8 Days in Paris

Just returned from a great vacation. We used all the information we received here and from Rick's book. We rented a small apartment in the Marais district. Great neighborhood near the Metro and Notre Dame. We saved money by having breakfast at home and making great sandwiches for lunch. You can buy everything you need in the local shops and pack great lunches at half the cost or less than eating out. We ate dinner out and could always find great prices on 3 course price fixed dinners. Just look for places that are filled with locals. Dinner cost about 17 Euros for 3 courses. Ask for tap water and save more. A coke will cost you 5 Euros. Wine is about 4. Buy a bottle at a local store for 5 Euros and drink at home or have a picnick. You need good walking shoes with thick soles. Walking on cobblestone streets is a killer. We took two day trips. On Saturday we took the train to Versailles. Saturday is the only day they have a fountain show in the gardens. It was out of this world and well worth the price. Classical music is playing as you walk the gardens and see all the fountains. It starts at 3:30. Also went to Giverney to see Monet's house and gardens. Well worth the trip and it was fun to see the French countryside. The best way to see Paris is to walk the tours Rick lists in his book. Would definetly rent an apartment again.