Need help with planning 3 night stay in Paris

[ecall]

We need help with trip to Paris. We have 3 nights in paris December 21st through the 24th. This is on the way home from an 11 night cruise. We arrive at 3 on the 21st and depart at 10 on the 24th so we mostly have 2 days to see Paris. This is our first trip to Paris. We still need to choose a place to stay, of course want to be pretty central so it is easy to see the highlights, and be reminded we are in Paris constantly. Would appreciate any advice on a place to stay and how to best utilize our time in Paris this time of year.

[TLCOhio]

We need help with trip to Paris. We have 3 nights in paris December 21st through the 24th. This is on the way home from an 11 night cruise. We arrive at 3 on the 21st and depart at 10 on the 24th so we mostly have 2 days to see Paris. This is our first trip to Paris. We still need to choose a place to stay, of course want to be pretty central so it is easy to see the highlights, and be reminded we are in Paris constantly. Would appreciate any advice on a place to stay and how to best utilize our time in Paris this time of year.

 

You have lots to love and see in Paris during your net two days there. Below are some visual samples for a few of the great places to see and experience there. Much depends on what you like to do there. TELL US MORE about your budget, ages, personal and travel interests, past Europe travel experience, etc. How much are you interested in history, museums, food, wine, art, shopping, architecture, etc.? How much of it in a leisurely style versus fast-paced? Then, with more detailed information from you, we can make better, more specific suggestions on what best fits your needs and interests.

 

On hotels, I would check both

http://www.tripadvisor.com

http://www.hotels.com

Location is important, including being near a Metro station that is handy for one of the major lines. One of the questions is whether you want to stay in a more charming and historic area such as the Marais, Left Bank, etc. Or, in the more commercial areas around the Paris Opera House, etc. Some stay around the Eiffel Tower, but I don't view that area as being that handy or charming. Much depends on your interests.

 

When you first arrive in Paris, I would suggest taking a tour bus tour to get a good overview for this great city. Check here for your options.

http://www.pariscityrama.com/en

 

WHAT MAKES PARIS GREAT/UNIQUE?: With style and sophistication, Paris is correctly proud of its cultural achievements over the centuries. This confidence is expressed in Parisian life, including its architecture from ancient structures to controversy over Hausmann's bold late 1800's master plan and more recent modern developments.

Paris has taken bold decisions, including the Lourve with is now well-accepted glass pyramid by I. M. Pei.

 

Although at the heart of Europe, Paris is very individualistic and intuitive. The city has attracted great writers artists and thinkers. Historically, it has been a city of unrest, rebellion and revolution (an idea they helped finance in America and that lead to the sharp-edged 1789 removal of the Royal family). Paris has a special style and soul. It is a high-flying mix of architecture, fashion, history, idiosyncrasy, style, texture, color and atmosphere. Paris is romantic, distinctive!

 

Here are a couple of key, great areas in Paris:

 

LE MARAIS Area, NE of Hotel de Ville/City Hall, has Musee Picasso (structure built in 1659, opened in 1985 to settle his estate, open Wednesday-Monday 9:15 5:15) and Musee Carnavalet (built in 1540, two adjoining mansions with decorative arts from the various periods in Paris history), older area starting around metro St Paul station, has Jewish section in area with special foods and historic areas. It has the super great park and architecture of the Place des Vogue area. The Place des Vosges was the prototype for the residential squares of European cities that were to come. What was new about the Place Royale in 1612 was that the house fronts were all built to the same design, of red brick with strips of stone over vaulted arcades that stand on square pillars. Cardinal Richelieu had an equestrian bronze of Louis XIII placed in the center of this charming park. Nearby is Brasserie Bofinger, one of the oldest and classiest places to dine (http://www.bofingerparis.com). It has a gorgeous domed stained-glass ceiling over the main dining room.

 

ILE SAINT LOUIS is one of the most charming little areas in all of Paris. So nice to stroll up its main street as you walk towards Notre Dame and other key highlights. Famed Berthillon ice cream: The only true Berthillon can be found at 31, rue St Louis-en-l'Ile, where it was born. This delicious ice cream has rich colors and equally intense flavors. It comes in myriad flavors, but the rum raisin, dark chocolate (chocolat noir) and mango (mangue) flavors are incredible. This is divine dessert territory. Lots of Boutique shopping and dining places line this street in the heart of Paris. Try Brasserie Ile St-Louis, 55 quai de Bourbon, 1er (tel. 01/43/54-02-59), that Frommers calls the last independent brasserie in Paris. They note: “Far from the polished restaurants that masquerade as true brasseries, this one has as its heart old Paris.”

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

On a nice Paris day, people are enjoying the Louvre courtyard, the Louvre's famed glass pyramid by architect IM Pei and in the background the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel built in 1805: :

 

 

 

The famed 1860’s Opera House has recently restored its spectacular reception hall:

 

 

 

The Eiffel Tower with a statute in the foreground:

 

 

 

On the wonderfully charming ille St. Louis island, this flower shop is so nice along with other shops there:

 

 

 

At the d’Orsay Museum, this was the grand dining room of the hotel that was part of the previous train station. Now, dining at lunch here breaks up the day during a long day of standing and walking:

 

 

 

In the Marais, this covered walkway is a part of the Place des Vosges that was the prototype for the residential squares of European cities that were to come. These brick designs date to 1612.:

 

[KirkNC]

We are staying at the Hotel Muget, it is close to the Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler for three days next year. Our plan is:

 

Day 1

 

Orsay Museum

Rodin Museum

Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower

 

Day 2

 

Notre Dame

Sainte Chapelle

Louvre

 

Day 3

 

Versailles

 

Of course there will be lots of walking and sight seeing between those places but that is the highlights.

 

Kirk

[TLCOhio]

We are staying at the Hotel Muget, it is close to the Eiffel Tower and Rue Cler for three days next year. Our plan is: Day 1

Orsay Museum, Rodin Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower

Day 2 Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Louvre

Day 3 Versailles

Of course there will be lots of walking and sight seeing between those places but that is the highlights. Kirk

 

Kirk has all of the "super stars" on his smart list. The point about "walking around" is very, very important. If your weather is decent, Paris is so nice to see interesting things as you walk around in the charming, historic areas such as the Left Bank, Marais, etc. Below are a few more visual samples for this great city. Here are some details on a variety of these key options to consider:

 

MUSEE D'ORSAY (door-say) (closed Monday, open 10-6, except Thursday 10 am-9:45 pm), covers 1848-1914 period and is especially great for Impressionist art. It is a former railway station and hotel with an excellent cafe in museum (doing lunch in this spectacular dining room is a nice way to break up the visit, re-charge and get nice food service). This dining area is a magnificent space defined by enormous windows, lighted by crystal chandeliers with gilded decoration bringing out the radiance of the sculpted ceilings. Thursday night is perfect for walk from museum west toward Assemblee Nationale and cross Seine River bridge towards Place de la Concorde seeing all of the building lighted and then looking back towards Eiffel Tower; Place de la Concorde was designed in 1775. From this website (http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en), you can get more detailed information.

 

MONTMARTRE/BASILIQUE DU SACRE-COEUR (church started being built in 1875 on one of highest points in Paris, dedicated in 1910); dome is second highest point in Paris, took 35 years to build with public conscription, great views at dawn and dusk plus from dome area over city, area made famous by artist Toulouse Lautrec, cubism born there; do direct Metro here, nearest station is Anvers or Pigalle. With its narrow cobblestone streets, gardens, steep steps and view over the city, this area is the emblem of romantic Paris. This church was mainly dedicated in the memory of those thousands who died in the uprising of the Paris Commune of 1870-71. Two dining options to consider in this area are: La Cremaillere on the famous Place du Tertre, where artists and intellectuals would meet. Just before World War I many artists such as Picassso, Modigliani, Utrillo and Apollinaire lived nearby. +33 1 4606 5859, info@cremaillere1900.com, Open Hours: 9a-12:30a M-Su. http://www.cremaillere1900.com/ Au Lapin Agile gives a flavor of Montmartre as it was at the turn of the century when it was a favorite of local artists and intellectuals. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9pm to 2am. 22, Rue Saules, 75018 Paris, +33 1 46 06 85 87, http://www.au-lapin-agile.com

 

MUSEE RODIN, has nice scale in both the interior exhibit area as an old mansion, plus the gardens with the outdoor sculpture, at Varenne Metro stop next to Hotel des Invaldes, has third largest private garden in Paris, originally built in 1730, Rodin used as his studio from 1908 until his death in 1917, open Tuesday Sunday 10-5:45.

 

PARIS OPERA HOUSE/OPERA GARNIER, opened 1875; 2nd Empire style, see its grand staircase and foyer, 2156 seats, large stage area, current home of Paris Ballet. Wonderful place to do a tour. It was just recently re-done for many of the key reception rooms with all of the great gold trim, etc. Spectacular to see! A model for many auditoriums around the world, this fine piece of design was constructed in the time of Napoleon III as part of Haussmann's city development scheme. Charles Garnier submitted the winning design and construction lasted from 1860 to 1875. Enjoy the marble Grand Staircase, the red and gold auditorium, the ceiling by Chagall and an 8 ton crystal chandelier. From this website (http://www.opera-de-paris.fr), you can get more detailed information.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

Inside the d”Orsay Museum with post-1850’s art, an old train station was converted to housing treasures, including from Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, etc.:

 

 

 

This is one scenic part of the large park grounds around Luxembourg Palace:

 

 

 

At the wonderful small and charming Rodin Museum, his studio/home and the grounds are filled with his sculpture. Here’s some folks looking at the key parts to one of his famed pieces:

 

 

 

At the Tuileries, there are gardens, cafes and places to sit, watch and enjoy near the Louvre:

 

 

 

Dinner at Bofiner in the Marais area with its unique ceiling and charming interior:

 

 

 

At the Sunday market near the Bastille, fresh seafood:

 

[Kailin]

I took my parents to Paris for 2.5 days pre-med cruise. TLC is on the mark on location for your hotel. We walked to most of the sights from our hotel, and also took a late city tour with Paris Cityrama to figure out where things were when we arrived mid-afternoon in Paris. Very important in planning is to research the hours of any museum that you plan on visiting on your own. For instance, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays but stays open Wednesday nites until 9 or 10 pm. Knowing this allowed us to spend more time on Wednesday touring, with a morning trip to Versaille, back to Paris for more exploration before going to the Lourvre. Happy travels.

[TLCOhio]

TLC is on the mark on location for your hotel. We walked to most of the sights from our hotel, and also took a late city tour with Paris Cityrama to figure out where things were when we arrived mid-afternoon in Paris. Very important in planning is to research the hours of any museum that you plan on visiting on your own. For instance, the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays but stays open Wednesday nites until 9 or 10 pm. Knowing this allowed us to spend more time on Wednesday touring, with a morning trip to Versaille, back to Paris for more exploration before going to the Lourvre. Happy travels.

 

THANKS to Kallin for seconding several of the suggestions that were made! With only two net days, it might be hard to make it out to Versailles. BUT, but you've got lots of super great options in the close and main parts of Paris.

 

December 22 and 23 would be Wednesday and Thursday, allowing more flexibility for your opening hours with some key locations, including the Louvre being open during the day Thursday and Wednesday until 9:45 p.m. The d'Orsay is open Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm and Thursday 10 am-9:45 pm. Here are a couple of other items of key info:

 

PARIS METRO/SUBWAY: Great, great system! Probably best to buy packets of ten tickets, rather than a multi-day, three or five day pass. There are fourteen different subway lines, plus the four different suburban RER rail options. It is important to know which line or lines you want to use, IN ADVANCE, and the name of the end station for your direction so that you go down the right set of stairs to be on the correct side of the tracks. It's not as simple as New York City with uptown or downtown! But it offers totally great, fast, frequent service. Very clean and nice! Single tickets (1.60 Euros) may be purchased at the counters each time, but the better value is a carnet of 10 (11.40 Euros), which will also save you waiting in line. For all day use, for adults (there is a cheaper children’s daily pass), the pass cost in euros is for one day (8.80), two days (14.4), three days (19.6), or five days (28.3). Compared to London, the daily pass might not be the best value. It depends on your needs. WEBSITE for maps and other info/details: http://www.ratp.info/touristes/index.php?langue=en

 

PARIS MUSEUM PASS: Strongly suggest getting the Paris Museum Pass for access to 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the surrounding region. Multiple visits to the same museums are possible and there is no waiting in line. You get:

* Entry into more than 60 Paris museums and monuments inside and outside Paris, including Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee d'Orsay, Musee National du Chateau de Versailles, Musee National Picasso, Pompidou Center, Musee Roding, Chateau de Rambouillet, Basilique Saint-Denis, Chateau de Chantilly, Fontainebleau, etc.

* Multiple visits to the same museums or monuments at no extra charge

* Validities: 2, 4 or 6 consecutive days

* No admission charge, no waiting in line

Paris Museum Pass, 2-Day Pass 32 Euro

Paris Museum Pass, 4-Day Pass 48 Euro

Paris Museum Pass, 6-Day Pass 64 Euro

You can get the Paris Museum Pass at the Paris Tourist Office, and in its reception offices in Paris train stations, and the Eiffel Tower or at over 60 museums and monuments concerned.

More info:

http://www.parismuseumpass.fr

 

Let us know your reactions and questions. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,500 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[ecall]

This is my very first trip to Europe. We have done some traveling within the US and Caribbean. This is also our first trip without our 3 boys ages 18, 16, and 7. Don't know when we will be able to do this again, depends on willingness of family members to help run the household while we are gone. We are taking an 11 day cruise on Costa Pacific prior to this including Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece. Cruise ends with 2 days at sea. I will turn 50 on that cruise and my husband is 54. We are pretty active, but could be ok if hotel was close to some of the sights we want to see just incase husband wanted to stop in to rest. We are most interested in history and architecture. Would like to experience French food. Not as knowledgeable about but would like some exposure to art and wine. Not so interested in shopping. Probably would prefer fast-paced touring as we don't know when we will make it back.

Have spend hours reading information, but just feel overwhelmed right now.

Thanks for the help

Patty

[TLCOhio]

This is my very first trip to Europe. We have done some traveling within the US and Caribbean. This is also our first trip without our 3 boys ages 18, 16, and 7. Don't know when we will be able to do this again, depends on willingness of family members to help run the household while we are gone. We are taking an 11 day cruise on Costa Pacific prior to this including Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece. Cruise ends with 2 days at sea. I will turn 50 on that cruise and my husband is 54. We are pretty active, but could be ok if hotel was close to some of the sights we want to see just incase husband wanted to stop in to rest. We are most interested in history and architecture. Would like to experience French food. Not as knowledgeable about but would like some exposure to art and wine. Not so interested in shopping. Probably would prefer fast-paced touring as we don't know when we will make it back. Have spend hours reading information, but just feel overwhelmed right now. Patty

 

Your 11-day cruise on Costa Pacific including Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Greece is packing in lots for a first-time visitor to Europe. BUT, relax! It will all work out fine. Don't stress out. It will come together fine. I'm sure at your ages and with your energy, it all will be OK. Get an Eyewitness book from your library and look at your options for Paris. That will help. Let us know your added questions.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,500 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[moyaroo]

AHHH fast paced touring, :(

 

Scratch that from your list now!

 

Paris is to be savored whether you enjoy her as a 5 course meal or a picnic in the park. Walking is good, running is not! Part of the experience of France in general and Paris in specific is discovering that the cost of a cup of espresso includes hours of people watching from the cafe.

 

Museum such as the Musee d"Orsay are the same, it matters not if you see everything, it matters that what you see is made a part of you.

 

So take time to breathe in Paris. Sitting in the Tuileries counts as part of a Paris experience though in December you are much more likely to be sitting inside a museum!

 

I may sound like a one track record but consider dinner, three courses in a modest restaurant- 2 hours would not be long. Service is not slow, it is paced to give you time to talk between bites and between courses, to drink another glass of wine and just reflect. The American 20 minutes and out turn the tables 4 times a night model is thankfully absent in Europe. So no running.:cool:

[ecall]

sounds good. It has been 19 years since my husband and I have been on vacation for us really. I look forward to re-kindling our relationship during this trip too. Our 19 year old is wonderful, but has been a more of a challenge than average. Took more of my time, little time for us. He is begining his freshman year in college Chemical Engineering. He is very bright, not a good student, has other L.D. issues and is in the high functioning autism category.

 

Very much looking forward to this vacation!

[ecall]

Any other pointers on a place to stay. I have looked at trip advisor and hotels.com booking.com and several other sites. I have looked for apartments, found one the owner had said it was available asked for istructions on finalizing he didn't answer till the next day when he said it was taken. I was bummed. I thought I was done with this decision.

 

Would like to be central, walking distance to at least some of the highlights, it would be a bonus to have an awesome view. Price is flexible, would prefer if it was under $200 a night, but can be flexible.

 

My husband has allergies and asthma, would like to know the room is not musty smelling which might make him uncomfortable.

[moyaroo]

aspbergers? Some really neat kids frustrating at times, but . . . give them some room to grow and you will be proud.

[moyaroo]

Check out the hotel Familia in the Latin Quarter. My daughter stayed there and it was good for her.

[melissasimon]

Check out the Hotel Relais du Louvre. It's a small three star hotel situated right next to the Louvre within a few steps of the Pont Neuf. The location is as central as you can get and situated betwen to two Metro stations. We've stayed there many times and love the friendly staff and the great location, with great views of the Louvre and gargoyles on the church across the street.

[flrose]

Thank you all for your daily itinerary suggestions. We are staying 4 nights pre cruise next May and are staying at the Grand Hotel Francais which is very highly rated on Trip Advisor. We chose a neighborhood rather than more central because we stayed centrally in Rome this past May and friends we were traveling with stayed in a less central neighborhood and loved the flavor of being away from the tumult. That being said, we are very close to Metro/train stations which the reviews say are very, very convenient. We plan to savor the experience as I will be celebrating a BIG birthday...

:eek:

[TLCOhio]

Thank you all for your daily itinerary suggestions. We are staying 4 nights pre cruise next May and are staying at the Grand Hotel Francais which is very highly rated on Trip Advisor. We chose a neighborhood rather than more central because we stayed centrally in Rome this past May and friends we were traveling with stayed in a less central neighborhood and loved the flavor of being away from the tumult. That being said, we are very close to Metro/train stations which the reviews say are very, very convenient. We plan to savor the experience as I will be celebrating a BIG birthday... :eek:

 

Good to hear that you will be close to Metro stations. Which specific location? It appears you are near the Rue des boulets station. It's not an ideal line, but the Metro there in Paris is great and you can make good connections from there. Need any other Paris tips or ideas for your interests?

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 21,800 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[Suzila]

We stayed at the Best Western Champs Eysee Friedland, which is very close to the L'Arc de Triomphe (walk a few blocks). This hotel was clean, a four star and very comfortable.

 

Free internet in the lobby of the hotel (I didn't bring my netbook with me on this trip), and breakfast AND full tea was included (we ate so much at tea we didn't nee4d to go out for dinner!). The staff was wonderful. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

 

In addition, we booked tours with http://www.paris-trip.com This company was absolutely excellent. We had two tours with them, the first was the city tour and the Louvre, and the second was dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the Seine at night.

 

Unfortunately, we were there the day they had the strike and the Eiffel Tower dinner was canceled, but they took us instead to a wonderful restaurant, and the food was deelish!

 

The company picked us up BEFORE our scheduled times, never late, and made a major effort to get us into a really nice restaurant for dinner in place of eating at the Eiffel Tower. I recommend them highly.

[delgadofam2002]

I like your Paris suggestions since I will be there 2-3 days also. I am just having major trouble with the rest of my trip =(

[ecall]

Where are you going on the rest of the trip that you are still trying to plan?

[delgadofam2002]

We are flying in to Paris for a cruise on the MSC Fantasia out of Marseille. We have 5 nights after & 3 prior to the cruise. We want to see Paris, Disneyland & tour Hennessy factory then are open to the rest. Cognac is so out of the way from our 2 points that it is so difficult to narrow what cities to see & what along with how train, car, tour. Being a first timer this is really stressful & nerve wrecking.

[KirkNC]

Just break your trip into pieces and plan one piece at a time. I actually enjoy the planning as I learn a lot about where we are going. I just write up an itinerary but you need to be flexible in case something doesn't work out as you planned.

 

Kirk

[Hlitner]

Spending a few days in Paris is one of the true joys of travel. If you ask my wife or moi what would be our first priority if going to Paris the fast answer would be food. We would spend a lot of time updating our knowledge on local eating places. The hotel and other plans would be secondary :)

 

Hank

[TLCOhio]

Spending a few days in Paris is one of the true joys of travel. If you ask my wife or moi what would be our first priority if going to Paris the fast answer would be food. We would spend a lot of time updating our knowledge on local eating places. The hotel and other plans would be secondary :) Hank

 

Agree with Hank, BOTH, on how wonderful is Paris, plus the food being such great fun there. Here are a couple of other food-related visual shots from Paris. Agree that the hotel is somewhat secondary, especially with the Metro system so good and fast.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 22,800 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

 

 

At the d’Orsay Museum, this was the grand dining room of the hotel that was part of the previous train station. Now, dining at lunch here breaks up the day during a long day of standing and walking:

 

 

 

One of Paris’ most historic and spectacular dining rooms is at Le Grande Colbert. It is near the Palais Royale gardens. Part of the Jack Nicholson-Diane Keaton film "Something's Gotta Give” was filmed there. It is named for Louis XIV’s famed minister.:

 

[Anubi]

AHHH fast paced touring, :(

 

Scratch that from your list now!

 

Paris is to be savored whether you enjoy her as a 5 course meal or a picnic in the park. Walking is good, running is not! Part of the experience of France in general and Paris in specific is discovering that the cost of a cup of espresso includes hours of people watching from the cafe.

 

Museum such as the Musee d"Orsay are the same, it matters not if you see everything, it matters that what you see is made a part of you.

 

So take time to breathe in Paris. Sitting in the Tuileries counts as part of a Paris experience though in December you are much more likely to be sitting inside a museum!

 

I may sound like a one track record but consider dinner, three courses in a modest restaurant- 2 hours would not be long. Service is not slow, it is paced to give you time to talk between bites and between courses, to drink another glass of wine and just reflect. The American 20 minutes and out turn the tables 4 times a night model is thankfully absent in Europe. So no running.:cool:

 

I have never heard it put so well, thank you. :) DH and I are working out what we are going to do in Paris in October and we are as confused as everyone else, especially since time is tight. The important thing is to hit all our high spots, hold hands and reconnect with each other and make a solemn promise to come back!

[TLCOhio]

I have never heard it put so well, thank you. :) DH and I are working out what we are going to do in Paris in October and we are as confused as everyone else, especially since time is tight. The important thing is to hit all our high spots, hold hands and reconnect with each other and make a solemn promise to come back!

 

it matters not if you see everything' date=' it matters that what you see is made a part of you. [/quote']

 

Agree that is an excellent summary point, especially for lovely and romantic Paris. To others, I have raised this question: How do you want to “ENJOY" and "EXPERIENCE" things in the Paris, France, etc?

 

Rush-rush and gulp it down like soda pop or beer . . . OR . . . sip and savor the moment like fine wine, doing people watching, sensing an enjoyment of life and the humanity, the natural beauty, the architecture, history and charm? It's your choice!!!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now over 29,500 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923