thanks for the responses guys. yeah, sorry i didn't mention earlier, i'm currently using a Nikon D80.
good points by all. exactly what i was thinking. i was told that i would need a telephoto like the 18-200mm but when i imagined myself in Paris and in all the small neighbourhoods or taking photos of all the architecture, would i be really using the tele end of the focal range? somehow i didn't think so.
so ultra-wide angle eh? i was hoping my 24-85mm f/2.8-4 would be good enough.
thinking about picking up a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G for shits and giggles as well. today actually. unless someone convinces me otherwise.