Paris

this is my first trip to paris I am going to Charles de Gaulle airport - does anybody have any suggestions for a on eday itinery - including the eiffel tower!!

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It%26#39;s definitely hard to see Paris properly in one day! However, I would suggest the Eiffel Tower first thing in the am (elevators open at 10:00 am, stairs at 9:30). I would recommend taking the stairs - it%26#39;s not as hard as you think if you just take it easy and it%26#39;s a great feeling of accomplishment! The stairs go up to the second level, and then you take the lift to the top. You must do this - it%26#39;s spectacular! Then down, walk along the Seine to the Pont Alexandre III (Alexander II Bridge) and cross there. Go up the Champs Elysses to L%26#39;Arc de Triomphe. Jump on the Metro there and head up to Pigalle. That%26#39;s Monmarte. Get a map and explore Monmartre - it%26#39;s great. Don%26#39;t miss the Basilica de Sacre Couer, the Pierre de Monmartre church beside it, built in 1147, the Place du Tertre (Artist%26#39;s Market), and the Avenue de Clichy, or red light district. There is a little train that goes from Pigalle up to the Basilica and back down via a circiutous route both ways and has a running commentary. It%26#39;s well worth the money, especially since it%26#39;s all a big hill and can get tiring walking!

Another great thing to do is l%26#39;Open Tour, which is a double-decker open top tour bus. I did this with my parents and it was a great way to see everything quickly!

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Pick up a map of Paris that includes the names of the metro [underground] stations.

Take the train [RER B] to Gare du Nord.

Arriving at Nord, exit the station at the northeast and board the 42 city bus and ride it to the Eiffel Tower. You%26#39;ll be passing the Opera Garnier and the Madeline, then through Place de Concorde and up the Champs Elysses, past the Petit Palais and the Grand Palais, before turning down Avenue Montaigne and crossing at the Pont de Alma. Get off at the second stop past the bridge.

From here I would take the Batobus [to the left, facing the river] --www.batobus.com.

This is a water taxi making various stops, and the web site [and brochuure] will give ideas as to what to see and do, where to eat, and so on.

I would end up on or near the Ile de la Cite, where Notre Dame is located, and take the Metro back to the gare. The Cite and St. Michel stations are on Line 4, a straight shot--direction Porte de Cignancourt. Or the other two RER stations you%26#39;ll see on the map.

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