Paris as a Day Trip?

Hi Chris. Your husband sounds like mine! If giving him the day off and going by yourself for a day isn't an option, here's what I would do: 1 First, watch Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris together. It's got some lovely scenes that highlight the beautiful lighting and interiors of the city while illustrating the interesting history of the early part of the century. 2. If he gets through that OK, then watch Amilee. It's a little tougher to get through - it's more "French", but shows part of the Montmarte area. 3. Spend the day just in Montmarte. It's a small enough area that it escapes some of that "big city" feel, but is very unique and historic. It has the medieval winding streets with small shops and street artists, but still offers the amazing cathedral, and a nice view of the city. There are some nice museums in the area. Before you go, learn some of the history of that area of town and if he doesn't read up on it himself, act as something of his guide. The history of Piagalle, including that of the American soldiers who were there during WWI might be of great interest to him. The great painters and writers of the early 20th cent. including Hemingway, Monet, Picasso and others all spent time there in places that still exist, so maybe he will take an interest if it feels more "real" to him. And the Moulin Rouge is there - who hasn't heard of that? It's a colorful, wonderful area. Good luck!

I day is not much in Paris. But if I had one day I would probably see one art gallery, my favorite being the Orsay, a walk though Montmarte or the latin quarter, maybe a boat trip down the siene and of course you have to enjoy some time later in the cafes.

A day trip to Paris? Oh heavens no. There is so much to see and experience there....however, if I only had one day, I would not spend it waiting in line for an attraction. Take a hop on/off bus tour, check out one of the cathedrals or chapels (Notre Dame or Saint-Chapelle), then wander through the Marais for eating and shopping.

By the way tell your husband you are doing what he wants now just give you a few days in Paris. If he says no just say the trip for your second husband.

Oh, I know a day trip to Paris is a crazy. I'm just hoping a day trip this time will help me sell him on actually staying a few nights (or longer) in Paris on a future trip. I know he'll love it if he will give it a chance. Thank you for all the suggestions. They are a huge help! Chris

A daytrip!? That just gave me une crise cardiaque! I'd say plan what you want to do (or go by yourself). Go and see what you want to see. It's not everyday you're in the best city in the world.

A day trip under these circumstances is perfectly feasible. I'd just suggest that Paris is after all a great city, and though it has wonderful parks its true charms lie in its splendid urban spaces. So do steer clear of the Eiffel Tower and La Defense and the Champs Elysees, but take him to a morning street market, buy some fruit and bread and quiche and splurge on a coffee on the sidewalk of a cafe where you can watch the action and hear the street musicians. Have a really nice meal in a restaurant that specializes in the cuisine of a region he loves. Don't shy from taking the metro to get about: transportation makes great cities great. Paris used to be a small town too. Visit the Cluny and the Roman Arena in the 13eme. Walk through the Marais and along the St Martin and perhaps even Ile de la Cite, tourists and all. The Orsay is not a bad suggestion, and you don't want to overdo, but you might also consider the smaller Rodin Museum in the 7eme, the Marmottan in the 16eme, or the Orangerie, which showcases Monet's water lilies. Consider also the Promenade Plantes, and the move Before Sunrise.

One day in Paris I would... definitely spend time in the Luxembourg Gardens (one of my favorite places in Paris), you will love it, then walk all around Ile St. Louis (the little island east of Notre Dame), then the island where Notre Dame is, then along the Seine River to Place de la Concorde, cross over the river and back to Ile St. Louis and have dinner at my favorite cafe, La Flore en l'Ile which is at the western tip by the pedestrian bridge. Be sure to sit outside and be sure to eat Berthillon ice cream... ;) That would be a perfect day in Paris for me. I don't care for Montmartre and that area at all, jam packed with tourists and very seedy in some areas.

If your husband doesn't like big cities, you're going to have to show him the parts of Paris that won't feel big city IMO. That means avoiding super crowded areas like Montmarte, around the Trocadero and the Eiffel Tower. Walking along the Seine, visiting a park or two, and having some good meals would be the way to slowly introduce Paris. I'd say avoid the Metro as much as possible (as it often smells like pee) and just stick to a smaller area. You could take a Seine cruise to see a bit more. It is calmer on the river than doing a HO/HO bus. (Although I usually recommend the HO/HO Bus for someone who only has one day in Paris.) You could also try to find something that matches his interest(s). Wine Tasting? Try an O Chateau wine and cheese tasting. Likes cheese? Visit a cheese shop and eat with bread for lunch. Catholic? Go to the Chapel on Rue de Bac (and not Notre Dame). There are quieter activities that can be enjoyed in the big city.