Paris Things to Do Tips by CALSF Top 5 Page for this destination

Mona Lisa's New Home Louvre Review

One of the most famous paintings in the world and probably the singe most visited object in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa has moved to a new area. Originally housed in the Denon Wing where tons of tourists gathered to see this world-renowned painting, she is now located in the Salle des Etats as of April 2005.

Check out the Louvre's official website for more details about Mona Lisa and everything you wish to know about this huge museum.

Total Must-See to Believe Shakespeare and Company Review

I've been to Paris five times prior and have walked past Shakespeare & Company, never bothering to visit. After reading about it since then I made sure not to miss it on my sixth and latest visit to Paris.

Well, it's right across from the Seine and it's sure noticeable with its colorful paint. When you step into this tiny bookstore you will be totally overwhelmed by all the new and used books everywhere-literally everywhere: in boxes, on tables, on shelves, even on a small bed which I'm puzzled as to why it's there.

Anyway, it's a bit claustrophobic when tons of tourists decide to visit the same time as you do. But there are actuall different sections and when you find something you like, pay at the cashier which is the lady sitting in the front surrounded by books.

Notice that she will stamp one of the pages with a 'Kilometre Zero' stamp-a great souvenir of Paris as the Ile de La Cite is considered kilometre zero or where Paris began.

I understand that there is a cat who resides there, but I didn't see it. Good thing or else I may have ended up stepping on its tail by accident. Not a nice thing to do on vacation.

Address: 37, rue de la Bûcherie

Directions: near Notre Dame Cathedral

The Rewards of A Queen's Imagination Jardin des Tuileries Review

My favorite Parisian park has to be the Luxembourg Gardens which was actually the property of Queen Catherine de Medici. I would say that this is my second favorite Parisian park. Another property of hers was the Palais des Tuileries which burned to the ground in 1871 and was never rebuilt.

However, the grounds-or the gardens-remain. And this is known today as the Jardins des Tuileries. During Catherine de Medici's reign she had the gardens designed to her specifications. It was Le Notre, the landscaper of many famous gardens (including the gardens at Versailles), who redesigned the gardens into what we see today.

It's got the typical gravel pathways, statues, lots of beautiful flowerbeds lining the pathways, fountains, and ponds. Surrounding the ponds are the typical green metal chairs that are so handy for taking leisurly breaks from walking. During nice weather the chairs are occupied by the sun-loving Parisians. So do take a seat when one becomes available during a sunny day to contemplate all the beauty that surrounds you.

The Tuileries Gardens is a must-see for me as it's in a most scenic location. One entrance faces the Place de La Concorde and the Champs Elysees while another entrance faces Rue de Rivoli. From St. Germain des Pres walking along the Seine you cross the Pont Royal onto the Ave. du General Lemonnier with the gardens parallel to you. Looking back you will see the Musee d' Orsay with its huge clock and to your right, the Musee de Louvre. And way in the distance to your left is the Place de La Concorde entrance facing the Champs Elysees.

It is because of all of these wonderful perspectives I love these gardens in addition to its own beauty.

Address: Place du Louvre

Directions: Metro: Tuileries,Concorde

***For a photo please refer to my Paris intro. page***

Website: http://www.louvre.fr

An Infamous Parisian Prison Conciergerie Review

A visit to La Conciergerie is a must-see if you want to experience what prison life was like not only for the poor but also for the aristocracy. The massive building with its towers can be seen from the Seine. It is definitely an ominous sight to behold.
La Conciergerie was originally part of a royal palace that included Saint-Chapelle and the Palais de Justice. Later on it became a law court and a prison during the reign of Charles V after he moved the royal residence.

Its entrance on the ground floor is the Salle des Gens d' Armes where the staff ate when the Conciergerie was a palace. During the French Revolution the Conciergerie held thousands of prisoners, many of them both famous and infamous revolutionaries: Robespierre, Danton, Desmoulins, etc.

To get an idea of the prisoners lived, visit the prison cell replicas upstairs. The poorest prisoners had bare cells save for some hay to sleep on. The aristocratic prisoners had luxurious furnishings and objects in their cells.

The most visited cell is the replica of Marie Antoinette's. It is a tiny room with replicas of her furnishings, very dark. There is a replica of the queen who is seated with her back facing you and she wears a veil; behind her standing watch is a prison guard. It's difficult to imagine a French queen-whose home was Versailles at one time-being confined to such a dank, depressing cell. On the wall are displayed personal objects belonging to the queen. One reads about Marie Antoinette and once you see her personal effects, she becomes a real person, another human like us. It's both sad and touching at the same time.

Tip: Be sure that when you purchase a ticket to see the Conciergerie include the visit to St. Chapelle. This allows you to enter St. Chapelle with priority (something I declined to do due to time).

Address: 2 Blvd. du Palais, 75001

Directions: Nearby Hotel de Ville

Simply Walking Yields Alot of Sights Walking Review

You may have heard and read it many times that Paris is a walkable city. Well, it is very true.

Pretty much anywhere you walk will reward you with amazing and memorable sights. Last time I stayed in St. Germain I walked a couple of blocks over to the Seine and browsed the bouquiniste stalls. From there I strolled the quais just taking in the sights and the bridges. And I'd stop on whatever bridge that was nearby and just contemplate the river view plus all the beautiful architecture on either side of the riverbanks.

It's so unique this city that you can walk from district to district and experience a different ambience for each.

And don't forget when walking to partake in the French pasttime: leche-vitrines (window shopping). Whether it's haute couture, antiques, or pastries, all window displays in Paris are beautiful and very tempting!!

Look Up! Louvre Review

If you visit the Louvre be sure to look up! The ceilings are beautifully painted. I found this out when I rested and happened to look up and give my attention to the ceiling. I think visitors-myself included-rush through the Louvre and don't realize that there are alot of details. The Louvre, after all, was formerly the royal palace. Therefore, it's no surprise that the ceilings were ornately decorated.

Tour the Sun King's Palace Versailles Review

Versailles is located outside Paris and is about 12 miles away. We took a Parisvision tour that included a tour guide plus a visit of the main palace, chapel, royal bedchambers, and the Hall of Mirrors.

This is a huge palace that the Sun King, Louis XIV, built after he witnessed his finance minister's, Nicolas Fouquet, massive residence. Fouquet upstaged the king and was punished by being relieved of his duties and was imprisoned.

In order to retain his dignity Louis XIV hired Fouquet's architect (Le Vau, gardener (Le Notre), and decorator (Le Brun) to makeover Versailles. The result was dazzling.

I was really impressed with the Hall of Mirrors where Mozart (as a boy) performed a recital for Marie Antoinette. And I was amazed with the royal bedchambers. I found it thoroughly amazing that the king's toilet habits could be witnessed by his subjects and that the queen gave birth in public view.

Directions: Photo: www.chateauversailles.fr

A Peaceful Respite in the City of Paris Jardins du Luxembourg Review

One reason I love Paris is that one can escape to a park almost anywhere in the city.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most famous and honestly one of the best in Paris. It borders both the 6th and the 14th districts location-wise.

It was once the private property of Queen Marie de Medici and her palace has been used since 1958 as the Senate. She requested the palace be built to resemble her girlhood home in Florence, Pitti Palace.

You can sit in any of the green metal chairs surrounding the grounds where beautiful flowers bloom in abundance in sunny months. Also there are many activities for kids such as playgrounds, marionette shows and sailboating. Adults may partake in chess tournaments daily, rain or shine!

Directions: 15 rue de Vaugirard

Other Contact: Metro: Odeon

Notre Dame's Choir Screen Notre Dame de Paris Review

Check the 14th century choir screen in Notre Dame. It shows scenes from The Last Supper. Btw, the screen takes up a good sized area. Also it's a bit difficult to make out the different scenes that are carved on the screen as the atmosphere inside the cathedral is dim. I recommend that you walk slowly and try to identify what you can.

NOTE: I apologize that the photo of the choir screen is very dark. Please do click to enlarge the photo to see the detail.

Address: Ile de la Cité

Les Bouquinistes Les Bouquinistes Review

Along the Seine's quais and lined up with their signature green stalls are "les bouquinistes" or the booksellers. Nowadays they sell not only old books but also souvenirs and old prints among their wares. If you have time do browse the stalls. You may find something that says "Paris" to you as a memento.

Address: Vicinity of Notre Dame

Directions: Along the Seine