Abotel Plazza Opera

Paris

by jburks1

"Paris in March"

Visiting Paris in March is a great time. Not only are airline tickets cheaper (half price), but the weather is great. My family and I were there for a week toward the end of the month and the temperature hovered around 55 degrees Farenheit during the day and upper 40s at night. We had two or three days of slight rain, nothing drastic. We stayed at the Plaza Opera Hotel (look at the attached photo) which like the names suggests is located in the Opera district. It's a three star hotel, which usually runs between $150-200 U.S. dollars. Three stars are small, but most include a nice breakfast every morning. Hotels in Paris do not have air conditioning so be careful when traveling in the summer time. The Plaza Opera is within walking distance of the Sacre Couer, the Gare du Nord (the train station), and Montmartre (where the artist paint portraits). Around the corner was a McDonalds, but remember a French McDonalds doesn't sell the same items as we do in America. Everything in Paris is expensive, so be careful with your choices. For instance, a diet coke costs upwards of $6 for a glass. Buy the Metro passes, they are fast, inexpensive, and the best way to travel around the city.

"Sacre Couer"

We liked the Sacre Couer better than Notre Dame. It sits high upon a hill and gives you a nice panoramic view of Paris, especially at night. Be careful of peddlers that sell junk at the bottom of the steps to the church. Bracelets and other items are sold and the peddlers can be aggressive. Just tell them no, and walk away. Sacre Couer is also close to Montmatre, which is where the artist paint portraits. Visit the artists, they are amazing!

"Opera House"

Visit the Paris Opera House, especially at night. Like this picture suggests, there is a Metro stop right in front of the house. We stumbled upon this on landmark the second night of our trip. Wow, did it get our attention. It's a great example of a classic Parisian intersection.

Paris Tip

by BillieJean

So, in Paris, everyday the Parisians buy a baguette when they go home after work. It's so chic. So I decided to do it too, and be Parisian. And me and my dad enjoyed a nice baguette with beurre (butta). And we were chic. To get a baguette, all you have to do it go to a boulangerie (bakery) and say, 'une baguette, s'il vous plait.' And they will give you one. I think they're about 7 francs (but they're on euros now, argh). But be sure to say 'bonjour' first. Or 'bon soir,' depending on the time of day.

Provins

by Lilasel

Provins is a step back to the Middle Ages. You have to explore one of the best preserved medieval cities, which UNESCO listed as a World Heritage site in 2001. You will be quite amazed to find such beauty and hospitality, as well as a great deal of French history.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Earls of Champagne made this fortified city their capital, well situated on the way to the Far East. Provins became very wealthy from the merchant activities, bankers, spice trade and the largest cloth fairs in Europe. It has also been said that Thibaud de Champagne brought back the rose flower from Damascus and introduced it here, so Provins might be a very romantic spot to boot.

SHOPPING THE ARAB MARKET AT Barbes

by thinking

Outdoor or covered markets are where you observe the people of France.
This market, run by Arab stallholders, is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings only.
Watch out here. Taste the food first. The quality is often very low.
Above it runs the metro line No. 2 (the market is between the Barbès Rochechouart and La Chapelle stations).

The American thing to do - Jim Morrison's Grave

by GracesTrips

Yes, we Americans of the Rock n Roll generation have this fascination with Jim Morrison - even the teens today are into him. So, we went to the Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise and discovered how unsually beautiful it was there. There are more photos on my travelogue album. It was very easy to get to by Metro. If you don't visit this particular cemetery, you should at least visit one - it is an awesome sight! See virtual website for map and list of famous names.