I’m going to paris at the end of the month with the girlfriend… Any ideas on what the nicest things to do there are?
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Definitely a cruise on the Seine. Plenty of what they call “bateaux mouches” start from the city heart., You can even have dinner on some of them, where they serve pretty descent meal while you observe the famous buildings and scenery available throughout the city.
There’s a restaurant that’s pitch black inside, you can’t see a thing. It simulates how it would feel if you were blind. Good food, good athmosphere, good experience… It’s called “dans le noir” (in black).
If the weather is nice have a picnic on the Seine. Just grab a baguette,some cheese, sliced meats and of course a bottle of wine and sit on the banks of the river close the the Notre dame.
Also go to Palace of Versailles. The gardens are simply breathtaking.
The Rodin Museum – I highly recommend it – beyond the fact that the sculptures are incredible moving and beautiful – the house and gardens are beautifully landscaped and make a great afternoon away from the dirt and grime of Paris.
Visit the Marais, the central district in Paris (also the gay area), full of very old buildings and monuments, perfect for a shopping spree with a girlfriend.
The best museum is Musee D’orsay (the Louvre is just too huge). Even if you are not into museums you will be impressed. Avoid the queues by buying tickets in advance at http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/visits/admission/tickets.html. The best collections of Monets is at small museum in a lovely residential district: http://www.marmottan.com.
Definitely drive 18km (or take a tour bus) to the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Climb the Arc de Triomphe for the views down the Champs Elysee.
You can’t beat a fresh baguette, French cheese, and a bottle wine.
I used to live in Paris, and Picnics in the park are a wonderful, wonderful thing and very cheap. But not every park lets you go on the grass.
Parc des Butte Chaumant is on the North side of Paris, well worth the extra 15 minutes to get there, and you can picnic.
For a late-ish lunch try Mariage Freres tea house on 30, Rue Bourg Tibourg — that’s the best of their three locations. Not too expensive, and over 1000000 kinds of teas.
The Rodin museum is small but one of the best. It doesn’t overwhelm, and it’s close to the Eiffel Tower.
When my wife and I were there back in 2004, we were in our hotel room one evening, a Friday I think, when we heard this strange zooming sound coming from outside.
It was the largest group of rollerbladers that you can imagine – I’m no fan of the activity, but this was a sight to behold. They just kept on coming, like this huge army on wheels.
After the event I remember reading about this being a regular, weekly perhaps, occurrence. If I were to go again I’d find myself a nice cafe on the route and watch it go by.
Also, the Tour de France is on now, I think they often finish in Paris so you might be able to catch that if the timing is right.
If you’re into Disney or theme parks then you’ve got Disneyland Paris.
I was just in Paris a month ago, and WISH my girlfriend could have come. I would recommend the following:
– Take a night bike tour of Paris. I would do this early in the trip because it gives you a quick introduction to all the fun and cute neighborhoods in the city. I went on fat tire’s bike tour and it was so much fun. Included with the bike trip is a night cruise on the Seine (http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/)
– Go to Montmartre at night. You’ll have to walk up a bunch of stairs, but you get a beautiful view of the city at night. Walk past the Sacre coeur, and find a small outdoor bar and have a glass of wine with the lady. One place that has outdoor seating I liked was Cafe de la butte at 71, Rue Caulaincourt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/80095953@N00/178330479)
Hey I was in Paris just 2 months ago. There’s a really interesting castle on the beach called Mont Saint Michel, about 3-4 hours southwest of Paris. There are daytrips there, and it’s very worth the time. If you have a spare day, check that out.
Get the “Paris Pass,” which gives access to most of Paris’ attractions… Versailles has huge lines, so be sure to get there early — even if you have the Paris Pass that lets you get to the front of lines. And I agree that Musee d’Orsay is a good one to visit. Louvre too. There is a cafe called “Angelina,” that serves world-famous hot chocolate. It tastes like they melted a chocolate bar into a cup.
Assuming it’s not too hot, walk everywhere. …. ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but many of the tourist hot spots in Paris are within walking distance of one another. Sacre Coeur to the Louvre is easily accomplished (a very slow amble will do it in under two hours, I guess). La Sainte Chapelle on the Isle de la Cite, Notre Dame …. Palais de Maillot, La Tour Eiffel, Les Invalides, ….. aaaaaaaaargh, I want to go back. I am so full of envy – have a really lovely time.
Walk along the Champs Elysees – it used to be possible to buy Gauffres – waffles, which were fantastic. I think it’s more likely that the vendors are selling crepes now.
hi, i would definately advise you to take her to a fabulously decadent patisserie by the tuilleries..the cakes are works of art and there is generally a queue to go in but its amazing…we went there in the spring…angelinas tearoom …226 rue du rivoli….seriously…try it…
have a lovely time….
also….i would say try a trip out to monets garden at giverney…truly beautiful and not too far to go by train….
avoid…pizza pino…in the champs elysee..used to be fabulous but now its awful..unless you like tins of tuna and barely cooked egg dumped on your pizza !!! disgusting….
also,i suspect they water down the carafes of wine as our rose was paler than the carafe another table had…..
Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe – much more impressive view of the layout of Paris than the view from the Tour Eiffel. Other great activity is the Marche aux Puces which is located in north Paris at the Porte de St Ouen (I think) – it is huge and takes at least a full day to take it all in. Galeries Lafayette is a must for shopping, as it Au Printemps – actually anywhere on Boulevard Houssman. Have a blast, it is a beautiful city – shame you are going in August though, as that is when all the Parisiens leave the city for the beach!
I am a transplanted Vancouverite, running a tour company in Paris, visit http://www.NuitBlancheTours.com. I have written an ebook titled Practical Paris, Everything You Need to Know About Paris but Didn’t Know to Ask for http://www.InsiderParisGuides.com. I would be happy to send you an eval. copy, and wish I would be there to show you and your girlfriend around, however, I am in Canada for the summer.
Please provide me with an email address to send the guide to, and happy reading! PS I am so impressed and happy for your success and will be incorporating some of your proven idealogies into a new shopping site I am creating.
Hi Marcus, go to the Buddha bar, use to be for jetsetter but now has change and is a spot for foreigner living in paris, go to the bar and mingle with people , you will know what and where to go in Paris
July 6, 2008 at 5:54 am |
You should take your girlfriend to one of the many Michelin 3-star restaurants in Paris. They’re worth it.
July 6, 2008 at 5:59 am |
You should try out this free tour called:
http://www.newparistours.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=27
Well worth it as the guides are college kids who know their stuff. I went on the tour and it was excellent. Even better than any of the paid tours.
July 6, 2008 at 6:29 am |
Definitely a cruise on the Seine. Plenty of what they call “bateaux mouches” start from the city heart., You can even have dinner on some of them, where they serve pretty descent meal while you observe the famous buildings and scenery available throughout the city.
July 6, 2008 at 7:40 am |
There’s a place in france where the naked ladies dance. There’s a hole in the wall where the men can see it all.
Take her there.
July 6, 2008 at 8:35 am |
Hi Markus, i leave near Paris. There’s is so much thing to do. How long will you in Paris ?
A michelin 1-star restaurents will be also realy great… and you’ll can go several time ….
An original tour : http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com/
An other original visit http://www.catacombes-de-paris.fr/
An of course http://www.montmartrenet.com/
Have a good visit…
July 6, 2008 at 11:31 am |
Plenty of internet cafes. You will enjoy your stay.
July 6, 2008 at 12:35 pm |
There’s a restaurant that’s pitch black inside, you can’t see a thing. It simulates how it would feel if you were blind. Good food, good athmosphere, good experience… It’s called “dans le noir” (in black).
July 6, 2008 at 3:11 pm |
If the weather is nice have a picnic on the Seine. Just grab a baguette,some cheese, sliced meats and of course a bottle of wine and sit on the banks of the river close the the Notre dame.
Also go to Palace of Versailles. The gardens are simply breathtaking.
July 6, 2008 at 6:21 pm |
The Rodin Museum – I highly recommend it – beyond the fact that the sculptures are incredible moving and beautiful – the house and gardens are beautifully landscaped and make a great afternoon away from the dirt and grime of Paris.
July 6, 2008 at 7:13 pm |
Visit the Marais, the central district in Paris (also the gay area), full of very old buildings and monuments, perfect for a shopping spree with a girlfriend.
July 6, 2008 at 7:14 pm |
Oh… Montmartre district is also a must, just avoid having lunch here, it’s a major tourist trap, everything is overpriced and not that good.
July 6, 2008 at 7:33 pm |
The best museum is Musee D’orsay (the Louvre is just too huge). Even if you are not into museums you will be impressed. Avoid the queues by buying tickets in advance at http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/visits/admission/tickets.html. The best collections of Monets is at small museum in a lovely residential district: http://www.marmottan.com.
Definitely drive 18km (or take a tour bus) to the spectacular Palace of Versailles. Climb the Arc de Triomphe for the views down the Champs Elysee.
You can’t beat a fresh baguette, French cheese, and a bottle wine.
July 6, 2008 at 8:50 pm |
I used to live in Paris, and Picnics in the park are a wonderful, wonderful thing and very cheap. But not every park lets you go on the grass.
Parc des Butte Chaumant is on the North side of Paris, well worth the extra 15 minutes to get there, and you can picnic.
For a late-ish lunch try Mariage Freres tea house on 30, Rue Bourg Tibourg — that’s the best of their three locations. Not too expensive, and over 1000000 kinds of teas.
The Rodin museum is small but one of the best. It doesn’t overwhelm, and it’s close to the Eiffel Tower.
July 6, 2008 at 9:09 pm |
I second visiting Versailles.
When my wife and I were there back in 2004, we were in our hotel room one evening, a Friday I think, when we heard this strange zooming sound coming from outside.
It was the largest group of rollerbladers that you can imagine – I’m no fan of the activity, but this was a sight to behold. They just kept on coming, like this huge army on wheels.
After the event I remember reading about this being a regular, weekly perhaps, occurrence. If I were to go again I’d find myself a nice cafe on the route and watch it go by.
Also, the Tour de France is on now, I think they often finish in Paris so you might be able to catch that if the timing is right.
If you’re into Disney or theme parks then you’ve got Disneyland Paris.
July 7, 2008 at 12:59 am |
You are going to love the food
July 7, 2008 at 12:20 pm |
You should have beakfast or at least a coffee at the “Café de Flore” (take an ashtray as a souvenir, they might disappear soon).
July 7, 2008 at 2:28 pm |
Send photos!
July 7, 2008 at 3:26 pm |
I was just in Paris a month ago, and WISH my girlfriend could have come. I would recommend the following:
– Take a night bike tour of Paris. I would do this early in the trip because it gives you a quick introduction to all the fun and cute neighborhoods in the city. I went on fat tire’s bike tour and it was so much fun. Included with the bike trip is a night cruise on the Seine (http://www.fattirebiketoursparis.com/)
– Go to Montmartre at night. You’ll have to walk up a bunch of stairs, but you get a beautiful view of the city at night. Walk past the Sacre coeur, and find a small outdoor bar and have a glass of wine with the lady. One place that has outdoor seating I liked was Cafe de la butte at 71, Rue Caulaincourt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/80095953@N00/178330479)
July 7, 2008 at 5:58 pm |
Thanks guys these suggestions are awesome!!!
July 7, 2008 at 6:08 pm |
Can’t wait sweetie!
July 7, 2008 at 11:49 pm |
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris oh ya and while there get married
Have fun Markus
July 8, 2008 at 2:57 pm |
Hey Markus,
I’m living in Paris and I’m writing a blog about online dating named Datingwatch.org. So, if you want some tips about Paris, just send me an email.
See you
Youri
July 8, 2008 at 8:52 pm |
Hey Marcus- One restaurant recommendation:
Willis Wine bar
http://www.williswinebar.com/
The food is amazing and the staff all speak English. I lived in Paris for 6 months… this place was one of my favorites.
Have fun!
July 9, 2008 at 2:43 pm |
Hey I was in Paris just 2 months ago. There’s a really interesting castle on the beach called Mont Saint Michel, about 3-4 hours southwest of Paris. There are daytrips there, and it’s very worth the time. If you have a spare day, check that out.
Get the “Paris Pass,” which gives access to most of Paris’ attractions… Versailles has huge lines, so be sure to get there early — even if you have the Paris Pass that lets you get to the front of lines. And I agree that Musee d’Orsay is a good one to visit. Louvre too. There is a cafe called “Angelina,” that serves world-famous hot chocolate. It tastes like they melted a chocolate bar into a cup.
Hey can I come with you guys?
July 10, 2008 at 8:07 am |
Assuming it’s not too hot, walk everywhere. …. ok, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but many of the tourist hot spots in Paris are within walking distance of one another. Sacre Coeur to the Louvre is easily accomplished (a very slow amble will do it in under two hours, I guess). La Sainte Chapelle on the Isle de la Cite, Notre Dame …. Palais de Maillot, La Tour Eiffel, Les Invalides, ….. aaaaaaaaargh, I want to go back. I am so full of envy – have a really lovely time.
Walk along the Champs Elysees – it used to be possible to buy Gauffres – waffles, which were fantastic. I think it’s more likely that the vendors are selling crepes now.
Visit some of the open air markets – the most famous, of course, is the http://www.parispuces.com/en/Default.asp –
are you sure you have enough time??
M
July 11, 2008 at 10:32 pm |
Retrace the scavenger hunt in the film Amelie! Also, the view from the Musee d’Orsay is extraordinary.
July 14, 2008 at 2:35 pm |
Musee du Cinema if you like the movies
July 14, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
there is few museum.. that u can’t miss.
July 14, 2008 at 6:59 pm |
Paris in August?
Go to Stocklolm!
July 14, 2008 at 9:25 pm |
hi, i would definately advise you to take her to a fabulously decadent patisserie by the tuilleries..the cakes are works of art and there is generally a queue to go in but its amazing…we went there in the spring…angelinas tearoom …226 rue du rivoli….seriously…try it…
have a lovely time….
also….i would say try a trip out to monets garden at giverney…truly beautiful and not too far to go by train….
July 14, 2008 at 9:27 pm |
avoid…pizza pino…in the champs elysee..used to be fabulous but now its awful..unless you like tins of tuna and barely cooked egg dumped on your pizza !!! disgusting….
also,i suspect they water down the carafes of wine as our rose was paler than the carafe another table had…..
July 14, 2008 at 11:19 pm |
Go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe – much more impressive view of the layout of Paris than the view from the Tour Eiffel. Other great activity is the Marche aux Puces which is located in north Paris at the Porte de St Ouen (I think) – it is huge and takes at least a full day to take it all in. Galeries Lafayette is a must for shopping, as it Au Printemps – actually anywhere on Boulevard Houssman. Have a blast, it is a beautiful city – shame you are going in August though, as that is when all the Parisiens leave the city for the beach!
July 14, 2008 at 11:20 pm |
My two most memorable cafe visits were Cafe du Metro, and Cafe Angelique. If you can, check them out!
July 17, 2008 at 8:34 pm |
Bonjour Markus!
I am a transplanted Vancouverite, running a tour company in Paris, visit http://www.NuitBlancheTours.com. I have written an ebook titled Practical Paris, Everything You Need to Know About Paris but Didn’t Know to Ask for http://www.InsiderParisGuides.com. I would be happy to send you an eval. copy, and wish I would be there to show you and your girlfriend around, however, I am in Canada for the summer.
Please provide me with an email address to send the guide to, and happy reading! PS I am so impressed and happy for your success and will be incorporating some of your proven idealogies into a new shopping site I am creating.
Best,
Karen
http://www.NuitBlancheTours.com
Guidebook Author: http://www.InsiderParisGuides.com
July 18, 2008 at 3:15 am |
best thing to do in paris, is to…leave paris. and fast.
it’s a shit hole. bad service, lots of dog shit on the streets, and it’s real stinky this time of year.
have fun. but i recommend you get on train or plain and go to the riviera instead.
July 28, 2008 at 10:24 am |
Hi Marcus, go to the Buddha bar, use to be for jetsetter but now has change and is a spot for foreigner living in paris, go to the bar and mingle with people , you will know what and where to go in Paris