DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

A few years ago, we took a Rhine cruise, and, at the end, opted to spend a couple of extra days in Zurich. That was kind of disappointing, as we were lacking in language skills, and just sort of walked around taking things in. Next year, we're thinking of a different cruise, which has the option of spending a few days in Paris. Can anyone recommend a reputable, English-speaking guide service? We'd be happy to tour as part of a group; not particularly looking for a one-on-one guide.

Burkley Loc: Park City

Paris is a magnificent place for so many things. A lot depends on the time allotted and your interests. We enjoy Rick Steves France or Paris books. They are up to date and let you travel with accurate information. His tips are always spot on. Cameras are allowed about everywhere and photography opportunities abound. Museum de Orsay and, of course, the Louvre are must sees, as is the Eiffel Tower. I like Le Chapel, Louis XIII private chapel that is connected within the Ministry of Security (for some strange reason). It is just up river from Norte Dame. Besides that, I would look at the book and plan according to your tastes. The city is walkable with the subway. No guide needed in my opinion. We have enjoyed so much in Paris, it is our favorite destination.

My top 10

Museum d’ Orsay (I enjoy it much more than the Louvre)
Eiffel Tower
Louvre
Norte Dame
Le Chapel
Walking the Champes (both of them)
Versailles (a whole day)
Napoleon’s Tomb
Rodin Museum
Picasso Museum
The Pompidou (modern art)
The Orange (Monet)
Sacre’ Coure and Montmart
A walk on the Seine at night
Chartres (a day trip)
Giverney (Monet’s home and gardens, a day trip)
The Catacombs

Have fun. Chartres and Giverney may be better with a guide, as is Normandy Beach, but the rest are easily accessible without any help.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

A few days is not much time to spend in one of the most magnificent cities in the world. All of the spots suggested by Burkley are wonderful. Don't overlook Ru Cler - a short street near the Eiffel Tower that is jammed with open-air stalls of beautifully presented fruits, veggies, cheeses, breads, and meats - a photographer's dream! (Also a picnicker's dream). I agree with his point about the Museum d'Orsay - the collection in the Louvre only goes through a certain date and so does not include the impressionist period. You have to go to The Orange or the d"Orsay for later period paintings. The d'Orsay is an old train station restored as a museum and is worth the visit even without the paintings. Standing in front of an original Monet, Renoir, Manet, or other painting - posters of which you have seen all your life - is awe-inspiring. The Catacombs were memorable! We love the Rick Steve's Guides - the one on Paris helped us pick a small family-run hotel on the West Bank not far from the Eiffel Tower and just two blocks from Ru Cler. One of our favorite things was the dinner cruise on the Seine. We did not enjoy the Moulin Rouge because when we went they sat you at shared tables and allowed smoking. We did fine without speaking French - a smile and being polite go a long way. Almost everyone was patient and kind with us (one waiter not so much). Be aware that some of the smartphone translation Apps are pretty good. As always, beware of pickpockets and consider any distraction on the streets as setting you up to be a victim. Rick Steve's says: "In Europe, don't carry anything with you that you can't afford to have stolen". Not sure it's that bad, but I travel on alert, try not to advertise that I am a tourist, and I have travel clothes with inside pockets and pockets with zippers. Our only pickpocket attempt (failed) was on the Metro - always a high-risk place. Have a great trip!

Burkley Loc: Park City

We probably stayed in the same small hotel by Ru Clar. Good advice.

jonsailhob

https://2bqa8.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/S0HXHzE8Cy8uhOoX9TjwoKVOF3Wg-2o5F_Nd1jT42tMbdrZKckgvqGzDNgbFAggHgOWGsWUfFMlp7Si6K-iMHWe3vOELwBXxRzalKNKBBjdmQTINZ4SHD13qu7FnYOpFq6v-qg
Is a link to “Secrets of Paris” a fun newsletter we have read since our last visit. Lots of good stuff by an American expat in Paris.

Hip Coyote

Hmmm...this travel thing seems to be working out! Great advice!

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I agree. But I also still wonder if anyone knows of reputable English-speaking tour guides?

Burkley Loc: Park City

Look on trip advisor or in Rick Steves books.

Rick C Loc: Pittsburgh

Check out this site. All locals that volunteer and provide free walking tours
http://greeters.paris/

JayRay Loc: Missouri

Dozens of tours in Paris are available through Viator.com. Thru Viator we took a 3 hour auto tour of Paris with "Paris by Night-Vision Tour- Private Trip" . Here is our review: "Saiyid drove my wife and I all over Paris showing us all of the major monuments and giving us their history. He was very patient and he stopped at most locations for us to take photos. He did an excellent job showing us Paris, the "city of lights," at night. Excellent tour! Highly recommend this private tour!" You can tour during the day but we read reviews that if you travel by auto in Paris during the day you spend most of your time tied up in the city's ridiculous traffic. During the evening (we did 8-11 pm) we zoomed around with very little traffic. The sun does not set until around 9:45 pm in Paris in the summer. Also highly recommend the Red Hop On Hop Off open top bus tour. Highly recommend Viator for tours and also purchasing tickets on line rather than waiting in a long line. If you have more questions you can private message me.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Thank you!

rcarol

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