Weekend In Paris

Few cities elicit the feel of Paris. Baron Haussmann’s redesign of Paris between 1852-1870 brought a symmetry of construction and a freedom of movement from the broad boulevards.

Even if your visit to Paris is short, Bernard and I will ensure that each moment is well spent. When you head for the airport, you will take with you a flavor of Paris.

Some of the main points of interest in our weekend include Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and (of course) the Eiffel Tower. Come join us as we explore the City of Light together.

Welcome to Paris

Follow the routes and click on each icon to see a short video.

Meals

Entertainment

Exercise

Drinks

Rest

Friday: Arrival between 9-9:30 am

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Notre Dame
Notre Dame, the empress of all cathedrals. Construction took almost 200 years. During early 1800’s the cathedral was in such disrepair that the city fathers were going to tear it down. Victor Hugo helped to prevent this. The cathedral has undergone four major repairs and survived two world wars.

St. Julien le Pauvre
Built between 1165 and 1240, this is one of the oldest churches in Paris. The stone slabs in front of the church were once the Roman road to the shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostela. Today, the church is assigned to Melkites (Catholics who follow Byzantine worship and theology).

The Tea Caddy
Just across the street from St. Julien is this wonderful café which serves great sandwiches and delicious desserts.

Shakespeare and Co.
The most unique bookstore in Paris…or maybe anywhere else. Be sure to throw a coin in the well. The old tale is that if your coin goes into the well, one day you will return to Paris.

Les Fontaines Wallace
While you’re visiting the bookstore, be sure to notice the fountain in front. These are located all over Paris and still a source of water to quench your thirst. Sir Richard Wallace, an Englishman, built and donated these to Paris after the Prussians sacked the city in 1871.

Place du Chatelet
Napoleon III built this monument to honor Nepoleon I’s victories. Each victory is etched on the obelisk and decorated with Egyptian writing and figures. Today it is a favorite meeting place for the Parisian people.

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Saturday: Full day of activities

Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon I commissioned the building of this magnificent arch as a tribute to the glory of the French Army.

Place des Etats Unis
Prior to the US entering WWI, 38 American pilots requested permission to join France’s Lafayette Escadrille. This memorial honors the 23 Americans who lost their lives in support of France.

 

Les Arts(Lunch)
Charming terrace with great views and a varied menu.

Palais Galliera
Duchesse Maria Ferrari de Galliera donated her estate to the city of Paris. In 1977 it became the Museum of Fashion displaying 300 years of fashion. The garden in the back is a perfect place to rest those feet.

Flamme de la Liberte
The Flamme de la Liberte is a replica of the Statue of Liberty’s flame. It commemorates the friendship between the French and American people. Incidently, just beneath the bridge was the site of the accident which killed Princess Diana.

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Sunday: Morning activities only/assuming plane leaves in afternoon

Musee du Quai Branly
Affectionately called MQB was the legacy of ex-French President, Jacques Chirac. The art within is non-Western civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America.

Brasserie de la Tour Eiffel (Lunch)
Near the Eiffel at 2, Avenue la Bourdonnais, you will find this to serve affordable soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.  Open 7 days/week.

Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel, the most visited monument in the world. Originally built for the Universal Exposition in 1889, the Eiffel was suppose to be torn down after the event. Instead it has become the most recognized icon in the world. Warning…lines to ride the elevator to the top can be calculated in hours.

Trocadero
The best view of the Eiffel is standing at the balconey of the Trocadero. Something is always happening here. Vendors are selling souvenirs, entertainers are entertaining and people are enjoying the activity of life in the most beautiful city in the world.

Pont des Artes
The latest craze is for lovers to attach initialed locks to the side of the bridge, pledging their love to each other. One of the old wives’ tales is that if you throw your beret into the River Seine and it floats, you will find love in Paris. So, be sure to give it a try!