My First Time To Paris:
 

Are there any things I MUST do or see? I'll only be in for 2 days.

Also, how important is speaking the local language, I speak English (obviously) and Italian and a little spanish, but only VERY VERY small amounts of french..

Hi ! Some word from a French....

You MUST see the Eiffel Tower and go on the top, the Arc de Triomphe and the Concorde on the Champs Elysées the 1st day. And the second day, you can go to Montmartre, the Louvres... there is so much to do !!

English is OK if you stay in Paris and if you don't go in others towns of France. Italian and spanish is not necessary if you speak english. French can be useful but not indispensable !

Have a nice trip !!
Caroline

First time, eh? Prepare to be heartily disappointed, as Paris really isn't that interesting. Also, prepare your wallet for Euro-land, as prices will be quite a shock.

Thank you very much, I'm actually staying across the street from the Louvres, so I can make a day of it going from the louvres all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.

Any suggestions for Day 2?

Also, any wonderful places to eat that are unknown, maybe even cheap :)
I dont care about glamour atmosphere, just amazing cuisine!

Thanks for the help, I've ordered Rosetta Stone's French level 1,2,&3. Even if I'm not fluent by the time I go to Paris, I will be next time. It's never a waste to learn a language :)

Agree, go to the Eiffel Tower, and go to the top. Preferably at dusk just before they turn the lights on - being there when they turn the lights on is fabulous!

And go see Rodin's Museum, have lunch at the cafe there, and go sit in the far back garden, heaven on earth.

I'm sure they wont be quite as much of a shock as London with it's 2:1 exchange rate :)

Although they are slow to admit it, many Parisians do speak English or at least understand. But, since we do not enjoy the best reputation as travelers in France as it is, the more French you can manage the better. As for must sees, I think there are too many to make them in only two days. The obvious ones would be the Eiffile Tower, The Louve, maybe Napoleon's tomb, Arc de Triomphe. There are so many museums to visit from the Picasso, The Musee D'Orsay, Musée Rodin, Le Centre Pompidou, and on and on. If you love museums then you will want to purchase the pass prior to arrival. You can find out more at this site
http://www.conciergerie.com/main.htm...useum_pass.htm

In addition for a wonderful view of the city go to the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre (besides the view from the Eiffile Tower).

Besides that just enjoy the food, and what many consider the most beautiful city in the world.

ooohhh.. that sounds very nice!! great suggestions. Thanks! Will definately do Rodin's

We will definately do the Basilique. My fiance, who will be travelling with me, is really in to old buildings, especially Basiliques and other cathedral types. She almost passed out at Winchester & St Pauls! :)

Thanks for the advice, I'll definately learn at least enough french to walk around, and maybe hold my own with the other tourists ;)

Forgot about Notre Dame, and for the best hot chocolate Café Angelique and the most wonderful food court at the department store Bon Marche just look for the signs for La Grande Epicerie, great place to pick up a picnic lunch.

And if you are looking for some of the romance of the "Lost Generation", Hemmingway etc..try Café Les Deux Magots for a cafe.

AND one more addition, I love this web site they have some great suggestions for bistros in Paris....pretty decent recommendations and I think you will be more comfortable in the bistro atmosphere
http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/bes...is_bistro.html

SAM

Not that interesting compared to what?:confused:

Saint Chapelle on Ile de la cite (hope i've spelled all of that correctly). The stained glass in the cathedral is absolutely breathtaking. The closest bridge is between the Louvre and Notre Dame.

I love just walking in Paris - was there again in NOvember.

There are also bateaux cruises down Seine allow you to see Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, etc. from the river level. Our first time in Paris we did that in the evening and the lights were wonderful....

In the area in front of the Louvre (between Louvre and Tuilleries) there were several women who would "find" a wedding ring and engage you in conversation - then ask for money for "food for their children." It was a new scam to me.... thought I'd warn....

Enjoy! I am sooooo jealous !!!!

Thats funny!

Thanks for all the advice, I've seen the Deux Magots on Samantha Brown :) Looked great.. I cant wait, I'll be printing this thread before I go, So Keep it coming!!

Paris is spectacular at night! And the Eiffel Tower magnificent when lit. I think all the suggestions are good, but if you like cathedrals and chapels do not miss Sainte Chapelle!! It really takes your breath away. Notre Dame is quite impressive from the outside, but you can whip through the inside fast enough and it's not far from Sainte Chapelle, built in 12th or 13th cent, I think...the stained glass windows there are amazing. Musee d'Orsay is a wonderful museum with a lovely cafe and a marvelous view from the terrace of this old railway station. By all means use whatever French you have. Don't be timid or think your accent and phrases won't be good enough. The effort is what counts. By the way, most French will answer you in English if they know the language, so don't be put off by it and think you're not up to the mark. That's just the way they are. But their opinion of you will be all the better for trying. Have a great trip!