Paris, France
Paris, the City of Light, is comprised of arrondissements (neighborhoods) each with its own character. Aside from the obvious sites of the Eiffel Tower and Louvre museum, there is much to be seen and experienced in this romantic European city. While the list of things we love about Paris is quite long, here are a few highlights:
- See the opulent Opera Garnier for a concert or after hours tour. With its Chagall ceiling and homages to the “The Phantom of the Opera”, this is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
- Enjoy a classic Parisian neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement. Located on the Left Bank, and home to the atmospheric St-Germain-des-Prés quartier, the Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens, this neighborhood is worth seeing.
- Stroll through the atmospheric lanes of Montmartre, where every corner is instagram worthy, and the Sacré-Cœur basilica often with live music alongside offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. The ancient Place du Tertre in Montmartreis a great spot to get your portrait painted if you have time or to watch artists create pieces of art on the spot.
- The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, or flea market is a collection of antiques from bygone eras and one of our favorite places to find a unique souvenir from Paris.
- Explore Le Marais, another classic Parisian neighborhood of medieval lanes, you’ll find hidden courtyards and designer boutiques. This area spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris.
- The Ile de la Cité, an island in the river Seine in the center of Paris, hosts the remarkable Notre-Dame Cathedral a display of Gothic architecture at its finest.
- Visit the Louvre museum. This merits a half day minimum, as it’s a vast museum. Aside from the Mona Lisa, the Louvre hosts world-famous pieces from top masters and is an architectural masterpiece. If you don’t have time to visit the museum while it is open you may visit the courtyard and walk around it while it’s lit up at night.
Paris, with its romantic bridges, busy arts scene and monumental architecture, has come through a great deal of history intact, and stays near the top of our list for Europe.