Everyone knows, Paris is the capital city of France (if you don't, your either slightly dumb, or under the age of 7, and therefore forgiven), yet its status as one of the most visited cities in the world affords it, its own identity, like that of other "super cities".
This is a city of light, grand architecture, art, and history. Yet it is also a city of migrants, languages, expensive coffee, and a feeling that your visiting a live-in theme park.
Much of Paris is replicated throughout the world (Las Vegas has an Eiffel Tower, North Korea has an Arc de Triomphe, and Egypt has a Grand Louvre Pyramid at Giza); so when these famous monuments are actually before your own eyes they seem almost fake.
Despite the sites and attractions being so familiar, they are nonetheless a surprise as they appear from behind townhouses, or pop into view as you round a corner.
As Paris', and perhaps France's most recognised structure, the
Eiffel Tower is a must see whilst visiting. However, I would recommend a night visit as apposed to during the day. There are a number of other sites to visit in order to gain a birds eye view of the city whilst the sun is shining, with the Eiffel Tower the only one offering such a view at night.
Despite being labelled a "disgraceful, gigantic skeleton" by one writer in 1889 after construction for the Exposition Universelle (World Fair) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille; the Eiffel Tower has endured to become one of the most recognised steel structures in the world, right up there with the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland!
For views across the city during daylight hours, head first thing in the morning to
Notre Dame Cathedral, and an ascent of the towers. Not too high that you loose the detail of the sights below, the towers are a perfect vantage point for taking in sweeping panoramic views right across Paris. Also, the
Arch de Triomphe will give you an excellent vantage point for surveying the Champs Elysees, and the chaotic traffic below.
Views from Notre Dame Cathedral
As well as ascending towers, buildings, and churches for 'better city views', the open top bus tours, and river cruises are a relaxing, and pleasant way of taking in the marvels of Parisian architecture.
With both tours providing commentary, this is a leisurely way to see the city, and its inhabitants. Whether driving over the Alexander III bridge, or cruising past the Latin Quarter, this is a good opportunity to sit back, and enjoy an audio visual history lesson of Paris.
After disembarking
Les Cars Rouge in the Opera district, we couldn't help but head towards
Galeries Lafayette, a well know Parisan department shopping centre. In here, you need to be wearing the 'right' clothes to shop for the 'right' clothes; needless to say my waterproof, impenetrable sole hiking boots, did not fit in!
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| Inside Galeries Lafayette |
Coincidently, the Opera District includes a little place called Le Palais Garnier, or Opera Garnier. Built on the orders of Napoleon III, by unknown architect, and 35 year old, Charles Garnier, as part of the great reconstruction of Paris during the second empire. With many sights to see whilst we were in Paris, we nearly overlooked the Opera Garnier, however our guided tour ended up being the highlight of our stay. For about an hour and a half our small group was mesmerised by both the grandeur of this building, and the stories, and knowledge of our guide.
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| Surprisingly his is the entrance for the less well-heeled! |
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| The Grand Staircase |
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| Where patrons may enjoy a brief intermission |
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| The Grand Foyer |
Having purchased the 4 day
Paris Pass prior to arriving, for 132 euro each, we were determined to get our money's worth and more. Offering, the Paris Museum Pass, the Paris Attraction Pass, Paris Visite Metro Pass, and the Les Cars Rouge (open bus tour) voucher, we thought this excellent value for 4 days. Despite cramming each day with as much as possible, our total activity for two would have equated to slightly less than the total of our tickets. I would recommend purchasing the
Paris Museum Pass separately, as this allows you entry into most of the main sites, and also the ability to skip the queues.
Our 4 day Metro passes did not work, and the Paris Attraction Pass does not actually gain you entry to many places, compared with that of the museum pass. The open bus tour ticket is a must, as it is get on/get off where you like and lasts for 2 days. The driver hardly checks the ticket, however, and we managed to use ours for the full 4 days. This is a good way of getting to and from certain places, with a bus usually departing each stop every 15-20 minutes.
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| Don't forget to just sit back and watch! (Coffee on the Champs Elysees) |
***More photos of Paris in the Gallery section***
