Paris France - How I Love Thee!
Unfortunately, most tourists going to Paris have a very limited amount of time to see all the sights so here are my Top 10 Favorite Things To Do. At the end of the lens, I've added a bonus section that outlines a few more adventures for those who are going to Paris for a bit longer. No matter what you choose to do in Paris, you can't go wrong because the Parisian people are so exuberant, romantic, and full of life that you can't help but feel the same way. Cheers and enjoy your travels!
Great Paris Travel Guides
Rick Steves' Paris 2008
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009) 
Frommer's Paris 2008 (Frommer's Complete)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Fodor's Paris 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Paris (EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDE)
Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 07/06/2009)
Top 10 Paris (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 07/06/2009)
#1 Open Double Decker Bus Tour
A bus tour is a MUST for all first time visitors to Paris. Do it your first day to get oriented to the city and to decide which things you'd like to go back and see on subsequent vacation days. I highly recommend the L'Open Tour which is an open deck tour so you can get an unobstructed view of the city. You can buy either a one or two day pass which allows you unlimited bus access to their 4 tour routes over the given time period. It is great because you can tour at your own pace hopping on and off as you desire. When you purchase tickets they supply a cheap set of headphones that can be plugged into jacks near the seats throughout the bus. The headphones carry commentaries about the various Paris sites along the tour routes in 8 different languages (French, English, Spanish, Japanese, German, Russian, Italian, Chinese). The buses drive by just about all of the major sites in Paris including Montemarte, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and 50 other sites.My Tips - Try to do the bus tour on weekdays or in the morning on weekends to avoid the heavy crowds. I've seen standing room only where buses are so full that people must stand for the entire tour. It takes the fun out of a leisurely tour of the city. Secondly, I noticed that on several of the buses, some of the headphone jacks did not broadcast the commentary so just switch seats and test the jacks until you find one that works. The commentary is really a necessity so you know what you are observing during the tour.
Paris Bus Tour Video
Paris open top bus tour
Bus tour of Paris, Champs Elysees and Le Arc de Triumph !express# !metadata#!version#v1.0.r291!/version#!format#1.001!/format#!totalTime#101355!/totalTime#!width#400!/width#!height#300!/height#!maxSceneSize#0!/maxSceneSize#!clientPublishTime#Fri Feb 8 23:32:26 GMT 0000 2008!/clientPublishTime# !/metadata# !scenes#!scene/#!scene/#!scene/# !/scenes# !asset path="finished/22DB22185E035FEB-CED5BD0D3FD935F3.flv" type="VideoContent" desc=""#!stamp time="0"# !mute#false!/mute# !height#300!/height# !display#true!/display# !position#0!/position# !width#400!/width# !volume#0.75!/volume#!/stamp#!stamp time="101355"# !display#false!/display#!/stamp# !/asset#!/express#
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#2 Top of the Eiffel Tower
What would Paris be without the Eiffel Tower? Taking a ride on an elevator to one of the viewing platforms at the top of the tower is a must do for anyone visiting Paris. This iron icon was built in 1889 for a World's Fair that marked the 100 year celebration of the French Revolution. It was named after its builder, Gustave Eiffel.Over 6 million people visit the Eiffel tower every year. Ticket booths at the base of the tower sell tickets for access to either the stairs or the elevator (lift) up and the three platforms at the top of the tower. The views from the highest platform are breathtaking. You can descend back down from the 2nd platform either via the lift or 340 steps. For specific ticket information and hours of operation, visit the Official Eiffel Tower Website.
My Tips - The elevator wait lines can be ridiculously long (especially during the high summer season) so try to visit the tower either early in the morning or after 6 PM to avoid waiting countless hours in line. It seems that the lines are also shorter during the week than on weekends. It can get quite warm in summer so grabbing a Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone on the 2nd platform can be a welcome relief from the heat. If you want souvenirs featuring the Eiffel Tower, the gift shop on the 2nd platform has one of the largest selections in Paris.
#3 Sunset River Cruise on the Seine
What better way to see the City of Lights (La Ville-lumière), than by cruising down the Seine River as the sun is setting over the Eiffel Tower and all the other sites of Paris?Bateaux Parisien offers a Night Sightseeing cruise that departs right across the street from the Eiffel Tower and lasts approximately one hour. They cruise from the Eiffel past many of the major sights along the river to a bit past the Notre Dame Cathedral where they turn around and return to the departure point. This is the most affordable sunset cruise option, but there are also other dinner cruises available. For more information, visit the Bateaux Parisiens website.
My Tips - Figure out what time the sun sets when you are visiting Paris. During my last visit, I was there in May and the sun was setting around 9:25. We took the 9 PM cruise so we could see the sunset and as an added bonus, the hour long cruise returned to the Eiffel Tower departure point around 10 PM so we could see the sparkling light display (10 minutes long) which happens on the hour. Timing is everything when it comes to the sunset cruise so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get from the hotel to the departure point to buy tickets before they sell out. The other advantage of early arrival is that you can get seats at the back of the boat which is open (not enclosed by glass). It is the best spot for taking great photos of the illuminated buildings and the sunset.
#4 Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the most enduring symbols of Paris, the Notre Dame Cathedral sits on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité (one of the natural islands in the Seine River). Begun in 1163 and finished in 1345, this cathedral is a sight to behold with its French Gothic Architecture. It features flying buttresses, portals surrounded by ornate carvings and many gargoyles on the roof.Taking a walk around the entire cathedral, touring the interior, and walking up the 387 steps to the top of the towers should be on the list of things to do for every Parisian tourist. The climb to the top of the towers can be exhausting, but is well worth the effort to get a panoramic view of the area and see all those famous gargoyles up close (enter through a separate door to the left of the facade as you face it). For detailed information about touring the Cathedral, visit their official website.
My tips - the best time to visit the cathedral is early morning when the sun is shining brightly on the western facade and the crowds are much thinner. The line for the tower climb can get long so again this is best undertaken in the morning or late afternoon when it is least crowded.
#5 Champs Elysees & Arc de Triomphe
Taking a walk down the city's most famous avenue (the Champs Elysees) to Napoleon's most notable legacy to Paris (the Arc de Triomphe) is a grand walk for anyone visiting the city. Unfortunately, the cobblestones and click clacks of horse drawn carriages have been replaced by screeching cars and a line of chain restaurants along the Champs Elysees. Nevertheless, this famous street which extends from the Jardin de Tuileries to the Arc de Triomphe is worth a walk. The colossal arch itself was planned by Napoleon to commemorate all of his military successes (the names of generals are carved in the top and inside of the arch) and was completed in 1836. The arch stands a whopping 164 feet tall and holds the tomb of France's unknown soldier from WWI. You can access the arch via an underground passage and then climb to the platform via 284 steps or take a lift (and a few steps too).
#6 Sainte Chapelle Church
Near the Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité island is a little Gothic gem known as Sainte Chapelle (Holy Church). Consisting of a plain lower chapel for servants and an ornate stained glass laden upper chapel (reserved for the king and court member), Sainte Chapelle was built around 1248. Nearly two-thirds of the stained-glass windows are authentic because they were removed during WWII. Much of the rest of the chapel had to be reconstructed due to damage during the French Revolution and WWII. Nevertheless, it is a stunning display of Gothic Architecture. For more information, visit the National Monuments Center's Website.My Tips - Try to attend one of the regular, candlelit concerts for a special treat. At the very least, tour the interior. This is best done in the morning when it is least crowded.
#7 Les Invalides (Napoleon's Tomb)
#8 Musee d'Orsay
Art lovers, especially those that are fans of impressionist paintings and marble sculptures, will go weak in the knees at the mention of the Musee d'Orsay. Housed in a former railway station, the museum holds French art dating from 1848 to 1915 with an extensive collection of paintings from Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Manet, Degas and so many more. The interior of the museum in and of itself is a work of art with breathtaking views from one end of the renovated Belle Epoque train station to the other. For more information about their collections, events, and visitor hours, go to the Orsay Museum's website.My Tips - Give yourself plenty of time to explore the 3 floors of paintings, sculptures and furniture. It would be a shame to feel rushed when you are perusing works by some of the world's greatest artists. There is a great restaurant in the museum with huge glass windows offering panoramic views of the Seine river.
Musee d'Orsay Artwork Photos
D'Orsay museum, Paris.
A beautigul Van Gogh's painting~~~~resting afternoon ^^^^
Vincent Van Gogh's Two Cut Sunflowers or Sunflowers&...
Vincent Van Gogh's Armand Roulin, on loan from the Museum Fol...
This Pablo Picasso was part of the "From C%uFFFDnne to Picasso, Masterpie...
Edgar Degas' Chevaux de courses (Racehorses), on loan from th...
Paul C%uFFFDnne's Le Fumeur accoud%uFFFDi> (The Smoker), on loan from...
Claude Monet's La cath%uFFFDale de Rouen. Le portail, temps gris. Harmo...
La gare Saint-Lazare (Saint Lazare Station) was executed in 1...
Claude Monet's 1878 La rue Montorgueil, %uFFFDaris. F%uFFFD du 30 juin 1878...
Claude Monet's Le bassin aux nymph%uFFFD, harmonie rose (Water ...
Claude Monet's Le d%uFFFDuner: panneau d%uFFFDratif was painted i...
Claude Monet's Londres, le Parlement. Trou%uFFFDde soleil dans le brouill...
Claude Monet's Nymph%uFFFD bleus (Blue Water Lilies) was paint...
Paul C%uFFFDnne's Trois baigneuses (Three Bathers) was executed...
Claude Monet's R%uFFFDtes %uFFFDrgenteuil (Regattas at Argenteuil...
Pierre Augste Renoir's 1876 Bal du moulin de la Galette (Danc...
Pierre Augste Renoir's Danse %uFFFDa campagne (Dance in the Cou...
Jean Baptiste Carpeaux's La Danse (Dance), is a sculptural gr...
James Pradier's Sapho (Sappho) was executed in 1852. Sappho ...
Jean Baptiste Carpeaux's La France imp%uFFFDale portant la lumi%uFFFD dans ...
Jean Baptiste Carpeaux's Les Quatre Parties du monde soutenant la sphé...
#9 The Louvre
The Louvre and its pyramid are synonymous with Paris. It opened to the public way back in 1793. The world's largest art museum holds some of the greatest works mankind has seen - from Da Vinci's Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo to the Winged Victory. The problem is that the museum is so big that it can take several hours to make your way through the maze of corridors just to see those few pieces of artwork. The Louvre displays well over 35,000 pieces of artwork in eight curatorial departments (antiquities, sculptures, paintings, decorative arts, etc) so even if you spent a solid week at the museum, you still wouldn't see everything. The key is to have a game plan. Most people go for the highlight tour and when you purchase tickets, you'll receive a visitors map with the major treasures pointed out. Just get your bearings and enjoy. For more detailed information, visit the Louvre's Official Website.My Tips - I personally found the museum's layout overwhelmingly complicated. So while I'm extremely glad that I 'did' the Louvre, I won't be going back. That said, I do believe that it is a must do on every tourists list. Just be sure that you have patience well in hand on the day you choose to visit. The entrance line just outside the large pyramid can get ridiculously long so try to go in the morning or after 4 PM when the museum is open late (currently on Wednesdays and Fridays) or enter the Louvre via the Carrousel which usually has a much shorter line.
Louvre Artwork Photos
An amazing object d'art... very impressive live.
The Three Graces (Les Trois Grâces)
The famous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Somewhat small in scale... fully prot...
Amazing lighting portrayed in this painting.
Arguably one of the most famous paintings in France.
One of the Louvre's most famous statues, the Venus de Milo from over 2000 years ...
This guy look like someone intelligent and determined who demanded loyalty from ...
A couple in death doing a ritual for their funeral... quite striking!Sarcophag...
I remember this from my trip to Athens... beautiful Greek pottery with the black...
Alad - a protective deity sculpted by the Assyrians. These bas-reliefs were enor...
#10 Montmarte & Sacre Couer Basilica
YouTube Videos of the Paris Top 10
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5 More of My Favorite Things To Do in Paris
- Musée de l'Orangerie which houses 8 of Monet's giant water lily paintings in semi-circular rooms. A must see for any Monet fan. Be sure to walk through the Jardin de Tuileries (garden) during your visit.
- Musée Rodin displays works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The extensive gardens hold many of his sculptures such as The Thinker.
- Catacombs of Paris is a vast network of subterranean tunnels and caverns where the remains (bones) of many area churches were moved at the end of the 17th century.
- Opéra Garnier is Paris' 2200 seat opera house. The ornate interior will leave you speechless.
- The Pointe of Île de la Cité just below Pont Neuf bridge is a delightful little park where you can sit in the middle of the Seine River to watch the boats and people. Just grab a sandwich for lunch and head down the steps for some quintessential Paris.
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KarateKatGraphics wrote...
You picked some fabulous to-dos! Wonderful lens, 5* and rolling to squidoo.com/latinquarter
Posted June 20, 2009
diwakat wrote...
Paris is a lively city and a perfect honeymoon destination. Thanks for the info and great images too. 5** for you. Check my lens on Safari Travel. Mind to rate it.
Posted June 11, 2009
Paris Photo Spotlight
See how Parisians really live!
Paris Interiors (Midi)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)
Featuring a broad cross-section of interiors, this book brings together a selection of over 50 apartments in Paris, chosen purely for their individuality. They include the apartments of celebrities from the worlds of fashion, design and film, such as Thierry Mugler, Andre Putmann and Isabelle Adjani, as well as the Zen apartment of Kircherer.
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