My dear friend, Sheila, the GlamGal responsible for my daughter's wedding being over the moon spectacular, is going to Paris for the first time and has asked my advice. OMG where to start? Paris is undoubtedly my favorite city. Yes, the Parisians can be annoying but, so can the Americans and almost any other group of people.... especially when you are tired and cranky from a long flight. But it's the sounds and smells and tastes of Paris that have captured my heart.
They will be staying at the Westin which is right on the corner of Rue de Castiglione and Rue de Rivoli, across the street from the Jardin des Tuileries where this shot was taken. As you stroll to the Louve, this is a lovely way to go.
For information pre-trip, I have two sources I love.
www.bonjourparis.com is written by Americans living in Paris. You can't find a better site for information on what's happening now. Unless you try www.timeout.com and go to Paris as the destination. The hotel will also have a version of our "Where" magazine which will list museum times etc. Of course the French Department of Tourism will have loads of information. Try www.parisinfo.com
So what to do in seven days? Don't hope to do it all. I've been going to Paris for over twenty years and constantly discover new things. I say on your first trip... be a tourist. The icons you CAN'T miss incluce (in no specific order) The Eiffle Tower, The Louvre, The Seine (cruise and walk), Ile de France and Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysee, The Left Bank, Rue Fauberg St. Honore, the Bridges.
DAY ONE: At the hotel, take a shower and ask your concierge for a city map and Galeries Lafayette discount card.
Then head for the Eiffel Tower. It's walkable but if you are tired you can take a taxi. The Tour Eiffel was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889 and was meant to be a temporary structure. Don't worry, it's sound. Visit the third level (905 feet above the city) and get your bearings. When your stomach starts moaning that it's dinner time, check in at the Jules Verne Restaurant (advance reservations a MUST). The dining and views are some of the best in Paris. Assuming you are having wine with lunch (why not... you're in Paris) it will be nap time. Trust me -you will be happier if you listen to your body the first day.
Dinner the first day should be local. Again, you are adjusting and want to get on Paris time ASAP. I would suggest a neighborhood choice.
Le Grand Colbert: 2, rue Vivienne, Paris 75002. 01.42.86.87.88
Day 4: Real Shopping: Although Paris is home to beaucoup fantastic boutiques, the best bang for the buck will be to buy in a sweep... kind of like a panzer attack for all the things you know you want to buy. Thereby read Galeries Lafayette: www.galerieslafayette.com. Ask for the 10% GL visitor discount card from your hotel. Then when you enter Galeries Lafayette, find the hospitality desk, ask for your shopping pass (show your hotel's visitor discount card and passport) and seek all vendors who display the red dot indicating they honor the discount. Don't worry, most big names do. That on top of the 12% VAT you will get leaving the country ALMOST makes up for the lousy exchange rate. Here is the GF info on doing the paperwork. Note: Do this all in one day to make your to spend the amount needed for VAT. Have lunch at one of the Galeries Lafayette restaurants.
Info on Detaxe : save 12%
How does the tourist tax refund work?
As a non-resident of the European Union, you are entitled to claim back the 12% tax you pay on your purchases at Galeries Lafayette. -Purchases must total over 175.01 Euros made on the same day in the same store (Lafayette Coupole, Maison and Homme are considered one store)
What to do at Galeries Lafayette:- After making over 175.01 Euros of purchases, bring your sales receipts and passport to the tourist tax refund (détaxe) office located on the mezzanine of the ground floor of the main store (Lafayette Coupole).
- Select a method of reimbursement.*
- You will then be issued a Tax Refund Form ("bordereau de détaxe") consisting of two sheets to be signed by the retailer and yourself. Please note that the person who made the purchases must be present when the tax refund form is issued.What to do when exiting the European Union: Before checking your luggage, present the tax form together with your purchases, passport and transportation ticket for inspection by Customs.
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Day Five: Culture : I know shopping is a top priority but at this point you need to justify your trip. Trust me on this. When friends say... so what great things did you see in Paris, and all you tell them is shopping, they will wrinkle their noses and condemn you as a blonde.. and I know you are a brunette!!!! So bring on the Mona Lisa, Rodin Museum, Musee D'Orsee and all the other cultural icons. You can spend the whole day at the Louvre but your brains will be fried, so I suggest you pick the erass that speak to you and leave in time for a late lunch at the cafe across from I.M. Pei's triangular glass entry. On the patio.
Cafe Marly : 93 rue de Rivoli 1 49.26 06 60
Days 6-7: So much left to see. At this point you need to decide your priorites, There is touring or more shopping. Let me know.
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