Paris

Overview
How to arrive
Restaurants
Things to do
Tips
Video

Overview

Paris – The Lovers’ Haven

It has been called the City of Lights and the ultimate heaven for hopeless romantics. It is the hub of fine arts, haute couture and a gastronomical heaven. It is also home to one of the world’s most intriguing engineering marvels – the Eiffel Tower. The world calls it Paris and the French call it “Pari” but it is loved by all.

The Eiffel Tower, as seen from the
Esplanade du Tocadéro (Left)

Paris is one of the most romantic destinations in the world and it isn’t too hard to figure out why. The city’s amazing architecture, eclectic museums, famous monuments and its stylish, charming people stir up a compelling concoction. Known for its artistic bend and its intellectual ideas, Paris is a magnet for tourists who would love to sit at a sidewalk café and watch the modern and old age Europe pass by, hand in hand.

Though spring is the best time to go to Paris a lot of tourists don’t hesitate to beat the heat during the summer months for an evening in the Champs-Elysees or a leisurely stroll along the Seine.

Traveling to Paris for a vacation is a dream for most tourists but before you start packing your bags, educate yourself with some information about La Ville Lumíére or The City of Lights so that when you get there it’ll be right down to business, without wasting a second.

La Historié

The foundations of Paris were laid towards the end of the 3rd century by a Celtic Gaul tribe called Parisii who built a fishing village on what is now the Ile de la Cite. The Parisii called the village ‘Loukteih’ – Gallic for ‘marsh’ – and were a rich tribe that held a strong trading position over the Seine. Soon they caught the eye of the Romans, who led a long feud with the Gauls and finally gained control of the land in 52 BC after Vercingetorix led a Celtic uprising with the help of the Parisii and lost. The Romans expanded the village and renamed it Lutetia, introduced Christianity in the 3rd century BC and left an indelible mark on the city with their typical architecture when they were usurped by the Frankish Kings in the 5th century. In 508 AD, the Frankish King Clovis I united Gaul as a Kingdom and made Paris its capital – the name being derived from the region’s first known inhabitants, the Parisii.

Statue of Vercingetorix by Bartholdi, on Place de Jaude, in Clermont- Ferrand (Right)

The 12th and 13th centuries were a time of prosperity and development for Paris. Some of the most identifiable landmarks started to take shape during the 12th century; notable among those was the start of construction on the Cathedral of Notre Dame and draining and settling of the Marais area north of the Seine to create what we know today as Right Bank. Around 1200, construction of a fortress that includes the Louvre began. The year 1257 marked the founding of the Sorbonne by Robert de Sorbonne as one of the most significant colleges of the University of Paris.

The Hundred Years’ War led to the rule of Norman England in 1420 that ended only in 1429 when Joan of Arc led the French troops to defeat the English at Órleans. By the mid 1400s Renaissance had taken deep roots in France turning Paris into a flourishing center of art, science and architecture. Technological advances led to the expansion of the city and many of its signature buildings and monuments were built during this time. By 1572, Paris was again in a turmoil with clashes between Huguenots Protestants and Catholic groups resulting in the St. Bartholomew‘s Day massacre of 3000 Huguenots.

This was followed by the ascension of Louis XIV to the throne and his subsequent execution along with his capricious Queen – Marie Antoinette in the French Revolution. The post revolution government was ineffective in holding the country together and gave way to a Reign of Terror which ended when the young Corsican general, Napoleon Bonaparte consolidated the unstable government in 1799 and was crowned the emperor of France by the Pope. Napoleon conquered most of Europe before he met his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815. Though Napoleon was exiled to Elba, he left a rich legacy and the Arc de Triomphe for the people of France.

France walked the next few years unsteadily under the command of inept rulers till a coup brought Napoleon III to power in 1851. Although the new emperor is credited with the construction of a new, flashy Paris and a modern sewer system, he also led the country into the very unsuccessful Franco-Prussian War of 1870. As the emperor fell to the enemy, the Third Republic ushered in the glittering belle époque that brought with it Art Nouveau and many important advances in the arts and sciences. By 1930s, Paris was gaining a reputation for being an artistic avant-garde and a haven for liberal thinkers. Although the Nazi occupation marred this visage of the city for sometime, it regained its form and built up on it in the next few decades.

Today, Paris is known for being the creative hotbed of global fashion and is a gastronomical paradise. The city attracts designers, artists, music lovers and tourists alike. It is one of the most liberal and multicultural capitals in Europe and radical in its outlook and collective thinking. The collective social fabric of the city is a magnet for those who like to live life open-ended, unfettered in restrictive rules and regressive thinking. The city’s aesthetic inclination and its beautiful landscape attracts tourists from every corner of the world and none go back disappointed.

The Best Time in Paris

Because of its weather, its spirit of celebration and its romantic image, Paris welcomes tourists during several months of the year. An oft repeated advice from seasoned travelers says, ‘Paris is at its best in springtime’ and most tourists do head to Paris during this season, unmindful of the sudden bursts of springtime showers and the milling crowds.

The best time to go to Paris is in the months of March, June and September. December and January are good for those who like to celebrate their Christmas and New Years because Parisians know how to do that in style. The winter months are most romantic and if snuggling into a warm café is a welcome idea for you, then by all means…go!

How to arrive

The Road to Paris...

…is mostly a flight that you can take from just about any big city in the world! You are likely to land at one of the two airports – Roissy- Charles de Gaulle or Orly. Charles de Gaulle is the busier of the two and offers several facilities to passengers like restaurants, boutiques and even insurance. Other ways of getting in are by ferry from UK or Ireland and by train from Amsterdam or Brussels.

Getting to Paris by a Euroline bus is a good way provided you are not tight on time. You can also drive under the big, bad English Channel – the Chunnel - only your car would be safely aboard the shuttle train. Driving in from other places is also convenient as Europe’s road systems are excellent. One of the easiest and more economical ways than flying to Paris is to arrive by train.

There are six major train stations in Paris each of which is in charge of traffic to different parts of France and the rest of Europe. All stations are in different parts of the city so it is better to know in advance what station your train will arrive so that you can plan your accommodation. The stations are:

Gare du Nord
Gare d’ Austerlitz
Gare de I’Est
Gare de Lyon
Gare St. Lazare
Gare Montparnasse

All trains in France are operated by the SNCF (French National Railway Authority) except the Thalys to Brussels and Netherlands and the Eurostar to London.

A Room with a view

In a recent survey travelers were asked what hotel they would stay in Paris. An overwhelming choice, not surprisingly was “Paris Hilton”. Its popularity in no small way enhanced by its namesake, stylish heiress, the Hilton would slip out of most budgets. The good news is when it comes to finding a place to stay in on your Paris vacation the choices run the whole gamut from downright cheap to ultra-luxurious accommodations fit for those with a heart for hubris. There are backpacker hostels, cheap hotels, budget hotels, mid-range Bed & Breakfasts and then the hotels that reek of luxury, the ‘kaching!’ of cash and whims and fancies of the rich and famous. What is it going to be for you?

Seasoned travelers recommend Hotel Elysees Regencia Paris, a recently renovated boutique hotel on Avenue Marceau. Popular with honeymooners, the hotel offers 43 beautiful rooms, close proximity to the metro and sights such as Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe and Avenue Montaigne and a friendly staff at € 274. Hotel Luxembourg Parc, another boutique hotel is located in Rue de Vaugirard and has comfortable and well-appointed rooms. It is close to major attractions like Luxembourg Gardens, the Panthéon, and Sorbonne etc. (€284 approx.) Hotel des Academies et des Arts on Rue de la Grande Chaumiére has just 20 rooms but each one is decorated in a chic, contemporary design making it very popular with young couples and art lovers (€231).

Paris is full of unique hotels that offer a lifetime experience. Try some of these for a true Parisian feel – Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais (€125), Windsor House (€120), Hotel Mayet (€120 – € 40), Le Daniel (€ 370), the very bohemian Hotel Arvor Saint Georges (€150), the romantic Hotel Bourg Tibourg (€ 160 – €220), The Le Meurice, located right across the Tuileries Garden is a an 18th century style 125 room, luxury hotel that has played host to royalty, famous movie stars and designers over centuries. Book online here.

A Bed & Breakfast is a great choice for honeymooners, families and seniors and one of the top choices in the city is La Villa Paris, a charming 4 suite Bed & Breakfast housed in a 1920s red brick building on rue de la Fontaine á Mulard (€139). Other very affordable options are La Guriniere at rue Raymond Fassin (€75), Bonne Nuit Paris (€135), Dormouse House Garden Bed & Breakfast (€110), Paris-Oasis (€105) and Au Palais Gourmand (€74).

Hostel accommodation is preferred by singles and young tourist on a tight budget and one of the most popular hostels is the Woodstock Hostel in Montmartre, costing between €19 and €25 depending on the time of the year. Other options are: Perfect Hostel in Montmartre (€ 20), Londres et d’Anvers (€ 36), Oops Hostel (€ 30 – € 40) and Village Hostel (€ 23-€ 25). Get more options here.

Restaurants

Breaking Bread in Style

Paris is all about pleasing the senses and everything in the city’s fabric adds to this basic philosophy. Once you’ve been museum – trotting and window-gawking (and splurging!) you would need to satisfy a new sense – gustatory, and you will find Paris spoils you rotten for choices. Take your pick from the top end: Taillevent, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, Astier, Au Boeuf Couronné, Aux Lyonnais, Chez Dumonet – Josephine, Chez Omar, Chez René, L’Ambassade d’ Auvergne and La Tour d’Argent. The old world, iconic restaurants of Paris still hold the top bar and if you are in the mood for some serious spending try the Belle Époque classic Maxim’s – it is the ultimate statement!

For meals in a more affordable mid-range try Hotel Duo in the Marais district, Hotel des Deux-Iles in rue St – Louis-en-l’Ile, Galileo Hotel in the 8th arrondissement, Hotel Trocadéro la Tour in the upscale rue Massenet. For pure vegetarian cuisines try La Victoire Supreme du Coeur, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Paris - La Grenier de Notre Dame on the Left Bank, Grand Apétit and Krishna Bhavan.

Put on your Blue Suede Shoes!

When the lights on the Eiffel Tower come on, Paris puts on its dancing shoes. From high energy techno dance clubs to relaxed bars and jazz clubs – Paris has a club to suit every palette. The city rocks with Cabaret Venues and if your dancing feet pull you to Marais you can get in on the happening gay scene in the city.

The most danced on floor in the city is Queen – a popular gay venue. Get the best bang for your buck at Barrio Latino and dance your big toe off; Batofar in the 13th arrondissement is a funky joint on a barge in the Seine and plays trance, techno and house; the Buddha Bar in the 8th is a super-relaxer while Elysée Montmartre regales with its live music shows.

For the incorrigible, energetic stompers Les Bains on rue du Bourg-l’Abbé is ‘the’ watering hole and for the celebrity-chasers World Place, owned by Johnny Depp, John Malkovich and Sean Penn, is the buzz.

One Fine Day

There are many ways you could spend a day in Paris. You could spend a whole day just lazing away at a Bistro or a café or you could consider our recommendation –

Start off with a super-charger breakfast of the quintessential Parisian Baguette and chocolate Doughnut, coffee and an –ism at the nearest Bistro or café…just head out in any direction, the city is punctuated with them. Remember to put on your walking shoes so that you can stroll along the Seine and absorb all the sights, smells and sounds of Paris.

Depending on where you find yourself at the moment, take a ride on the Métro or a cab or just walk to catch the early morning sun light up the white dome of the Basilica at Montmartre – it is a sight to remember forever. Walk over to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and then to the Arc de Triomphe and a ride all the way to the top of the Eiffel.

Pack in a visit to the Louvre and perhaps some shopping at the Carousél de Louvre and a quick bite at the nearest Bistro. You could also get a take-away lunch and rest your feet at the Jardin des Tuileries or the Luxembourg Garden while you smooth down your lunch.

Get going for some shopping at one of Paris’ famed flea markets before heading out to the Buddha Bar for some relaxing drinks. Shake a leg if you are in the mood for it at Les Baines or simply wind down for the night with another stroll along the Seine or better still with a romantic night time boat ride on the river.

Things to do

Trotting About

Getting about the city is something of an art. Even though Paris boasts of a clock-work like meticulous train system, it is quite easy for a tourist to get lost in the maze of its tube stations. So we recommend walking; if you can resist the temptation of all those sidewalk cafes, pretty boutiques and patisseries, you can walk the whole length of the city in a few hours!

Driving in Paris is quite difficult as the traffic chokes at the smallest opportunity and parking is expensive. The city however has an excellent underground railway system – The Métro and trains run across the length and breadth of the city at short intervals, are safe and economical especially if you buy weekly/monthly passes called Carte Orange.

A great way of getting around the city and sightseeing is by bike. The recently introduced Vélib program makes it possible for tourists to rent bikes at very economical prices. Get more information on the program here.

Discover the City of Lights

The most enduring image of the city is the Eiffel Tower or La Tour Eiffel – Gustave Eiffel’s brainchild and a global icon. Dominating the city’s skyscape, the Eiffel Tower needs at least 3-4 hours of your time, considering tourists queue up by the hundreds to buy tickets for a ride right to the top. The Arc de Triomphe is close to the Eiffel Tower and the usual next stop for visitors stepping down from the tower. The structure was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate the victories of his Grand Armée and today is the starting point of all State Funerals.

However the most popular attraction in Paris is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame on the Ile De la Cite. Built between 1163 and 1345 it is the most enduring symbol of the city and a Gothic masterpiece. The central character in Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ – the cathedral is a massive structure famous for its gargoyles and the bell that Hugo’s Quasimodo is supposed to have rung. One cannot leave Paris without having been to the Louvre, the current home to Da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa and an extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and antiquities from all over the world. Get more information here.

The Pompidou Center built in the 1970s and named after the former French President Georges Pompidou is famous for its outrageously creative design. Check out the Musée National d’Art Modern in the building for its humungous collection of 20th century art from Fauvism and Cubism to Abstract and Absurd. If you are more of the Impressionist type, don’t miss the Musée d’Orsay – it has the best collection of Impressionist paintings in the world.

Also make time for one of the oldest monuments in Paris - the Basilica of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. A big hit with tourists, the Basilica is dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus and is located in the city’s jazziest nightlife hub. Other big hits with tourists are Champs- Elysées, the uber fashionable street in the world copied shamelessly around the world, the Catacombs – Denfert – Rochereau Ossuary, Les Invalides, Jardin des Tuileries, Luxembourg Garden and the Moulin Rouge. Depending on the time you have in the city also visit Place de la Bastille, Place de la Concorde, The Rodin Museum and Arénes de Lutéce.

Playing ‘Dress Up’ in Paris

If there were no monuments, no museums and no towers in Paris, it would still see the same number of visitors each year…for shopping! Paris is the stylish shopper’s heaven and has more fashionable shops, exclusive boutiques and designer stores per square mile than perhaps any other city in the world. The most irresistible of all shopping areas are the Haute Couture shops found on rue de Faubourg Saint – Honoré (Hermés & Gucci) and Avenue Montaigne (Yves Saint – Laurent & Christian Dior) in the 18th arrondissement. Go to both the areas to gawk at the goodies if not buy them!

There are more designer boutiques on La place de la Madeleine, Saint-Sulpice and the areas surrounded by rue de Grenelle, rue du Cherche –Midi and rue de Saints-Péres (Versace, Sonia Rykiel). There are several boutiques catering to the younger, hipper crowd aggregate in Les Halles neighborhood (Agnés B, Claudie Pierlot), La Place des Victoires (Kenzo) and Marais (Ventilo & Et Vous).

Champs – Elysées, the erstwhile bastion of high fashion, is now sadly a mish mash of tourist centric cinemas, offices and malls. But the elegant, turn – of-the-century Guerlain Parfumerie and the modernistic Virgin Megastore, a music megalith make a good case for at least one visit. For a more mainstream shopping experience try one or both of Paris’ top department store rivals – Printemps and Galeries Lafayette hemmed to each other on Boulevard Hausmann in the 9th arrondissement. Other stores worth a window shopping trip are La Samaritaine (1st Arr.), Bazar de l’Hotel de ville (4th Arr.), Le Bon Marché (7th Arr.)

Tips

Paris By Surprise

Paris is everything but a predictable city. Just when you thought you had seen everything that there was to see in the city, it throws up some more that you had never heard of – even if this is your second or third trip to the city! There is a Paris for all to see and there is another one only for those who are looking for it – it’s the Paris that takes you by surprise. Try some of these offbeat ‘must dos’ and you’ll know what we mean:

1. Going to the Louvre museum could be coupled with a short shopping spree at stores André Courréges and Lalique in the Carousél du Louvre, a pedestrian mall located under the museum.

2. The best places to find treasures in Paris are its Flea Markets. For some of the best bargains in the city, try Saint Ouen Flea market (18th Arr.) and the markets at Porte de Vanves (14th Arr.) and Porte de Mantreuil (20th Arr.)

3. Another one for museum hoppers is the Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie – a fun, science museum – something you must go to if touring Paris with kids on board.

4. Take a ‘Skating Tour’! Pari Roller, an association that promotes skating as a leisure activity/ transportation device conducts the 30 mile Friday Night Fever Skate Tour starting from Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th arrondissement every Friday night. Get on it for the most thrilling way to experience Paris.

5. You’ve done the Bus tours, the walking tours and the boat tours…all in an effort to see the city of lights in a unique way. Now try the Le Egouts de Paris – the Sewer Tour! Starting near the Eiffel, this one is sure to give you a startlingly unique and alternative view of the city through its 1300 miles of sewers.

The Parisian TalkPost

Paris can be a whole new universe for the uninitiated to traverse. And it can be maddening too, what with all the French do’s and don’ts. wouldn’t it be nice if someone could tell you the best way to do things in Paris? For instance, what are the best places to stay? Should you tip at restaurants? If yes, then how much? What if I get lost in the city?

Here’s some help for you from local Parisians who have fantastic insider information on how to make your way through this huge ocean of Parisians and the most of your Paris vacation:

- Stay closer to the center of the city (Concorde, Louver, Saint Germaine) only if you were bequeathed a couple of billion dollars by a rich aunt

- Hotel rooms in Paris are smaller than in the US

- The Right Bank is more expensive than the Left Bank

- The Latin Quarter is the best place for a budget traveler to be in. Food, accommodations and shopping, all are within reach

- Avoid taking the metro if you are a disabled person or with someone who is disabled. The same is true for parents with kids in pushchairs.

- Here’s a tip that will make you simply love us! If you arrive at the Gare du Nord (the train station) you will find Europe’s longest queue for cabs outside – avoid the heart burn and the ulcers waiting for your turn, cross the street and plop down in one of the endless number of cafés and ask for a coffee. Then ask them to get you a cab – far easier and quicker!

Psst... want some secret tips?

However much you plan your trip to Paris there would be always be some things that you didn’t know about or those that come only with experience. We gleaned a bank of really useful tips from travelers who’ve been to Paris and lived to tell the tale!

General Tips

Paris has a reputation of being home rude shopkeepers and people who won’t give you time of the day. Don’t believe it…the truth is that Parisians meet so many tourists and there’s only so many tourists you can give directions to in a day! So, simply put on your best smile and say ‘Bonjour Madame/Monsieur’ before you ask for directions/help/time/whatever – a little politeness goes a long way in Paris
Along with the reputation for terseness, Parisian shop keepers also have the reputation for being bad at math. So, always count your change carefully!
Parisians like to take every transaction as a social event – get likeable and you will get what you want
Try not to speak loudly on the metro (most of the other passengers are not tourists and most are going home after a weary work day), it is not appreciated.
When traveling from the airport to your hotel it is advisable to take a cab. But if you must use the Metro make sure to keep your luggage out of the aisle and beneath you. It will be safer and less inconvenient for your co-passengers.
Never pick up a fight; the French really look down upon brawlers.
Even though Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world, people are quite conservative in their day to day dressing. Therefore bright clothes and unusual, over the top designs may attract the ‘Raised Eyebrow’.
Courtesy is extremely important to Parisians and small things like greeting a saleslady with a simple “Bonjour Madame” makes the whole transaction pleasant.
A useful phrase to know is, “Pardonez-moi de vous déranger, monsieur/madame, mais-auriez-vous la gentilesse d m’aider?” (Pardon me for bothering you, sir/madam, but would you have the kindness to help me?) – trust this phrase to unlock the tightest of doors for you.
Paris is an expensive city but there is no reason to believe you can’t get an under € 10 meal here. One of the best options is to get a sumptuous meal from one of the restaurants/ Brasseries that lie opposite most main railway stations like the Gare du Nord.

Tips for Families

Touring Paris with your family can be fun with good planning. So get a trip planner and make time for activities for the whole family
Try to book as many tickets in advance as possible. Standing in a long queue with kids waiting in the background can require a lot of patience
Paris is, unfortunately, not a very kid-friendly city. Apart from not having changing-tables at most public rest rooms, the city also doesn’t offer too many things for children. However, there still are some things that would be very enjoyable for children, like – the Palais de la découverte’s Planetarium, the Jardin des Plantes’ natural history museum and of course – Disney land
Most cabbies will be hesitant to take on more than 3 passengers (strange, but true!). Try taking the metro as far as possible – it will also be cheaper than taking a taxi
Take a trip on Metro line 14 – these are driverless trains! Especially fun for children, if you sit right in front in the first carriage you can pretend to be driving the train!
You are definitely going to be using the metro on a daily basis. So, instead of buying tickets for the whole family everyday get a Paris Visite pass valid for upto 5 days or a Carte Orange pass.
One of the benefits of traveling with small children is that you are entitled to free porter service at Eurostar stations
Getting the right accommodation is a huge part of a successful trip and the options available to families in Paris can hitch the budget north. It is better to rent an apartment that also offers kitchen facilities so that you can at least save on lunch and as often as possible, on dinner
Dinner is a more expensive affair than lunch in Paris. So a big money saver would be to have a hearty lunch and sandwiches& soups or pasta and bread for dinner. Depend more on take away eateries than on sit-down, elaborate dinner restaurants.
Stay safe at all times by being aware of where your kids are during excursions or trips to the city’s various monuments and parks.

Tips for Couples

Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world and couples should make the most of it by planning a late-night boat ride on the Seine. The lights, the sounds and smells and the star-lit sky will make for an unforgettable experience.
Have a picnic in one of Paris’ famed gardens – the Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg or the Buttes au Chaumont – the surroundings will make you feel like royalty
If you like the opera then Paris is the best place you could go to. Take your significant other to the Opera Garnier or the Opera Bastille for a perfect evening out.
Shop in the best designer boutiques, even if you have to set a budget to your splurging. The experience of being in an exclusive place cannot be duplicated
Dance off till the wee hours of the morning in one of Paris’ many clubs and dance houses
Stay at the world famous George V even if just for a couple of nights. It is guaranteed to be the most romantic time of your life
Take off to Pigalle Place – Paris’s red light area…who knows what you might learn
OD on delectable French desserts – they are the best aphrodisiacs in the world
Go on a wine tasting tour – Leaving France without sampling some of its fines wines – and their very welcome after effects – is almost a crime
French Kiss! At the very top of the Eiffel Tower

10 Recommendations by other travel sites

The top travel advisor Frommer’s recommends Le Grand Véfour for dinner – the room is where Napoleon wooed Josephine. For something more contemporary, Frommer’s recommends the Aux Lyonnais – the top bistro in the city

Fodor’s recommends Grand Hotel Jeanne d’Arc and Hotel de Nesle as the best budget hotels in the city. The website also puts its money on Bruno Frisoni and Christian Louboutin as the best places to buy women’s clothing and accessories from. On Fodor’s insistence, try the bars at Hotel Costes and Hotel Le Bristol – you will not be disappointed.

Paris has no dearth of lively bars and clubs, but on the recommendation of 10best.com, go to Le Baron and Kong before you try the others.

Paris virtual Tour

If you want to explore Paris from your computer, you can do this downloading this files to use with Google Earth software:

Paris center virtual tour (kmz file)

Paris suburbs virtual tour (kmz file)