Paris, France

 City of Dreams

Paris conjures-up many different things to many different people: romance, history, architecture, art and museums, quaint street-side cafes, delicious food, delicate pastries, secluded neighborhoods, people watching, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre. Can't forget the Palace of Versailles. With so much to see, so much to do, a mistake many visitors make is not giving Paris enough time, that includes me. I've been to "City of Lights" a handful of times and on my last trip we visited with friends and felt four days would be a gracious plenty. No way. You need a at least a week to settle-in and explore this magnificent city. 

Whether you are an art lover or not The Louvre Museum is a must. It is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement (district or ward) and home to some of the most iconic works of Western art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, and tickets are a must. There are literally hundreds of wonderful places to stay in Paris, but I can recommend the 18th Century, 5-star hotel Castile, just a short walk from the Louvre. Funny, one of my favorite restaurants adjacent to the Louvre is Loulou, an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and a great view.  One of the best meals I had in Paris, and I had some good meals.    

The Eiffel Tower is another must do. Plan your visit early.                                               

It can get very crowded, very quick. I would highly recommend getting tickets a head of time, just as with the Louvre. For those who love photography as I do, the top of the Eiffel Tower provides unmatched views of the city.  Some interesting facts: Its construction in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days was a veritable technical and architectural achievement. "Utopia achieved", a symbol of technological prowess, at the end of the 19th century it was a demonstration of French engineering personified by Gustave Eiffel. A defining moment of the industrial era. It was met immediately with tremendous success. Only intended to last for 29 years, it was saved by the scientific experiments that Eiffel encouraged, and in particular by the first radio transmissions, followed by telecommunications. The Tower boasts a number of restaurants to include the Michelan Star Jules Vern and Madame Brasserie with a Michelan Star chef. Not my cup of tea but might be worth bragging rights. There are a host of smaller restaurants close-by, but I would suggest avoiding those as they are very touristy. I made that mistake with French Fries.  Also, there is an amazing fireworks display on Bastille Day. 

I had the great fortune to visit Notre Dame Cathedral just before it burned in 2019. During a restoration campaign a fire broke out on April 15, in the cathedral’s attic, and the massive blaze destroyed most of the roof, Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century spire, and some of the rib vaulting. A world treasure, supporters from around the globe committed millions for its restoration. President Maron immediately promised that the cathedral would be rebuilt—ultimately setting a timetable of five years. Notre-Dame is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, following a restoration project estimated to cost upward of $767 million. When it opens, see it. It's incredible. Within a short walking distance from the Cathedral is the Impressionist Musem, Musee

d'Orsay. If you love art, or even like it a little, it is nothing short of amazing. You can purchase tickets ahead of time but it's not completely necessary. Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cézanne, Van Gough and numerous others are simply captivating. The museum also boasts some of the world's great sculptures. I really can't decide which I like best. It is certainly worth the price of admission. Close by is a cozy street-side cafe, Saint Severin. Enjoy. 

I'm not sure there is a good time of day or year to escape the crowds at the Palace of Versailles. There is a reason, it is so breathtaking. Since 1979, the Palace has been listed as a World Heritage and is one of the greatest achievements in 17th century art. Louis XIII's old hunting lodge was transformed and extended by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the court and government in 1682. A succession of Kings continued to embellish the Palace up until the French Revolution.  Probably the most famous, certainly the most popular, is the Hall of Mirrors. Beautiful to behold but a chokepoint for crowds due to the small entranceway.

So much art and architecture to see, so may galleries to explore (Gallery of Great Battles might be my favorite), give yourself at least a half to full day to discover all the treasures that are Versailles. As beautiful as the Palace is, I think I prefer the grounds and gardens. They were a major undertaking to create. In 1661 Louis XIV entrusted Andre Le Notre with the creation and renovation of the gardens of Versailles, which he considered just as important as the Palace. Work on the gardens was started at the same time as the work on the Palace and lasted for 40 or so years. Take time to really appreciate the natural beauty and take in a refreshing beverage at one of the small cafes on the grounds, particularly on a hot day. 

There are all kind of varying thoughts on when the best time is to see Paris, it has something for every season. Being a romantic, I think Spring would be my choice, smaller crowds, milder weather and cheaper prices. While there enjoy a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine. It's a relaxing way to see many of the sights and the smaller boats make for a more intimate experience. Food was delicious. Whenever you go, take enough time to do it right.