OK -- >>the sights, sounds and feel of the City<< really ARE the touristy bits. Don't see how one could see the 'sites' w/o rubbing shoulders w/ (and being) tourists.


"We would appreciate recommendations on hotels, restaurants . . . "

Hotel budget and type of restaurants?

Hi MH,

>This is our first trip to Paris and prefer to take in the sights, sounds and feel of the City rather than the touristy things...<

I have been to Paris more than a few times.

I can direct you to several places that are very low down on the list of "must sees", eg, taking a bus out to Malmaison.

Are you really sure that you wouldn't want to visit the things at the top first?

>the best way to travel from Paris to Monaco.
www.voyages-sncf.com

BUDGET?

For hotel and restaurant recommendations you need to provide budget (a specific amount in euros or dollars - "moderate" can mean many different things to different people) as well as your expectations.

Do you want a quaint hotel with shared bath and no elevator, a modest hotel in the local style with small rooms and limited front desk staff, a standard business type property with services, a more upscale hotel with rooms a little larger and a useful concierge - or a deluxe property in the most exclusive area?

A meeting in Monaco probably indicates a more upscale hotel/restaurant choice elsewhere.

Thanks to everyone for your reply.

When I mentioned not the touristy things I meant things such as going up the Eiffel tower which could mean a long waiting time. Nice to do but would rather do these things when we have more time.

We have found that you can find restaurants in just about every price range with great food so we are open to a range with the caveat that the food is wonderful.

Our lodging choices would be ensuite bathroom, elevator, quaint is nice as long as it has these amenities in an area that's walkable and have easy access to shops, etc.

Thanks.

We stayed in a charming boutique hotel...hotel des tuileries..in Paris..Very convenient, across from the Louvre..26 rooms, elevator and breakfast.. check it out. Would stay there again in a heart beat. Did alot of wandering and this hotel was ideally situated. At a geological conference we stayed farther out at the Ibis near the convention center..Too big, and huge isolated Metro staion for our liking..Would not stay there ever again but location of the conference at the time demanded it.

You still need not provide a budget for your lodging. Your description of requirements for lodging can be found at many price levels. There are many here who can offer great suggestions but won't bother until they know if you are looking for a $200/nt room or a $400/nt room.

For a first and very short trip I suggest staying in the 3rd, 6th or 7th arrondissement as they are walkable to many sites.

PS, I've been up the Eiffel Tower four times, all during peak summer season and always with less than a 20 minute wait. You just have to get there shortly before opening. Now you can prepurchase tickets online making it even easier.
Ann Marie

Oops, I meant you still need to provide a budget for lodging...

Consider Montparnasse 56 tower instead of the Eiffel tower if time is an issue. The view is just as good.

http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/index_EN.php#/home

The view is just as good.

Better, since one does not see the Montparnasse towers.

Fly inexpensively from Paris Orly to Nice. We paid 65€ each on Air France.

I really appreciate all the kind responses. Will pursue hotel del tulleries sounds like the type of place we're looking and look for places in the 3,6,7 arrondissement. Also like the idea of Montparnasse towers -- different and easily accessible. Thanks.

Everyone is to their own , but I would prefer to travel on the TGV as opposed to flying. Avoids the airport hastles and enjoy the scenery on the way. tgv-europe website has good deals (prems tickets) available 90 days out from travel date ,at approx 50 euro. Just another option.