Travel Guide to Paris

With thousands and thousands of sights to see and places to visit, it's no wonder why people flock there, not only for travel but also to grow into who they want to be.  The city of lights - la ville lumiere - is full of rich history and unbelievable attractions on virtually every street.  While you're in Paris, be sure to check out some of these incredible places included in this blog.

To begin, the quickest way to see the most of Paris possible is to take a tour on a double decker bus.  I suggest doing this on the first day, so you can see the main attractions in the city and then move on to more specific places to visit.  The following video gives you a great idea about what the city is like on an average day - shoppers everywhere, cafes lining the streets, and cars everywhere.

Like David Downie discussed in his book, Journey into the City of Light, in his chapter about Parisian cafes, "That's why one comes to a cafe, isn't it?… For this - the life, the human contact" (Downie 297).  Parisians flock to cafe to take a moment for themselves during the day, to relax, read a book, or chat with a friend. There are thousands of cafes in Paris alone, so it won't be difficult to find one.  I recommend Cafe de Flore or Cafe Charbon.  

The first attraction that is a requirement is the Eiffel Tower.  This may seem obvious since that is what Paris is most known for, but I still feel that it is a Paris must! Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night is one of the most magnificent experiences on the planet, so be sure to visit both during the day and at night! I'm including this on my list because it is what Paris is famous for, and it looks breath-taking when it is lit up at night.

The next must-go place is Versailles.  The Versailles palace was built by Louis XIV on the outskirts of Paris.  It includes beautiful gardens, as well as the famous Hall of Mirrors, King's Grand Apartments, and the Museum of the History of France.  This is a Paris must because it has so much history, but it's also a beautiful place to visit.  In the movie Midnight in Paris, the Parisian lifestyle is very well showcased.  When the main characters are visiting Versailles, the movie makes it clear how intricately detailed and extravagant the gardens and palace are.  It also shows people relaxing in the gardens, soaking up the sunshine or reading a book, which is what real Parisians actually do.  

You also must visit the Notre Dame Cathedral.  It is one of the most famous places in Paris and has unbelievable gothic architecture, and "possesses pinnacled flying buttresses, a trio of France's best rose windows, good portal carvings, a choir screen of deeply carved reliefs, and spiffy gargoyles" ("Architecture," Frommers.com).  It is significant because it such a large part of French history since it's over 800 years old!

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/658476%20%20#ixzz2ls1MXDDd

 

I think it's pretty well-known that the French love their food, and they cherish their time talking with friends and sharing a nice meal.  They have certain table etiquette that you should be sure to adhere to while visiting France.  First, when ordering in a restaurant, women always order first ("Thou Shalt Eat" 73). Your waiter will not bring you your check until you ask because the French believe that eating is an experience and should not be rushed.  This is very different from custom in America, so be sure to wave down your waiter when you and your party are ready to leave.

If you keep these tips in mind, you are sure to have a great time in Paris and be forever changed by the City of Light!  It is a beautiful city, full of interesting people and places that can expand your own mind to a culture that you haven't experienced before.  So get out there and explore!