<p>My sister just spent the week in Copenhagen (step son doing Jr. yr. abroad there) and said it was great. I’ve never been and I haven’t talked to her yet so know idea what they did while there. </p>
<p>If I could go anywhere in Europe for three days I’d go to Rome during the tennis. </p>
<p>As for anywhere in Scotland, the weather is dreadful most of the year. Bleugh. </p>
<p>My absolute favorite city in the whole world is Paris and if I was suggesting someplace to go to someone who had never been to Europe this would be my top pick.</p>
<p>Having lived in Europe for the past seventeen years, my vote is for London. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, buy one of those books that details all the nooks and crannies and history of the city. You then begin to see it in a new light and take notice of things the average tourist misses. The art galleries always have different exhibitions so they never get old.
On a much smaller scale York is also a fascinating place to visit.</p>
<p>OK, dear CCers, thanks for the help! Can you please tell me what off-the-beaten-path things one can do in Paris? It looks like Paris would be the cheapest stopover among of the other options (well, actually there is a couple of other cities, but I don’t want to spend more than a couple of layover hours in them :)). Any hidden, not so touristy gems in Paris?</p>
<p>If you are interested in “literary travel” I highly recommend a great blog called “An American Girls Art Club in Paris” that details walks where one can see the haunts of many real and fictional literary and artistic figures.</p>
<p>Not on everyone’s radar, but spectacular nonetheless, is the Basilica of St Denis. I also love touring the old Paris Opera house (Palais Garnier). I also love the Cluny museum. If you decide to catch Versailles, get there early and head straight for the gardens. There you can rent a golf cart and tour around the enormous grounds. There’s a lovely spot down below for sandwiches and wine–load up the cart and have a lovely Fete Champetre at the Petit Trianon just like Madame de Pompadour. Besides, the palace is far too crowded. The best time to go to the Louvre is in the evenings when the crowds thin out (Wed and Fri open till 9:45)</p>
<p>There are some unique and delicious experiences available for you in Paris. You can go to one of my favorite street Rue Mouffetard in the 5th. It is not far from the university. There are all kinds of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, a chocolate store, patesserie. It is an open market open every day. It is one of the oldest streets in Paris and has a lot of charm. Not many tourists there. We went to a concert in an old church in the neighborhood. Look for posters of coming events on the streets or on the internet.
There is a woman in Paris named Paule who speaks English and gives wonderful cooking classes in her home in the Marais. Part of the class is visiting the shops where she helps you purchase ingredients for a French meal that you cook as part of your cooking lesson.
How about a walk around the garden of the Musee Rodin? You can find The Thinker in all his glory with a little cafe for lunch inside the museum.
If you want an excursion, try a trip to Giverny. It is the home of Claude Monet. You can visit the gardens (they would look familiar from his paintings), the water lillies, the bridge, and his home.
I won’t get into my favorite dancing venues at the moment but there are many of those as well.
If you enjoy architecture, learn about Hector Grimard. He designed many of the art nouveau buildings in the 16th. What fun to go searching for them!</p>
<p>OP - It’s a really long trip. Are you sure you can’t spend more than 3 days? </p>
<p>We recently enjoyed a Western Med cruise and loved all the stops - Naples (Pompei & Sorrento), Rome, Florence, Cannes, Marsailles. We had a few days each in Barcelona and Madrid, with high speed train (3 hours) between. Both were wonderful, but I think I’d give a slight preference to Barcelona. We lucked out with beautiful weather in early May.</p>
<p>Check out Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Rive Gauche. It is a jazz club where swing dancing is often featured. The last time we were there, I danced with a number of Parisien “swingers.” This joint is jumping! We have also found other venues, often in the far reaches of the sous-sol (basement) of interesting buildings.</p>