There is a lot of discussion on how to maximize your stay in Paris for shorter periods.
I am wondering if there are any recommendations on how to pace yourself, how to see sites, strategies for extended stays in Paris. For example, I would like to visit the Louvre frequently and work my way through it. The same with Musee the Orsay.
If you had an extended stay and wanted to really get to know things, how would you go about it?
Thanks.
Wow! Six weeks! I'm so jealous...I'm an ex-art teacher and thought it was heaven to have a week alone at the museums my last trip...six weeks...ahhh! I'd start with the Paris Museum Pass website where there are links to each museum. I've found that some museums (including the Louvre if memory serves right) have good floorplans of the museums with locations of collections. I'd start a day with the RS audioguides for an overview, then take advantage of any audioguide or English tours they give (I took one at the Louvre) then I'd use my floorplans and go back for more...and more...and more...
Don't forget to do some research on your favorite artist's before you go if that info. won't be included in a guide/tour. Knowing the history behind a painting makes it all that much more enjoyable sometimes. I'd also visit all the special exhibits and the smaller museums there (ie. I went to the Picasso, Rodin, Giverney, etc.). Enjoy!!!
With that amount of time, I'd want to meet and interact with other people, not just with art and monuments, however magnificent.
I'd spend some time in a language program and maybe another class or too (cooking?). I'd probably take some trips
to other parts of France, too, but that's not really your question.
First make sure you do see what you want. Make a schedule of museusm and sites and stick to it! The danger too often is that people on extended stays tend to put off sites because they get caught up in the day to day, always thinking they have enough time. Next thing you know you're leaving.
The next step is make the city smaller, view it in a way differently than a big tourist site that needs to conqured. Like most cities it is made up of little neighborhoods. WALK everywhere that you can, if you are able. Very often I randomly pick two things just for the walk between them. Don't try to make it interesting, that will come. This is a great way to explore Paris, and see the details of the city that you would miss.
Google for "unusual museums in Paris" or "free concerts in Paris" or once you are there pick up a magazine. THERE IS SO MUCH FREE STUFF IN PARIS, it is boggling, from concerts, to plays, to music, to reading. Try to find an event that is on the other side of town. The smaller the event the more "local" it will be. Go to Shakespeare and Co. (overpriced books) but they have a huge wall posting weekly events for expatriots, you have a chance to meet other Americans, living in Paris.
Don't forget to do nothing! One of the greatest pleasures of Paris is just living there, doing common things like laundry, eating cereal in you appt, buying milk and stamps, etc...Taking a good book down to the closest Jardin, and just stare at the sky while you pretend to read, all the while surrounded by....Paris.
Trotro-"Taking a good book down to the closest Jardin, and just stare at the sky while you pretend to read, all the while surrounded by....Paris."
LOL- I thought I was the only one to do this...pretend I was pouring over my RS guidebook while sitting on a bench...trying hard not to leave my mouth open drooling, while I'm actually gawking at the sites/people and drinking it all in.
