Paris Travelers Recommend - page 2

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Paris’ major attractions lining the beautiful river Seine, whose historic riverbanks are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starting at the imposing Eiffel Tower, your route takes in the iconic Notre Dame-Cathedral, the buzzing Latin Quarter and the Parisian Statue of Liberty, as well as world-famous museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, as you cruise to La Bibliothèque Nationale and back. Your boat’s glass roof and large panoramic windows offer great views from every seat. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you drift slowly past the sights of Paris.

With its beautiful scenery, historic towns and magnificent chateaux, the Loire Valley lies in easy reach of Paris. During the Renaissance period French aristocrats built lavish residences on or near the Loire River. Over 300 chateaux were built in the region, with only a few open to public visits. Among them is the 11th century Chateau d’Amboise, where Amboise’s most famous non-royal resident, Leonardo da Vinci worked. Da Vinci may be responsible for designs to an even more spectacular chateau – Chambord – namely the double-helix staircase. Chambord’s façade is one of the Loire’s most famous, rising from a solid base and becoming more fanciful the higher it climbs. Meanwhile, instantly recognisable Chenonceau is one of the great monuments of the French Renaissance. While all of these buildings express the aspirations of different ages, the rambling Chateau de Blois, offers a whole range of styles in one spot.

Whether you’re in the first flutters of young love or thinking about popping the question, honeymooning or looking back on a long happy life together, everyone agrees Paris is the romantic capital of the world. In the daytime, a horse-and-carriage ride starting from the Eiffel Tower and continuing on to the Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe is a wonderfully nostalgic way to see this stunning city. Or toast your love while you sample fine French wines in a royal cellar near the Louvre. Once night falls, how about dinner and a show while you enjoy the picturesque highlights of Paris? Cruise along the Seine as you and your significant other are serenaded by a singer and band. The beautiful riverside buildings and monuments are illuminated by spotlights as you pass by. A glass roof ensures great views from wherever you are, but for sightseeing at its finest, book the exclusive prow table.

The fromagerie (cheese shop) is another world, with an astounding range of regional varieties accompanied by quince paste, green tomato jam, and fabulous bread. Make your selection and head up to the heart of the Latin Quarter, packed with colorful historic shops and restaurants, and the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who wrote in his ode to Paris, A Moveable Feast: "This is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy". Finish at the Pâté de foie gras speciality shop with a decadent tasting of this delicacy. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to taste gourmet chocolate and pastries, walking through lovely Parisian neighborhoods. Feeling creative? Make your own fine pastries and desserts, from ice cream (geranium, lavender, chocolate, or caramel) to truffles or learn the secret of the prized French macaroon. Sip champagne as you cruise along the Seine, or visit the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region.

The Eiffel Tower’s location on the Left Bank of the Seine makes it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a cruise on the river—a relaxing way to spot top sights like the Notre Dame. Here’s what you need to know to find the right combo for you. Highlights Check off two of Paris’ top activities in one convenient ticket package.Options are available for both day and night, with some featuring dinner.Some Eiffel Tower tickets include skip-the-line access.Cruise tickets can often be used on a different day to provide flexibility. Half-Day Combo Tours Four to five hours in duration, a half-day combo allows you to maximize your time in the city while still getting an overview of the main attractions. This is an ideal way to get oriented with the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods at the beginning of your trip.

The birthplace of the high-spirited can-can and subject of Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic paintings, the Moulin Rouge is not only the world’s most famous cabaret, but one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions. Since opening its doors in 1889 during the French Belle Époque era, the Moulin Rouge has inspired pop culture around the world, immortalized in the award-winning 2001 musical film of the same name, as well as the hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Walking down Boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ famous Pigalle district, you can’t miss the Moulin Rouge, with its distinctive red windmill and dazzling neon sign, and spending an evening at the legendary cabaret is a quintessential Parisian experience. Opt for dinner and a show with or without transport, and tuck into a gourmet three-course meal while watching the Moulin Rouge’s “Feerie” show – a fast-paced performance featuring 60 Doriss Girls, 100 artists, spectacular sets (including a giant aquarium).

Want to travel around Paris like a local? Let your chauffeur take the wheel of an iconic Citroen 2CV and you’ll soon be whizzing around the Arc de Triomphe in true Parisian style. Private tours of Paris by Citroen 2CV whisk you on a chauffeur-driven tour of the city. With their convertible soft-top roof and cute boxy design, the Citroen 2CV is a quintessential symbol of France. You’ll drive past the major attractions, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and the Moulin Rouge, plus visit secret Parisian hideaways like Place de la Fontaine Stravinsky, Place du Marche Ste Catherine and the Hotel de Sens.

Spend your Christmas in Paris, and see how the fashionable French celebrate Christmas in style! Oozing with atmosphere, Paris has long been the destination of choice for stylish shoppers, romancing lovers, families and food lovers alike. So what better place to spend the festive season – perfect for Christmas shopping in the chic boutiques, or wining and dining against the romantic backdrop of the City of Lights. Take a stroll down the elegant Champs-Elysées and see this famous avenue decked out sparkling Christmas trees and 150,000 twinkling lights stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. This is just one of many light displays around the capital, so why not take our Paris Christmas Lights Tour to see along with the best of the rest.