8 hours in Paris - Attractions near Gare du Nord?

Will be in Paris for less than 8 hours this September. Flying in from Barcelona at 8am via CDG, then out to Cologne via Thalys at 4 or 5pm. Planning to leave my luggage at GdN - then take in the sights of Paris via Metro or Bus using a Visite Paris ticket.

I know 8 hours isn%26#39;t enough, but an overview/refersher would be nice. Wanted to fit Sacre Coueur, Etoile, Madelene, Opera, Tour Eiffel and Norte Dame if at all possible.

Originating from GdN and ending back at the station around 3:30pm.

Is this realistic?

Thanks

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You don%26#39;t really have 8 hours. You probably won%26#39;t be in Paris proper until 9:30 am at the very earliest. This cuts your sightseeing time to 6 hours. If you%26#39;re perfectly happy just SEEing these attractions, your wish list is doable. However, you will not have much time to spend at each location.

I would take the Metro from Gare du Nord to Montmartre to see the Sacre Couer first. Then I%26#39;d make my way down to see Opera Garnier and La Madeline. Then on to Etoile (I%26#39;m assuming you%26#39;re referring to the Arc de Triomphe?). If you have time, I%26#39;d try to climb the Arc for a spectacular view of Paris, including La Tour Eiffel. Then on to the Eiffel itself and finally Notre Dame. To maximize your time, I suggest using the Metro. Others vouch for the bus, which I have not had the pleasure of using.

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I%26#39;m one who prefers the buses. On the metro, you miss all the scenery along the way.

If the weather is pleasant, you may want to consider L%26#39;Opentour

http://pariscityrama.com/en/paris_open_tour

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