How I did it: My boyfriend did all of the planning, so I just showed up at the train station. From there we took the Eurostar to Paris and once we arrived we hopped on the Metro. You can get pretty much anywhere on that thing. 

Lessons & tips: Get a good map and a Metro pass. Pick out one or two things you want to get done each day and then if you finish them you can sight see and take in things you didn't plan on. Go when it is less busy - maybe October - and show up early to get in places. By the time The Louvre opens the line is around the entire square. One hour before will get you a decent spot. Be sure and have all of the French delicacies like baguettes, truffles, crepes. Vegetarians be aware France is a meat loving country. You will find it hard to get a meal that is different from the one you ate the night before. We eat dairy so it was not so bad.

Resources: The info centre at the train station has maps and guidebooks that they will give you. The metro has a good website. Beware of so called tourist info websites that are just looking to get your money by pre-booking. If you arrive early enough you don't need tickets ahead of time.

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Jan 06, 2009, 06:48AM PST | 0 comments | 5 cheers