What can I do in Paris for 12 hours?

[Leyla Giray Alyanak]

HI All,

 

I posted this in the Paris Group and it was suggested that I post it here as well, since it's six days away. Here goes:

 

I'm in Paris this Sunday, arriving around 11am at the Gare de Lyon. I have the day to myself, and the evening. I'm traveling solo and want to make sure I really use the time! 

 

I don't know the city's museums but I love art, decoration... Perhaps a museum for the day? (I've been to the Puces de St. Ouen so no need to direct me there).

 

In the evening I'm eating alone but love good food of any nationality. Any ideas of where I can enjoy a great meal without having to dress up or feel awkward dining alone?

 

I'll be staying somewhere near the National Assembly but don't know where yet...

 

Any help welcome!

 

[Michael Schuermann]

Paris on a sunny day is best enjoyed outdoors and you can learn more about Paris sitting on a park bench in a few hours than spending it in a museum. 12 hours is long enough for you to basically visit most major sites if it's your first time in Paris. Marais and Montmartre would be my picks for you.

[Juan Martinez]

And the Left Bank, near the Sorbonne. Like Sevilla, it has been commercialized, but it still has old cafes, bookstands and narrow streets that remind me when it was the home of writers and artists.

[Tony Humphrey]

Walk, sit, eat, drink....walk,sit,eat,drink...walk,sit,eat,drink...with a good tourist map....that should do it and then you can sleep on the plane...(or maybe not?)

[Judy Kendall]

Maybe see Notre Dame and if the weather cooperates buy some wine and a sandwich or whatever pleases you take it to the lawn by the Eifel Tower like the locals at sunset and watch the lights go on at the tower.  Take a cruise down the river is fun too.  So many things to do in Paris  -- love it there.  The parks are fun and walking down the Seine is too.

[Leyla Giray Alyanak]

Thank you so much everyone! Plenty of things to do - and the weather is supposed to be fine.

[THE INTELLIGENCE TRAIL]

My two 'spiritual' homes in Paris are Les Jardins du Luxembourg..... beautiful relaxing gardens. And for some wonderful modern art, the Pompidou Centre. Go to the highest levels of it and you get an amazing view looking up to Sacre Coeur!

Also, if you want an excellent part-map, part guidebook that looks great, A La Carte Maps do a beauitfully designed and highly informative map of the city. check them out at www.alacartemaps.com