May, 2006
Why Paris? Because there is no secret that Paris is a feeling and Paris and romance go hand in hand. I love Paris in the Spring, in the Winter, in the Fall or on any day at all. Everywhere you turn you see and feel love – lovers strolling hand in hand, picnics in parks, couples getting engaged by the Eiffel Tower, families breaking bread, iron street lamps, Haussmannian rooftops and toy chimneys. As you explore, your love affair with Paris will continue to blossom.
First off where to stay? Le Marais of course! One of the most popular areas in Paris and known for its architecture, trendy art galleries and vintage shops. You know I prefer to stay as a local, so I recommend checking out some AirBnBs in this area in the heart of a charming historic quarter. If you prefer a hotel, I love Marriott hotels and would recommend the Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel.
Now what to see and do? The options and possibilities are truly endless.
Eiffel Tower – Standing 324m tall, it is the iconic landmark for Paris. You can admire it from almost anywhere in the city, but worth going up to the viewing platform to take in a different view of the city. My favorite is viewing the tower at night where the sparkling lights dance in the crisp night air.
Notre Dame – The famous cathedral demonstrating traditional French Gothic architecture. Although you may not find a hunchback in the bell tower, it did offer some of the most picture-perfect snap shots of the city of love. However, it is still under construction since the fire but can be still be admired.
Louvre – Known as one of the most impressive museums in Europe and home to Da Vinci’s masterpiece the Mona Lisa, you can view art and sculptures here. If you love museums, it may be best to get a pass where you have access to over sixty museums for two, four or six consecutive days depending on the length of your stay.
Musee d’Orsay – Located close to Lourve and it hosts the best impressionist and post-impressionist work in Paris. It will not have the medieval art flare of the Louvre, but is home to masterpieces of Degas, Monet and Van Gogh.
Musée de L’oragneire – A smaller but mighty, lesser-known museum close to the Louvre. It is one of my favourite Parisian sites! It houses Monet’s water lilies in a gorgeous oval shaped room, Miro, Picasso and many other famous artists.
Sacré-Coeur – This Sacred Heart of Paris is located at the top of the hill in Montmartre overlooking the city of lights. This Basilica is worth the trip offering a different vibe than Notre Dame. Looking for souvenirs – you can find plenty of local shops at the bottom of the stairs.
Champs Élysées – Home to some of the best shopping the world has to offer. The tree-lined street offers a specular approach to the Arc de Triomphe and is worth a stroll down, perhaps sampling some of Paris’ finer pastries along the way.
Seine River – The river that winds its way through the city and is the most beautiful avenue in Paris. Start at Notre Dame heading west, walk along the bank admiring the quintessential Parisian roofs, bouquinistes, incredible bridges including Pont Alexandre III, Pont Des Arts, Pont de l’Alma and Pont Neuf. One thing about me is I love picnics, what better spot then along the Seine taking in some of the sites – the Lourve, the Eiffel Tower or the Les Invalides. If you don’t feel like walking all the way back to where you started, board a Seine River Cruise to take in the sights.
Palace of Versailles – Approximately one hour from Paris, I recommend taking a day trip to explore this Chateau, getting lost in the gardens and soaking up the extravagant lifestyle of France’s former monarchy. To avoid crowds, I recommend sight-seeing in the reverse of the traditional, starting with Marie-Antoinette’s estate, the gardens and then finishing in the palace. I recommend renting the bikes or golf carts to tour the garden – it is an incredibly large property.
Moulin Rouge – A trip to Paris would not be complete without attending a cabaret and dinner show which has been an essential part of the Parisian night scene for more than a century. Tickets are expensive, but worthwhile for a unique experience. However, if you are on a budget you can skip the show and take in the Pigalle neighborhood where the streets are lined with sex shops and adult stores making it a unique place to people watch and window shop. It is the City of Love after all!
