Depending on the weather, Paris, the city for explorers, best to explore in September, early October or even in spring. The city is located at 2 ° 20’14 ” east longitude and 48 ° 50’11 ” north latitude. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements which are useful as a guide.
If you are traveling to Paris for the first time or have little time with you, guided tours are certainly ideal. An unusual one trip through Paris, where you can also marvel at extraordinary places, is a guided bike tour. The discovery of the lively and creative cultural metropolis by ship is also ideal.
Otherwise, the best way to get around Paris is by metro and tofoot. Taxis are also an alternative; due to the high volume of traffic in the city of Paris, it is better not to drive with your own car or a rental car, or only if you are already very familiar with it.
Whether you are a lover of opera, theater, musicals or concerts, the variety of events in Paris is huge. There are a number of music bars in which a wide variety of music styles are played, and jazz fans will not be disappointed.
If you want to see Paris from above, of course you have a great view of the city’s landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Another possibility to catch an almost majestic view of Paris is the Parc de Belleville, which is also the highest point in the city.
In addition to the many famous sights of the city, one should also pay attention to the hidden backyards of Paris. There are a few to discover, especially around the Bastille.
Although Paris is said to have virtually no green spaces, there are still almost 400 parks, squares with green spaces or parks. In addition, Paris also has forest areas with the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne. Paris can also offer a botanical collection, botanical gardens and an animal park.
Paris has two airports: Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly. Downtown Paris is around 30 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport and 15 km from Orly.
Shopping can also be a pleasure in Paris. In addition to the many well-known designer boutiques, there are a number of well-stocked department stores and specialty shops, such as bookstores, antique shops or delicatessen stores. A number of flea markets or special markets, such as the bird or flower market, have a certain charm and are part of Paris.
Some of the must-see sights are: Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, Saint-Supice or the Cathédrale Saint-Denis. The museums include: The Musée du Louvre, Musée Picasso, Musée Rodin, Musée d’Orsay or Muséum Nation d’Histoire Naturelle among the top tips. The highlights of modern architecture include the Opéra-Bastille, La Défense or the Institut du Monde Arabe. You should also see the Parc Monceau, Par de la Villette and the Jardin du Luxembourg as well as the Place des Vosges, the Place Vendôme or the Place Furstemberg in your travel plans.
Paris has so many different facets and attractions that a single visit is not enough to really get to know this extraordinary city.
Paris – Rive gauche – Rive droite
The Seine divided Paris into two different areas. On the Rive Droite, the right bank of the Seine, trade, luxury and economy set the tone, on the Rive gauche, the left bank of the River Seine, dominate culture, educational establishments and the associated professions.
Today’s Place Charles-de-Gaulle (formerly Place de l’Etoile) was laid out in the 18th century and is a suitable starting point for a tour on the right bank of the Seine.
From the Place la Concorde you have a perspective in all four directions. It is the largest and most monumental square in Paris.
The Palais-Royal is located near the Louvre. It is located in the 1st arrondissement and was built as a residence. Today the French Ministry of Culture and the Council of State are housed there.
Various insurance companies, banks, department stores, luxury hotels and the administrative offices of large companies have settled on the Rive Droite.
There are some interesting sights to see in the Latin Quarter. One of the most beautiful Gothic churches has its place here, in the 5th arrondissement. The Saint-Séverin church has a double ambulatory, exceptional and a masterpiece of the Flamboyant style.
The facade of the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church dates from the 17th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a university center and thus at the same time competed with the Notre-Dame. Today only the choir and the north aisle of the church are in their original state.
An interesting collection of medieval art objects is exhibited in the Musée National du Moyen Age – Thermes de Cluny. The thermal baths are remnants of the Gallic-Roman past of the city of Paris, they have massive vaults.
The Sorbonne is well known as an excellent place for European intellectual life. It is also on the left bank of the Seine. The building as we know it today dates from the end of the 19th century. It has a large number of halls, all of which are very lavishly and pompously decorated. Humanities subjects are taught here.
Around the corner from the Sorbonne is the Panthéon. It is known as the burial place of political, military and literary heroes of France.
After exploring the sights of Paris, you can relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg. A beautiful park where people meet to play chess or just enjoy the peace and quiet. The associated Palais du Luxembourg now houses the Senate.
Many bars and cafes are located in Montparnasse and the Cimetière du Montparnasse cemetery is here, where a large number of famous people have found their final resting place.
