Paris
Quick Facts
Language: FrenchCurrency: Euro
Area Codes: 01
Other Cities in this Region
The mark of a great city is the many different impressions it can leave on any one person. When I say Paris, what do you think of first? The Eiffel Tower? The Louvre? The Arc de Triomphe? Notre Dame? Do you think fashion, romance, food, or fun? It is this diversity that elevates Paris to the top of any list that tries to compare the world's best cities.
Paris is a city that simply cannot be fully appreciated on a limited time budget. To hurry through Paris is to miss the city's entire point. This is a place for strolling, for enjoying life, for smelling the flowers and tasting the wine. Ten million people call Paris home, and they get to enjoy these simple pleasures every single day.
Of course, for tourists, it is not that easy, as you have to fit centuries of history and culture into a few short hours or days. This leaves many people frustrated, as they hustle past the Mona Lisa in the hopes that they can enjoy Notre Dame for a little longer. By the time they see the cathedral, they're already calculating how long it will take them to get to the Eiffel Tower. And at the top of Eiffel Tower, they are trying to figure out how to fit in dinner and shopping on the Champs-Élysées before departing, always departing too soon.
If this is to be your itinerary, the best thing to do is pare it down. The above-mentioned attractions are pretty much automatic for every Parisian visitor. You will have to be extremely picky beyond that if you want to see anything else. Get the most out of your stay by planning it in advance. Start early and leave late. But whatever you do, don't rush, or you'll miss what the city is all about. There's a reason that the phrase joie de vivre is in French. One visit to Paris, and you'll understand.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at Terre Plein de la Barre, in the small city of Le Havre. Buses are available for the 200 km, two-hour trip to Paris.
Without a doubt, the Paris Metro is the most efficient and cost effective way to get around town. Subway maps are available everywhere, and passes are easily purchased through automated ticket machines in the subway stations. Taxis (01/4739-4739) are pricey, and highly unnecessary, especially compared to the Metro. Walking is always nice for soaking up the Parisian ambience.
Local Interests
Obviously, Paris has enough attractions to last a lifetime. For cruise passengers, spending a day or two in Paris is almost a tease, with every sight leaving you wanting more time to enjoy and appreciate it. Keeping your time constraints in mind, this guide will attempt to focus your sights on the truly must-see attractions in the City of Lights. This can all be completed in a day, if needed, but hopefully you can at least spread it out over two.
It's a crime against beauty to rush through the Louvre (34-36 Quai du Louvre, 01/4020-5317). To conserve time, purchase your tickets in advance, and bring nothing but yourself and a camera to the museum. This way, you will avoid the long lines at the ticket office and bag-checking window. Of course, there is enough artwork at the Louvre to knock you off your feet for months, but if you come all the way to Paris without seeing the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo, then why bother coming in the first place? The plaza outside of the museum is almost as beautiful as the artwork within, and you should strongly consider eating lunch out here.
From the Louvre, hop on the Metro to Notre Dame (6 Place du Parvis Notre Dame, 01/4234-5610). The world-famous cathedral is simply awe-inspiring, as the throng clamoring to get inside is hushed the moment it enters the cathedral's doors. The beauty and solemnity of Notre Dame will stay with you forever.
Back to the Metro, and you'll be on your way to the Eiffel Tower (Champ de Mars, 01/4411-2323), perhaps the most recognizable structure in the world. The lines to take an elevator to the top are usually enormous, no matter what time of the day you visit. If you're in shape, conserve your time and patience by using the stairs. There are little Eiffel Tower anecdotes at every landing, so you will be educated as you exercise. You cannot climb all the way to the top, however, and quite frankly, you wouldn't want to. An elevator takes everybody all the way to the zenith. The view afforded there is obviously stunning, and you may want to take the time to sign your name on the wall. Everyone else already has. If you have time, catch your breath and sit on the grass at the beautiful Jardins du Trocadero.
The Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles de Gaulle-Étoile, 01/5537-7377) stands at the end of the Champs-Élysées. Measuring 163 feet high and 147 feet wide, the arch took thirty years to complete. An elevator will take you to the top, although you can choose to use the stairs if you would prefer. A panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the bustle of Champs-Élysées awaits you at the top. Complete your Parisian whirlwind day with some dinner at a fine French bistro and shopping along Champs-Élysées, and you'll have seen the best that Paris has to offer.
Activities
Shopping
Paris may be the shopping capital of the world. Shop is less of a verb here than it is a state of being. You can think of the entire city as one big boutique, and your credit is always good here! Of course, you are on such a restrictive time budget; you probably won't have the chance to go to all of the best shops. So in the interest of maximizing your time, this guide will highlight the best shopping around Paris's major attractions.
After exiting the Louvre, catch up on your antique shopping at Le Louvre des Antiquaires (2 Place du Palais Royal, 01/4297-2727). This store is a museum in itself, and is priced accordingly. This may be more of a browse stop, instead of a buy stop.
You really won't need to leave the Champs-Élysées area at all if the only thing you're interested in is shopping. Along Paris' busiest and most famous street, you will be deluged with shopping options. For brand name fashions, you can't do better than Chanel (42 Avenue Montaigne, 01/4723-7412) and Christian Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne, 01/4073-7373).
Dining & Nightlife
Paris is like most other big cities when it comes to dining options. The best of what each region of France has to offer comes together here, along with an expanding array of international dining options. The more-fashionable restaurants along Champs-Élysées fill up fast, so don't hesitate. Call ahead and make reservations, even call from home to make a reservation a couple of weeks in advance if you'd like. One other note: when possible, opt for the fixed price menu. Many a traveler has been surprised to see the size of the bill when ordering course by course. And always save room for dessert!
Around the Louvre, Le Grand Véfour (17 Rue de Beaujolais, 01/4296-5627) combines history and gastronomy with fantastic results. The restaurant has been around in some form for over two hundred years. Il Cortile (37 Rue Cambon, in the Hotel Castille, 01/4458-4567) is a little taste of Italy in Paris.
Around the Champs-Élysées, Maxim's (3 Rue Royale, 01/4265-2794) is notoriously high brow, but you'll want to be seen there. L'Astor (11 Rue d'Astor, 01/5305-0520) has a tremendous rack of lamb, while caramelized sea urchins will appeal to the more adventurous diner. Cheese lovers will not want to miss Androuet (6 Rue Arsene Houssaye, 01/4289-9500).
The Parisian nightlife lives up to everything you've imagined it to be and more. There are enough bars, nightclubs, and theater options to fill your calendar for the next decade. Opera fans won't want to miss the Opéra Garnier (Place de l'Opéra, 01/4001-2514). Definitely call ahead for tickets. There are tons of smaller cabarets, but try and catch Folies-Bergère (32 Rue Richer, 01/4479-9898) if you can. Josephine Baker's old haunt still impresses today, 115 years after its opening. You'll want to get a drink at Harry's New York Bar (5 Rue Daunou, 01/4261-7114) before dancing until dawn at Le Saint (7 Rue St-Severin, 01/4325-5004).