Paris - France
It had been 23 years since I last visited Paris and then only briefly, so I was excited to be back. After an early morning arrival into Paris - sleep was definitely the order of the day and night. Then it was off to explore this fabulous city. A popular way to start is aboard the Le-Open tour hop-on-hop-off bus, which includes commentary for all the major and not so major sites. Definitely take a seat on the open top deck for the best views. Walking is a great way explore and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Good, comfortable walking shoes a must for this option. Or, if your game why not hire a push bike and ride around the city!
There are so many places to visit and explore the Louvre home to one of the world’s most famous residents - Mona Lisa. Did you know the Louvre has over 35,000 works of art? Then there’s Notre Dame cathedral with its French gothic architecture and its 400 odd spiral staircase – there is no lift! From here just a few steps to the bustling streets of leafy St Germain with her street cafes and restaurants – perfect for refreshments and some people watching before heading across town to the hill and the snow white domes of the Sacre-Coeur in the artists’ district of Montmartre and the home to Moulin Rouge. Take a stroll along the Champs Elysees where you will find the Arc De Trimophe – perhaps a spot of shopping along the way. Remember though wherever you may be in the city you will always be overlooked by the icon of Paris – the Eiffel Tour. A climb (or lift) up the Tower is a must with stunning views across the city especially just on dark when Paris lights up – Spectacular.
A city of culture with more than 100 museums – Army, Photography, Art, Sculpture to name a few. Beautiful parks and gardens many of them found along the banks of River Seine and many more hiding between historic buildings. Oh yes and did I mention the many cafes and restaurants – whether it be cake/coffee or a pastry, fromage platters and a wine for the afternoon or al-la-carte dinning with snails and froglegs! – the choice is endless.
Paris a destination on its own and my three days simply wasn’t enough. Definitely won’t wait another 23 years before visiting again.