LOFA wrote:Tomorrow we head out to New Amsterdam, Head straight to Paris for 4 days
Things to do in Paris
Pere Lachaise Cemetery
-A genuine necropolis. Metro: Pere Lachaise: walk down the boulevard to the large entrance on the left. Walk up the main path, but veer right when you have a path running in that direction –that way lie wonderful winding paths through the trees & tombs. The “lower” part of Pere Lachaise is modeled on an English garden, so it winds around in circular paths, the “upper” part of Pere Lachaise is laid out in a grid & is not as interesting. Watch for cemetery cats!
You can also get off at Metro: Philippe Auguste. Walk down Boulevard de Charonne to Rue Pierre Bayle & look for a small entrance to Pere Lachaise –this is the way I came it & it marvelous. Again, veer right when you get in Pere Lachaise.
The Catacombes
-Go on a weekday early in the morning to avoid other people & tourists. Go quietly & bask in the ambience & experience. Think about what you encounter.
Versailles
-You must experience this! Make sure you walk down into the gardens.
Sacre Coer
-Wonderful neighborhood to walk through behind & to the left of Sacre Coer.
Jardin Luxembourg
-Lovely place, go on a weekend & see people sailing small boats in the large pond. Also, traditional Punch & Judy puppet shows take place here in a small theatre.
Cite De La Musique
-Great musical instrument museum.
La Geode
-Very cool architecture.
Place de la Bastille
-Good neighborhood for chic Parisians. I lived here when I first arrived in Paris. Go down Rue de la Roquette to see my old neighborhood. Great café on Rue de la Roquette, can’t remember the name, but one side of it bordered a small street or semi-street. The entrance was right on the corner. I used to get chicken salads that were basically Caesar salads, along with a glass of wine…
Le Chateau de Vincennes
-A grand castle. Take some time to explore.
Hotel De Ville
-Great building.
Pont Neuf
-The oldest standing bridge in Paris, it connects the Left Bank with the Right Bank. Go to the tip of Ile de la Cite, an island in the Seine, after dark. Tres romantique!
Opera Garnier
-Maybe you can find the Opera Ghost…
Place des Vosges
-Near The Bastille. Major historic significance.
Les Halles
-Large underground shopping center. The area behind it has gardens, walks, & a cathedral with unique modern sculptures in front of it.
Arts & Metiers (Arts & Science) Metro Station
-Make sure you check this out, it’s all polished copper & looks like Jules Verne designed it! My favorite Metro station.
Musee Jacquemart-Andre
-Once a residence of wealthy people, now a museum to a lost age of opulence.
And of course, The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre (go early, it’s BIG), etc.
I went to a great Hamas (stream rooms & baths), not far from Hotel De Ville. Very relaxing experience, especially the steam room.
Things To Look For
-Art Nouveaux (Metro Stations, buildings, etc.).
-Parisian cats!
-How the people *are* with themselves, their city, & you!
-Cafes everywhere!
-Dig on the cool Metro system.
Note
-Speak as much French as possible –the French respect that you at least are making an effort, & will frequently speak English with you more readily after you have tried to speak French with them.
Avoid
-Sandwiches sold on the streets. I ate a number of these small baguette sandwiches the first few weeks until I got food poisoning from one, then never again!
