Centre Pompidou: Artists' Haven and other Paris, France Things to Do Tips

Centre Pompidou is one of the modern-day building that I have seen in Paris. From afar, it was like a new building under construction, with some colored ducts hanging out of its building. As I drew near, i realized that the center itself was one big modern art. It was designed by then two young architects, Italian Renzo Piano and British Richard Rogers. The idea was to design a building that was constraint free.
This center of arts was the idea of President Georges Pompidou who wanted to create a cultural institution for modern and contemporary arts in the heart of Paris.

The building created by Pompidou is not the only eye catcher in this centrum. There are a lot of street performers that are just wonderful to watch. Also, be prepared to be lured into those personal sketches, for a price! but such a good souvenir to take home.

Opening hours:

11am-9pm, ticket counters closed at 8 p.m.
Rooms closed at 8.50 p.m.

Atelier Brancusi: every day, except Tuesdays, 2-6 p.m.

To avoid queuing up, best after 5 p.m.

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Address: Place Beaubourg, 75004
Directions: Métro: Rambuteau ; RER: Châtelet-Les Halles
Website: http://www.centrepompidou.fr/Pompidou/Accueil.nsf/Document/HomePage?OpenDocument&sessionM=1&L=2

This street is a paradise for those who love good life, good food and good shopping. The building of Louis Vuiton is an eye catcher for shopping-tourists and window-shoppers (like me) alike. There are some big name stores to go into. One of my favourites is the parfumerie Sephora. There are also a lot of restaurants to choose from, but be careful because most of them are really pricey!

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Website: http://www.champselysees.org/

This is one of the most important landmarks in Paris. You can't miss it. It is at the end of the Champs Elysee Avenue.
After Napoleon gave orders to build this arch in 1806 in honor of his "Grande Armée" or great Army, it still took 30 years to build it up. Under the arch, you can find the grave of the unknown soldier where the start of the military parade every July 14 takes place.

Opening hours:
April- March: 10 am til 10:30 pm
Take metro 1, 2, 6 or RER A: Charles de Gaulle étoile

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Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile
Directions: Metro Line 1, 2, RER A : Charles-de-Gaulle Etoile
Website: Website: http://www.parisdigest.com/monument/arcdetriomphe.htm

Paris is one cultural city. I agree. It is nice to bring your kids around and teach them about foreign arts and culture. 'Done that. But at the end of this cultural trip, I wouldn't miss bringing my son to Disneyland Paris for him to enjoy the holiday at kids' level. I use it for blackmail too "If you behave yourself during our trip...I will bring you to Disney!" and believe me, it works! ha!ha!ha!
This is a land of make believe. 'been here so many times and I still love it. The theme park is not the only one that makes us go back here. We love hanging out at Festival Disney, or walking nearby the lake in front of the Newport Bay Club Hotel, or just hopping from one hotel restaurant to the other. And I got to get a picture and authograph of my favorite characters too! It brings out the child in me!

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Address: Marne La Vallee
Directions: Just take an RER train from the center of Paris for Marne La Vallee.
Website: http://international.disneylandparis.com/index.xhtml#

Are you kidding? What is Paris without the tower?
This is a tower of 300 meter high, built by Gustave Eifel in honor of the 100th anniversay of the French Revolution.
The purpose of this tower is just to stand erect for 20 years, but since it played an important role in meteorology, and the radio and tv antenna, it was allowed to stay permanent.
It usually takes a half day of cueing in the peak season to get to the top of this monument, but once you get there, you'll get a very beautiful view of the whole of Paris.

Opening hours: 9:30-11 pm. You can take the stairs until 6:30 pm.
With the lift, it costs around €4 for the 1 level, €7.30 for the second level, €10.40 for the third level.
Steps may cost you around €3.50

Transport: Metro 6

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Address: Trocadero
Directions: You can't miss it!!!
Website: www.tour-eifel.fr

I love this place. In the peak season, be prepared for a big cue. But it's okay. There are always plenty of things to see while in the cue. There are a lot of birds to feed and people to talk to. Looking at the monument outside, it reminds me of fairy tales i read in books and watched in Disney channel.
It was built between 1163 and 1345. Victor Hugo wrote a successful story about the Haunchback of Notre Dame.

Opening hours: 8 am-6:45 pm, free entrance.
The tower is open from 4 am-4:45 pm. Admission fee: €6.10
Transport: Metro 4: Saint-Michel, RER B and C, Saint-Michel-Notre Dame

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Address: Place du parvis de Notre Dame , 75004
Directions: Métro: Cité; RER: Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint Michel-Notre Dame