Paris Day Tours Impossible perhaps, but a condensed tour to give a sense of the art and history might go like this:
Notre-Dame dominates the Ile-de-la-Cité, an island in the Seine and the oldest settlement. Move on to the Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne to explore fine bookshops and galleries. Admire medieval tapestries at the Cluny Museum, then continue to the Boulevard St. Germain and the Orsay Museum to wonder at the superb art collection (19th and early 20th century) in the beautifully restored railway station.
Moving westwards past the Eiffel Tower and across the Seine onto the Right Bank, we discover the museums and galleries of the Trocadero. Just to the north is Place Charles de Gaulle (Etoile), and site of the Arc de Triomphe.
From here, look down the Champs-Elysées with its cafés, art galleries and elegant stores. At its other end, you see the Place de la Concorde, with the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre nearby.
If you have any breath left, the Palais Royal, Madeleine and l'Opéra are north of the Louvre, while Les Halles, a vast shopping complex built on the site of the old food market is to the east. Further east is Beaubourg (the Georges Pompidou Centre of Modern Art). | Entertainment in Paris Museums, churches and landmarks may be the image of Paris, but its nightlife, with cafes, bistros, bars and theatres, brings this city to life.
Dining can be an extraordinary experience. In addition to traditional fare, exotic ethnic varieties are also to be had. The finest dining in chic restaurants like La Tour d’Argent will strain your wallet, while the omnipresent bistros and cafes help you stretch your euros.
Menu prix-fixe: Every French café must offer a fixed-price meal, which usually consists of four courses (with a choice of dishes at each course), and may include wine (but not coffee). The quality is invariably good, and tax and service are included.
If you want to paint the town red, the famous Moulin Rouge, Lido and Crazy Horse beckon you, and there are numerous clubs and discotheques to sample. The music will be of the latest hits, not only from Paris, but from around the world!
If you can fit it in, a concert at the Olympia lets you revisit music history. Piaf, the Beatles and the Stones are among the stars who were destined to perform here. Founded in 1888, the Olympia is the oldest music hall in Paris, and is easily recognizable by its giant red glowing letters displaying its name. |
 Paris TourismThe City of Lights has an endless “to do” list. A great town for walking, Paris also has the Metro – a brilliant transportation system that is an attraction itself.
Favourite areas to absorb the atmosphere and energy of the city are the Latin Quarter with the students of the Sorbonne, the banks of the Seine among the booksellers, Montmartre and its artists, and, of course, a stroll along the Champs Elysees to the Jardin des Tuileries.
People watching from a sidewalk café is a fun accompaniment to a coffee or aperitif. Your palate can sample flavours from around the world. Vietnamese, Chinese, North African and Indian cuisines are well represented along with the varied French styles. There are scores of restaurants in the maze of small streets around Les Halles; every culinary style is available at prices to suit every pocket.
The Louvre and Beaubourg are major attractions. The Palais du Louvre has been extensively reorganised and reconstructed, the most controversial addition to the old palace being a pyramid with 666 panes of glass, which juxtaposes the ultra-modern with the classical façade of the palace. The best time to see the pyramid is after dark, when it is illuminated.
Beaubourg provides a steady stream of surprises in its temporary exhibition spaces (which, informally, include the pavement outside where lively and often bizarre street-performers gather).
The flea market (marché aux puces) at the Porte de Clignancourt is a very different shopping experience. Here you will find everything from antique clothing to bistro glass. There are also several antique centres (Louvre des Antiquaires, Village Suisse, etc) where genuine antique furniture and other objects are on sale.
Finding your way around this city of no named Rues, and twisting Avenues can be completely confusing. Avoid the hassle by organising a tour. Some favourites include: bike tours in the Latin Quarter, walking tours in St. Germain, and boat rides on the Seine. Ask the locals where they like to eat to get a taste of the real Paris, and to top off the night take in a famous cabaret in Paris. There is nothing else like it! Your Paris apartment rental is out there and the Paris Tourist Information Guide will help you find it! |
