Is 10 days too long in Paris?

Hi there...

My husband and I have never been to Europe so we have decided on Paris (so far!). We are on a budget so it seems it is best to stick to one country to keep the costs down. I have found a good air/hotel deal for the Novotel Paris Tour Eiffel (air + 9 nights/10 days - $1400 CAN each).

Here are my questions:

1. Is there enough to do in and around Paris for 10 days or is that just way too long? (i.e. day trips outside of Paris, etc)

2. Is it worth flying to Nice for the day?

3. I keep reading mixed reviews about the Novotel Eiffel - is it really that bad?

4. Are there any other cities/countries in Europe that you suggest would be better than Paris?

5. And any other comments you might have would be appreciated!

Thanks!

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I just returned from 16 days in France with my husband. We spent 7 nights in Paris and then went to Normandy and the Loire Valley for the rest of the time. I personally don%26#39;t think nine days is too long for Paris. There is so much to do. We spent two days alone at the Louve and still didn%26#39;t see it all. There is also a trip to Versailles that will take up one of your days.

Can%26#39;t tell you anything about the Novotel. We stayed at the Hotel Des Grande Hommes and loved it.

Have fun!

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Elizabeth1972, you are probably going to get tens if not hundreds of responses telling you that no amount of time in Paris is too much. I am one who has been there many times over 40 years, for extended stays, totaling many, many months. I cannot get enough of it, and my wife is even more committed to Paris than I. But it all depends on who you are. You have never traveled to Europe. It%26#39;s possible that you just aren%26#39;t going to find interesting a lot of what Paris offers. So, I suggest you read up a lot on Paris, understand why it%26#39;s the most visited place in the world (by a long margin), but decide whether those things really interest you.

As an example, there are people who post here who say Disneyland or whatever it%26#39;s called outside Paris, was the highlight of their trip. I cannot imagine going there, for any amount of money. Different strokes for different folks, courses for horses, and so on. No one%26#39;s better, all are different.

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No its not too long - and that looks like a pretty darn good price - althoug you didn%26#39;t say when you are going.

There are a number of excellent daytrips you can take - search the forums.

If you have more time I would suggest going into the French countryside. Far better to get some time in the country then hop through multiple cities.

I find mixing multiple countries is both more expensive, and not as much fun.

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We too have never been to Paris and will be going on our first trip there next week. We plan to stay 14 nights and don%26#39;t feel this is too long to get to know and feel the city. Enjoy

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Ten days in Paris are not too long at all. Being your first visit, and if you%26#39;re even just a bit interested in the history of France, in the architecture of the city, the art -represented for many wonderful museums, the gastronomical experience -wine, marvelous cheeses, foie gras, etc, or want just to mingle with the locals going to places that are not too touristy, you%26#39;ll discovered a never ending well of constant amazement, beauty, culture and elegance.

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Would 10 days be too long in Heaven? You will have a great time, there is so much to do and see. Just immerse yourself in Paris. The day trip to Versailles is fabulous. We stay near the Eiffel tower and I really enjoy that area, its very safe and gives you a break from the crowds, and of course the chance to walk past the Eiffel tower many times during your stay, which is soooo romantic. I am from Australia, and I have to say that in general European Hotels are quite different to what we have here, smaller rooms, often less facilities, but I%26#39;m sure it will be OK, clean and safe, and lets face it, its really just a place to lay your head at night. I hope you enjoy your trip - It may be your first, but I bet it won%26#39;t be your last.

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hmmm

i%26#39;m there for 7 days and still can%26#39;t fit in all that i want to see and do and eat

and this is my 2nd visit

enjoy!

lots of day trips nearby if you want a side trip:

Versailles

Giverny

Fontainebleau

Chartres

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Novotel is a budget chain. The 7th e, where the tower is, is a fabulous area to stay in. Your price sounds really low; about $100 US per night, that%26#39;s under70 Euros. A day trip to Nice is both expensive and self defeating. It is easy to spend a week in Nice and its environs. Expensive to fly or take the train and impossible to drive for 1 day.

I know you will love Paree. Good luck.

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I walked the streets of Paris for 10 days -- never got on a subway, a bus, or into a taxi (other than from the airport) -- never took a day-trip to the environs.

Paris, unlike any other city I%26#39;ve visited in the world, is a destination where you need no destination. Just walking around is an end in itself -- and the tourist spots are an added plus.

No -- ten days is not too long. Not at all.

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The Novotel is the ex-Hilton and is currently undergoing renovation, which explains the lower rates (Novotel is not a %26quot;budget%26quot; chain.); I am sure that it will be fine even if some services are not available -- you are going to be out of the room most of the time anyway.

I do know some people who would find 10 days too long in Paris, but I am pretty sure that if a poll were taken, that group would be a very small minority.

It is definitely not worth flying to Nice for a day. There are plenty of day trips that you can take by train if you want to see something else.