Help with Paris Itinerary (Sun May 15 - Sat May 21)

Your itinerary looks great. I think doing the hop-on hop-off buses the first two days is perfect to get yourself oriented. Do hop off at interesting locations and just walk around to get fresh air and help get over the jet lag. The Eiffel Tower would be a great first day event, and then you could walk up to the Arc de Triomphe and then down the Champs Elysees. And then you could pick up another HOHO at the Concorde.

A word to the wise: Do not use just one day to visit the museums. There are HUNDREDS of museums, and some, I think are better than the Louvre. However, many of the "must see" sights are at the Louvre. We all wanted to see Mona Lisa up close and personal (with 60 other people standing in front of her). Your "hop on/hop off" idea is an excellent one. It will really help. It may be cheesy, but it helps you to get your barrings. Tuesday I would suggest seeing the Musee d'Orsay along with Notre Dame. It's not that far and can be a nice little walk. Wednesday-Versailles is FATIGUING so good think that's all you have planned. When you get back to your hotel take a mini nap and then go out on the town for the rest of the evening. Thursday-walking tours are great!!! Take this day also to visit the Champs Elysees or see some specialty shops. Fridaythe sad last day. You're ending it with a bang, and that's an excellent choice. I suggest the Paris tour group called "Paris trips." It's not cheap, but they take you to many of the must see sights, such as Notre Dame Eiffel Tower, a Seine river cruise, a meal on the Eiffel Tower, Latin Quarter. It will also help you know where you're going and give you an idea of where you want to go back to visit if you didn't have enough time. Notre Dame is beautiful, but it won't take more than an hour. Enjoy your planning!! It'll be the trip of your life!!!

Itinerary looks good. With a 4 day museum pass you'll be able to take a second look at the Louvre (even if only for an hour). Try not to miss Sainte-Chapelle. Easy to see same day you see Notre-Dame. The stained glass windows (upstairs from the gift shop area) are stunning. Avoid mid-day when the light is to bright. For the Louvre use the Richelieu entrance off the Rue de Rivoli (metro stop Palais Royal Musee du Louvre). Cross the Rue de RIvoli and enter under the archway across the Blvd. Look for entrance on the right, escalator down. At Sainte-Chapelle you will have to go through security (the complex also houses the French Supreme Court). Once inside skip to the front of the line (feels weird to polite people but that's the system). Show your museum pass and you're in. Remember for anything on the museum pass you can either skip to the front of the line or find the separate entrance for pass holders. What fun! First time in Paris. Make sure you take time to enjoy some of the cafe life. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Happy happy travels.

Great itinerary! For museums, be sure you use RS Guide which has a chart showing which museums are closed on which days, usually Monday or Tuesday. Also check out www.paris-walks.com which offers walking tours. No reservations required, just meet at the Metro stop mentioned, pay 15 Euros, and you are off. Also, if they have a Chocolate Tour or Tasting Tour during your stay, definitely book these. However, more expensive and you have to reserve. But worth it! Twice a day, stop in a cafe in a different neighborhood and watch the Paris world go by! Not only will you get a true taste of Paris life but it fits in with not being too rushed. What a wonderful trip for your anniversary!

You may enjoy this instead of the bus..
http://www.batobus.com/english/

Ana,
Your plan sounds great...you will LOVE Paris. We just returned and visited many of the same sites you plan on seeing. The one thing I would do, if possible, is visit the Louvre on either Wed or Fri evening. We went on Fri evening and I was actually able to get a photo of the Mona Lisa without any people in front of me...or around me at all for that matter! Also, plan to arrive at Versailles right when they open if you would to get through the Palace tour without feeling like you are in a herd of cattle. It is a beautiful place, and well worth the visit, but the crowds are unreal. Bon Voyage!

So happy for you, and jealous. Last year we went to Paris to celebrate our anniversary, so now I'm suffering from the "wish I could go back this year blues"! Your itinerary sounds great. If you have time, there are chamber music concerts at Saint Chapelle in the evening.
Beautiful music in an incredible setting. Hope you have a wonderful time.

Lori's advice to go to the Louvre in the evening is excellent. Don't miss the Luxembourg Gardens, one of my favorite places in Paris. It's beautiful, wonderful to walk through and sit and relax in. They have two cafes. You get to see real Parisians interacting, relaxing and enjoying themselves. My other favorite thing to do in Paris is just walk around and sit in cafes.
Don't miss walking around Ile Saint Louis, the little island east of Notre Dame.

Hi: a few years ago we stumbled upon the Fete du Pain in front of Notre Dame church and had a great time watching all the bakers..it is on when you are there (May 10 to 17)..maybe you can combine with your trip to the church...
have fun, it is a great city...

Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I worked hard on that itinerary between the RS books, this website and other research so I am very proud of myself :). Thanks again!