Viva Le Paris
Viva Le Paris
Paris is one of the most exciting and romantic cities in the world to visit. What makes everything worth your while, is that the transport system is excellent and very cost effective if you purchase a Paris visitors Metro pass or T1 tickets for the period you're going to need it.
IMPORTANT: To know where to change trains or get off follow the Metro map to your destination and get on that train. Metro maps are available over the doors of the trains and in the stations, also on all the buses and each route is marked in a different colour to make reading it very easy. Keep your purse and valuables in front of you or hidden away if possible as Paris is well known for pickpockets!
Paris is also one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world and quite easy to navigate. Getting lost in the various neighbourhoods is key to discovering Paris in a cost effective way. To get around the city faster, rent a bicycle through Paris' public bicycle rental program. There are bicycle (Vlib) stations throughout the city, and you can pick up a bike at any of these stations and return it at any other point. You can pay with a credit card. If you prefer buying the tickets online you will find that there is an option in English if you don't speak French.
Using credit or bank cards provides the best exchange rate (usually with lower exchange fees), so use these if possible.
PLACES TO SEE
The Montmartre is the epitome of classic Paris. It has the old cobblestone streets with (vaudeville) style (burlesque) houses all over. There are still some of the old windmills that are still in use in some places and stop by at a cafe for a glass of wine and a baguette, this is the way you will experience true Paris.
On the city's less expensive Right Bank, you will find that this is where the action is. In the past ten years, the once grungy districts like the 10th, 9th and 2nd avenues have become of mecca haven of art, fashion and food. Eating and shopping here will save you cash and offer a more authentic look at life in Paris.
Southwest of Paris is the Chatoau where the Maison Fournaise is and this is where Renoir painted "Le Dejeuner des Canotiers,". The Maison Fournaise is now the Restaurant de la Maison Fournaise at Ile des Impressionnistes. The French cooks are of the best in the world and you have to eat at least once in one of these restaurants.
At the Pont d'Alma across the Seine, is the tunnel under the bridge where the 1997 fatal car crash of Princess Diana & Dodi El Fayad happened and from here, go east along the north bank of the Seine to the Pont des Arts, something not to be missed. The architecture of the buildings and statues to me was astonishing. At times I did not know where to look first and everything I saw almost blew my breath away.
MUSEUMS:
TIP: It is a good idea to purchase the Museum Pass as it will save you a lot of money. You'll not only get into many museums, but also many attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and tours at Notre Dame. Look at the list to see which museums are included, as some are not.
If you love art you have to visit the Louvre where the famous Mona Lisa painting is, the Museum D'Orsay with great impressionist paintings, and L'Orangerie (Monet's Water Lilies) to mention only a few of the 6000 works. It also hosted Egyptian and near Eastern Antiquities, pieces from the Mediterranian Basin, Islamic art, sculptures and decorative arts. The Louvre palace is spectacular and you cannot appreciate the beauty of this magnificant building and art if not prepared to spend most of your day there.
The Dali Museum is entirely devoted to his works and displays 330 pieces of art from this Catallan genius.
The Museum d'Orsay is housed in the Grand Railway station built in 1900 and is home to many sculptures and impressionist paintings of 19th and 20th century art and it also covers different art forms, such as sculptures, engravings, photos, film, architecture and urbanism.
ATTRACTIONS:
The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is as early as possible because you will find that the lines will be much shorter. The tower has three levels, so if you are afraid of heights, you don't need to go right to the top. Try to visit in the evening as well when it is lightened up, absolutely spectacular. You have a choice between the stairs or going up in the lift.
When going to the Arc de Triomphe be sure to look for the underground walkway to cross under the road! It is nice and wide, full of murals, a few gift shops and always busy as tourists are flooding the city throughout the year.
The boat trips on the Seine (Bateau-Mouche) are exiting too, definitely geared for tourists. Shop around for the tickets to see which is cheaper, there are many options!
The Conciergerie where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, is also included on the Museum Pass!
The Pere Lachaise Cemetery is another attraction not to be missed. Max Ernst and many other famous people are buried here and the entrance is free. I suggest you buy a site map at the entrance because the cemetry is enormus and it will take you about two hours or more to look at all the interesting graves and statues.
CHURCHES:
The Sacre Ceour is an ancient church on the highest point in Paris and you can watch the sunset over this classic city or just experience the real ambiance of Paris.
The Gothic loftiness of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame dominates the Seine. It took 180 years to complete and to me is one of the most spectacular architecture that I've ever seen. The outside of this enormous building is covered with biblical figures, done with such precision. It retells the stories of the Bible in its portals, paintings, and stained glass. The huge lawn with enormous statues and trees that stretches out from the building is always filled with visitors and at night various artists are doing their tricks to entertain the guests.
Don't miss out on La Madeleine dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene which Napoleon wanted to build to honour the French army but it was eventually consecrated as a church. Inside, behind the altar is a large statue depicting the ascension of Mary Magdalene, built in 1837 by Charles Marochetti. The pipe organ, built by Cavaill-Coll in 1846 is still in use today for concerts, absolutely splendid.
OTHER SIGHTS TO SEE:
Versailles & Fontainbleu are two lovely castles and it takes quite some time to go through as there are so much to see. You are not allowed to take photos inside as the flash lights might damage the ancient paintings, but it is astonishing beautiful like everything else I have seen in this magical city.
The Jardin des Tuileries is one of Paris's most visited gardens thanks to its central location between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde and it contains many modern statues. The entrance is free and it is truly beautiful.
DINING
Local pastry shops often have sandwiches and breakfast items available besides the super yummy sweets and if you are not too worried about your waistline, try a chocolate croissant and a cafe au lait!
The grocery stores also provide cheap eats as the variety makes your mouth water. Baguettes and some cheese with an apple is adequate for a picnic lunch!
Cafes, Bakeries and Bistros are usually cheaper than restaurants and try to get a seat on Paris' Pont des Arts for a reasonably prized and delicious Parisian pot-luck. A sunset over the Seine River is one of the most spectacular views and may well be a highlight of your visit in France.
Many restaurants have a less expensive early menu for late afternoon/early evening diners and rather order the house wine, it will undoubtedly be great and cheap!
Picnics are a favourite and inexpensive Parisian pastime and residents and visitors enjoy lunch or dinner in the city's parks or on the bridges (ponts). All neighbourhoods in Paris have corner stores, fabulous vegetable markets, cheese shops and patisseries, which offer the most delicious food at very reasonble prices.
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