Location of attractions
by ATLC
Here's a handy website: http://goeurope.about.com/cs/france/l/bl_paris_mapf.htm
You click on one the 'arrondissements' on the map and below it will show the main attractions for that area.
For easy access to the website, click here.
Another very visual map is at http://www.paris-tourist-information.co.uk/ParisCity-Map.htm (note that they've mixed up the two airports, CDG is in the north and Orly is in the south).
For easy access to the website, click here.
Then there's the unsurpassed Michelin maps. With www.viamichelin.com you can find hotels, restaurants and tourist information on detailed maps.
To go to Viamichelin, click here
16th Arrondissement...a Visual Feast
by tpal
Carol and I are, of course, huge fans of architectural exploration. That is to say, we love seeking out and discovering (as if we were the first) hidden architectural gems. We also love exploring neighborhoods that don't always make the first cut in the travel guides. In a city like Paris these exploratory pursuits are available in abundance but, perhaps, no more so than in the 16th Arrondissement.
Like many of the best things about travel, I discovered this fascinating area by accident. In an attempt to locate the Paris Metro stations designed by Hector Guimard, I came across a wonderful website called Paris Kiosque which laid out a fascinating self-guided walking tour through the 16th Arrondissement. It was a guide through some of the the most beautiful Art Nouveau and Art Deco streets I had ever seen. While I have to live with the disappointment of not being the first to discover the 16th Arrondissement, the three hours we spent in this area became the highlight of my Paris visit.
Our introduction to the 16th Arrondissement begins as we walk across the Pont de Grenelle. From the center of the bridge, to the right, is a terrific view the Eiffel Tower seeming, form this vantage, to be straddling the Seine. To the left, on Grenelle Island, is Frederic Bartholdi's 35' bronze model for the Statue of Liberty.
From this point we were directed through an obviously upscale and largely tourist free warren of streets that were alive with architectural milestones. I will detail several of these in other tips but have decided to summarize our walking tour with the following photo highlights: Intro Photo: The view south from Pont de Grenelle toward the 16th Arrondissement with Statue de la Liberté in the foreground. There seems to be some conflicting accounts as to whether the statue is Bartholdi's model or a bronze replica given to the French people by Americans living in Paris in 1889.
Photo 2: Our first "discovery" was Hector Guimard's stunnung Castel Béranger located at 14 la Fountaine. This is Art Nouveau at is finest. Guimard has designed every inch of this building with his groundbreaking vision. See more at my Guimard General Tip.
Photo 3: As we followed our tour we came to Rue George Sand which, much as any, seemed to capture the ambience of the neighborhood. While none of the works of the giants of architecture are seen here, what Hollywood director could resist these streets to reflect his Parisian epic.
Photo 4: There is not a first year architecture student who does not know the name Le Corbusier. Here at 51 rue du Docteur Blanche in a he building originally designed for Raoul La Roche and Albert Jeanneret and is now Le Corbusier's foundation. Carol studied his architecture but as an interior designer, I have always been enamored by his famous chaise lounge which sits in the front window.
Photo 5: In the May 2005 issue of Architectural Digest I found an article by Stephen Calloway called "Rue Moderne in Paris" which described a still standing in neighborhood designed in 1926 by an architect unknown to me...Robert Mallet-Stevens. I clipped it, filed it but, never forgot it. As we followed our route...there it was in all its stylist splendor.
Sacre Coeur...
by CandS
Make your way to the Sacre Coeur, it is well worth the visit...
While you are there, climb to the top of the dome (about 290 steps) for a wonderful view of the city! The dome reaches a height of 83 metres.
It's open daily from 7 am to 11 pm and entry is free. The dome and crypt are open from 9 am to 7 pm.
Paris Celebrations
by aliante1981
Paris certainly knows how to celebrate! Whether it's countdown to the new millenium next to the Eiffel Tower, or a party for the national football team winning European and World Championships.
The picture to the left is a postcard of some fireworks in Paris - pure French style:))
More, More, More... Food Tips - Volume 1
by Krystynn
(a) If you just so happen to be in the Marais area and, it's strictly veggie you crave, then you must absolutely check out Theatro Picalo. The dining area's small... but the menu is very interesting and the ambiance is oh-so-charming.
Hot Tip: Don't leave this place without trying their French apple crumble. Simply Ooh-la-la!
Address of this much revered veggie place:
6 rue des Ecouffes.
(b) Nobody goes to Paris for pizza. (Pur-leeease). However, if you're just too tired to leave your hotel room, then it's 'hotel delivery' to the rescue! Pick up the phone and call: Pizza Hut (05.30.30.30) and within 30 minutes you'll have your meal. Minimum? None. Delivery charge? None. Credit cards? No. Cash and in Euros only please. Will they deliver wine and beer? Yes! Yes! Yes!
(c) Batifol is a chain of local bistros that offers French food and pastries like your grandma used to make. ;-) Modest pricing with healthy portions and a great opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals. There are altogether 17 locations in Paris (I think... Excuse me if I've got my numbers wrong. I am after all a human being; not Miss Yellow Pages). My advice? Start with tea and some goodies at the Batifol in the mall off the Avenue des Champs Elysees. Chic (pronounced as 'sheek' and not chick). Should make for a delightful pause in your sightseeing sessions.
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Place de la Concorde, Paris
The nave
Another Gargoyle
Soon to be Pope.
