I'm planning this trip using the rick steves paris book as a guide. Does this look doable, not too cramped/rushed? This is the last leg of our 2 week europe tour Day 1 Wed May 22 (Paris 1/5) 1145am Arrival Paris from venice Get Paris museum pass Evening: Enjoy the Trocadero scene and a twilight ride up the Eiffel Tower (14.5E) Day 2 Thur May 23 (Paris 2/5) Lourve/Champs-Elysees/Arc de Triophe/Tuileries garden/Orangeric Museum Morning: Tour the Louvre** (arrive 20 min before opening). Have lunch at Cafe le Nemours (across the street from the Lourve) Afternoon: Follow this book's Champs-Elysees Walk from the Arc de Triomphe*** downhill along the incomparable Avenus des Champs-Elyees to the tuileries Garden, and possibly the Orangerie Museum Evening: Enjoy dinner on Ile St. Louis, then a floodlit walk by Notre-Dame Day 3 Friday May 24 (Paris 3/5) Notre Dame/Sainte-Chapelle/Seine River cruise Morning: Follow this book's Historic Paris Walk, featuring the Ile de la Cite, Notre-Dame (tower), the Latin Quarter, and Sainte-Chapelle. If you enjoy medieval art, visit the Cluny Museum. Afternoon: Tour the Opera Garnier, and end your day enjoying the glorious rooftop views at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores. Evening: Cruise the Seine River Day 4 Saturday May 25 (Paris 4/5) Versailles Day 5 Sunday May 26 (Paris 5/5) Orsay/Rodin/Army Museum/Napoleon's tomb/Rue Cler walk Day 6 Monday May 27 (Paris 6)
Depart back to the states
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
It looks mostly do-able. I'd make a few suggestions:
Day 1: Make a reservation yesterday if you want to go up the Eiffel tower at a specific time on a specific day. Day 2: If you really want to go to the Orangerie, visit it after the Louvre. Then you can take your time on the Champs and not have to worry about finishing before the Orangerie closing time. Day 3: Too much for one morning. Arrive at the Notre-Dame tower 20 minutes before opening to give you half a chance. Then head over to Sainte-Chapelle and hope there isn't a long line for security. Don't get there too close to lunch time, as they close the security line for a lunch break. I highly, highly doubt you'd have time for the Cluny in the morning - especially if you do all the RS walks. Save the Latin Quarter for a late lunch and tour after. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I agree with Dina that the morning of Day 3 is too busy. If the tower at Notre-Dame isn't a priority (it wouldn't be for me, but everyone is different), then start at Ste-Chapelle. Even with a Museum Pass, you still have to go through the security line. And the Chappelle is small and gets crowded. By going first thing, I was actually able to get a seat! Notre-Dame itself is huge and so even though it's always crowded, it's not such a problem. "the incomparable Avenus des Champs-Elyees" Just be warned that this opinion is not universal. Many of us find a brief stroll sufficient. You may find yourself with extra time. I loved going up in the Arc de Triomphe, and the view of the Champs-Elysees from there was nicer than from street level.