|
 I love Paris and you will too.
The first time I visited, I felt like I was in a movie - it just
couldn't be real. But it is, and you can be a part of it. Paris is a
city full of magic just waiting to happen. I'm not a kid anymore,
but unique, "only in Paris" moments still happen to me, even after
countless visits. Like when a respectful silence just seemed
appropriate while I'm inside Napoleons massive tomb or when I heard
the simple, sweet sound of school kids singing a song that I sort of
recognize as I passed by their recess. How about when a typical
Parisian old lady with a baguette sticking out of a sack and a
poodle in her purse offered a heartfelt "merci" when I held the door
for her. For some reason, simple things take on greater meaning in
Paris. Whatever ointment you use for goose bumps, bring it with you
- you'll need it.
Parisian boulevards are wide but the buildings are
only 6 stories tall, so its not a vertical chrome and glass
Manhattan feeling - they can see the sky! This entices city
dwellers to open their "French" doors out onto their humble
patio where they lovingly tend their flowers and feed the
birds. Locals enjoy Paris year round, courtesy of their
many parks and open spaces and countless, diverse cultural
attractions. They are rightfully
proud of their city and their traditions. Watch the
neighborhood shops and markets come to life in the late afternoon
when Parisians dash in to pick up the freshest possible components
for that evenings meal. Or if cooking is not on their mind, they might settle into their favorite cafe for a glass
of good (but affordable), wine, some cheese and bread while they
contemplate their next move - if they move at all (and that's OK too.
Americans seem to struggle with that...). Ahh, The
Good Life...but don't take the word of a seasoned traveler (me) who
loves Europe. You owe it to yourself to see and experience Paris and judge for
yourself.
My "unpack once" Paris tour takes one week. I will
show you all the big sights and also some of the subtler
pleasures of the "City of Light", making this a rewarding, relaxing
stress free vacation.
The must see sights that we will cover, included in
the cost.
- The Louvre. Stop in for the Mona
Lisa and Venus de Milo, stay for the Winged Victory. While
wandering is wonderful, this is the largest art gallery in the
world and can be overwhelming if you don't plan your attack.
Remember to wear comfy shoes and pinch yourself, because
that really is the Mona Lisa and you are not dreaming.
- Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Notre Dame! Check out the carvings on
the outside before you go inside. Get some exercise
and climb the tower for a great view. If those gargoyles could
talk....
- Orsay Museum. A renovated train station, now a museum
housing
everybody's favorite impressionist. Do you like Monet, Renoir, Van
Gogh, Degas? They are all here, and you should be, too
- Versailles. See how the other half
lived. Louis XIV put together the Europe's definitive palace
outside of town and made all the other kings jealous. The real
deal, accept no substitutes.
-
Eiffel Tower. You can walk (cheaper) or
ride up to the second deck, but I say take a deep breath and take the elevator to the 900 foot high observation deck.
Impossibly romantic setting. Nothing quite like it.
- Sainte Chapelle - the stained glass is as good as it gets.
Less famous than Notre Dame or even St. Sulpice of The
Da Vinci Code, but in many ways more rewarding
because of its visual consistency.
- Arc de Triomphe - Visit the Arc for a great view of the city
and its grand boulevards, and to start your walk down the
Champs-Elysees. I go at dusk; its open in the evening. After all, Paris
is the "The City of Light".
-
Napoleans Tomb and Army Museum -It looks
like a cathedral from the outside, but inside, it all makes sense.
The museum is worthwhile for most and fascinating for military
historians.
Paris
continued - click here |
