Paris What other city can conjure up romance, elegance and chic sophistication like Paris? This is a city to savour – whether from high among the lattice work of the Eiffel Tower or from a pavement café with a glass of Bordeaux in hand. The treasures of the Louvre, the glories of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the elegant Champs Elysées – all are essential Paris. But be prepared to detour – watch a game of boules in the Jardin de Luxembourg or dither between a rich, custardy millefeuille and a flaky pain au chocolat at a nearby pâtisserie. Watch artists at work near the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and marvel at the Impressionist masterpieces in the Musée d’Orsay. People-watch in a side walk café and when the sun sets, fall in love with Paris all over again.
Our favourite things to see and do The Paris Museum Pass – A sightseer’s best friend, allowing entry as many times as you wish to over 60 museums and monuments in and around Paris. Check out the crazy traffic from the Arc de Triomphe, have Mona Lisa’s eyes follow you at the Louvre and imagine times gone by at Château de Fontainebleau.
Canal St Martin – With its old iron footbridge, Canal St Martin was made famous in the movie Amelie and is lined with cafés and restaurants and is a great place to hang out. Tour Montparnasse – For stunning views of Paris. From here you can see all the major sights, and it is far less crowded than the Eiffel Tower. Père-Lachaise Cemetery – Said to be the world’s most visited graveyard and some of the most frequented graves are those of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Chopin and Oscar Wilde. Get a free map on the way at the conservation office just inside the main entrance off Boulevard de Menilmontant.
Saint Chapelle – Not far from the Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle is a spectacular cathedral with the most amazing stained glass windows.
Semur en Auxois, France
3 Prices to Pay in France – At a café stand at the bar like a local (the most economical). Sit down inside the café and the price goes up, and if you sit outside on the footpath the cost is even higher, but worth it for the people watching.
Paris is Full of Surprises – Problem is that you might miss them if you don’t know where to look. There are plenty of guides that give interesting ideas for self guided walks. Investing in a set of guide cards or a book is well worth it. The “City Walks” series are great and cost from about $40. If self guided isn’t for you, your travel consultant has plenty of guided options.
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