Places to Go in Paris

 

There is no end to the places to visit in Paris.  Starting with the Versailles Palace and Gardens all the way to the awesome views from the Eiffel Tower. 

  
Versailles Palace and Gardens                                                Hall of Mirrors                  

At the Versailles Palace and and Gardens you will tour the Royal Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, Gallery of Battles, the Queen's bedroom.  You'll visit the Queen's Garden where Marie Antoinette spent many hours in the 1700's.  Then move on to the Trianon Palace, a mini palace on the grounds of Versailles. The Garden Fountains provides a beautiful show accompanied by music.  You will get a true feel of how the royalty of France lived.

Take a short trip outside of Paris to the town of Reims in the Champagne region of France.  It is known for it's magnificent vineyards, and the only true sparkling wine, better known as champagne.  It's where French royalty celebrated their coronations.  Visit the Mumm Champagne House and take a tour of their cellars.  Reims Cathedral is also a must see attraction.

You can't visit Paris without a tour of Giverny, whose gardens inspired the French artist, Monet.  Monet lived at Giverny for close to 40 years and his inspiration is now shared with the thousands of aspiring artists who visit here now.  You'll recognize the Japanese bridge made famous in Monet's impressionist paintings.

 
Monet's Home at Giverny                                                      Giverny Gardens

Take a drive from Paris to Normandy through the picturesque French countryside.  In Normandy you'll visit Mont Saint Michel, a Benedictine Abbey located off the coast.  It was a major pilgrimage point during the Middle Ages.  The island is listed as a World Heritage island.  You can look over the bay and watch the island be cut off from the mainland at high tide.  Wander the shops on main street, and visit the island's museums. 

While you are in Normandy, you can't miss the D-Day tours.  You'll see Juno and Omaha beaches.  Make sure you visit the American Cemetery in Coleville, which holds 9,386 graves of American soldiers  that died during the Normandy invasion.

Loire Valley is home to three of the area's most famous castles.  Chateau de Cheveny is known for it's collection of 17th century furniture.  Chenonceau Chalet is built over the River Cher, and is still a privately held home.  It's built in traditional Renaissance style.  The most magnificent on the three is the Chateau de Chambord. It's located along the Loire River and was originally conceived as a hunting lodge for King Francois I.  It's a magnificent piece of architecture with a one of a kind staircase thought to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci.  It has beautiful turrets, spires and a rooftop terrace.

If you have a short time in Paris, be sure to see the Eiffel Tower, and take the elevator up to the second floor for a beautiful panorama of Paris.   A cruise on the Seine river is a must do!  A city tour of the various squares and monuments gives you a feel for the city.  You can tour the city by air conditioned bus, minivans, Segways, and on foot.  You can hire a tour operator or do it on your own.  It's only limited by your imagination!

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