Is 5 days in Paris?

You could spend a month in Paris and it would not be enough - but you can have a very nice visit in five full days! You have to take the point of view that it will not be your last visit, otherwise every time you go you will want to do the same five or six things. And you will never see the other sights. My wife and I did five nights in Paris (unfortunately only four full days) in May 2010, our fourth visit. On our recent trip, we did not even go to the Louvre but we saw St. Chapelle, the Orangerie, the Conciergerie, Cluny Museum, and the Pantheon for the first time. Some of those were better than others, but I am glad we did not do the same thing as in past years. But we did return to the Orsay, which is obligatory for us. Versailles go, but give it a full day and do not go on Sunday. Rick is not kidding about that one. We did and regretted it. Not Versailles, the choice of going on Sunday. You might consider working in Reims elsewhere in your itinerary. Personally I would not do a day trip from Paris just for a champagne cave visit, I would try and find that experience in Paris. (As much as I regret never having been to Reims).

Suzann- I think 5 days will be plenty to do most of the main sites in Paris. I went 2 years ago in May and I had 3 nights and 4 days. I went to the Eiffel tower, Arc de triumph, Notre Dame, Louvre& Orsay museums, Versailles, and The Invalides, and Pantheon. We too are go-getters on vacation, and like to do as much as we can. Yes, if I had a month I would probably stroll around Paris, but when you want to see a lot, it's best to be go-getters! I highly recommend staying in the Rue Cler neighborhood, as it is very close to the Eiffel tower, Invalides, and I walked to all the other sites besides the Palace of Versailles. I didn't feel rushed, but I really love France so much that any amount of time just isn't enough! If you want to see WWII sites, spend time in Normandy, your husband would probably like the Invalides (where Napolean Bonaparte is entombed, and where the French military museum is- great displays from WWI and WWII. Send me a message if you have any questions! Have fun!!

We've been twice now. Still love it. It's still our favorite place and we've still not seen everything Paris has to offer. My personal favorites are the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Montmartre, St Chapelle, Notre Dame. You mentioned WWII. In Napoleon's Tomb General Foch is also buried. I was impressed. A moving site. Though that was WWI. But behind that is Musee de L' Armee. We got there late in the day so were rushed. But was quite impressed. There were extensive exhibits on WWI and WWII including the period in between concering the buildup of Germany. Due to the distance and travel time. Champagne would likely take much of a day. But you don't have to decide untill you get there. But if you make it to Reims. The Germans signed unconditional surrender at allied command in Reims. Ending the war in Europe. I think there's a museum there. Hope that helps. Have fun.

I could easily fill 5 days in paris. Do go to St Chapelle, unique. I have also been to Reims a couple of times(usually concentrating on the wine), if you can arrange a champagne tour that plus the Cathedral will take most of a full day. In fact i would try for more than 1 champagne tour, they are very different from each other.

i'll check back later if i decide to give suggestions..but felt i should mention that General Foch is not entombed with Napoleon...

I think you will have a very memorable trip. It is always helpful to read up ahead of time and make plans--even if you end up changing them once you arrive.

I just wanted to recommend the Rodin Museum if that interests you at all. If you're planning to go to Les Invalides, it's a short walk away and is well worth a visit!

I recommend following Rick Steves list of things to see and do in his Paris guide.
I'd also add a bike tour and a Paris Walks tour. And be sure not to miss the Luxembourg Gardens!

Saint Chapelle has chamber music concerts in the evening- highly recommend going to the concert, no line and wonderful music. You enter through the Palais de Justice. You can order your tickets online before you go.