France - Enjoy Relaxing Spring Vacation in Paris
See Eiffel Tower,Louvre,Montmartre Before the Summer Crowds Arrive
Oct 27, 2008
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Eiffel Tower
For first-timers there are a number of "must do's". That symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, is worth a visit if only for the fabulous view from the top. It contains a number of restaurants but the higher you go the more expensive they become
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Arc de Triomphe /Champs-Elysees.
The Arc de Triomphe is another high spot - but no elevator. You climb 330 steps to gaze down on the Champs-Elysees. When you get back down to earth take a stroll along the wide boulevards and enjoy a cafe au lait at a pavement cafe. A coffee can be on the expensive side but you can sit as long as you like - write your postcards or just watch the world go by.
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Louvre
The Louvre is the world's largest palace and is also said to contain the world's greatest collection of art. It is so huge it can be intimidating but do go inside. If you don't want to spend too much time looking at art then make a beeline for the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The entrance to the Louvre is through the huge glass pyramid which caused so much controversy when it was built in l989.
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Montmartre
For a complete contrast wend your way over to Montmartre with its cobblestoned streets and old houses. Take the funicular railway and visit the white-domed Sacre-Coeur basilica, watch artists at work in the Place du Tertre while you munch on a Croque Monsieur - a cheese and ham sandwich fried in butter - delicious!
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Left Bank
Stand on any one of the many bridges that cross the Seine and face the direction in which the current is flowing - on your right is the Right Bank and on your left the Left Bank.
The Left Bank contains the famous Latin Quarter, with its lively, Bohemian atmosphere. One of the most atmospheric streets is rue Mouffetard. Long, narrow, and lined with ancient houses it slopes down to one of the most famous food markets in Paris.
If you haven't been for a few years there are lots of new things on offer: the Orsay Museum, formerly a railway station, houses a fine collection of Impressionist paintings and the building alone is worth a visit, with its huge vaulted glass and steel interior.
Spring Vacation in Paris France - Other Attractions
Other attractions include the Opera at La Bastille, the Picasso Museum in the Marais district, and the newish (1993) wing of the Louvre. .
Paris is an easy city to get around. Apart from from the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Montmartre (and these are only a short ride on the metro) most of the tourist attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Save money by purchasing a Paris Museum Pass which allows you direct access (you don't have to queue) to 65 monuments and museums in Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and the Orsay Museum.
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