On a dime
Day Note:
With the weak US dollar and British Pound, many visitors might want to spend a day without spending too much cash. This day contains only free activities, and the lunch recommendation is to buy a sandwich in a boulangerie, which one can do for less than 5 euros. Buying a bottle of water and a fruit at a supermarket will set you back a further 2-3 euros, and you can wrap up your day for under 10 euros. Start your day at the Champ de Mars, from where you'll...
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Pont Alexandre-III (Le)
Contact:
- +33 1 4742 9056 (Ministry of Tourism)
- visit website
Location:
- Pont Alexandre III
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Recently renovated and well worth a look.
Description:
Built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, the pont Alexandre-III takes its name from the Russian emperor who laid the first stone. It's a magnificent example of art nouveau style decorated with nymphs, cherubs and other sea monsters. The four golden statues depict Art, Commerce, Industry and the Sciences. At the time of its construction, the authorities would not allow the ornamentation to obscure the view of the Champs-Elysées or the Invalides - happily for us the view is still wonderful! This superb example of 19th century engineering crosses the Seine between the Invalides and the Grand Palais. It is definitely one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris.
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Left Bank
Contact:
Location:
- Rive Gauche
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Map
Description:
Some of the best antiques and art dealers have shops in this neighborhood. Take a walk from Musee d'Orsay to the Academie des Beaux Arts and get enthralled with the treasures you discover. This is a great place to pick up some Asian and Middle Eastern antiques and if you're lucky, you might even stumble upon Louis XVI's chairs! One word of advice though - make sure you have enough space on your mantelpiece at home.
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Saint Germain des Prés
Contact:
- +33 1 4549 1481
- visit website
Location:
- 5 Rue de Médicis
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Map
Description:
This place is popularly called the intellectual and new fashion district. This neighborhood is filled with art galleries, antique stores, cafés and restaurants. Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has popular places like the Deux Magot café, Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp. And not to forget the Church of Saint Germain des Prés, built back in the 6th century. The area has the money, style and sophistication, as well as a mix of the very best in the arts, philosophy and politics.
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Place des Vosges
Contact:
- +33 1 4952 5354(Tourist Information)
- visit website
Location:
- Place des Vosges
- (Quai de L'horloge)
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
In the SW corner you'll find a small passageway to a quiet courtyard, where you can take a well-deserved rest from the crowds.
Description:
Surrounded by shady arcades that shelter beautiful boutiques, this square, situated in the heart of the Marais, is one of Paris' unmissable sights. The square is perfectly symmetrical, measuring 140 metres by 127. Stone and brick houses, whose almost identical façades are all crowned by steep slate rooves, border its quasi-rectangular shape. Designed by Henri IV, it used to be the favoured sight for duels. Famous people also lived in the area, including the Cardinal de Richelieu and the writer Victor Hugo. Admission is free.
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Rue des Francs-Bourgeois
Contact:
- +33 8 9268 3000(Tourist Information)
Location:
- Rue des Francs-Bourgeois
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Map
Description:
Sandwiched between the National Archives building and the beautiful Place des Vosges Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is a trendy Parisian shopping spot. This area is one of the few where shops are open on Sunday. The chic shops, restaurants, and historical buildings have all maintained their original store fronts adding to the ambiance. Join the many visitors and locals and explore this picturesque area of Paris for yourself!
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Jardin des Tuileries
Contact:
- +33 (0)1 4020 9043
- visit website
Location:
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Rue de Rivoli
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Map
Description:
Situated right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin des Tuileries stretches from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde. Commissioned by Queen Catherine de Médicis and created in 1564 at the same time as the Palace of the same name (which was later destroyed), it was redesigned in 1664 by architect André le Nôtre, who was responsible for the layout of its paths, its symmetrical flowerbeds and its terrace overlooking the Seine. As delightful as ever, the garden is perfect for strolling and relaxing in (there are even donkey rides!). From 21st June until 25th August every year the garden plays host to a fun fair whose big wheel gives visitors a fabulous view over Rue de Rivoli. The garden is also home to the Orangerie and the Galerie nationale du Jeu de Paume. Admission is free.
Paris
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Rue Montorgueil
Contact:
- +33 8 9268 3000(Tourist Information)
Location:
- Rue Montorgueil
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Map
Description:
For a glimpse of "old Paris," take a stroll down Rue Montorgueil, Paris's oldest market street. As in the 19th century, this gently curved, charming street is lined with high-quality fruit/vegetable markets, butchers, fishmongers, patisseries, and cheese shops. The throw-back feel of the street isn't just because of the lovely old buildings lining it – it's also the merchants crying out, inviting you to check out their wares. Liberally sprinkled with cafés and restaurants, often with outdoor terraces, rue Montorgueil is an excellent place to sit down with a café au lait and watch Parisian life unfold. The type of credit cards accepted vary according to shop.
