Experiencing Paris

By Steve McAllister

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, this is the travel guide for you. Highlighting the major sights and the things casual tourists might miss, Steve McAllister takes you on a journey through the City of Lights like no other. Featuring the best museums, eateries, hotels and hostels, entertainment, historical sites, and places to shop, everything you need to know about how to make your trip memorable is right here in an easy to digest book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steve McAllister
• Release date: Jun 17, 2015

Book preview

Introduction

As one of the most visited cities in the world, Paris may also be one of the most diverse. Split into 20 different neighborhoods called arrondissements, each district of Paris has its own unique offerings and appeal. Regardless of where you are in Paris as you spiral your way out through the arrondissements, you will be enamored by the iconic architecture, the sumptuous foods, the brilliant wines, and the celebration of beauty that sweeps through the entirety of the city.

Known just as much for its shopping, due to the number of boutiques, shops, and fashion trends, Paris also has an exemplary collection of museums, and celebrates its long history of artistry by empowering the artists of today. Wherever you go in Paris, the spirit of artistry prevails, whether it is in the masterpieces hanging on the walls of the various museums, in the number of artist studios, or out on the street, where artists from all over the world come to set up their easels and allow the muses of the City of Lights to inspire their brushes.

It is not merely the attractions that make Paris such a wonder. Although the incredible detail put toward the historic preservation of Paris’ many cathedrals, monuments, and homes are outstanding, it is the lust for life which permeates the city that make people keep coming back time and again. Beyond all of the incredible things to see, what so many find so enjoyable about Paris are the simple pleasures.

Filled with beautifully manicured parks, the simple act of walking in Paris becomes a monumental experience. There is such great delight that comes from sitting on the street in front of a brasserie or bistro and biting into a warm croissant. And although Paris is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, there is a cosmic sense of community throughout the city that makes even first time visitors feel as if they’ve arrived home.

The following guide is intended to introduce you not only to the major attractions that Paris has to offer, but also to the hidden gems that the locals appreciate. While each and every ornate cathedral and collection of artistic masterpieces has its merit and is worthy of being appreciated on your visit, sometimes, in Paris, some of the most memorable experiences happen in the fromageries tasting a piece of cheese or in the jazz clubs listening to good music. However you decide to spend your time in the City of Lights, make your visit your own, for each visit is an entirely new experience.

Getting Around

There are a number of ways to get around in Paris, but the most enjoyable is walking. Although the city offers an adequate public transport system, Paris can only truly be appreciated by hitting the streets and taking it all in on foot, allowing you to meander and enjoy the city at your own pace. Nevertheless, since the city covers over 40 square miles, a little assistance in traversing the streets goes