Paris Photo Album
& Scene Articles

June 2002

Global-Scene -
Paris - the City of Light

--Michelle Carney

It may not be the least expensive vacation you've embarked upon, but it will rank up there with the most luxurious. Paris, France, is le crème de la crème of European cities. With its spectacular sights, quaint cafés, glamorous nightclubs and fabulous shopping, it's an ideal trip for a girly getaway or a honey's honeymoon.

Attractions:
Get on the boat - take a Bateaux-Mouche, a boat ride down the Seine the Left and Right Bank dividing line. It's best to go at night because the city is lit beautifully (thus Paris' nickname, "City of Light"), and it will give you a really good lay of the land.

Obviously, you must say bonjour to the Eiffel Tower. Seeing this magnificent structure in person and taking the elevator up to the viewing deck-be sure to take it all the way up, don't get off too early-- may seem really "touristy," but it's well worth it to see the city's most prized landmark. Another place to go for a great view of the city is the top of the Arch de Triumph.

Don't forget the Louvre, the ancient museum that houses the most objets d'art, including the Mona Lisa. It's free on the first Sunday of each month, although many Parisians argue that the Musee D'Orsay is better.

If you have the time, take a day trip to Versailles, if not, a trip to Luxemborg Gardens (a beautiful park centered around the luxurious palace) will do.

Fans of The Doors may want to pay homage to Jim Morrison who is buried at Le Cimetiere du Pere La Chaise. And fans of the flick "Moulin Rouge" should check out the real playground, windmill and all.

Cafés, Bistros and Brasseries:

  • La Coupole - art deco, fashionable and reasonably priced seafood
  • Bowfinger - one of the oldest brasseries with a German flair
  • Chez Henry - romantic brasserie on the tiny Rue Princesse (if you blink you could miss it)
  • Le Bouchon Francois Clerc - upscale, prix fixe restaurant recommended by the locals.
  • Les Deux Magots - famous café where Ernest Hemingway and other famous writers used to chill.
  • Angelina's - for tea and the richest hot chocolate
  • Champs Elysees - hang out on the avenue overflowing with cafes Nightclubs:
  • Man Ray - Johnny Depp's sushi bar/nightclub that's a famous spot for celeb-sightings
  • Barfly - dark and eclectic with an Asian flair
  • Le Queen - kitschy disco with a bit of "drag."
  • Castiel - a "club prive" with an extensive champagne carte du jour
  • Buddha Bar - the most well-known club in Paris with multi-leveled fun, it is a restaurant first and club later.
  • VIP - need we say more? Shopping:
    The culture here is just as much about fashion as it is about food and wine. Besides shopping the designer boutiques on the Champs-Elysees, don't miss the world-famous department stores, as well as the trendy boutiques.

    Le Bon Marché may be the classiest store in all of Paris and the oldest grands magazin. The first floor of women's fashion carries avant-garde as well as classic designers and a sophisticated lingerie department. There's a sassy men's section, plus stories of kitchen and home furnishings. The épicerie - food market - is the city's largest.

    Galleries Lafayette, with its beautiful glass and steel dome, is 10 stories of everything you could possibly imagine - clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry, accessories, food, housewares and more.

    *Attention bargain shoppers: remember to obtain a tourist discount card from your hotel, which is valid at most department stores. Also if you spend $400 or more (US) at the store, obtain a rebate form from the customer service desk. Colette is a super-hip boutique with a water bar that features 1,000 different flavors. Blaspheme on the Ile St. Louis (the smaller island on the Seine) carries ultra-hip leather purses and accessories. Allison is where you'll find the trendiest attire. The tops and pants are so cute, everyone in the states will be wagging their tongues at your cool new duds.

    Where to Stay: Most locals and travelers will say that the best activity (shopping, dining and clubbing) is in the St. Germain area right on the tip of the Left Bank close to the Seine. It used to be a funky part of town where artisans congregated, but now it's trendy and glamorous. However, hotels in St. Germain aren't cheap. Staying in Montparnasse, an arrondissement (district) about a 15-minute walk south of St. Germain is a less expensive alternative.

    Au revoir!

     

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