I just got back from Easter vacation 3/24-28. 4 full days.
I stayed at the Hotel Mansart (old Calais Hotel I believe) which apparently got rejuvenated, neutral comments except the location which is unbelievable.
You definitely must walk, and do so all day long, for the first 2 days at least. After that, you kind of know where you%26#39;re going and the Metro is the best way to save time and get from point A to B and there system is fool-proof. We (2) bought 2 packs of 10 tickets and left leaving 4 at the hotel.
My boyfriend had gone about 10 times to Paris but it was my 1st visit and he guided me well and at the same time he discovered new things (which you always do in Paris I guess). One thing is for sure, do NOT go to the Louvre (inside) if you have only a few days to go. Thank God I did not when I saw the pictures in the book I bought AFTER I went there (which I am soooooooo glad I did). Too much time-consuming.
I got to see so many things that after 3 days I actually felt like I could leave now and be happy. But on the 4th day a whole new door opened up and well boo hoo hoo I had to leave the next day.
The one museum I hear you must see is the Musée d%26#39;Orsey, which I went to see (on Easter SUnday, dummy) so did not get to see due to 2 hour+wait. This is apparently a relatively short visit and very very worth-while. But get there early.
I went to the Eiffel tower but not up due to long wait and honestly I%26#39;m not sure how much I missed.
Went to Arc de Triomphe (284 steps, no elevator) and it is a nice sight.
The one event I discovered on my last day, but did not go to because it was too late, is the %26quot;wine museum%26quot;, which I believe would be a fantastic plan B if you cannot get into a famous museum due to long lines. They have wine-tasting and buying on the spot.
I went to the Crazy Horse and was told by a few people after we had bought the tickets (months ago) that it really wasn%26#39;t one of the best shows in town, but if you have never been to Paris you must do this. Get there early and tip the doorman - I was 2nd row (this is a tiny theater so you have the dancers a few feet away from you) and I cried 2/3 of the show because I was so moved by the beauty of it. It is a very very tasteful light show but all in the nude (except real privates).
We did not go on a cheap budget and still, found everything so expensive. I left with intent of purchasing a designer bag and just choked at seeing the prices. Good thing is that often prices are shown in front windows so you know whether to go in or not.
Definitely spend 1st day on the Rive droite, and 2nd day on Rive Gauche. The latter is much less expensive for restaurants, for equal excellent quality (and often less stuffy). Then you can decide which you prefer. Do go to Ile St-Louis and do go to St-Germain area.
For chocolates, I saw la Maison du Chocolat but did not know it was an insitution, La Durée seems to be the chocolate place and is exquisite. There is one on the Champs Élysées and another close to la Madeleine. I definitely recommend going there.
Well I%26#39;m writing on and on here but if you need additional info, I have restaurant recommendations and went to some of the %26quot;instutions%26quot; so just reply!
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Sounds like a wonderful time! PLEASE do write about your restaurant experiences....and in as much detail as you can! (I%26#39;m such a foodie!!)
Nina
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please give us your take on the restaurants I ma loking forward to a quick trip to Pris for two days arriving WEdnseda y in Versailles and staying at teh Champerret Elysees in Paris Thursday and Friday nights with my 16 year old daughter, third week in May. I would love a recommendation maybe near the Moulin Rouge Is it really worth seeing? A friend is dying to go I have heard the food isn%26#39;t that great and the whole place is very pricey Any feedback on this from any one close by?
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A very good read. Thanks for the tip about walking the first two days to get a feel for the lay of le land... and for the tip about Le Rive Droite and Le Rive Gauche. I understand Ile Sainte-Louis is quite enchanting- a living time capsule. oui?
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