures of possibly the most beautiful and exciting place in the world.

Other things I would not miss:
Eiffel tower light show at night; Picasso museum;
The Orangerie (in addition to the Louvre & D'Orsay of course);
Stroll from the Louvre through the Tuilleries;
Lunch at Laudree on Champs Elysee;
Hot chocolate at Angelina and strolling & shopping on rue du Rivoli;
duck confit at cafe du Marche (rue Cler);
Napoleon's tomb at Invalids;
Go inside Notre Dame, Ste Chappelle, St. Eustache churches;
The Sunday organ recital at Notre Dame 4:30(I think);
Cafe Flore or Deux Margots (for a splurge to see and be seen);
the Bon Marche Epicerie;
Tour of Opera Garnier interior;
Seine or Canal St. Martin boat cruise (have to book this via their website)
& PS I would not miss Versailles (though it takes pretty much the whole day to do properly -- don't miss the Queen's hamlet)

BG pretty much hit it on the head!! In fact BG, I am going to flag your suggestions for any return trips I might have. Your food choices sound divine!! With one slight disension, I am not sure I would put Versailles up high on list of things to see either. If you have seen it before, I can see why you would veto it. Once is enough I think. I am glad I saw it, but your friend will be delighted with a million other things. No point in making a day a waste for you just so she can check it off.

Thanks for the cafe suggestions!!! The reason why Versailles is not on the list is because I have seen it 4 times now. It's ok and doesnt have the wow factor for me anymore. I've seen it with the "cattle call" crowds, flowers in bloom, no flowers in bloom, fountains running and not running. That "wow" has passed.

Again, I am making a note of all your cafe suggestions! Recommend any place for a dinner that would blow your mind?

Oh -- well if you've already been to Versailles, I now understand why it's not on the list. I've been twice and would go again (I'd like to see the private apartments) though it is no longer really high on my list. AND Yes, you must go to the Trianons, the canal, the little farm and cover the entire site to really say you have been to Versailles.

Hazel -- I assume you have a copy of the latest Paris guidebook by Rick Steves? if not please get one. Has all the info you need, and many good restaurant recommendations -- a good place to start.
Many people recommend this site also, linked below -- which has lots of very good recommendations and info.

http://www.tomsguidetoparis.com/TomsGuideToParis.php

Oh I've got several copies of the book! (I tend to keep my books from past trips) I would like to see if anyone else has suggestions that are not in the book. =)

I do believe a brand new RS Paris 2009 guide book is now out and may even be on sale at his store located elsewhere on this web site.

Hazel,

I suggest you download the Paris museum card brochure and go over it with your friend. Some of the sights are not, in fact, museums. This will give you a good idea of what interests her, and it will refresh your memory of your favorite places that you may want to share with her.

Organ concert at Notre Dame - terrific. Also, try for an evening concert at St Chapelle. Just watching the last light thru the stained glass windows as the sun sets is magical.

Two things not mentioned by other posters - we really enjoyed Chartres cathedral; in 2003 there was a man who did wonderful tours [recommended by RS; can't remember his name]. He was getting a bit up in years and I don't know if he's still around - but he was so good we would have stayed for the afternoon tour if it had not been our last day. It was an easy day trip from Paris. And I really enjoyed standing on the top of the Arc de Triomphe looking at the amazing traffic patterns down below. How did all those cars know where to go with no lane markings? The climb is steep but at least it helps you burn off those croissant/hot chocolate calories... I have also heard very good things about the Jacquemart-Andre museum, though I have not been myself. Have a wonderful time!

Kathleen,

The guide at Chartres is Malcolm Miller (I bought one of his books when I visited, 11 years ago. . . sigh). I agree, a wonderful day trip.

A half-day trip to Giverny to see Monet's home and gardens should be wonderful in May.

Kathleen and Chani

Charters, Giverny & the organs at Notre Damn sound fab!!!! I will pass that info on to her. Thanks for the suggestions!!!!!!

I seldom read about anyone climbing up in the dome in the Sacre Coure (sp) church. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Paris. Well, it had to compete with the Bastille Day show at the Eifel Tower. The view is just magnificent. We were there in July and we were the only 2 people up there. I don't understand why? The church is beautiful too.