I love Paris; I never thought I'd say that, as it's not what I would have considered to be my type of place at all. I first went a couple of years ago, with just one other person, I think that's ideal really. We travelled by Euro star which I highly recommend, it's relaxing, better for the environment and super quick! It's like going on a coach ride. The first time I went was very early January, just after new year's day. I personally think this is the best time to go, financially and for experience. All the Christmas decorations are up and the restaurants and shops have their own unique decorations, it still feels like Christmas.
Travel:
I booked the hotel included with the Euro star travel, and the other thing I booked in advance was a 3day Metro pass, which made it possible to go pretty much anywhere. For some reason I'd say just using the trains was one of my favourite parts, it's so much more classy than the London underground, you get the odd musician singing French and playing instruments on the train, all in all, a much nicer atmosphere. Some of the stations are beautifully decorated, much nicer than our hot mucky stations in UK.
If you don't decide to rent a bicycle, which is an option pretty much on any street corner, or a moped, then you may have a lot of walking. I prefer to walk around, it's hard on the legs but definitely the best option if you want to absorb the atmosphere. Plus, all the exercise means more room to eat all the gorgeous food, without feeling an ounce of guilt! Occasionally you walk past places the offer an open-top bus tour, or a boat ride, I'd recommend both, especially the boat, as you get to see all the sights from a different perspective.
Eating out:
You
get to really enjoy yourself with the variety of restaurants, all with such a welcoming atmosphere. We went to one restaurant twice, and tipped a little both times, and the second time we were offered a free drink as they recognised us as being nice loyal customers. It made our night to be noticed and thanked. We'd also gone to the restaurant the year before, but I don't think he remembered... It's nice eating and walking too, and there are plenty of typical French stalls that offer lovely simple food, like hot pizza, baguettes, salads. Last time breakfast was offered free at the hotel, I always wondered why you'd bother eating in a hotel when you had Paris to choose from, but if you're not wishing to spend so much on food, eating a hotel breakfast is the way to do it.
Street sellers. Be aware!!!!!!
In all the tourist areas, like Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur especially, and the Moulin Rouge, etc, you have to be aware of pickpockets, or people looking to sell you things. If they think you may want to buy something, they will not leave you alone, just say no and keep walking, otherwise you risk having more than one person come up to you, and if you then say no, they make you feel forced to buy things. It can be quite daunting.
Eiffel Tower:
You can get off the metro very close to the Eiffel Tower, I was amazed when I first saw it in the flesh, I'm glad to say I've been there, it's so much nicer than in the photos. You get lots of people selling merchandise, like mini Eiffel Towers key rings, if you don't want them, just don't catch their eye or you sometimes get followed. If you go to the Eiffel Tower at night, It's beautiful, the Eiffel Tower is all lit up. Every so often it sparkles, and it's honestly magical. It makes me wish London had more than just a Ferris wheel..... If you go with a camera or camcorder, make sure you keep hold tight, same with any tourist place in the world really, people know you will have a camera, so don't show it off. There are a few restaurants on the Eiffel Tower, I've not bothered with them but I'm sure its excellent, especially after how much you need to pay to get in!
_*Open: daily - 09:30 to 23:00 except in July and August when it is open until midnight Stairs - 09:30 to 18:00 Admission: charge, according to level*_
After walking under the Eiffel Tower, you come to a very long patch of grass, when you pass this you get to a beautiful building called l'école Militaire (Military School), and it perfectly ends the walk from the Eiffel Tower. *Up until September I think, the Eiffel Tower will be lit up blue at night, featuring the stars of the European flag.*
Sacre Coeur:
Translated to mean Sacred Heart, this beeeeeaauutiful tower is stunning. You have the option of walking up the stairs (hard work...), or getting the stair lift, (very cramped and hot, makes you feel a bit lazy, but definitely easier). When you get to the top, if you turn around you see so far, depending on the weather, if you're lucky and it's a nice day you see for many miles. Going into the building, you're not allowed to take any photos, it's very tempting but it's so nice in there you want to give it some respect. So far, both times I've been there, there has been a sermon going on. I'd never really seen nuns before would you believe, and I got to see lots and lots of them singing. It's always very full up in there, it seems much bigger on the inside. You walk around the left and gradually end up back where you started, it's amazing to see the structure of the building, and I think they had a miniature model of it on the inside. It's lovely and relaxing in there when you hear all the nice singing; it really makes you feel calm and relaxed. I didn't realise this the first time, but if you exit the building and go around to the right there is the option of climbing up the building for 5euros a person. It's hard walking up all the steps, it's quit daunting as you hear people walking behind you and you feel you have to keep going.... but the view once you get to the top is definitely worth it. From here you realise not only how high up the building you are, but as you're already on a huge hill, you can see even more of Paris. From up here, you can see the Eiffel Tower, towering over all the little buildings. There is a little town square
Pictures of Paris in general
Nice shot of the tower
to the side of Sacre Coeur, and if you don't know about it, you may miss it. It's called Montmarche, it's also one of the few "village" type areas of Paris, with little lanes and pretty alleyways. It's where Picasso's studio was, and there are still painters there in the square near the basilica. It's great to look at all the artists work, and if you're not careful you'll end up being painted and asked to pay for the privilege! My friend and I had a crepe (pancake) and drink in this town square, and it came to 27euros…!!!! You have to be careful in these places, as they are basically a rip off, but still, it was lovely to sit there and eat.
Notre dame:
I stupidly knew more about this church from the cartoon 'The Hunchback of Notre dame' from when I was younger. It was really great to see it in the flesh, and recognize the gargoyles that were in the cartoon! It's lovely to see, and makes a great photograph. I think you can get a boat ride and view it from the water but I haven't done that. Going inside is lovely, much like Sacre Coeur, there is a miniature model of the church on the inside. I found that just as impressive really! I think you are able to get to the top of the church, but both times I've not been able to find the way... The first time I came here they still had a huge Christmas tree up, it was very special to be able to see this, and all the lights still up at night, so I recommend going to Paris around Christmas time if you want to see how they celebrate. If you like detail on buildings you'll love Notre Dame, there are lots of figures carved into the wall, and they are all unique.
The Louvre:
The site of the world's largest and most diverse collection of pre-20th century painting, sculpture, and decorative objects, The Louvre is definitely one of Paris' best attractions. You could spend a week looking around and still not see everything. I've been twice so far, and I definitely haven't even seen a quarter of it. It's very tiring, and I couldn't help but be jealous of the children in prams being pushed about.. If you want to see Mona Lisa in the flesh, this is where it is. It's very small in real life, and covered by bullet proof glass, and always surrounded by a crowd with cameras, but it's good to say you've seen it! This whole museum is so beautifully made; I spent most of the time looking at the building and of the windows rather than at the stuff on display. It's definitely worth going a few times if you really want to make the most out of it. When you eventually leave the Louvre, you can follow the straight walk way for maybe a mile and then you get to the Arc de Triomphe; well worth the walking.
Arc de Triomphe:
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris' most visited attractions. This monument is devoted to one of France's most fearless leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte. After all the walking to get there (you could get the metro if you like, or use a bicycle, but it's nice to walk.. sometimes), you have to go underground to cross the very busy road, and it takes you into the middle of the roundabout. There is a never ending flame dedicated to an unknown soldier, it is always lit. To get to the top of the Arc, you have to climb more steps, so far the lifts have never worked when I've got there... It's hard work but well worth it. You can see the Sacre Coeur from here, and you can appreciate the distance you have to travel between the two places. You get to see the layout of Paris, it's beautifully arranged, with lots of long straight roads, and if you go at Christmas time, you see all the lights. You can get a few souvenirs from inside the Arc too. Walking down is far easier than going up!
Shopping!
A huge well known shopping center is called Gallerie la Fayette. It's great, some of it is a little bit pricey, and as usual the building is beautiful on the inside. At Christmas time they have an ENORMOUS Christmas tree, its lovely to look around even if you don't buy anything.
I've not been able to visit Catacombs yet, so I can't really say much about it, I went in January 08 and it was shut... came back in March, and it was shut.. I'm sure it's well worth the visit.
After a long day it's lovely to get back to your hotel, and watch the french television, laying on a bed has never felt better! One of my favourite things on a Paris holiday, is drinking my hotel room tea out of the little plastic cups...
I definitely haven't covered everything, but I've covered what I get up to when I go to Paris, I'll be adding more as I remember things. I definitely recommend this city, even if France isn't your type of place, I think everyone should experience this elegant place.
A long time since my visit to Paris but having visited Brittany also, I have concluded the Parisian people are not as friendly as their Breton counterparts. Have to agree that it as a lovely place to visit however. :>)
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Jul 4th, 2008
(Aug 25th, 2008)
exceptional by (9%):
very helpful by (91%):
