Paris next week

[Jonathan---]

Hi I am taking my fiancee on a supprise trip to Paris from Mon 20th to Wed 22 July for her 30th Birthday.
There are so many things to do/see and i'm not great on the old planning lark!
Any reccommendations? Want to keep the costs down if i can but realise that Paris is an expensive destination!
Thanks.

[ojread2]

Funnily enough I was reading a thread about Paris and someone having 2 days there
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187147 -i14-k2943325-First_time_in_Paris_for_just_2_d ays-Paris_Ile_de_France.html

Some great ideas but realise that it is VERY expensive especially at this time of year - hotel prices are high in the 'cheap season' so choose wisely

[thugulike]

If the weather is bad try the Baccarat crystal factory and museum. I remember it being free and full of beautiful glass.

[coccinelle]

Just walking round the city sightseeing is free. For 19,60� each you can buy a Paris Visite ticket which allows you 3 days on metro, buses, trams, funicular upto Sacr� Coeur and lots of reductions (ie boat trip, ...) I'd say going upto the Sacr� Coeur and wandering around nearby Montmartre watching the painters is a must. Walking along the Seine and going for a boat trip just next to Eiffel Tower another must and also a walk up or down the Champs-Elys�es between the Concorde and the Arc de triomphe yet another must. I say 'musts' cos they're romantic!
Quartier Saint Michel is very lively in the evenings and food is cheap there.

[Oiverbotel]

Romanticism never has to have a large expense. I�m an admittedly hopeless romantic and throughout my life, my experiences with amour have been as diverse as my finances.

If you happen to be on a budget, �actually, even if you aren�t on a budget, one of the most romantic things you can do is to buy a baguette from one of the many fine boulangeries, some fromage and perhaps even a small slice of pate de foie gras, a handful of grapes, and a bottle of inexpensive table wine. Take a pillow case from your hotel, and plant yourselves on the grass beneath the Eiffel Tower. You could not ask for a more romantic afternoon.

Personally, some of the most romantic evenings I�ve had have been after dinner, with walks along the Seine.

The phrase �Paris is for lovers� can be easily discovered with a minimum of costs and a maximum of love.

I promise you, the experience will remain with you for the rest of your lives and will be a memory photo that never leaves you.

If you have a small �cadeaux d'anniversaire� you intend to give her, perhaps a small card with simple words would enhance the moment as well.

I�m so pleased to have read your query. It makes me smile to see people in love.

Bon Voyage!

[oldrec]

I recommend a boat trip on the seine, to incorporate lunch or dinner. Full details can be obtained on the France Tourism website.

www.francetourisme.fr/dinner-lunch-cruise-paris-boat-seine.html?gclid=CJ-wlcD31ZsCFcITzAodAinkJA

[coccinelle]

oldrec that would be rather expensive unless they took their own sandwiches!!

[Jonathan---]

Hi again thanks for all the feedback!
We will be staying in Monmatre so sacre cour should be easy enough.
I've booked a bike about tour for the tuesday morning so that sounds like it should be good.
Is it a long walk from Monmatre to the sein or champs? I may be better getting the 3 day visite ticket as i hear cabs are expensive!

[coccinelle]

Yes, it is a long walk down to the Seine. If you wanted to just get a one day Paris Visite it's about half the price of a 3 day and do all that's round the Seine on the day you use that plus your boat ride down the Seine which you can get at a discount; you can buy it one day and use it when you want. (By the way, if you've got points with Tesco you can buy boat trips very cheaply but it might be too late for next week - just a thought)
I must say I visited Paris with some family over from Oz when the metro was on strike and we saw nearly all the main sights in the day but didn't manage to get to the Sacr� Coeur (too far up).
BTW Be careful on those bikes; the Parisians are mad drivers!

[Chappers]

The Louvre.

The Eiffel Tower.

Notre Dam Cathedral.

Surrounding cafe's, restaurants & bars.

[Chappers]

Oh oh oh!

And crepes from street vendors...wow!

[coccinelle]

Chappers gives me a thought. For a lovely cheap meal you can go into a creperie (there are a few at Montmartre), they usually have candle lit tables, very down to earth and have choices of whatever in your savoury pancake (galette) then whatever choice in your sweet pancake (cr�pe) all this with 'un pichet' or two of cider for the lovely price of 30� at the most for two!!!
If you're interested I can give you good cheap restaurants in Paris; just let me know.

[Jonathan---]

coccinelle, that'd be great if you could mention a few places to eat.
I was told the food is good wherever you go and think we'll probably be eating th crepes, french sticks and croissants a plenty during the day!
I've told her now as we leave early hours of tomorrow and she is over the moon! Thanks for all the advice everyone!!!
Jonathan