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One day in Paris

Description:

This trip will take you to all of the major sights in Paris that can be reasonably seen in one day. Of course, you'll have to come back for more.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Paris

Start your day at the Eiffel Tower at opening time (9 or 9:30 depending on the season) to avoid long long long lines. Go to the top if the weather is clear, otherwise skip the ride up unless you're an engineering/architecture enthusiast. Go to the "Arc de Triomphe" by taking line 6 from "Bir Hakeim" to "Charles de Gaulle Etoile". It's a 10 minute walk from the Eiffel Tower downstream along the Seine. From the Arc de Triomphe, walk down the Champs Elysees as far as you want, jumping into the metro at any of the 3 stops along the avenue (line 1) to "Hotel de Ville". You will see the Concorde and Louvre in the distance. Admire the Hotel de Ville from the outside and cross the river to visit Notre Dame. See the inside, particularly if it's sunny. For lunch either walk or metro (line 4 to Odeon) to the Marche Mabillon, where you find several lunch options, including "Les Charpentiers". After resting and eating, walk around St Germain des Pres (you're there), making your way back towards the river and the "Pont des Arts". There is usually quite a bit of activity on the bridge, and a nice view of Paris monuments. Continue along the river to the "Pont Alexandre III", and admire the various sights nearby (Grand and Petit Palais, Invalides from a distance) from the outside. From there, take the metro to (either from Concorde or Champs-Elysees Clemenceau) to Abbesse (line 12). Walk to the Sacre Coeur (warning, steep hill), and have dinner near Abbesses, at any of the nice little cafes. End your day at the "Divan du Monde" where you will find live music and drinks starting no earlier than 9pm and few tourists. Do not be afraid of the somewhat seedy surroundings of this venue, particularly as you head downhill - just pass your way and ignore any unwelcomed person. Jazz fans can head to the 10th for a show at the New Morning.

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