Transportation
Cheapest and most efficient is the Metro and the RER
The RER is a suburban train line that crosses through Paris
The Metro is the underground city train.
Within the city limits, I think you can use the same Metro fare for the RER or Metro
Typically, you might change Metro lines 1 or 2 times to get to your destination. Find a good Metro app for planning your trip. I have used “CityMapper” in Europe with good success.
*** Airport to Paris – depending on the time of day, roads can be crowded. There is a train (RER) that goes from the airport to central Paris. If you think you can navigate it, it would be faster to take the train, get off at the station near your lodging, and taxi or walk the final distance.
Sights
My absolute most favorite art museum: Orsay (Musee d’ Orsay)
— This museum features only impressionist work in a really neat renovated Victorian train station
— Be sure to walk the stairs to the cafe that has a balcony with views over the Siene River
Second favorite art museum: Musee de L’Orange
— This is a small museum that features 2 of Monet’s water lily paintings that were created in 360 degrees.
Special oval shaped rooms were built to display the paintings.
About a 10 minute walk from the Orsay
Novelty Museum – the Sewer Museum (Musee des Egouts)
— This is actually a serious museum underground next to the sewer system.
You’ll learn a lot about the French sewers!
Montemartre – artsy district of Paris, up on a hill. take the metro to the bottom of the stairs and climb up.
— Church at Montemartre “Basilique de Sacre-Coeur” – This is a newer church (1910). There is a passage way that goes all the way up to the top of the dome, that is worth doing. — Separate entrance, cost $$.
Sainte-Chapelle – Small Medieval Church with absolutely the most beautiful stain glass windows.
— Located near Notre Dame
Eiffel Tower – There is a restaurant on the upper floors of the tower. If it’s not too expensive, you might want to make a reservation for an early dinner to see the sun go down.
Arc de Triomphe – located at the end of the Champs-Elysees (high class shopping street) — The top of the monument is typical open and has great views. If you get a Museum pass, it will be included.
Jewish District – “Le Marais”, a very nice walking area with a number of Jewish restaurants and stores. There are also a few notable museums in the area such as the George Pompido and Picasso museums
–See this link: https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/exploring-the-marais-a1070
The Rose or Meridian Line.
— It might be fun to notice the Meridian line as you walk around Paris.
It is marked with over 100 Medalians that have the word ARAGO. Some of them go through buildings like the Louvre and St.Michel’s Cathedral
https://parisondemand.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/the-arago-line-a-mystic-stroll-along-the-parisian-meridian/
Map:
https://chrismolloy.com/p159.php
Movie – might be fun to watch the Da Vinci Code before your go.
First half of the Movie is in Paris.