We have an afternoon in Paris. How on earth do we best use our time???

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

Will probably get there shortly after lunch on a Saturday and can stay until 8pm-ish. Me, DH and 8 year old DS. We then get the train from Gare de Lyon (I think) to our hotel in the suburbs.

What on earth do we do?

I've no desire to see the Eiffel tower though we probably should. I've been up it before. DH and DS haven't.

DH would like to see some Impressionist art. Where's best for that?

What about food? What would you do? We'll probably need something very reasonably priced.

What else would you recommend,wise MNers?

I'd go to the Musee D'Orsay for impressionists- its a lovely building that kids love with all the classic impressionists. Then go get sandwiches and eat them in les jardin luxembourg.

yes, totally agree that jardin luxembourg is fabby for reasonable weather lunchtimes!
One of my favourite (albeit well known and popular) Parisian haunts when in my 20s

Just googled it, looks lovely. Is it near Musee d'Orsay?

What's that avenue with the funny black sculptures? I went to Paris about 20 years ago so my memory's a bit dodgy.

And how does one get around? Is the metro easy like in London? (I remember getting ripped off when I last went...) I'd rather walk if possible.

Walking is ok in Paris - use the Seine as a focus point and you should be fine.

Metro wise- don't be tempted to get one of the tourist travel cards most of them are a rip of. Single journey tickets tend to be best and are very reasonably priced. You can buy ten singles and get a discount. Hope you have a great time.

pere lachaise...... I loved that!!

Thanks

Sorry for not responding sooner, have been away for a couple of days.

I'd never have thought to avoid the tourist card thing for the metro. Was invaluable in Venice. We'd have done that.

Any more?

The jardin d'acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne? We spent the whole day there last year. Bit of a hoik on the metro but nice for kids.

Buttes-Chaumont is another nice park for a wander and a picnic lunch, although not in the best of areas.

Go to the cafe next to the mosque- it is a haven and really interesting!

All sounds lovely, thank you for suggestions, really looking foward to it

I still haven't booked the blessed hotel though. Should any of you know the Paris suburbs would you help out here?

You've lots of suggestions already and I've never been. But if it was me (if only) I would focus on one thing that I really want to see - the Louvre for me I think - and get food and that would be it. Otherwise you'll just be really hassled and rushed and not enjoy it.

The Musee Rodin is beautiful. Big wide open gardens for the DS to run around in; lovely cafe and some stunning artwork and sculpture. We spent around 3 hours there .

DH and I walked everywhere in Paris or took a cab when absolutely could not walk another step.