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.

Pont Du Gard, France

Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Located in the beautiful region of Provence, the Pont du Gard, which means bridge over the River Gard, is part of an ancient Roman aqueduct built nearly 2,000 years ago to transport water to the Roman city of Nemausus, now called Nimes.  There is a mysterious engraving on the Pont du Gard, which appears to represent a rabbit or some type of animal.  It is a symbol Romans often etched on their constructions in the belief that it would ward off evil spirits.  The engravings and its location on the aqueduct are impossible for even some locals to find.  

Tour Director:  Giovanna Agrawal, Trafalgar Tours