I was channel surfing last night and happened upon the Travel Channel which was doing a show on the Top Ten things to do in Paris. Since I started watching a bit too late, I saw the top 8 things to do! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

What are your thoughts on their suggestions and I'm including them in no particular order.


Eiffel Tower
Notre Dame
Musee D'Orsay (they made a point of saying that Louvre was too big and busy)
The Seine (by boat Bateau Mouchee was recommended and by foot)
Pere Lachaise
Luxembourg Gardens
Inline Skating
Shopping in the Marais for savvy shopper

Eiffel Tower: something everybody does on their first trip to Paris. Paid my dues as a kid, was excited http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Notre Dame: must do. Combining visit with a mass (http://catholique-paris.cef.fr/paroisses/NDdeP.htm) is edifying, if only for the music. Nicely illuminated at night too.

Musee D'Orsay: must do, especially the impressionist collection upstairs.

The Seine (by boat Bateau Mouche was recommended and by foot): I am actually very fond of European rivers and their nostalgic barges, and strolling by the Seine does bring back memories of 20th century French novels. A peaceful escape from the bustle of the city IMO. The Bateau Mouche is just a bit tacky but does offer nice vantage points.

Pere Lachaise: a refresher in French history if you need one.

Luxembourg Gardens: many locals with their children on weekends, a manicured neighborhood Central Park? A good place to sit down and plan the rest of your day after a visit of the Quartier Latin. Frankly speaking, just looks like another French park to me.

Inline Skating: sounds interesting, but being personally 'challenged' on skates of any kind, can't comment http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/frown.gif. Watch for 'em cobblestones though. Perhaps better early on Sunday morning? Parisian drivers do not stop for pedestrians!

Shopping in the Marais for savvy shopper: could be a time consuming endeavor for savvy shopper...

Regarding the "Louvre is too big and busy" nonsense:

There is no requirement that you see everything in one visit to the Louvre! Or even in 100 visits!

To make the Louvre manageable, buy a guidebook such as "Louvre First Time Visit" (or similar title -- available at the Louvre bookstore before entering the museum), or Rick Steves' "Mona Winks" (a guide to many of Europe's top museums). Or sign up for an English-language walking tour.

I consider the Louvre a must-see in Paris.

You can avoid the ticket lines (which in my experience have usually been short, but occasionally insanely long) by buying a Carte Musees et Monuments.

Kathy