I returned this past Saturday from a wonderful trip, 6 nights in Paris and 6 in Budapest (separate post for that portion), marred only by some physical maladies: 2 weeks before I left I pulled a muscle in my shoulder blade area that also caused constant aggravating nerve pain all down my left arm, had some chiro work done and had pain patches + vicodin and muscle relaxer along just in case, tried to use only at night to get sleep. Flight over I just could not get comfortable, but arrived Monday morning in some semblance of good spirits and energy despite being achy. That lessened throughout my week in Paris, then I woke up that Saturday, last day there, with a sore throat that became a mid-level cold during the Budapest portion. I had my itinerary and stuck to it even though a few days it was hard to get up and going as early as I had planned, so late museum hours helped.
Happy feet, thanks to my Fly London boots and Fluevog oxfords and Wrightsocks--I found them to be the ones I wore consistently for very long days of walking, the dual-layer totally cushions against blisters or rubs. Smartwool with the padded arch area were also good.
High levels of security at all sites and museums, police and/or military, screening of all bags. I must say I didn't feel any differently in Paris than I have at the other cities I've visited, not at all anxious, and people generally seemed calm and pleasant as they went about their lives.
I must say I did not observe any pickpocketing or people that looked like they were casing on the metros or in crowds, though the petition girls came at me near the Eiffel tower asking if I spoke English, so I used my Hungarian and said "Nem eretam!" coupled with a stern look. I was not bothered otherwise.
Thank you to all the people here who helped me decide if I could do the Eiffel Tower and confirmed my questions re getting to Versailles. A couple of trip reports gave me ideas of interesting shops to visit as well--Le Bonheur des Dames for needlework and Deyrolle, near the D'Orsay, a most magnificent taxidermy/garden shop that has unusual animals on display--can't photograph, unfortunately, but I certainly enjoyed seeing them.
The first day was Whit Monday, and I was checked in, freshened up and on my way to the metro by noon. I chose to stay at the Legend on Rue de Rennes in the 6th, I'd read hundreds of reviews and found nothing negative + it suited my needs and it was indeed an excellent choice. The room was large, and on the 5th floor as requested, facing the street--huge floor to ceiling windows that opened on a little balcony, utterly delightful décor and very clean, excellent service and very helpful front desk. The street was lined with mainly upscale stores plus little bistros and bakeries, 5 minute walk in either direction to 2 metro lines.
I got my carnet of metro tickets and headed to the Pompidou, a bit crowded as it was a holiday weekend and not many museums were open. Bought my Museum Pass and spent a couple of hours surrounded by some of my favorite artists. At 4 I headed over to Notre Dame--major tourist crowd, went through the church and then walked the area, toured the Conciergerie. By then I was getting droopy so headed back to hotel and got a few things to eat in the room and crashed by 8 pm.
I had a ticket to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel tower at 10:30 am and it was a lovely, clear morning, crowds not quite in place as far as ticket lines or the general area. I was a tad nervous about the ascent but just held on and kept my head down and it was fine! The observation areas weren't yet crowded so I explored each vantage point and decided I felt good about the whole thing so bought a supplemental to the summit, very pleased with myself. Longer elevator ride this time, seemed to pause as it went through the girders but my eyes were closed, and I was not the only person who was a bit anxious.