Paris Travelers Recommend - page 2

"On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution kicked off with the Storming of the Bastilles. Today, you can find French nationals and Francophones celebrating this historic event around the globe, with Paris serving as the hot spot for commemorating the momentous occasion. Visitors to the City of Light can kick off Bastille Day with the morning Military Parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. This annual tradition showcases the French military’s regiments and pays homage to an age-old tradition of national honor and protection. The president of the French Republic makes an appearance and tourists are treated to a foot parade, mounted troops and a motorized brigade until noon. Travelers looking for a delightful mix of color, sound and lights can catch an impressive fireworks display launched from the iconic Eiffel Tower. This annual event is one of the most popular highlights of Bastille Day, marking the historic battle with truly epic fanfare. A scenic dinner cruise along

Inside, the huge palace's 700 rooms are replete with gilded cornices, frescoed ceilings and carved details. Outside, it is surrounded by famously formal gardens with geometrically designed walkways, fountains, canals and terraces. Any visit to Versailles must include seeing the Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Chambers, the Grand Trianon and Marie-Antoinette's famous estate where she went to play at being a simple country girl. There is a lot to see, so plan your visit based on the chateau's four sections: the multiple-winged palace building, the vast gardens and two smaller palaces, the Grand Trianon and Pteit Trianon. Book your skip-the-line Palace of Versailles day trip from Paris and leave the long queues behind! Skip past the entrance lines with your priority-access ticket and then head inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palace of Versailles.

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.

We have to agree, there’s nothing more French than Champagne. To see where the legend began, visit the sacred town of Reims, known for its role in consecrating the kings of France as well as its importance to the Champagne region’s sparkling wines. In Reims, your guide will take you on a tour of the city’s famous Gothic cathedral, followed by a trip to the world-renowned Mumm champagne cellars for a tour and tasting of Mumm House’s Cordon Rouge champagne. In the afternoon, your tour continues on through the picturesque landscape of vineyards and rolling hills to the town of Epernay, the main entrepôt for the region’s sparkling wines. Here, you’ll visit the prestigious wine cellars of Moet & Chandon for another tasting session.

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.

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.