1st time Visitor in Paris on Bastille Day?

Question

Any advice to an American visiting Paris for the 1st time and on Bastille Day. Anyone in Paris that can offer advice on what to do and not do.

I will only be there for 2 days.

Answer 1

The question really depends on what you are looking to do in Paris. There are the basic tourist destinations: Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, and about 20 other museums that I could run off. I would suggest that you really look at what you want to do before you get there (so you don't spend valuable time trying to figure it out when you are there). Then, map it out. Try to work in as much as you can in each day. For example, you could go see Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cite (go early in the am to avoid the crowds) then spend some time on Ile St. Louis which is the second of the two islands in the Seine. There is also a wonderful Church on the Ile de la Cite called Saint Chapell which has the bible mapped out in stained glass. It is truly exquisite. These two islands and what there is to see there could take half a day or more. I would suggest the Louvre (again go early) as a half day or more excursion. There is a wonderful restaurant in the lower lobby called the Le Grand Louvre. It is expensive, but really worth it. After the Louvre, walk down its Tuileries Gardens (you will be able to see the Arc de Triomphe in the distance). Along the way you will see the Place de la Concorde (where Marie Antoinette was executed) and then the Champs Elysees. You can end at the Arc de Triomphe. There is also a wonderful ferry that runs in the River Seine called the Batu Bus (I think that is how it is spelled). You can purchase a day or week pass and it runs around the river beginning at the Eiffel Tower making stops all along the route as it circles the two islands and goes back up to the Eiffel Tower. You can get off and on anywhere it stops (just like a bus). It is a wonderful way to see the city from the river and just get around. Start at the Eiffel Tower and get off at the Louvre or Notre Dame walk around, then get back on and stop somewhere else. I know this is a lot, and I am just scratching the surface, so be sure to plan ahead. Use a good travel book on Paris to choose what you want to see, then map it out. And don't be afraid to change the plans if you find a place you fall in love with and want to spend more time visiting. I hope this helps and have a great trip.

Answer 2

You're going at a very fun time. there are street dances, parades, and other festivities surrounding the Bastille Day Holiday.

Each arrondissement will have its own dance, hosted,  traditionally,  by the firefighters. They are open to all. The best may be the one hosted by the Fire boat firefighters. Their headquarters is on the Left Bank opposite the west end of the Ile de la Cite. Wander over there and join in the fun.