Paris!

krichards0527

We have just booked our honeymoon in Paris. We are going in July right after the wedding. I am hoping to get some suggestions on 'non-tourist' type things to do while we are there. FI and I went once a few years back and did a lot of the main attractions- Eiffel Tower, Seine River cruise, most museums, etc, so we were hoping to spend less time waiting in line this time and more time exploring lesser known spots. We are hoping to spend a lot of time walking around, filling up on Nutella crepes and people watching- a much more low key vacation than last time.

Any suggestions for awesome places/resturants off the tourist path would be greatly appreciated! We are staying in the Opera district, not far from the Tulleries. We were pretty good with the Metro, so travelling around shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks!

manjermj

Go to Les Refuges des Fondues in Montmartre for dinner. I go every time I'm in Paris. It's such a quirky/unique dining experience. 

Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower on the lawn. 

Head out to Versailles for a day. It's touristy, but so so amazing. 

Go to Angelina's for the most amazing hot chocolate and croissants ever.

Get mararons at Ladurée.

Oh and just wander the streets! Sleep in, get some coffee and breakfast, then set out to explore and get lost! You can always hop right back on the metro and find your way back to the hotel.

dazyabbey

Have you been to Versailles? It is very touristy but if you make it out back into the gardens and go into the Marie Antoinette estate and if you wander far back behind that estate you will find a cute little farm area. It is absolutely amazing.

One of my favorite parts of Paris was just wandering around and finding a random restaurant and eating there. I loved just wandering around and experiencing the city.

hoffse

Visit le sainte chapelle - best stained glass in the world.  Next door to Notre Dame.

Also? Day trip via rail to Reims.  That has the cathedral that Monet painted 10,000 times.  Or else an overnight trip to Bruges - possibly one of the most charming little fairy tale cities in Europe.  It wasn't hit by WWII and basically stopped being added onto in the 1500s.  It's like you stepped back into time.  Google pics if you have never looked into it.

krichards0527

Thanks so much! These are all great suggestions. We have both been to Versailles, but we were considering going again just because it is so awesome. We were also considering Bruges, but I think I am going to bump it up higher on the list. We are certainly looking forward to just walking around and taking it all in!

manjermj

Yes, Bruges is adorable! My sister and I were there lastwinter and it was one of our favorite cities we visited. Rent bikes and ride around to see all of the windmills. It will make for an awesome day trip.

RoseMickL

Have you been to Paris during the off season? We are getting married in November. I have read about less than ideal weather during this time so I am a bit torn. I don't mind chilly temps just don't want to be rained out everyday.

RoseMickL

Also, any suggestions for a hotel with a view of the Eiffel tower that has nice rooms? I have read about small stuffy rooms.

manjermj

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_honeymoon_paris-2?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:11Discussion:ce845d7a-83e5-4a4a-b083-592f12db0b18Post:3bc1e8b9-e9fe-4942-a27f-0bf2ee985090">Re:Paris!</a>:
[QUOTE]Have you been to Paris during the off season? We are getting married in November. I have read about less than ideal weather during this time so I am a bit torn. I don't mind chilly temps just don't want to be rained out everyday.
Posted by RoseMickL[/QUOTE]

<div>I've been to Paris twice over New Years and the winter is a fabulously magical time to be there! Neither time did I have weather that was SO cold or rainy that we couldnt go out and enjoy walks. Most times it was in the 40's and cloudy with spots of sunshine. Just pack an umbrella.</div>

Blingerz

We got the museum pass. Saw 25 museums, Eiffel Tower, sacre cur, moulin rouge, champs lyses, and Versailles in 5 days. That pass saves time. I don't think any place you visit will be "off the beaten path." It's Paris, the most visited city in the world. So, I guess just head to the 20th arrondissement?

dietrajade

We decided on going here too!  I don't mean to sound nosey, but how much have you budgeted for this?  I just want to know what we should expect to save.  You can PM me if you would like.