Travel guide for PARIS

Information

Climate

I visited Paris during April. The temperature was around 15 oC with a little rain for one day.

Location

Paris is the official capital of France and is located in the north-east of the country.

Money Issues

The official currency is euro and there are many exchange offices in central places all over Paris. Keep also in mind that you can always use your credit card. There are many ATMs, almost everywhere with the indication of the acceptable cards on them.

History

In 1789 the French revolution took place in Versailles which led to the first constitution. During the World War II the city was under the German occupation. Paris was free again in 1944.

How to get there

If you plan to get there by plane, you must know that Paris has two big airports close to it, the Charles de Gaulle and the Orly. My plane landed at the first one which is 23 km far from the centre of the city. Once you land you can use the bus service or the train for your transportation to the city. Avoid the taxis if you don’t want to spend around 50 euros!!

Trasportation

Paris has an extended metro service. Use it! It’s fast, cheap and regular and brings you to the most tourist places.

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in PARIS

There are many hotels for all tastes. Personally I used the internet for my booking and I found a cheap (around 40euro) and clean hotel very close to the Louvre (don’t ask me the name, I don’t remember it). However, I must say that the booking wasn’t very easy as I sent an email to the hotel in English and the hotel replied to me in French!!!! So, I had to book by phone…

Children

The most famous destination is the Disneyland and not only for kids...You‘d better get there early so that you don’t have to wait a lot for your entry! Another good destination is the museum of magic in the ex-residence of Marquis de Sade. Here you can enjoy many magic shows and tricks.

Food

In Paris you can find dishes from different places of France. I marked a few that I liked most: coq au vin (chicken in red wine), bouillabaisse (a fish soup) and for dessert the chocolate mouse.

Amusement

There are many bars and clubs in Paris but don’t ask me…We were so tired when we returned to our hotel from our walk around Paris that all we wanted was to rest! Almost to forget! We made only one exception to visit the famous Moulin Rouge.

Activities

Sport Events

The marathon race takes place in April and the start is from the Champs Elysees.

Leisure

In Paris you can find many cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. Keep in mind the high prices. I recommend a café along the Seine. If you like the art you should visit the café de Flore where Salvador Dali used to visit. Unique decoration!

Shopping

If you are looking for fashion clothes then Paris is the perfect place! You can find all the famous designers along the Boulevard Montaigne. Of course don’t expect low prices…You must also visit an open market (like the Place de la Madeleine) where you will find many suggestions for food and wine!

Monuments

Galleries

The Orse museum offers you samples from the work of many impressionists. Personally I admire Van Gogh. The museum of Picasso is a very common destination for many tourists. Here you can admire a biggest sample of Picasso’s work.

Museums

The Louvre is a former palace which was transformed to a museum by the Great Napoleon. So, this place is huge!! Don’t forget to visit Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milos. Buy your tickets easy from the entrance near the merry-go-round.

Modern museums

The museum of contemporary art inside the Centre George Pompidou. Quite interesting exhibition divided in two floors.

Historical monuments

The Versailles is the biggest palace in Europe and it’s located outside Paris. It was king’s residence until the fall of Bastille in 1789. It is globally known for its famous gardens!

Modern monuments

The Eiffel Tower. This huge metallic construction was made in the 19th century. During the day, the view from its top (the so-called third level) is unique when the sky is clean but even more magnificent is when the dark falls and the tower is lit. Centre George Pompidou. This centre is an exceptional sample of the modern architecture. Inside many events regarding art and culture take place.

Other sights

The Champs Elysees and a walk along the avenue Champs Elysees which ends to the Triumphal Arch. Disneyland. Make sure you visit it. You will have a lot of fun and feel again like a child!

Romance

I strongly recommend a cruise or a walk along the Seine!!! Moreover, a dinner on board in the light of candles. Great atmosphere! Keep in mind that the whole city emits something romantic in the air…

Not to miss

Visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and have a cruise in Seine.

Be Cautious

Pay attention to the cars when you cross a street. Usually, the pedestrians don’t have the priority on their side. Prefer the pedestrian crossings. Be careful when you visit crowded tourist places because there are many pickpockets!

Best routes

If you like walking and you are lucky with the weather then one good idea is a walk from the Triumphal Arch to the Bastille. It takes almost one hour but it is worth the trouble. Pay attention to the old buildings along the road. Another interesting walk is along the avenue des Champs Elysees which ends to the Triumphal Arch. Program also a cruise to Seine. During the cruise you can see some of the most known sights of Paris, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Notre Dame etc. There are many boats you can use. Pay attention to the price and what is offered to you during the cruise. Another good idea is a bus tour around the city. In this way you can see all the sights in approximately two hours time. One good starting point is from Rue de Pyramides. Keep in mind that you can descend at any stop you like during the tour.

Out

Dedicate one of your days for a visit to Versailles. I would suggest a guided tour. You’d better reach there early enough because there are a lot of people!

Value 4 money

First of all there are cheap tickets for the metro. You can buy a daily ticket or a ticket lasting for two or three days. Many sights like the Triumphal Arch, the Louvre and the museum of Picasso have a free entry on the first Sunday of each month. If you are looking for cheap meal prefer the ‘prix-fixe’(fixed price) menus. They combine both, quality and value.

Wish it had

Fewer cars. Unfortunately, there is a lot of traffic jam and thus pollution and noise.

Impressions

Paris is a big city with numerous places to visit. Given this you need several days to explore it! Moreover, it’s an extremely romantic destination, so if you search a travel destination for you and your girlfriend, you have found it!!!!