• Tweet
• Email
• Sharebar

• Tweet
• 
• Email

Paris, oh Paris. Literature and fantasies live up to this city being the most beautiful in the world. She has been through a lot throughout the years with civil wars and foreign occupations. Just think that Hitler ordered Major General Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy Paris if the Allies forced the Nazis out. Much to future generations delight, he disobeyed that order.

There are tons of things to do here for every kind of traveler but itineraries depend alot on the weather, the seasons, and the month of visit. Where the warmer months lend themselves to lots of fetes and outdoor activities where the parks are at their peak, the cooler, rainy months have their place too namely in a quieter, less touristy feel. If you happen to find yourself in Paris in the off-season (cloudy and rainy), there is still much to see if you don’t mind getting a little drenched in the process.

1. The Big 4- Paris’ most recognizable icons- Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Louvre, Notre Dame
2. Galleries Lafayette- some of the most elegant shopping in Paris and the building is dripping in early 20th century opulence
3. Luxembourg Gardens- 6th arrondissment and well worth the walk to get there, Palace and Museum are on the grounds as well
4. Musee D’Orsay- old train station converted into the most regal museum I’ve been too and full of all the Famous Impressionists ( Van Gough, Monet, Pissaro, Toulouse-Letrec)
5. Late lunch at a Brasserie- enjoy a fixed menu (with wine) and relax and watch the world go by, several good places to people watch on St. Germain de Pres. About 15 Euro.
6. La Place de Vosges-in the Marais. Compact and gorgeous park is enclosed by stately rouge apartments. Grab a croissant and cafe a emporter(to go) and have breakfast here.
   

   My friend Laid at Place des Vosges

7. Montmartre- Sacre Coeur + Moulin Rouge. Spend an afternoon(best when the sky is clear) and visit this arondissment. See where many artists got their inspiration and take in the amazing views. Area is also known for its array of fabric shops.
8. La Pere-Lachaise- The most famous of residents currently reside here and you can even touch their current homes. Watch out for Oscar Wilde’s lipstick encased tomb.
9. Marmott Museum- one of the best private Monet collections in the world. In an old private residence off Metro Muette
10. Paris Flea Market aka Les Puces-(Metro Garibaldi) See and explore this football sized treasure trove of years past.

**This city of love has heaps of boat tours along the Seine and Paris hop on hop off bus city tours, these bus tours are great for leery legged traveler.