Paris Things to Do Tips by Sandi-2004

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Weighing 7,000 tons but exerting about the same pressure on the ground as an average-size person sitting in a chair, the wrought-iron tower wasn't meant to be permanent. Gustave-Alexandre Eiffel, the French engineer, famous mainly on his iron bridges, built it for the 1889 Universal Exhibition. What saved it from demolition was the advent of radio -- as the tallest structure in Europe, it made a perfect spot to place a radio antenna (now a TV antenna).

The least expensive way to see Tour Eiffel is to walk up the first two floors at a cost of 3.05€. That way you also avoid the long lines waiting for the elevator. If you dine at the tower's Altitude 95 (tel. 01-45-55-20-04), an Eiffel restaurant on the first floor, management allows patrons to cut to the head of the line.

You'll find elevators in two of the pillars. The first landing provides a view over the rooftops at: 57.63 meters (189 ft). Souvenir shops. Restaurant "Altitude 95" (tel- 01-45-55-20-04). Post office, with special stamps "Paris Eiffel Tower ".

The 2nd landing offers a panoramic look at the city at 115.73 meters (379 ft). Telescopes, shops. Jules Verne Restaurant (extremely expensive, reservations- 01-45-55-61-44).

The 3rd landing at 276.13 meters (905 feet, 11 inches) is the view most people come for, on a clear day you can see for 64km (40 miles), ).

Probably the best approach to the tower is to take the Métro to the Trocadéro station & walk from the Palais de Chaillot to the Seine. Besides fabulous views, especially when the Trocadéro fountains are in full force, you get a free show from the dancers & acrobats who perform around the Palais de Chaillot. The vast green expanse beneath the tower is the Parc du Champs-de-Mars.

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Phone: 01-44-11-23-23
Address: Champ de Mars, 7e Trocadero
Directions: Transportation Métro: Trocadéro, Ecole Militaire, or Bir-Hakeim. RER: Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
Website: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

Notre Dame de Paris: BEAUTIFUL & SPIRITUAL

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Updated by Sandi-2004

on Dec 3, 2004

After a day of sightseeing on my own, I had
agreed to meet my friends at Notre Dame at six in
the evening. I was tired & stressed by the time I reached the front of the amazing cathedral. But when I walked inside, there was the coolness of the air and the soothing sounds of a children's choir, their young, gentle voices singing a beautiful song. I immediately felt the stress and tiredness lifting & I felt a joyful serenity.

The next photo shows the children's choir.

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Address: Ile de la Cité

Notre Dame de Paris: INSIDE NOTRE DAME

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Written by Sandi-2004

on Nov 9, 2004

The beautiful sound of this children's choir added to the spiritual feeling that being inside the cathedral created. It was a special time and place. Walking into this gorgeous cathedral and hearing the blended young voices of children singing made all the busy-ness and stress of a long day of siteseeing disappear. It was very relaxing and very moving.

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Address: Ile de la Cité

St-Germain des Pres: PARIS NEIGHBORHOODS & SHOPS

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Written by Sandi-2004

on Nov 9, 2004

Just walking through the streets and neighborhoods of Paris is a joy. This photo shows a shop and two very high wooden doors to the left that open to a walkway and courtyard where there may be homes that are hidden away from the street.

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Address: Metro – St-Germain des Pres – line 4
Directions: Left Bank

Street Artists: SIDEWALK CAFES & STREET PERFORMERS

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Written by Sandi-2004

on Nov 9, 2004

The sidewalk cafes are abundant in some neighborhoods. They are great for a snack or drink and for people watching. Often there is a musician or mime or some other street performer who will keep you entertained while you relax for a few moments.

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Dining and Drinking: ENJOY THE PASTRIES!!!!

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Written by Sandi-2004

on Nov 9, 2004