Short Paris Trip

You can see a lot of Paris sights in your short time. To get the ambiance do Notre dame, walk the two islands, if possible see the windows in St Chapelle. Sacre Couer is worth a visit- even if just for the windows, and the incredible view over the steps and Paris. Also the funicular. Place de la Concored, walk up Champs elysee to rc d Triomph. Both Museums are good (we preger d'Orsay) but they do take time. Do some of the bridges over the Seine. Dont do Versailles- so much else to see in a short period of time. Eifell Tower- you can se it from all over, dont have to go up it. You must do a sidewalk cafe Also consider one tour on the Hop On, Hop Off bus

Our first trip to Paris was quick like yours. You'll definitely be able to see a good amount of things in the city. But you do need to remember to take time to ENJOY it! It really is a great experience. We ran around a bunch but also found some great little pocket parks, Luxembourg Gardens, cafes, etc to just sit and people watch. Versailles does take too much time to get to with the limited amount of time you'll have. Saint Chapelle is beautiful. Sacre Couer was nice but we didn't spend too much time in that area (although you can get some great pics that time of year). Make sure to enjoy a fresh crepe if you can!

Definitely leave out Versailles. That could be almost a full day to get there, see it and gardens and back to Paris. By the time you get to hotel could be around 1pm. Suggest day one Eiffel Tower, Arc (go to the top for good view) maybe Seine cruise or can fit in Sacre Couer. Day two Louvre but map out what you want to see (Old Masters, Egyptian artifacts, etc.) because you could spend days there if you do not plan ahead. Sunday Mass at Notre Dame. I think you can get tickets ahead of time for Eiffel Tower so don't have to wait on line, see what others say as I can't remember. Good luck.

I highly recommend you go to the Louvre on Friday evening, when it's open late. It's much more enjoyable from 6 pm - 10 pm with far less crowds. I wouldn't even consider going any other time. I wouldn't bother going to Sacre Coeur, there are far better places to spend your time when your time is so short. The best part of Paris, imo, is walking to soak up the incredible views and ambiance, visiting parks, and sitting outside at cafes. Walking around Ile Saint Louis (the little island east of Notre Dame), Ile de la Cite (where Notre Dame is) and along the river as far as you like and back again is Heaven. Spending some time in the Luxembourg Gardens is also at the top of my list. It's not only beautiful but a fun way to be around other Parisians enjoying themselves. There are 2 cafes there and several restrooms. I recommend you get the 2011 Rick Steves Paris guidebook, it has lots of great info to help you get the most out of your short time there. I love Versailles but your time is so short, I don't think you'll have enough time to do it justice. Paris is my favorite place and I hope you have a great time there!

Get the guide. You can do a whole lot of stuff if you are organized and plan ahead. I would leave out things that involve waiting half a day in line.

Stacy, As this is your first trip out of the country, I'd highly recommend having a look at Europe Through The Back Door before you depart. You should be able to find a copy at your local Library or larger Bookstores. Be sure to read the "Rail Skills" section carefully! As others have suggested, the Paris Guidebook would also be a great resource. If you have an iPad or Kindle, these may be available as E-books. Although you won't have a "full" two days in Paris, you might consider getting the two-day version of the Paris Museum Pass, as that should minimize your time in queues (which in August could be LONG at every site!). I agree with a previous suggestion to skip Versailles. You WON'T have time (unless you some of the other sights). For the Louvre, you might limit your visit to the Denon Wing, where the Mona Lisa is located. The place is HUGE and you won't have time to see all of it. Try to allow a bit of extra time for the Musee d'Orsay as it has an awesome collection of art inside an elegant old building. I always enjoy wandering around there at a leisurely pace. With the Eiffel Tower, you'll need to decide if you want to pay the extra cost (and wait in another queue) to ascend right to the top. The views are great, but not everyone does that. When you visit the Arc de Triomphe, be sure to use the tunnel for access to the site - do NOT cross the street! If you plan your visit for sunset, there are some great views of the Eiffel Tower. Of course, be aware of "security" in Paris and wear a Money Belt! Keep a separate "stash" for operating cash and DON'T access the Money Belt where others can see. Pickpockets routinely "work" all the main tourist sites, so be prepared! How are you getting from CDG into the city? Happy travels!

Hi Stacy What fun you are going to have! First of all, although you didn't ask, my suggestion is to book a hotel in the 5th or 6th Arrondisement (neighbor hood) near the islands. Great places to be early and late in the day. And central to many of the sites you want to see. IMHO, as others have mentioned, you will have to skip Versailles for the reasons given. Also, I would also miss Sacre Coeur. It would help if we knew what your interests are. Your Paris trip will not be as meaningfull if you just do the typical tourist itinerary. Suggestion is to stay in the heart of Paris the first afternoon and evening. Perhaps Notre Dame and the 2 islands, then the Louvre in the evening which will hopefully be less crowded. Have dinner on the islands. The remainder on Saturday. Although it is very hard to do, sit in a cafe on the second and 3rd day for at least an hour away from the tourist crowds. Both Saturday and early Sunday. Try to find one on a square not on a busy street. Relax, observe. This is really the best. Or fit in the Jardin du Luxembourg which is a great spot for fresh air and to see Parisian life with diverse gardens and activities It's in the 5th Arrondisement near my suggested hotel location. Bobbie

A couple of minor clarifications to eliminate confustion: 1. Arrondisements are adiministrative disticts, not neighborhoods. There are many neighborhoods in each arrondisement. 2. Sacre Coeur is not an area, it is a buiding in the old village of Montmartre. You don't have time for Versailles. Here's my post from a long time ago on a whirlwind tour of Paris (I think it's the most intelligent thing ever written, but you might want to take it with a grain of salt and make a couple of minor adjustments): http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?topic=56917

Wow! Thank you all so much. What a nice site for posting. I have not gotten as many responses from other places. Thank you. Ken: Vernon, Canada
My firend says we can take the bus from CDG into the city, but I was thinking the Metro. She said the bus just dumped them in a general location but I know the metro could lead us straight to the hotel (whci we dont have yet). Only thing I was wondering about was luggage issues. I am interested in seeing as many of the things I listed as possible and of course having time to enjoy them. It looks like Versaille may not be a good idea. That seriously saddens me, but I don't want to feel so rushed that I don't get to have momnets to take in what I am seeing. Thank you all again. :)

Stacy, The "Bus" you're referring to is probably the Roissy Bus, which as I recall drops passengers near the old Opera. From there you can connect to the Metro to reach whichever area your Hotel is located. If you're planning to use the Metro, you'll have to use the RER "B" to get to at least Gare du Nord, where you can transfer to the Metro. You may find it very helpful to have a look at THIS Website as it provides an excellent description (including pictures) on how to use that option. That's the way I prefer as it's fast and not subject to "traffic issues". One point to note. There are two ticket areas at CDG, one for the TGV and one for the "other" trains. There's usually a LONG queue, which is not always a pleasant experience after a long international flight. However, one can use the automated ticket Kiosks for RER / Metro tickets. Unfortunately, the ticket Kiosks will ONLY accept "chip & PIN" credit cards and I believe Euro coins. You might want to arrange €50-100 for your trip. As I recall, there were some change machines on the wall near the Kiosks, but I can't remember for sure. Which part of Paris will you be staying? The group here can provide more specific advice on transportation from the airport if you could provide that information. Also, which station will you be departing from when you leave Paris?

This is great! Very useful information, as we are going to Paris middle of July. We will go to Louvre in the evening then. Does anybody here know if it is free admission to Louvre on July 14? Is it open till 9:45pm that day? Thanks a lot !

Jamie - the Louvre is open late on Wednesdays and Fridays. I would not go when it is free admission, it would be way too crowded to enjoy.

Susan - you are right, we will go Wednesday evening. Thanks

Jamie - I hope you have fun in Paris too! =)

Easy to get on one of the double decker bus tours..then you can get on and off all day long. Just pay attention to when the last bus of the tour is. I'd advise doing this instead of trying to do it all on buses and subways..you take too much time being lost! Also be sure to check the days places are closed...it's a real bummer to get over there thinking you'll be seeing it all and find out it is some obscure holiday or they are closed on the day you are there. Be sure to start early in the day too as lots of things close for lunch...maybe not the major attractions but that is a bummer too!

Again, thank you all for your help! I think this site must be the most helpful thing ever and it's fast too. :) Ken: Thank you for all the helpful info!! You must visit Paris a lot or something. :) Teri / Anyone who may know: I thought the double decker tour buses were only in London?? Thank you all! :) I hope that one day I will be able to contribute instead of just asking. lol

Stacey: We are going next week and have been advised to take the Air France bus...it lets you off in several different places, including the Arc de Tr... Have fun. Elan