Please help - first time in Paris panic!!

My husband and I arrive in Paris for the first time in a couple of weeks for our first anniversary. We are only there for three nights and although we have a good idea of what we want to see and do we would greatly appreciate some advice. On the Friday we want to see the main attractions and are considering a minibus tour - any recommendations? Should we pre-book or can we do it there or should we make our own way around?? If we make our own way is it best to get a metro pass or a paris viste?? - whats the difference? We are staying at the Astor Saint Honore in the 8th Arr - are there any restaurant recommendations in this area? Saturday we plan to visit the sacre and walk through the latin quarter and possibly visit some jazz clubs. Sunday (our anniversary) I would love to spend the morning in the louvre but dont want to waste time queuing - would it be best to pre-book a guided tour? Sunday evening we want a special dinner and have considered a dinner cruise - will I be cold or are the bateaux covered?? Is there a better alternative anyone can recommend for a romantic dinner for two? Also, is it just easier to get to and from the airport in a taxi and how much should we be paying? Many thanks in advance.

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Hotel Astor St Honore - 11 rue d%26#39;Astorg - 75008

%26lt;%26gt;On the Friday we want to see the main attractions and are considering a minibus tour - any recommendations? Should we pre-book or can we do it there or should we make our own way around??

- there are a couple of hop on/off bus companies:

http://www.paris-opentour.com/

http://www.carsrouges.com/

%26lt;%26gt;If we make our own way is it best to get a metro pass or a paris viste?? - whats the difference?

- the Paris Visite is a metro pass marketed to tourists; there are other types of Paris metro passes as well, geared to locals but frequently sold to tourists who ask for them however your trip does not coincide with the Carte Orange timeframe(Mon-Sun); for a couple days only you might just buy the %26quot;carnet%26quot; of tickets for 10-11€ and use them as you need them

%26lt;%26gt;Saturday we plan to visit the sacre and walk through the latin quarter and possibly visit some jazz clubs.

http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/

http://www.montmartrenet.com/home_page.php

ricksteves.com/plan/…paris2.htm (Left Bank %26#39;walk%26#39;)

http://www.caveaudelahuchette.fr/ (jazz / swing)

Le Bilboquet - restaurant / club - 13 rue saint Benoit 75006 Paris

+33 1 45 48 81 84 Métro Saint-germain des Pres (80 m) ; ligne : 4

%26lt;%26gt;Sunday (our anniversary) I would love to spend the morning in the louvre but dont want to waste time queuing - would it be best to pre-book a guided tour?

- I haven%26#39;t taken a tour but hear they are very good; perhaps you%26#39;d rather wander around freely though

- you can buy your tickets early and then go straight to the security entrance, avoiding the cashier lines; see:

www.louvre.fr/llv/pratique/billetterie.jsp…

%26lt;%26gt;We are staying at the Astor Saint Honore in the 8th Arr - are there any restaurant recommendations in this area?

- for this question and the next one, there are very nice restaurants on these sites and you can make your reservation(s) online with them:

www.reservethebest.com (menus and online reservations)

www.idealgourmet.com (menus and online reservations)

%26lt;%26gt;Sunday evening we want a special dinner and have considered a dinner cruise - will I be cold or are the bateaux covered?? Is there a better alternative anyone can recommend for a romantic dinner for two?

- the bateaux are covered - there is formal dining with set tables on these cruises; some have enjoyed them while others do not think the food is worth the high price

- an alternative might be to have dinner at a nice restaurant then take the night cruise

%26lt;%26gt;Also, is it just easier to get to and from the airport in a taxi and how much should we be paying? Many thanks in advance.

- a taxi is the easiest and will cost about 45-50€, give or take a couple €

- alternative might be to take the Roissybus (8€) to Opera, then a taxi for a few €

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Travelnutty, your info is amazing! What great help.

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Thanks so much for your advice - can%26#39;t wait to get there now!