Baguettes, berets and bewitching sights put the oh la la in your holiday in Paris. The City of Light is an enormous expanse of beauty waiting to be explored, with 20 arrondissements, or neighborhoods, from the very swanky to the gritty city. These diverse neighborhoods are organized in a spiral starting with the lowest numbers on the banks of the Seine River. Whether you want a relaxing stroll along the streets or a jam-packed day full of sightseeing and activities, you can find it on a weekday in Paris.
Get Your Culture On
The Louvre at night
Paris is ripe with a multitude of museums. The hard part is deciding which ones to hit. No need for decisions though with the two-, four- or six-day Paris Museum Pass. It allows you to skip the lines and take in as much culture as you can handle. For an extensive collection of van Gogh, check out the Musee d'Orsay. No museum circuit is complete without a jaunt to the Louvre to catch a glimpse of the illustrious "Mona Lisa." At the Musee du Quai Branly you will find art from all over the globe. For more specialized interests try Musee de la Musique, Musee des Arts et Metiers for a journey through the steps of inventors and Musee des Arts Decoratifs for a look at the French way of life.
Tour de Paris
- Sometimes you just want to take it all in, and one of the best ways to do that is on a tour of the city. Running right through the heart of Paris, the Seine provides a perfect vantage point to take in the sights. There are various types of boats to choose from for your tour, including the very small to the very large, with some even serving food. If you are more of a land lover, hop on and off a double-decker bus throughout the day. If you want to slow it down even further, take a self-guided walking tour, getting lost in the many alleyways dotted with tiny art galleries, cafes and shops. To get away from the tourist scene, head out to the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city with the higher number arrondissements or follow the Seine for some stunning bridge views.
- Picture-Perfect Paris Architecture
It's not visit to Paris without a stop at la Tour Eiffel. You can climb to the top or any of the floors in between to enjoy a glass of Champagne as you marvel at the cityscape or have a picnic at the base and admire the view from below. Head down the Champs-Elysees to see the Arc de Triomphe. Snap some photos and pop in to one of the many stores or restaurants lining this upscale and world-famous avenue. If you are in search of a religious experience, head over to Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris for an architectural treat. And don't forget the famous book store Shakespeare and Company on the Left Bank for new and old books alike. Don't miss the reading room and piano that are tucked into the tiny space. For more sightseeing and a chance to see even more of the city, visit the Bastille, in the eastern part of the city, for a trip through time to the French Revolution or encounter the student scene at La Sorbonne University in the Latin Quarter.
Les Jardins
- You can't travel far in Paris without stumbling upon a park or a garden. Some of the best garden retreats are the ones that are somewhat hidden. The garden at the Archives Nationales is one of those spots. Winding paths lead to flowering trees and beautifully manicured shrubs. The sculpture garden at Musee Rodin is another gem. Tucked behind the museum itself, masterpieces are found at every turn. Adjacent to the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries is a must see. Sit by one of the many fountains, have a coffee under the trees or watch the children race sailboats and chase ducks. Jardin du Luxembourg goes beyond the typical park with puppet shows and pony rides. Some other larger-than-life parks include Jardin des Plantes, Parc Andre Citroen and Parc de la Villette.
