I'm think of taking a trip to Paris next fall. I've never been. Anyone who has gone, start sending me suggestions, recommendations, and whatnot.
Anya ,'Same Time, Same Place'
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Ooooh. I spent something like 3 days in Paris 30 years ago, so I have no suggestions or recommendations but I am quite certain you should go!
I got to visit Paris while I was in high school. Vaguely recall the Louvre and being surprised the Mona Lisa was so small. The best part of Paris was Notre Dame Cathedral. I loved the old stone and huge stained glass rose windows, the twisty staircase and seeing gargoyles up close.
There were probably some crusty baguettes and fine dining but I really can't remember.
Today I'd want to see Versailles and some rolling country side and not forget WWII history.
I think I did see Versailles. Shiny.
I am dying to take my family to Paris. FOUR people to Europe is so expensive, though. Sainte Chapelle is even better stained glass than Notre Dame, the Musee Picasso is amazing, and I walked everywhere. Bear in mind my in-person Paris knowledge mostly dates to 1988, when I lved there for six weeks. But in six weeks you do see ALL the Museums.
Definitely Sainte Chapelle.
And I think my favorite museum (aside from the obvious) was this one, which has (or at least had) the actual model apartment from Le Corbu's Radiant City!!
I feel like I basically just did the most obvious things in Paris (I was only there maybe 5 days?) and I regret NOTHING! Non, je ne regrette rien.
Depends on how long you're there. But the regional train takes you almost to the entrance of the palace at Versailles.
At mealtime, just wander into any random restaurant. You'll get a good meal. If the desire for American-style fast food becomes overwhelming, try Quick -- McDonald's done in French.
I regret not seeing the Arene de Lutece, Roman ruins in the southeastern part of the city.
I'll also pass on some advice (slightly modified) that I received about the Louvre. See the must-see items (Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo). Then go to one section of the museum and visit it thoroughly -- act like the rest of the museum is somewhere on the other side of town.
Yay Paris! I haven't been yet myself. My time in France was further south, so I have no Paris-specific suggestions. I do remember not having a single bad meal. And the cheaper wine was still quite palatable.
We're expecting snow in my region, too. Since we don't get snow that regularly, we're largely incapable of dealing with it. But I have food and drink, and as long as the power stays on I'll be fine. I do enjoy walking around in the snow as it's coming down, and then going inside to drink cocoa and watch the snow fall from the warmth of my sofa.
Also my friend who has lived in Paris for years off and on could give some more insider suggestions, but I have to say, as a non-French speaker, I was scared to go anywhere not super touristy alone.