Paris 4 days, 40 miles

Thanks for this enjoyable report of your enjoyable time. You made the most of the time you had, and I hope you plan to return someday for more. Indeed the Metro is easy once you figure it out. So are the buses, slower but giving you a continuing show of life on the streets. Sorry you were disappointed in the Louvre. Maybe it will be worth another try on a later visit, especially if you have some specific goals there. If you love museums, Paris has many more to offer.

And now the rest of Europe awaits, with many more museums and fascinating cities to explore!

Don't kick yourself for missing the Hotel de Marine. I'm a many time visitor to Paris over several decades. Hotel de Marine (to me) was interesting but a bit gimmicky, while the Louvre, even if you were disappointed, was probably a more "important" stop. It is so pervasive in the world-wide culture and likely to be known by many you meet and discuss travel with. You can now say you've been there and give your informed opinion of the experience! (Of course, my opinion and perspective on your experience - I'm just hoping I can make you feel better!)

Did you try the Cluny Museum? You did find some of the best around anywhere - Musee d'Orsay and Marmotten (often overlooked).

Thanks for the report - you obviously researched and planned well!

Any time I can read about Paris, it makes me smile and sigh. 40 miles in 4 days sounds about right. It is such an amazing city for walking. I do love the Louvre however but completely understand people who don’t. Thanks for your thoughts. I’m heading to Prague in Oct and I see you are there now. Hope you post about your experiences there too.

What a fun time you had! I agree...40 miles in 4 days sounds about right, lol. You did well for a first timer!

In my opinion, the Louvre gets better after a few visits when you feel you can pick and choose which floors to do and stay away from the crowds. I go for specific things - the Vermeers, the Rembrandts and actually there are some Monets and other Impressionists tucked away on a top floor, lol!! I stay away from the Italian collection except to walk thru to get to the rooms with the British and American artists.

I love Pere Lachaise as well...next time you can work in some of the other cemeteries!

Thanks so much for taking the time to post!

PS...I love the Cluny as well!

I too just returned from Paris. Musee d'Orsay is my favorite, been to the Louvre 4 times and feel no need to return. I averaged about 8 miles a day for my week there, even being very familiar with the Metro & enjoy just walking the city. With each return visit I always make sure I try to see & visit different sites/locations.

I was just reviewing your post and responses regarding your luggage and packing choices, then realized you'd started your trip, so looked for posts. YAY! You are 'reporting out.' Pretty excited for your first and very long trip to Europe!

Marmotten is also MY favorite museum in Paris! Sorry you could not visit L'Orangerie. The Louvre...my friend and I visited quickly one evening just for fun: Mona Lisa and Winged Victory. I'll do serious Louvre-planning next time I visit Paris.

Back to the luggage: what did you decide and how is it working for you? I, too, as a solo, 60s, female and short...so work hard at limiting what I take because I am responsible for i ALWAYS.

Thanks for posting about your trip.

In response to my luggage selection. I went with the Cotopaxi 35 litre Alpa backpack, I like the split design and the compartments. I also got the 38 litre 2 wheeled roller bag, again liked the split design and compartments. I checked the roller bag. Originally I was thinking about a weekender and a small suitcase from travelpro. Also looked at the 65 litre dakine split roller. What I like about my setup is that I can throw the backpack on my back when boarding trains and only have to deal with the hefting the roller bag onto the train . Have to say I have been on a few regional trains where I am glad I don’t have anything bigger. Some of the trains have been narrow with steep steps that are not very close to the platform. I am able to put the suitcase up in the train and then step on. I also like that I can put the backpack on top of my suitcase and pull the whole thing behind me when walking thru town from train station to hotel. A few of my hotels have been pretty close to train station but I do walk an average of 15 minutes. That all being said, I am 5’9” and can heft that 20 pound suitcase up the train steps, onto overhead bins and up and down stairs. Yes, I overpacked and my luggage is too heavy ( I swear my vitamin supplements weigh 5 lbs). So far I have been able to deal with it. I originally came across this brand watching a Sarah Murdock packing video

Those Cotopaxi bags look pretty good. I like the backpack organization. And the colors!

Well, the nice thing about taking meds or supplements is consuming them lightens the load.

Enjoy!