Paris Advice

Here are some brief tips on planning and enjoying your vacation in Paris:

When to Visit - You have dreamed of Paris in the Spring. However Paris can be cool and cloudy in the Spring. We recommend mid June to late September. The weather will be pleasant with a few hot days.

How Long to Stay - Not 2 days, not 5 days. At least 10 days is needed. Paris has too many sights to see and too much food to eat for only a short stay. Paris is a city where you linger over a breakfast of croissants and coffee, then take a short stroll along the Seine before you begin a day of sightseeing.

Where to Stay - Arrondissements 5, 6 and 7 are the best districts to stay in Paris for tourists. These areas are within walking distance of the Seine River. Most people spend alot of time strolling along the Seine when visiting Paris. We especially like the Latin Quarter (Arrondissement 5) because it is close to Notre Dame and the docks for Seine River cruises. Get a hotel within 2-3 blocks of a Metro station.

If you stay in the Latin Quarter, get an upper floor hotel room. The Latin Quarter is filled with tourists and noisy, but we love it.

How to Travel in Paris - One rule only, use the Metro. See our Paris Metro link on the left side menu.

What to See - The Eiffel Tower is number one on everybody's list and it does not disappoint. Sorry about those long lines.

Next is Notre Dame and you must go to the Louvre Museum. One of our unexpected favorites is Sainte-Chapelle, with its stunning stained glass windows.

Best Bargain - Paris Museum Pass - Although expensive it is a bargain compared to paying individual prices at each museum. In addition, you can bypass the long lines and use the "group entrance". At the Louvre Museum, we went to the "group entrance" on the other side of the museum and walked in without waiting. Wait until you arrive in Paris to buy a pass.

Where to Eat - Anywhere, this is Paris! The city has great food from the "Jambon" sandwiches sold on the street corners to the cafes and fine restaurants. However, avoid the "fixed price" menus in the Latin Quarter restaurants. They are for the tourists who like lots of food that is cheap.

Best Breakfast - Find a Patisserie and sample what truly great pastry tastes like. Our favorite is a chocolate croissant, next is a strawberry tart. Do not eat that overpriced breakfast your hotel may serve.

Best Chocolate Store - Any chocolate store - we have not eaten a bad piece of chocolate in Paris. Sometimes, it is hard to find a chocolate store. Get a list of stores and addresses before going to Paris.