Paris, The City of Light has a long list of impressive, historical sites and the most famous art museum in the world. Notre Dame is a half-day venture in itself. In spite of all these time-consuming and incredible undertakings, one of the most satisfying and pleasurable experiences to be had in Paris is sitting at a sidewalk cafe, taking it all in.
It is said that you can see Paris in a day, whether you are just passing through on a connecting flight to other European destinations or you decided to take a day trip from London via the high speed train. Yet to really get to know the city one must spend some time. An assortment of Paris apartments and hotels to fit any budget are available allowing travelers the opportunity to get to know the real Paris.
Parisians consider the cafe a daily part of life in dry weather. Do not neglect the opportunity of soaking up the atmosphere and the culture in the park at the Tuileries Garden or wandering through the Marais. The Marais is in the third and fourth arrondissement in the middle of the city and is known for a culturally open attitude and ethnic communities. It is called trendy, but maintains unequaled and well-preserved architectural points of interest.
The Moulin Rouge has a dinner theater type of cabaret-dance hall to see the can-can in the Montmarte. The feeling inspired by the film will be accessible sitting in the gallery and pretending that Toulouse Lautrec is sitting across the floor sipping absinthe. While there, walk the hilly neighborhoods to take in the art of Dali and destroy the chocolate and pastry calories.
The Palace of Versailles in the western suburbs of Paris is the former home of Louis XIV who was later guillotined. Along with the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it is a very populated tourist destination, although Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cite tops it with about twelve million visitors per year. Disneyland Paris is on the eastern outskirts of the city if children are traveling as well. Otherwise, take in the Musees Rodin and Picasso.
The French Open, a Grand Slam event of professional tennis, is held from late May to early June, which may affect travel plans. The Tour de France is three weeks long and 2200 miles, and ends up on the Champs-Elysees on July 24, 2011, just in case that is also a significant vacation time.
Temperatures are mild in winter with an average low of 36 degrees Fahrenheit and a high in summer of 77 degrees F. June can be slightly chilly if it rains. Boat rides on the Seine are relaxing and pleasant most times of the year. One-hour rides along the river are great for kids above toddler age for reasonable prices. Lunch and dinner cruises are available and are slightly pricey, but restful, after trekking around the city.
A mere cab ride through the Place de la Concorde in the eighth arrondissement will remind one of the movies and advertisements seen over the years; images from this area are well known. There are also world famous designers nearby for padded wallets. There is a view of the Eiffel Tower behind a large, beautiful fountain for a perfect photo of Paris, and a great memory to share.
There are numerous apartments in Paris, as well as boutique inns and hotels that can put you in the center of the City of Lights. For more information on Paris and surrounding areas in France, check out Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures travel guides.
The sun does not set until 10:30 p.m. in July, so enjoy a leisurely dinner and walk back to the hotel and love Paris.
