Montmarte and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

Going in August meant that the place was extremely crowded! As we were walking up Montmartre, we could hear so many different languages spoken, vendors standing outside of their stores promising something different from the vendor next door, smells wafting out of the many side street cafes that line the area, and artists painting the beautiful Parisian scenery. Beware of street vendors selling you home made arts and crafts. These crafts are most often poorly made and these vendors sometimes work with pickpocketers to find out where you hide your money.

The walk itself up to the basillica is pretty long, but you see so much along the way. If you are too tired, there is a furnicular you can take. However, I suggest that you just wear comfortable shoes and brave the hike! It is indeed very entertaining. After, take a well deserved break at one of Montmartres many cafes and take the time to people watch!

*extra: the arrows and the carousel from the movie Amelie are still there!

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Website: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/

Versailles is on the outskirts of Paris. To get there, you'd have to take the RER. It really is a great way to see how royalty used to live. The palace itself is exquisite and opulant. It gets very crowded so be prepared! Go early because the line up gets very long.

There are audioguides available in English as well as different languages. These audioguides are very helpful in order for you to appreciate what you are seeing in front of you. There are different types of passes that you can get and these passes give you access to different parts of the palace.

If you want to go to the gardens, you have to buy a separate pass. The gardens are beautiful and reaches as far as the eye can see. There are restrooms outside and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite.

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Going to Paris without going to the Musee du Louvre is almost unthinkable. It is very touristy indeed, and I know that there are plenty of other museums worth visiting, but the Louvre is just something not to be ignored.

The Louvre is divided into separate wings. Each wing houses different types of art: french, italian, sculptures, asian, egyptian atiquities, etc. It is ambitious to think that the Louvre can be seen in one visit. I suggest that you research and decide what you would like to see and go on your tour from there.

Audioguides in different languages (English, Japanese, Italian, German), are available. For those who have limited knowledge when it comes to art (like me), the audioguides are necessary in order for you to appreciate the experience. There are plenty of souveneir shops outside, as well as regular stores where you can buy anything from sunglasses, to clothes, to make up.

The restrooms are very clean (especially compared to other public restrooms in Europe), but like all others in Paris, you have to pay a fee to use. There are restaurants outside where you can relax and take a break.

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The Eiffel tower has been cause of much debate and controversy among Parisians. Some love it, some hate it. However, it still draws millions of visitors each year, longing to have that Parisian experience, take pictures, and tell everybody at home that they have been to Paris and have pictures in front of the Eiffel tower to prove it.

Whatever your opinion is, if you are a first time visitor to Paris, the Eiffel Tower experience is a must. It will give you that feeling of validation and say to yourself, "yes, i have arrived in Paris".

The line ups, especially for the elevator is quite long. Get there early if you want to avoid crowds and long lines. The line up to take the stairs is much shorter, and walking up to the first level is not to strenious. I suggest walking up to the first level and taking the elevator to the 2nd and 3rd level from there.

There are souveneir shops in each level of the tower, and there are also cafes where you can get a light snack. Bring as little as possible, but don't forget your camera. The views from the top are breathtaking.

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: You can't miss it!!!

Notre Dame is yet another famous Parisian landmark. The cathedral's setting on the banks of the Seine is breathtaking and a wonderful place to go for a stroll.

You have to pay a fee to get into the cathedral. Cameras are permitted, but not flash.

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Address: Ile de la Cité

Musee D'Orsay is a museum that is set in an old railway station. The museum itself is very nicely laid out. It lacks the obvious opulance and flashiness of the Louvre, but instead is very minimal and clean in it's design.

The museum houses predominantly impressionist art. It has an impressive Van Gogh collection, as well as some exquisite Rodin and Michelangelo sculptures. The Monet, Manet, and Renoir collections are also not to be missed.

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Directions: Métro: line 12, Solférino station; RER: line C, Musée d'Orsay station
Website: http://www.musee-orsay.fr/