Maison de Victor Hugo

Advantages: Lots to see and do, the metro,
Disadvantages: Eating out can be expensive, everyone else is there too (everyone loves Paris)

...the real action only takes place at 2 pm and 6 pm. We stood next to an American family and they seemed to be quite disappointed when nothing much happened when the clock struck 1 pm. Back to our walk…we continued to walk from the Les Halles area towards Place de la bastille and this part of the city is called Marais. The streets are narrow and it seems very quiet at least if you are coming from the Les Halles area. I think this is Paris' jewish quarter - some good falafel shops too. On the way we passed by Musée Picasso, maison de Victor Hugo but we only stopped at place des Vosges which was Paris very first square built in 1609. This used to be the home for the aristocracy but today it is just a nice symmetrical square where people enjoyed the spring sun, relaxed on benches while the kids where playing in the sand box or playing football... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Amazing art, fabulous food and serious shopping all in a beautiful city.
Disadvantages: Too much to see in one weekend.

...which are reasonably priced. Adding a typical Parisienne touch to the modernity is a charming carousel for the children. Another favourite of mine is the Place des Vosges which is in the fashionable Marais district and dates from the early 17th century. It has a beautiful formal park in its centre and is completely surrounded by an arcade in which there are many restaurants, art and antique shops. Here too is the Maison de Victor Hugo where he wrote Les Miserables and the square has seen many other famous inhabitants. The restaurants here vary tremendously in price but with the menus clearly on display and tables outside in the sheltered colonnades where you can get an idea of the food on offer you can easily select one to suit your pocket. If you are planning a visit to Notre Dame try to spare some time to walk around the Islands... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Memorable musical with songs to remember
Disadvantages: No orchestra

...Based on Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame, Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most innovative shows ever to hit the West End. Do not expect a "normal" traditional musical. The cast sing live to backing tracks, the scenery is simplistic but powerful, and the storyline is fairly weak. However, the performances given by the cast are 110%. Garou - who plays Quasimodo - has one of the most amazing voices you will ever hear on a West End stage. The dancers are more like acrobats, whose fitness level is incredible. The songs are all memorable, and the final scene is one of the most moving, powerful bits of theatre I have ever seen. Go see it, I guarantee you will be standing at the end with a lump in your throat. PJ... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic