What are people's top 'must sees' - would appreciate some less touristy ideas too!
Even though they are pretty touristy, I'd suggest a cruise down the Seine on the Bateau Mouche, and a visit to the Musee D'Orsay - personally, I liked it better than the Louvre. And yes, a ramble through Montmartre (whether or not you walk up to Sacre Coeur): it's a delightful area and some of the cafes are top notch.
-Madhulika
- Reply by faurec on June 30, 2009
I, like many others, love Paris. At my age, I may have developed a liking for things more touristy, but then, on my list I include the catacombs which is perhaps the least touristy of all tourist destinations. My children enjoy a day along the Rue Oberkampf more than a visit to the Louvre.
My list appear here: http://www.fotodigi.co.za/travel/paris/
Enjoy and let me know what your impressions were.
I suppose my recommendations for one day in Paris would differ depending on whether it's your first time there or your tenth. But if I had to choose a general one-day itinerary, I agree with Madhulika about seeing the Musee d'Orsay and Montmartre. I'd also spend some time at Notre Dame and Sainte-Chappelle on the Ile de la Cite, and from there walk to (and through) Saint Germain on the Left Bank. The Musee Rodin and Musee Picasso are two more of my absolute favorite places.
Wow, all of those are pretty touristy...and would probably take three days. But I stand by my picks!
Michelle
I haven't been to Paris in 24 years, but the memories are fresh, and I am hoping to return there in the near future. Paris is a beautiful city but touristy, but I highly recommend a trip up the Arc de Triomphe along with walking along the Champs Elysee to check out shops and other trips. Place de la Concorde is awesome along with the Louvre and a trip on the Bateaux Mouches at night.
However, if you tire of Paris and the city, a day trip to Versailles is great. I highly recommend you go into the Loire Valley to see Chateaux Chenonceau, Chambourd, and Amboise. Normandy is another place to see and pay your respects at Omaha Beach.
Have fun!
Dianne
I had just one day in Paris once, and I did some of the things these other guides have suggested to give myself a "taste." The Musee D'Orsay is a much more manageable museum than the Louvre, so it's good for a couple of hours. I agree with Dianne on climbing the Arc de Triomphe. I did that, too. The line here seems to move very quickly---if you have to wait at all---so you won't have to invest the time you would standing in line at Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower. The view from the top is worthwhile as well. You can see the road stretch from the historic section to the Modern Arch where business reigns supreme on the other side. That said, one thing you could do that is "non-touristy" is go over to the area with Victor Hugo's old house. It's not in the Bastille neighbourhood but near it. This is outside of what I'd consider the main "tourist" drag so just a pleasant place to walk, sit in a cafe, pop into museums you might cross along the way.... A word of advice on "off the beaten path" when you don't have a lot of time. The thing is, Paris has a lot of "tourist" highlights that are really worthwhile. They are not tourist "traps." I mean, if you go visit Napoleon's tomb, I suppose that is a touristy thing to do, but it's also gonna strike you as pretty darn impressive. The main thing I'd do is take a map and create a walking tour for myself. Just strolling along the Seine gives you a nice feel for the city.
- Reply by HiLow on July 2, 2009
My best suggestion is to rent a bike from the many Velib stations throughout the city and ride around. It ended up costing about $70 per person for the entire day but well worth it. You can totally hit up most of the sites: Eiffel Tower, Champs Elyse, Notre Dame, over the many Seine bridges. We stopped and had a picnic in Lafayette Park w/ a bottle of wine, some delicious cheese and fruit and a baguette. It really felt like the quintessential Parisian experience. And Paris is pretty flat and bike friendly so it's easy even for people not used to riding in an urban setting.
Here's a link to the bike rental co:
http://www.en.velib.paris.fr/comment_ca_marche
That's a GREAT suggestion, HiLow. Makes me want to go back to Paris just to do THAT. ;)
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