French Overnight

Paris France Tourist Attractions – Be a Tourist Guide to Your Friends

2011-05-07T23:38:00.001-07:00

In order for you to act as the guide for your friends when you and your group decide to fly to France to see and enjoy Paris France tourist attractions, you might want to go through a short course that will help you learn more about the country and its capital. As it is, while acting as tour guide, you will need to talk to your friends and describe the many amazing tourist spots that you encounter. This only means that you have to be aware about the many historical sites and landmarks as well as other important places such as hotels, parks and restaurants.

In order to impress your friends, you must possess knowledge about the best French hotels, eateries and museums. Needless to say, you must always be a step ahead of the pack if you decide to lead them by being the tour guide and proudly introduce to them the many Paris France tourist attractions. It is definitely one great challenge, but if you do it right and you impress your friends well enough, who knows? You might eventually be able to become a professional tour guide of Paris yourself. Best of luck on such endeavors!

Here is a nicely shot clear-day clip on the Champs Elysees and Arche de Triomphe, two of the most popular Paris France tourist attractions among locals and international visitors from all around the world.

Enjoying My Cruise on River Seine

2011-03-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

Undoubtedly, the most popular river in Paris and perhaps the whole of France is the Seine, also known to be one of the main attractions of the city. Cruise on River Seine passes by the charming Eiffel Tower and other beautiful and enchanting spots such as the Place de la Concorde. If you want to have a peak of the English Channel, it is found on the mouth of the river. You might be wondering long the river is, it is actually more than 480 mile long or 776 km long and has an elevation of about 1,545 feet.

Cruises on the Seine River

When enjoying one of those romantic cruises on the Seine River, which I had during one of the cold wintry evening of November, of course any tourist should not look any farther as all the great landmarks and structures are ready for you to view and enjoy as you go down the river.

One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower, which you will definitely see on your river cruise. In fact it is one of the first structures that you will see even before the cruise starts. We want up the barge at around 9PM, and it was exactly the time when the lights of the Eiffel Tower sparkled, rendering me in awe with the magnificent show of lights that I witnessed.

I had the chances to go aboard one of those Bateaux Mouches, literally means fly boats, which are actually wide and two decked boats and provide tourists and visitors a grand view of the city as it goes along the cruise on River Seine. One can even enjoy a romantic Seine dinner during the cruise. Bateaux Mouches is one of the most well-known operators of the barges. However, there is a notion that all boats that go along the Seine is called the Bateaux Mouches.

Cruise on River Seine via Bateaux Mouches

It was a cold Sunday evening when we rushed to the port where the Bateaux Mouches boats wait for passengers to fill them up before they cruise along the River. While waiting for more passengers, we decided to have our seats at the top deck of the barge. It was already very cold, the temperature was in fact 8 degrees, but I thought the chill can be easily handled so I insisted on going up to the top of the barge.

Actually, I just wanted a better look of the sights and so I thought it is a must that we position ourselves on the second deck of the barge. In fact, I was so much enthralled by the view of the Eiffel Tower that brightly lit up like a torch as its clothes of orange lights enveloping it began to sparkle. Eiffel was the first structure that I saw in Paris as I enter the city the first time from the Charles de Gaul Airport and also at the Seine River cruise; so it is definitely one Parisian landmark that I will always remember.

The bateaux boats are definitely considered as popular attractions to enjoy riding in the city of Paris. Actually they were originally steamers that were displayed in the 1867 Exhibition. Today, like the one that I rode when I was in the city, many of them can easily accommodate hundreds of tourists, with open air upper deck, where I actually wanted to stay in order to have a much better view of the city, but the cold air made me decide to stay on the warmer enclosed lower deck.

Awesome Structures along the River Seine

Most barge cruise on River Seine includes mostly a commentary on the beautiful sights. However, it was indeed quite confusing in my case as the commentary was not clear on which structures it was referring to as both sides of the river do have beautiful structures to look at. Anyway, our Bateaux Mouches cruise lasted for about an hour. While we didn’t have any aboard as we did have a quick one before going there, our boat, as with many others, offered seine dinner during the cruise.

Apart from the Eiffel Tower, other historical and famous structures, building and landmarks include Montaigne, Champs-Elysées, La Défense, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Place de la Concorde and L ‘Opéra just to mention some in the long list of great places. The Seine River continues it stretch to the River Shannon and Yonne River. Further still down the stream, you will then reach the Normandy beaches where a lot of recreational and river activities can be enjoyed.

Brightly-lit Saint-Michael Bridge

Along the river, you will also have the chance to enjoy seeing the well-lit and decorated bridges. One of the most popular bridges in the stretch of the river is the Saint-Michael Bridge or the Pont Saint-Michel, named after the Saint-Michel Chapel. This brightly-lit bridge structure is the one near the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. In fact, it is one of the most well and colorfully-lit bridges; when lit up during the evenings, it displays all the colors in the rainbow – blue, gold, green, orange, peach. Saint-Michael Bridge links Place Saint-Michel, which is situated on the river’s left side to the Île de la Cité.

Checking the Seine River Spots Online

Needless to say, the city of Paris has a great and awesome list of historical structures, building and landmarks to view and enjoy as you travel on a cruise on the Seine River. If you are a first-time traveler to Paris Iike me, it could be helpful if you will go first to the Internet and be familiarized with all the spots that one can see along the river. I am sure that it would really be helpful for me as knowing which building or structure is which can definitely make me better understand and appreciate the commentary. Likewise, you can also find it helpful to get a hold of pamphlets that will assist in the planning for your cruise on River Seine.

Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

2010-12-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

November 21 2010. Next stop of our Paris, France tour - Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, or simply the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris. I consider visiting this church a must and one of the important things to do in Paris, France. I was eager to hear the Filipino Mass but unfortunately it was scheduled at 3PM, the time when we would still be at the apartment enjoying our late lunch. So we had to settle for a much later time, 6:30 PM. Still, this is a mass that's something to look forward to as it is officiated by the Archbishop of Paris, and broadcast live on the Radio Notre Dame and KTO-Catholic TV, a French Catholic station.

I am aware that the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris was the location for the novel of Victor Hugo and Disney animation "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," so I surreptiously tried to check on Quasimodo among the stone figures standing on the top of the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris church facade - to no avail. However, I can attest to the fact that there were a good number of Esmeraldas braving the rain apparently to hear the evening mass.

I did not realize until now that Notre Dame de Paris means Our Lady of Paris. It is a gothic, yet Catholic Cathedral. In fact, it is considered as one of the earliest and well-known gothic buildings in Paris France.

Located in in the Church Square, right in front of the Cathedral Notre Dame de Paris is the Paris Point Zero. This is the marker from which distances from all locations and places in Paris are measured.

They say that if you touch this brass marker and make a fervent wish, it will come true. So, what have i got to lose?

The Louvre Museum

2010-12-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

November 21, 2010 - This was a rainy day in Paris France. It was very cold and the skies were gray like it was on our first day. And much worse as it was drizzling. But despite the damp weather and all, I was still looking forward to visiting the Louvre Museum.

Destination: The Louvre Museum. We took Bus Number 72 and got off at the Palais Royale Louvre Station. It was an interesting route going to the Louvre as the bus runs by the Seine river, which means I got to see again the major sites along the river, including the Eiffel Tower.

Grand Louvre - it is one of Paris France' most famous historic monuments. The Louvre Museum is also one of the biggest in the world and the most visited as well. It is also home to the world's most popular and stared upon painting, Mona Lisa, a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.

Trivias about this French historical piece of architecture. Originally, the museum was a royal palace built by different Kings. However, with the building of a new palace for the French Royalty, it was transformed into a museum in the 18th century. The Louvre Museum has early names such as Musee Central des Arts and the Musee Napoleon. However, most French and tourist affectionately call it as The Louvre.

It is also said that if you visit the museum and check at each one of the artifacts, paintings, stone and clay figures, sculptures and historical pieces for at least 30 seconds, you will finish your visit in 5 months. Definitely, I don't intend to do that as I have just two days more to go for my Paris tour.

From afar, the glass pyramid in the middle of the palace courtyard takes our full attention, away from the classical, even gothic(for me at least) palace buildings of louvre.

We were greeted with a long line, definitely they would want to miss everything else but not the most famous occupant of the museum - The Mona Lisa. The long queue was aggravated by the drizzle but finally we got to the entrance. Actually, we were in line not for Louvre Museum tickets as Francois already got them them weeks ago,but just to get into the museum. Inside, it was not all museum but you can also see commercial establishments, souvenir shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants .

We proceeded down Denon hall as we entered the museum. Our primary target - the Mona Lisa. Luckily you would not get lost as plenty of arrows directing toward this famous painting are everywhere. The same can be said as true for the second most famous occupant - the Venus de Milo.

Just witnessing the beauty of these two paintings can be spellbinding. Apart from the Mona Lisa and Venus de Mila, I was also in awe with the gargantuan paintings, particularly the Italian(Roman) masterpieces, some of which are as large and wide as the whole gallery walls.

Admittedly, I am not a fan of art, but I truly enjoyed the short few hours that I spent The Louvre Museum. It does not just house world famous masterpieces, but also includes Roman and Egyptian artifacts as well. I was particularly impressed with huge Egyptian collection.

It is obvious that the Egyptian section of the Louvre has the largest collection of artifacts. I believe a whole floor of the museum was devoted to Egyptian collection, with historical pieces occupying numerous rooms. Such collections include mummies, clay human and animal figures and forms and as well as ancient tools and implements of sorts.

If given the chance, I would definitely revisit the Louvre Museum. It is highly recommended to everyone as a family trip, as you can bring your kids to the books and children section of the museum, where their collection is simply voluminous. Indeed, the hassle of flying to Paris France and getting Louvre Museum tickets beforehand are all worthwhile as you are sure to enjoy the best museum in the world.

Moulin Rouge Show - Pigalle Paris

2010-12-16T03:21:00.000-08:00

Francois mentioned that we were already in Pigalle Paris, parts of which are devoted to the sex industry, making it known to locals and tourists alike as the red light district of Paris France.

We found ourselves on the Boulevard de Clichy, where we also saw a lot of sex shops and encountered a few prostitutes eagerly offering their wares.

Finally, we came to the establishment that we must have already seen so many times on pictures and films - the Moulin Rouge. Going down the station Blanche, you will readily see the Moulin. It will immediately capture your attention, what with its flamboyantly reddish colored facade and its windmill on the roof.

Moulin Rouge Show - Enjoy Can-Can Dances
Moulin Rouge was not always the legitimate entertainment establishment that I thought it was but was originally a brothel. It already offered shows, but the early dancers exposed much of their skin to the outrage of the public. Over time, the cabaret evolved into a more decent musical entertainment venue. The modern Moulin Rouge show features many acrobatics while the usual vulgarity disappeared. Now it is widely accepted and patronized by the French high society.

Care for Moulin Rouge Tickets?
Needless to say, the Moulin Rouge cabaret is a huge tourist attraction of Paris France. It offers the best of musical entertainment like the can-can dance. I would love to watch a Moulin Rouge can-can show, but the price of the Moulin Rouge tickets, 150 euros, forbids me to do so. It's simply beyond your author's reach.

Sacred Heart Church of Paris France

2010-12-07T06:27:00.001-08:00

After our Eiffel Tower tour, we took the Metro for our lunch. I was practically pleading for Quick, a popular hamburger restaurant in France, but Francois said the group should have a heavy meal and so wanted to treat us to a Chinese restaurant serving buffet. No use arguing with a friend who seem to want everything his way. We are in France anyway, Francois knows what's best. And more importantly, he's paying for the treat.

We did not want to waste anymore time so to Chinese we went. And was he right. I had my fill of dimsum, crispy noodles, thick hot seafood soup, chilled fruits that I can have from the buffet table. All for 26 Euros.What a bargain for such great treats.

After after Chinese treat, off to Metro again. Next stop - the Sacred Heart Church, also known as the Sacre Couer Basilica. One of the more popular churches in Paris France, it is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is sitting atop Montmartre, Paris' highest point.

We got off at Anvers Metro Station. Just a few walk from the station is a block where stores are located all around. They sell a variety of souvenirs such as posters, cards, Eiffel Tower miniatures, dresses and shirts (even naughty aprons), rolls of cloth, and more. I was told that this place is where you should buy stuff because prices here are affordable, even for tourists. We had to go through the "shopping block" as we walked towards the Sacred Heart Church so can't help but be tempted to buy something - I bought two shirts for 15 euros a pair.

We finally saw the beautiful Sacred Heart Church sitting on top of the hill. Such a wonderful sight. To be able to reach the church, you can either take the cable car or furniculaire or climb up the steps. Of course we took the cable. In front of the church was a band playing current pop music to the delight of a good sized audience. An unusual scene.., I thought. But I was told that during summer, women go sun bathing naked - in front of the church.

The dome of the Church is open to the public. Being there provides one an excellent view of Paris. But we opted not to, but instead stayed on the Church ground, where the views we had of the city was nonetheless impressive. Enjoying breathtaking sights of Paris while listening to great popular American music rendered by a French band, what more can you ask?

Like in many other popular landmarks in Paris France, Sacred Heart Basilica is surrounded by small cafes and bistros.

However, one part of the Church vicinity that attracts me is the artist's area where many painters and illustrators and their works of art can be seen and admired.

Some will offer for them to draw your likeness, for a fee of course. Indeed, their works are so impressive; unfortunately they charge quite exorbitantly (one charges 100 euros, too high for my budget). Next time perhaps?

Eiffel Tower - Enjoying its Magnificence

2010-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

November 20, 2010 was our first official tour date in Paris France. We would be having our first real taste of the City, according to Francois, our unofficial tour guide. I was raring to go, woked up at 5am but thought it was too early as it was still dark outside. Went back to sleep. I guess I overslept as I woke up at 7am. I was surprised to find out as I checked out from the window that everything was still dark. Francois was quick to explain that sun does not shine until after 8am.

A great Paris France city tour is not without a hearty breakfast. Good thing our host was just too willing to prepare for us fresh croissant, petit pain au chocolate (which is actually soft bread with chocolate filling) , pain au raisin ( bread with raisins) , some butter, jam and fruit yoghurt (I notice the yoghurt brand was Yoplait, same as what we buy in Tel Aviv) We enjoyed some nice hot coffee afterwards.

Eiffel Tower Tour

9 am, The sun was up, out and hot so instead of going first to the Phil Embassy as planned, we went straight to the bus station that would take us to the Eiffel tower site. We got off in front of the Trocadero and walked towards the Eiffel tower.

Surrounding and complimenting the tower are expanse of green grass, trees in autumn colors, buildings (including the Trocadero) with wonderful facade. Indeed, it becomes all the more imposing as you go near it. I asked about hotels near Eiffel Tower. Francois quickly suggests Hotel Pullman, Hotel Mercure and Derby Alma Hotel, few of the most popular hotels Eiffel Tower.

Finally I found myself beneath this great wonder of an iron structure - and it was simply unbelievable. Pictures. I have got to take pictures to prove to friends and family I was here.

While in line to buy our tickets, a street vendor caught our attention. In tow were Eiffel tower souvenirs of different forms, colors (lights!) and sizes. He must have noticed our interest in his goods so he displayed some tenacity in trying to sell to us. I asked the price of a glass miniature Eiffel tower with changing colors - 10 euros! I was about to hand to him the amount when Francois cautioned me that it was too expensive . But just as when we were almost at the caisse (cashier), the vendor must have realized that we have no time to haggle with him so he offered it with a much lesser price, down to 5 euros. Immediately, we took two.

We queued for quite some time and finally got our tickets in 20 minutes. I was told that we had a convenient time considering that during the summer season, it will probably take one hour to the whole morning at the most just to get tickets to tour the Eiffel Tower. I notice security is tight - there is one checking the line and another within the entrance of the tower. There are two ways to climb the Eiffel tower, via the elevator and by foot! Of course, you can correctly guess what we chose.

We climbed up to the second level and realized immediately the purpose of the tower - to see Paris in its entirety. Magnificent. One can marvel at all the amazing sights of the city. I saw the Sacred Heart church, the Arc de Triomphe, La Defense, Concorde and many more. Paris is simply magical when seen from the Eiffel Tower.

I could have stayed all day at the tower but we only had the morning to spend on the site and needed to proceed to our next city destination.

Reluctantly I followed them towards the descending elevator. Wait, did I have pictures? I got to have enough. Made sure I had for myself some video clips too. This visit of the tower might not happen again. But then I am praying otherwise.

Bateaux Mouches - Seine River Cruises

2010-12-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Bateaux Mouches, which literally means fly boats, is the French term for the most popular boat cruise line along the historic Seine River.From the apartment we had to rush to the Seine as it was almost 10 PM. The night was so cold it felt like the temperature was below 10 degrees celsius. My hands were freezing I hated myself for not remembering to bring my gloves. Nonetheless we still decided to stay at the upper deck to enjoy a better view of the sites. I myself was concerned about how to take advantage of the Seine River Cruises and see the Eiffel Tower the best way possible.

The Bateaux Mouches Seine River cruises start at the Trocadero and Alma Bridge. The Eiffel Tower, located at Champ de Mars, is clearly visible from our location, albeit a thick fog obscured the top part of the iron structure. At around 10:00 pm the yellow orange lights that decorate the Eiffel tower sparkled, all the more capturing everyone's attention.

The light spectacle occurs hourly at the start of the evening until 1 am. Frankly, just seeing the Eiffel tower was such an awesome experience; I was truly mesmerized - like I am in a dreamland. I have seen the tower countless number of times on photos, TV and films but there's nothing like seeing it in person and witnessing it in all its grandeur.

After we passed by the tower, we continued with the cruise on the Seine River. We stood pat in staying at the upper deck despite the freezing cold. But it was all worth it. The beauty of every historic and grand monument and edifice and every bridge that make Paris made me go though the freezing night. I simply do not want to miss anything, not a single landmark.

Musee d'Orsay, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Concorde, Grand Palais, Hotel de Ville. The list that only speaks of splendid history and magnificense goes on and on. Apart from the buildings, we also marvelled at the bridges that spanned the river, numbering more than 30.

Each boasts of its own design and unique story to tell. Incidentally, our boat has an audio system that provides announcements and commentaries on every historic site that it passes by - in English, French and Chinese (or is it Japanese?).

What a city, I can only say. I was hoping it was not an anti-climax of sort as I am sure that in the next four days I would be witnessing other facets of greatness that is Paris France. But definitely the Bateaux Mouches cruise on the Seine River is one of the highlights of my trip. It is one stunning experience that I will never forget.

My First Night in Paris France

2010-12-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

November 19, 2010 It was 2 PM when our El Al plane landed at the CDG airport. The weather in Paris was cold and cloudy, further dampening my already messed up spirits. Francois was bragging to me about the great things to do in Paris France but it was the last thing on my mind then.

Nonetheless, I realized that getting inside Paris was much easier than going out of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. At CDG, there were no questions asked. Oh, except the query on when our connection flight date would be. It was definitely a breeze, and for this I had a sigh of relief.

Francois Versele, a long time friend of Chester, was there to meet us. He immediately bragged about the gargantuan size of the airport and its unique sun rays shape but I just couldn't seem to care less because my mind is still hooked on Tel Aviv.

We proceeded to eat at the airport's Mcdonald's Restaurant. Went with Francois at the counter and checked on the prices. 6 euros for a Big Mac meal. Hmmm..around 30 shekels, so more or less the same price as in Israel.

After the snack, we then rode the regional train to Paris. Francois urged me to look beyond the panoramic window for my first views of the French landscape. Chalets, clusters of buildings looking somewhat like factories, stadium, farms and fields. These, instead of the Eiffel tower?

Patience, I was told as the imposing landmark is found on the city proper. Picturesque views and all, the train ride was unfortunately uncomfortable because my left leg ached.

From the train station, we went straight to Francois' house located at the 16th district, one of the premier areas in Paris. It was a small apartment, yet the cost of having it is expensive enough to afford two large ones outside the metro. Woe is me. I am still wailing about how I missed tel aviv.

While waiting for our first Paris night out at 9 PM, we went to check on the vicinity. We passed by Rue de passy, a popular shopping area, where we ate jambon fromage ham and cheese sandwich 4 euros in a boulangerie. We chanced upon the Philippine Embassy located just a few blocks from the apartment.

Somehow, I was actually looking forward to the things to do in Paris France. I'd would really like to make the most of my five day stay here.