I need advice on my visit to France

[XOKCowboy]

I'll be going to Paris on business the second week of October. I'd like any suggestions on must see things in Paris and on the southern coast. Our show ends on Thursday and we have until Tuesday afternooon to see as much as we can see.

It'll be my first time to France. Some colleagues and I are planning to take a train to Marseilles then take a car trip through Cannes, St. Tropez to Nice. We also want a day in Paris to see the sights.

What is your opinion. What would you recommend we see? Would you spend more time in Paris than the road trip?

Thanks for your help.

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. Kind of depends what you're into.

Are you more into scenery? Art? Architecture? Famous stuff?

Of course you have to go up in the tower (very touristy, but you can hardly say you've been to Paris without it).

If you like art, go to the Louvre. However, I will add that it is huge, takes DAYS to fully appreciate, and if you have no stomach for a bazillion Madonnas, it may be too much for you.

The Rodin museum or the Orangerie are smaller ways to get some art.

Pere Lachaise is a very old cemetery, with lots of famous folks buried there.

The southern cities are much more of a scenery proposition. The beaches are not like ours, so don't expect sandy and warm. They're full of stones and you could hurt an ankle getting down to the water.

Monaco is cool. You can see the changing of the guard there. I know there was a perfume factory in Eze, if you wanted to pick up some goodies for friends back home, but as far as famous stuff, there isn't as much. Delicious food, though.

Speaking personally, I would spend more time in Paris (you NEED more than one day) if your time is limited. When you come back, bring the wife or girlfriend and make it a sight-seeing vacation, for more of the wine country, chateau country, etc. I think that stuff is best enjoyed at one's leisure, with someone they love rather than a fellow busful of tourists or co-workers. You can stop at all the little quaint places for a bottle of red wine and an amazing lunch or dinner, and can see what strikes your fancy.

[cyclezealot]

4. Fudge strip.

NOt here in ROussillon. Our beaches almost rival those of Florida. Have to go further south towards Spain to find rocky beaches. Here, we like to wallow in our nice fine sand. Of course, you want rocky beaches, go south of Collioure, the rocks make for great snorkeling.

[BeyondThePale]

2. Have a great trip

If nothing else while you are in Paris, go to the Musee d'Orsay

www.musee-orsay.fr/
www.musee-orsay.fr/ORSAY/orsaygb/

It is an amazing old train station that is now a wonderful museum of impressionist masterpieces.

Obviously, there are many other museums great and small (bigger ones include the Pompidou and Louvre, but the Rodin and Picasso are worthwhile, too)

Paris is a wonderful city for walking. Look in the Michelin guide for wonderful walking tours on the left bank, in the Marais, on Monmartre, and through the gardens.

Be sure to visit small coffee shops.

The Paris metro is very useful. Also train travel through France is great. I would save yourself a hassle and not take a car--just ride the trains (more relaxing)

Have fun

[cyclezealot]

3. To us, France is the countryside.

Not much wine grown in Paris. WIne is the soul of France.? We live in the South. We prefer Roussillon over the Cote de Azur. Too many people there. Sort of like the crowds of California. We'll take the counryside anyday.
Of course, you go inland in Provence, that is different. The area about Vaison le Romain, is almost as quaint as here in Roussillon. They call Roussillon , the undiscoverd coast. Hope it remains that way. !

[Lydia Leftcoast]

5. What I always tell travelers:

Get a guidebook for the region you're going to visit, even just one. You'll enjoy the sights more if you have some idea of what they're about.

If you have your hotel arrangements made already, get the Insight Guide for France. It contains essays on French history and culture, as well as descriptions of the various cities, all illustrated with amazingly beautiful photographs. Years ago, I gave an earlier edition to some friends who were going to live there six months on an academic exchange program, and they came back telling me how useful it had been.

For practicalities, Rick Steves is good for first-time travelers. He practically holds your hand as you travel.

[XOKCowboy]

6. Thanks to everyone...

I've printed out your replies and suggestions and spread them among my traveling partners. We've decided to spend our off time in the south on a driving holiday. I figure I'll probably be back to Paris but I may never get back to the south of France.

Thanks again!