Paris Attractions

The grand Palace of Versailles in France

The splendor of the Château de Versailles, or Palace of Versailles, is known throughout the world. Once the home of French kings and queens, nowadays the Palace of Versailles and its marvelous gardens are open to visitors. If you’re staying in Paris, the Palace of Versailles and the city of Versailles make a great day trip. Versailles is located just 17 kilometers (10,5 miles) southwest from the city center of Paris. The easiest way to get to the Palace of Versailles is to take the RER C train to the “Versailles Rive Gauche – Château de Versailles” station, which is a short walk away from the castle.

In this article we’ll tell you something about the history of Versailles, and also give you some visitor tips to make the most of your visit to the Palace and City of Versailles! Read the entire story here…»

The Eiffel Tower rises amongst Parisian rooftops

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire world, the Eiffel Tower is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Paris!

No matter the season, the views from the Tower are spectacular, as is the Eiffel Tower itself. In this article, we’ll explore the history of France’s beloved iron lady, and give you practical information to make the most of your visit to the Eiffel Tower! Read the entire story here…»

The Seine River, Pont des Arts and Île de la Cité at night in Paris

No matter the season, the Seine River never fails to charm visitors in Paris. In wintertime, the dashing lightshows of the Eiffel Tower are reflected in the still water of the Seine. In springtime, you’ll see couples attach a lovelock to the Pont des Arts and throwing the key into the river symbolizing their eternal love. In summertime, Paris Plages take over the banks of the Seine River, as people swim in floating pools or stretch out on the sandy beaches. In autumn time, the leaves of Parisian trees turn golden brown and float down the river, followed by the numerous tour boats.

It’s clear the Seine River is an integral part of life in Paris, and cannot be missed by any traveler! In this post we’ll tell you a little more about the most famous river in France, and also describe some of the best spots to view the Seine from in Paris. Read the entire story here…»

Abbesses station’s art nouveau entrance to the Paris Métro

No visit to Paris is complete without an exploration of one of the oldest, most efficient, and most elegant public transit systems in the world: the Paris Métro. This subway system is not just a way to get around the city; it has become a symbol for the City of Light, and has influenced countless other subway systems across the world. Unique art is not only displayed in metro trains in Paris, but whole stations and station entrances are part of the Paris Métro art as well.

A cast-iron Paris Métro sign. Photo by Fabio Venni.

The Paris Métro opened over 100 years ago, with stations designed by art nouveau architect Hector Guimard.

Guimard’s iconic designs, with cast iron entrances in floral and plant motifs, have given the Paris Métro its completely characteristic style.

Only two of Guimard’s original entrance designs survive: the Abbesses station on Line 12, which also features an enormous and ever-changing mural on the staircase walls, and the Porte Dauphine station on Line 2, which was inaugurated in 1900, the first year of the Métro’s opening.

However, inside the metro stations, old art is effortlessly supplemented with the new. Read the entire story here…»

Neptune Fountain at Versailles

No trip to Paris is complete without a tour of the palace at Versailles, the French seat of beauty, decadence, ambition and artistry.  The famed chateau was constructed and expanded under the reign of Louis XIV, who wished to employ the greatest architects, designers and artists of the time to create a palace worthy of a godly king.

Visit Château de Versailles on a Saturday or Sunday in warm weather (April through October) to see Les Grandes Eaux Musicales—the Musical Fountains Show.  This unforgettable spectacle has each of the over 2400 fountains and waterworks throughout the palace grounds on and flowing to the rhythm of music.  You can watch the jets of water rise and fall to the tune of Baroque operas and overtures, and marvel at the fact that 400-year-old engineering is still responsible for the playful movements of the water. Read the entire story here…»

Paris Plages

As the weather warms, Parisians and Americans in beautiful Paris naturally find themselves drawn to the water. The Seine River that bisects Paris into the Left and Right Banks provides a cool and breezy spot to enjoy the beauty of the city in full summer.  Take time to enjoy the river that has inspired countless artists and is the lifeblood of Paris.

Visitors to Paris are in for a treat with the traditional Bateaux Mouches river tour, and summer is a wonderful time to glide along the river on a flat-bottomed boat.  Though there is some controversy over how these “fly boats” got their name, everyone agrees that they are a delightful way to see the sights of the City of Light.  Each boat company has different embarkation points, but you can expect to travel past the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Hotel de Ville, not to mention many of the 35 gorgeous bridges spanning the Seine.  With the wind playing with your hair, the sun glittering on the surface of the water, and some of the world’s most beautiful buildings and monuments drifting by on the shore, your Bateau Mouche river tour will be a treasured memory of your trip to Paris. Read the entire story here…»