Things to do in Paris and milan?

[jimmyjames77]

Hey all. I have the great fortune to be able to go to both Paris and Milan for my Honeymoon at the End of August for 12 days, including travel. The only sort of plan we have so far is to get to paris, do as MUCH as we possibly can since we'll not be able to get back to europe for a LOOONG time, half way through the trip to\ake a train to Milan and then spend the rest of the time there. Then take the train back to paris.
I am looking for ANY info that I can get that would help in some way as far as ideas of what to do and tips of what possibly NOT to do. Maybe even some tips on what train to take?
Really ANY info is appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim.

[bmc]

Paris tends to shut down in August, along with most of Europe. It's the vacation month. Shops are closed everywhere. Not unusual to go to a music story and see a sign hanging saying "closed for three weeks". Paris more so than Italy. The major tourist stuff is open, but the city can be a bit of a ghost town which can be really nice if you hate crowds.

In terms of things to do, you can spend a life time getting to know that city, there is so much to see. Strongly recommend you get some good travel books on both cities and decide for yourselves. A forum like this will bombard you with suggestions and you will have no time to see it all. Paris is simply magnificent. Incomparable. Food tends to be good. Don't follow the tourists into restaurants. All waiters speak some English so don't sweat that.

Not sure about Milan, but, you might look into renting a car and spending time in the lake district to the north and west of Milan. Laggo Maggiore, Como, etc. So beautiful. One of our favorite parts of Italy and only about an hour out of Milan. Milan will be stinkin hot in late August, so a trip to the lakes will be nice. Our favorite lake is the most westerly, called Lake Orta. It's a forgotten lake that few go to, but it has bagfuls of charm, Old charm. The streets are too narrow for cars, so you walk everywhere. You should be able to find accommodations at this late stage. We try to hit Orta at least once a year. Really romantic charming place that everyone forgot.

Milan is about a 1.5 hour drive from Turin, probably less. Turin is beautiful. The city of Satan...research that one! Beautiful architecture. Used to be where Fiat's were made. You can still visit the roof top test track in downtown Turin.

I won't get started on the wine.

Have a good trip. Pack some resumes because there's a strong likelihood you'll fall in love with the region.

[jimmyjames77]

Great info! Thanks.

[Munjibunga]

This is only Paris. Never been to Milan.

You've got to see the Louvre. Mona Lisa's in there. Napoleon's Tomb is fairly cool. We went to the Moulin Rouge on my birthday. It's very crowded in there. It's cool if you want to see dozens of breasts all the same size. Boring in the long run. Of course, the Eiffel tower is fun, especially at night. Go early - there are long lines.

There are hundreds of sidewalk cafes. Also, watch your wallet in crowds, particularly in the subways. Lots of gypsies around.

Mona


Napoleon's tomb


Palace at Nap's tomb


The biggest Bull Terrier in the world. Somewhere in France.

[EdHunter]

Milan is much mroe suited to a weekend than a lot of time. The centre is beautiful, with the Duomo, the arcade and La Scala, but apart formt hat it's a residential and industrial city. You may want to head further north, to the lakes and italian Switzerland. One could easily spend a lifetime just passing time around Como, Maggiore, Lugano and Locarno.

As for Paris - prepare to have your head explode. I first went to see Faith No More play there and spent some time in the city, looking at the obvious bits and no matter how pictures of the tower, the arc and so an that you see, the real ones are astounding to see in real life. I went back for NYE 2010, and can recommend the area around the Bastille, Montmarte and the Opera house as well.

Enjoy Europe!