3 days in Paris

[Anonymous]

Years ago, along with my family, we happened to be in Paris on the final day of the Tour de France. Although the winner has been decided, the riders fly down the Champs-Elise’s and around the Arc de Triomphe. Helper vehicles (sorry, don’t know what they are called) fly down the road SO close to the riders with me wondering how there is not a collision. What a site to see the riders so close. We really enjoyed this experience. We also did the underground catacombs with my then 12-13 year old boys. Get tickets early.

[Anonymous]

Place does Vosges for leisurely people watching and a rest on the grass.

[Anonymous]

I’d recommend against actually going up the Eiffel Tower; that can easily eat up half a day. Instead, Metro to Trocadero to get good pictures of the Tower from a distance, and then walk toward it to get closer shots. Then hop on a Batobus (water taxi; you’ll see them on the Seine right by the Tower), which will take you toward Notre Dame. While you’re in that vicinity, check out Shakespeare and Company (a famous English-language bookstore).

If you want good views of the city, visit Sacre Coeur and take pictures from the observation area out front. While you’re there, spend time walking around Montmartre.

As mentioned by several other posters, Musee d’Orsay is well worth the time. I also recommend Musee de l’Orangerie. It’s a fairly small museum that features Monet’s giant water lily paintings.

Luxembourg Gardens are also beautiful this time of year (or any time of year, really).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d recommend against actually going up the Eiffel Tower; that can easily eat up half a day. Instead, Metro to Trocadero to get good pictures of the Tower from a distance, and then walk toward it to get closer shots. Then hop on a Batobus (water taxi; you’ll see them on the Seine right by the Tower), which will take you toward Notre Dame. While you’re in that vicinity, check out Shakespeare and Company (a famous English-language bookstore).

If you want good views of the city, visit Sacre Coeur and take pictures from the observation area out front. While you’re there, spend time walking around Montmartre.

As mentioned by several other posters, Musee d’Orsay is well worth the time. I also recommend Musee de l’Orangerie. It’s a fairly small museum that features Monet’s giant water lily paintings.

Luxembourg Gardens are also beautiful this time of year (or any time of year, really).

Great advice here. I would also add the Promenade Plantee elevated walkway as an awesome and different way to see the city. It was featured in a scene in Before Sunset, and was the model for the High Line in New York, but much less crowded (and more green).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d recommend against actually going up the Eiffel Tower; that can easily eat up half a day. Instead, Metro to Trocadero to get good pictures of the Tower from a distance, and then walk toward it to get closer shots. Then hop on a Batobus (water taxi; you’ll see them on the Seine right by the Tower), which will take you toward Notre Dame. While you’re in that vicinity, check out Shakespeare and Company (a famous English-language bookstore).

If you want good views of the city, visit Sacre Coeur and take pictures from the observation area out front. While you’re there, spend time walking around Montmartre.

As mentioned by several other posters, Musee d’Orsay is well worth the time. I also recommend Musee de l’Orangerie. It’s a fairly small museum that features Monet’s giant water lily paintings.

Luxembourg Gardens are also beautiful this time of year (or any time of year, really).

Great advice here. I would also add the Promenade Plantee elevated walkway as an awesome and different way to see the city. It was featured in a scene in Before Sunset, and was the model for the High Line in New York, but much less crowded (and more green).

[Anonymous]

Private boat tour. Green River Tours is fantastic. No need to do the Arc de Triomphe but if you do, it's a few quick pictures.

[Anonymous]

Definitely add the Musee D'Orsee (consider lunch in their restaurant) and Musee l'orangerie.
I'd probably drop the Louvre in favor of both of those if needed.

I'd drop Versailles. That's an entire day out of your short trip.

I disagree with those saying the to skip the Eiffel Tower. I absolutely loved that, and it's a quintessential Parisian experience. Book the tickets well in advance so you can go all the way to the top and not just the second level.
Don't spend too much time on the second level - the first floor is way less crowded, has a bigger snack bar area, and isn't much different as far as the view.

As others have said, be sure to allow time just to wander around a neighborhood, grab some amazing food, and enjoy yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely add the Musee D'Orsee (consider lunch in their restaurant) and Musee l'orangerie.
I'd probably drop the Louvre in favor of both of those if needed.

I'd drop Versailles. That's an entire day out of your short trip.

I disagree with those saying the to skip the Eiffel Tower. I absolutely loved that, and it's a quintessential Parisian experience. Book the tickets well in advance so you can go all the way to the top and not just the second level.
Don't spend too much time on the second level - the first floor is way less crowded, has a bigger snack bar area, and isn't much different as far as the view.

As others have said, be sure to allow time just to wander around a neighborhood, grab some amazing food, and enjoy yourself.

Bolded is the key to any Paris visit. I'd set aside at least half a day for it, probably one day. Or some sort of semi-walking tour where the journey is the main thing.

[Anonymous]

Recently came back. We did a croissant baking class and it was a lot of fun.
https://www.lefoodist.com/

[Anonymous]

I studied in Paris for a year. The summer that my DD graduated from HS, we went to London to see family and took the train to Paris for 3 days. It was her first time in Paris and we had a fabulous time:; the highlights:

Eiffel Tower at night
Picnic in Jardin Luxembourg
Stroll through St. Germain
Musee D'Orsay
Sainte Chapelle and stroll along Seine
Shakespeare and Co.

[Anonymous]

Strong +1 for leaving time to just wander and people watch/have a glass of wine or coffee at cafes, or hang out in the Luxembourg Gardens.

I'd also skip the Louvre and Versailles. Also recommend Orsay and either Rodin or Picasso instead (the latter two are quite small).

[Anonymous]

This might not make the top of the list for a 3-day trip, but I really love strolling up the Rue Mouffetard and checking out all the food shops and stalls. (It's closed Mondays.) Nearby is Arene de Lutece, which is a small but cool Roman ruin. The Marais district is another great neighborhood for walking and exploring, especially in the evening.

[Anonymous]

Lots of great recommendations here. YMMV, but I really enjoy watching films/reading books about a particular location before I visit. I get more out of the trip that way.

“Seven Ages of Paris” by Alistair Horne is a fantastic history of the city. As for films, you might enjoy “Midnight in Paris” or “Before Sunset” (before watching the latter, which takes place in Paris, watch its prequel, “Before Sunrise”).

[Anonymous]

+1 skip Versailles

Add:
Saint- Chapelle
Musee D’Orsay
Sacre-Coeur
Rodin gardens - Skip the museum and just visit the gardens. That’s where the main statues are.
Bateau Mouche ride on the Seine

Make sure you try a croque monsieur, macarons, and of course crepes. My personal favorite pastry is a chocolate eclair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I studied in Paris for a year. The summer that my DD graduated from HS, we went to London to see family and took the train to Paris for 3 days. It was her first time in Paris and we had a fabulous time:; the highlights:

Eiffel Tower at night
Picnic in Jardin Luxembourg
Stroll through St. Germain
Musee D'Orsay
Sainte Chapelle and stroll along Seine
Shakespeare and Co.

I live in Paris and this is the best itinerary so far. You could also shop for a picnic on Rue Cler and picnic at the Champ de Mars.

Not enough time for Versailles.

Take pics outside the Louvre if you must (the Tuileries nearby are a nice walk), but I’d pick the Orsay to see art.

Prioritize eating, wandering and maybe a tour or cooking class that lets you interact with someone French.