Things to Do Paris

Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Montmartre, Latin Quarter

Try a walking tour of the Montmartre district, where artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh worked. Your Local Host can suggest other intriguing walking tours of areas such as the Latin Quarter, the fashion district, or where to find the graves of Jim Morrison and Chopin in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Sacré-Coeur

While in Montmartre, visit the Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart). This pristine, white-stone church was proposed as a memorial to the soldiers killed in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but it was not completed until the end of World War I. The church features one of the world's largest mosaics, which depicts Christ with outstretched arms, and a massive 19-ton church bell. Enjoy wonderful views of Paris from the Sacré-Coeur steps.

Musée d’Orsay

Stroll through centuries of artwork at the Musée d’Orsay, which houses an extensive collection of impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Cezanne. You can also admire Rodin’s statues, and do not miss the spectacular reception room.

Sainte-Chapelle

Fifteen intricately designed panels of stained glass—commissioned by Louis IX— depict 1,100 story-telling scenes.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc du Champ de Mars

Families may like to take a stroll in one of the famous parks and take a whirl on their charming carousels. You can also see the “pétanque” players, or sit on one of the “so typical” Parisian green chairs.

Seine Bridges

Find your favorite bridge. There are 37, and they are all different—from plain to gilded and from new to over 400 years old. The special atmosphere they create across the Seine River helps to make Paris one of the most romantic cities.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

In the Roaring 20s, this quirky bookstore on the Bohemian Left Bank was the meeting place for some of literature's greats—like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Joyce to name a few. It continues to serve as a cultural magnet for struggling writers and visitors alike.

Markets

Ask your Local Host how to get to the flea market for affordable objects d’art, or visit one of the food markets. The French know how to turn food display into an art form. See rainbows of fresh fruit and vegetables, soft palettes of bread, and colossal wheels of cheese—France has over 400 varieties of cheese. And when you're ready for dessert, specialty stores abound—from tarts and pastries to crêpes and pains au chocolat. Other specialties to try include onion soup with a fresh baguette, coq au vin (a classic chicken dish), croquet monsieur, quiche Lorraine, escargot, steak-frites, and famous French wines and champagne.

Champs-Elysées, Shopping

Shop at haute couture boutiques by the Champs-Elysées. Perfumes and scarves are classic gifts, as well as French berets, lace, collection dolls, and pottery. Use your included specially arranged discounts at the famous Galeries Lafayette, or check out the Printemps department store.

Cafés

When you’re ready for a break, join the locals at one of the cafés, sip a glass of wine or a café au lait (hot milk coffee), and watch the world go by in true Parisian style.

Paris Travel Information

Posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011

When it comes to Paris, words fail. No description or superlative comes close to capturing the magic of the inimitable "City of Light." It's not just the culture…or the history…or the people, architecture, or food. It's all of those things-plus, so much more. Whether it's day, night, winter, summer, spring, or autumn, in Paris, the very air feels enchanted. Certainly, few places have as many recognizable icons: Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triumph, Louvre. Whether you're shopping along the Champs-Élysées, cruising down the River Seine, taking in a cabaret show at the historic Moulin Rouge, strolling through the artist village of Montmartre, or simply basking in the city's je ne sais at a sidewalk café, Paris will make a lasting impression on you.

Quick Facts:

Population: 11 million
Language: French
Currency: The Euro 1€ =100 Cents
Time Zone: GMT +1

Weather: Paris is renowned to be most beautiful in the spring. All year round though the city is a delight with sizzling summers and coat wrapped winters.

Popular Sights:

Arc de Triomphe - Built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories, this impressive arch is a symbol of French pride. Eiffel Tower - The definitive symbol of Paris, and indeed France, the Eiffel tower dominates the city skyline. At night from atop its viewing decks Paris sparkles and earns its name as the ‘City of Lights’.
Champs Elysees - This is Paris’ grand boulevard and a great place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere of elegant stores, restaurants, theaters and hotels.
The Seine - The lifeline of the city, this river makes its way under numerous bridges - perfect for romantic moments. Take a boat trip down the Seine or just stroll along its banks and discover this great city.
The Louvre - Paris artistic soul may come from the artist quarter of Montemarte, but it is stored in The Louvre. Within The Louvre lies a myriad of paintings and sculptures. Not least the world’s most famous painting – the Mona Lisa.

Shopping:

From famous designer boutiques on the Champs Elysees to the charming antique dealers and art shops around the city, Paris has shopping options for every taste.

Enjoy looking for great buys such as perfume, silk scarves and wines in designer stores. Haggle over books at a flea – markets along the Seine and bargain for perfect pieces in antiques stores.

Cuisine:

Parisians take food very seriously and the City of Lights is world famous for its array of bistros, cafes and superior restaurants. Meals are sumptuous, creative and often have many courses, all washed down with great French wine.

Notable dishes are Beef bourguignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables) and bouillabaisse (fish stew). Be sure to indulge and enjoy the endless selection of freshly baked pastries like Croissant and Éclaire and taste the many fantastic French cheeses.

Seine River Paris

Posted on Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Seine River divides Paris into two halves, the right and left bank. The Right Bank conjures up an image of bourgeois respectability. Historically the stronghold of merchants and royalty, it remains today the home of commerce and government. Faubourg Saint Honoré offers the luxury of 'haute couture' and jewellery shops, also the authority of the President’s palace, whilst the Champs Elysées claims the shops, film and advertising and airline companies.