Paris from 12/22-12/27?

Meg, I hate to do this, but you should really start with a copy of Rick's latest Paris guidebook. Since you are staying near the Eiffel tower this is one thing you will obviously see and don't forget to see the beautiful light show every hour at night. I definitely recommend going to at least the second level. If you are close to Rue Cler there are many restaurants & bakeries in this neighborhood that are good (as there are all over the city). Most of Rick'srecommendations are modest cost, but he has some splurges too. If you love art don't miss the D'Orsay, but there are many great museums. Stroll the islands, the Marais -- could go on and on. There will probably be an ice-skating rink in front of the Hotel de Ville and 1st level of the Eiffel Tower -- good for people watching if not skating! Learn about Paris and what you want to do will leap out at you, I'm sure.

It may be a ittle rainy so plan for it and opt for museums when it rains. Besides the biggies, I like Rodin museum.
La Varangue in Rue Cler area is a great value & has tasty dinners. Budget, always difficult to predict but museum entrances, metro and meals at least $50 per day per person. Hopefully where you stay gives you breakfast. As an expresso can get expensive every day.

Well, the good thing is we're from Seattle, so no problem with rain!

We're staying at the Hotel du Cadran, 10 rue de champs de mars. I'm keen on sampling art (so I'm thinking of the Pompideau (sp?) and the one with the famous Impressionist paintings). I'm also very into literature, so literary experiences would be great. We're big foodies, people-watchers, and street-wanderers. I'll check out Steves' guide, too. Thanks!

I think Paris is the best place in the world for street wandering and people watching -- and of course the food --- you will have a fabulous time! Bring a nice warm coat.
PS the famous impressionist museum is the D'Orsay, but you might also want to check out the Picasso and the Orangerie, if you have time.

Hi Meg, We stayed at the Hotel du Cadron in August 2006. It was very nice and is directly around the corner from Rue Cler. We had a free breakfast (croissant, coffee) with our room, but your deal may be different. There is a cafe next door, two grocery stores very close, a great crepe place just around the corner (say hi to Marco) and a lot of other places to get food at a reasonable price nearby. You might want to read Rick's Paris book, which has a section about the Rue Cler area. It's about a 10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower. We found that most of the things we wanted to do were out of the area, so we had a batobus (boat bus) pass. It doesn't run in the winter, but a metro station is not too far from the hotel. We will be back in Paris from 12/29 - 1/8 and we are staying in an apartment in the Latin Quarter this time. Much closer to things and we are paying much less than the hotel. I don't know what it will be like in the winter, but I will soon find out! PM me if you have any other questions about the hotel. Have a great time!

We spent a week in Paris in fall 2007. The advise I had been given was that many of the restaurants with blackboard menus are good. We found this to be true. Two we liked were Piano and Chez Clement. Sorry, I don't recall the streets. San Francisco Chronicle books publishes a series of City Walks. We have found the ones for Paris, London, Rome, and New York to be invaluable. Each comes in a box, 50 cards each with a mapped and annotated walking tour. I buy them on amazon.com.

You'll love the Christmas decor. Not garish like in the US (you won't see any giant inflatable snow globes here), but more subtle and stylish.

Thanks to all! I really appreciate it.

The Musee d'Orsay has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings by a variety of artists, including a few by Monet. If you want to see more wonderful works by Monet, go to the Musee Marmottan and the Musee de l'Orangerie.

If you like Matisse, don't miss the Centre Pompidou.

I just wrote a post recommending a great French restaurant on Ile St. Louis (the little island behind Notre Dame). We had a wonderful 3 course meal for about $15. It's Cafe Med, recommended in Rick's Paris Guide. It's on the main street, great ambience, very small and romantic. The staff were so nice and friendly. The island itself is my favorite part of Paris and well worth visiting. Have Fun!