A Week in Paris

Overview

Quote:

Paris is unlike any other city in the world. Excitement, beauty, art, culture, fine wines, shops by the dozen all conspire to make this a fantastic vacation spot. The neighborhoods really make this different than visiting most big cities. The Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay and the L'Orangerie are all not to be missed sites. They are all well worth the waiting time in lines. Versailles is just outside of Paris and an easy day trip. The palace is spectacular and the town is charming itself with many cafes and small shops.The Pere Lachasise cemetery is a fascinating place with Moliere, Balzac and Jim Morrison among others buried there. Purchase a map at the entrance so you will be abl...Read More

Paris is unlike any other city in the world. Excitement, beauty, art, culture, fine wines, shops by the dozen all conspire to make this a fantastic vacation spot. The neighborhoods really make this different than visiting most big cities. The Louvre, Notre Dame, Musee D'Orsay and the L'Orangerie are all not to be missed sites. They are all well worth the waiting time in lines. Versailles is just outside of Paris and an easy day trip. The palace is spectacular and the town is charming itself with many cafes and small shops.

The Pere Lachasise cemetery is a fascinating place with Moliere, Balzac and Jim Morrison among others buried there. Purchase a map at the entrance so you will be able to find things quickly. Tell the man at the gate you're an American and he'll give you a discount!

Montmarte is not to be missed. Ask a taxi driver to take you to the top: Sacre Coeur. If you take the Metro you'll have to walk up the hill. At the top you can see this beautiful old church and then work your way down. The area is filled with artists and you can purchase an original right there. Don't forget to take your picture with the artist (a tradition).

Quick Tips:

Stay in a small neighborhood hotel and wander the day you arrive. You'll find the good eateries that way.

A Museum Pass and a Metro Pass are worth the money. The Museum Pass will save some line time and the metro pass enables you to get going quickly.

This is really a walking town so be sure to bring a comfortable pair of shoes and walk and walk and walk. Plan your day the night before so you know what Metro stop you need and then walk from there.

If you have too much luggage to use the Metro for the trip to the airport, consider contacting a shuttle. Golden Air was efficient and charged 17 euros per person. Be sure to book this at least two days in advance.

I saw all types of dress in Paris, but shorts were worn only by tourists. Dress comfortably and pack light...you'll want room for all of your marvelous bargains!

Be sure to have bottled water with you, especially in summer as it does get warm.

Best Way To Get Around:

The Metro is very easy and very well marked. You will have no trouble navigating the city and it will be cheap!

Walking is huge in Paris. Do it and discover small neighborhoods that won't be in your guidebook. Read Less

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Exclusive Moliere Louvre

Hotel | "Hotel Moliere"

Quote:

This small, charming hotel is located very close to the Louvre and the Av. de l'Opera metro stop. The people at the front desk will go out of their way to help. They were wonderful for getting directions, calling an airport shuttle and having a bucket of ice for us when we returned from a day of sightseeing!The rooms are comfortably sized for two people. The decor is of Provence. Beautiful wallpaper ad trimmings make this a welcome respite. The bath had a shower and a tub and was large by European standards. All amenities are in the bath including a hairdryer.Service was outstanding. Breakfast was served in a charming breakfast room overlooking a small garden patio. The buff...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 1, 2006

Exclusive Moliere Louvre
21 Rue Moliere
Paris, France 75001
+33 (1) 55.33.16.55

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Musée de l'Orangerie

Attraction | "l'Orangerie"

Quote:

This museum has just reopened and it was stunning. A modern decor and a very small hallway led to an oval room with Monet's water lilies on all walls. The effect was spectacular! There are other works downstairs, but this is a relatively small museum. With your handy Museum Pass you wait in a separate, and much quicker, line. Don't miss this museum!

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 1, 2006

Musée de l'Orangerie
Jardin des Tuileries
Paris, France 75001
+33 1 42 97 48 16

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Musée du Louvre

Attraction | "The Louvre"

Quote:

There is nothing like the Louvre. But be prepared for huge crowds if you go in the summer. A guided tour is a great way to get a feel for the place and then you can come back on a Tuesday or Thursday evening to enjoy it in relative peace. The tours are about 8 euros and the guides are very knowledgeable. Everyone wears headphones so that your guide can talk and you can hear. You can enter underground where the line is not as long. There is a shopping mall located there with a good assortment of stores. Check out the food court on the upper level. Good food at cheap prices! Your museum pass will get you in with a much shorter wait time.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 1, 2006

Musée du Louvre
99, rue de Rivoli
Paris, France 75001
+33 (1) 40 20 51 51

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Musee d'Orsay

Attraction

Quote:

This lovely museum is filled with Impressionist work. Go early. Your museum pass will get you in a separate, shorter and quicker line. When you enter go straight to the top floor. Everyone else starts at the main floor so you will have these wonderful works of art to yourself. The gift shop has a great selection of prints and lovely, long postcard of Monet's water lilies.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 1, 2006

Musee d'Orsay
62, Rue De Lille
Paris, France 75343
+33 (1) 4049-4994

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