Paris Arondisement #5-A Great Start To Paris

OK now I know I have been a little slack with my Top 10 Travel Experiences but am back on track again and up to #4 which just happens to be Paris.

So much has been said and there is so much Paris information but if you want to get to know the real Paris stay out in the suburbs or arondisements. We based ourselves in Paris arondisement #5. Just a short walk to the metro and a quick 15 minute train ride right into the heart of Paris and oh so much cheaper accommodation than in the centre of Paris.

Paris is definitely a travel experience. The city of love, the place of luxury, the home of the Eiffel Tower, the land of baguettes, smelly cheese and a fantastic glass of wine in the middle of the day. It is a city that is easily one of the most popular cities in the world which hosts several million visitors per year.

The first thing that you will be confronted with when you set foot on Parisian soil is that the Parisians like the good things in life. They enjoy spending hours in cafes with friends and a glass (or two or three or more) of wine, or going for long walks along la seine to enjoy the beautiful architecture that frames the iconic river running straight through the city.

Parisians enjoy the beautiful creamy delicacies that can be found in any restaurant that litter the streets. The French love their food. Escargot, cheese, mussels, baguettes (which can be found at any boulangerie), ice cream, sweets, macaroons, the list goes on. Word of warning: visitors have a high risk of putting on weight once they arrive in the city. Like the French, small portions are advised. That way, there is more space to try more.

Out in the Paris arondisements you will see the same but without the teaming crowds. You will be able to enjoy the wonderful market streets, crowded with restaurants and fresh food and wonderful people who are happy to chat.

Another thing that you will be struck with is the plethora of museums that can be found throughout the city. Some, like the Louvre, are hard to miss with not just the mile long entrance queue, but also its beautiful palace setting housing the world famous Mona Lisa.(Remember in previous posts I recommend traveling in the off season – cheaper and no queues)  Then there is the architecturally defying Centre Georges Pompidou where the structure of the building has been turned inside out. This national museum is the place to go for lovers of modern art.

If museums are not what interest you, there are so many other attractions to keep you amused for hours, days, and even weeks. Of course, there is the renowned Eiffel Tower which lights up ever hour after 6pm. Walking along Pont Neuf, you will be astonished by the beauty of the sparkling tower as the Seine runs rapidly underneath your feet.

Close by is also the cathedral of Notre Dame. The gothic masterpiece is a popular religious tourist attraction, and so is the spectacular Sainte Chapelle which is famous for its awe-inducing stained-glass windows. Built in thirteenth century, Sainte Chapelle represents one of the most complete examples of the stained-glass window art of the time-truely amazing!

Another impressive place of worship is the Sacre Coeur. Sitting on top of Montmartre, it is not so much the building that induces wonder, but rather, the view from the top. The basilica looks over the whole of Paris and arguably, the steps of the Sacre Coeur is the best view to be had.

Now how do you get around to see all these attractions? One word: Metro. The Metro is a quick and easy way to get around the city, with a metro station within 2 minutes walk away from anywhere in the city centre. City maps and metro maps can be found at all station counters and special travel passes are also available for tourists. (Where we stayed in arondisement #5 we were only a 5 minute walk to the metro).

One thing that I have not mentioned, but it is definitely not an insignificant part of the city is the shopping. Fashionable and luxurious. The shopping is not only found along the distinguished Champs-Elysees, but can also be found on little side streets. Have a little ramble and you will be sure to find something new and fantastic to take home.

If you tire of street walking, there are also several department stores that supply an unbelievable range of things. Galleries Lafayette(this is an adventure in itself), Printemps Haussmann and Bon Marche are just some of the many department stores dotted around the city.

This exploration does not even scrape the surface of what Paris has to offer. It is fun, dazzling, classy, beautiful and most importantly, a great place to explore and if you set yourself up in a Paris arondisement like #5 then you will be able to have the best of both worlds and create your own Paris tale.