A Week in Paris

After a private transfer from the airport to the hotel and a short refreshing nap, a Seine River Cruise with a traditional French Dinner, as the sun is going down and the city lights are coming on, is the perfect introduction to Paris. The city’s landmarks begin to glow one as the ship passes through the bridges overhead, among them the iconic Eiffel Tower, the Louvre that stretches along the riverbank, the impressive City Hall or Hotel de Ville, or the beautiful façade of Notre Dame. At the same time your server brings you a classic appetizer, maybe a pate, followed by a main dish, like beef bourguignon. There is wine, a warm baguette and butter to accompany your meal. And then a delicious desert, as the city is fully illuminated, bring you to the end of your cruise. I think this kind of experience cannot help but to make you in love with Paris from your first day.

Paris is easy to explore on foot. I recommend a guided tour that brings you to the different sights via the metro, or to concentrate on a specific neighborhood, like the Montmartre, which is one of my favorites. At the beautiful Sacre Cour you have a view all over Paris and I love to see all the artists at work in the Place to Tertre close by. Then there are all the outdoors cafes, inviting you to sit down and watching the world go by.

How about taking the elevator up the Eiffel Tower and taking in the breathtaking 360 degree view of Paris? Be aware that reservations are necessary. Did you know that you can have a delicious lunch at the top floor of the tower? For the afternoon let’s do some shopping, or window shopping, along the Champs Elysee that is nearby.

Versailles is another must-see when in Paris. There are small group tours or private tours that can pick you up at your hotel, or start at a certain meeting point. The advantage of taking a tour is that transportation is taken care of and you don’t have to navigate the RER train that goes there on your own, you will have a fast track ticket to avoid the long lines and a guide you will lead you through the palace and explain the most important features, the history of the building and the stories connected. There is a coffee shop to have some drink or a quick bite to eat. As you return back to Paris, by now you have the confidence to explore a bit on your own, taking a stroll along the Seine or exploring some place more in depth. If you don’t know where to go, your travel advisor will suggest some places to you and also give suggestions for a nice restaurant to have dinner.

Paris is also know as the city of art. How about a visit to the Louvre today? The Louvre museum is a huge place, where you can easily feel lost, so a guide, private or with a small group is highly recommended. After the tour you can stay longer and discover more place within the former royal place. In the afternoon it might be nice to visit the famous Galeries Lafayette – famous for shopping. It almost looks like a grand theater. There is a high stained glass dome, an atrium with round balconies on each floor. And there is a rooftop terrace which give you another amazing view of the city below.

Another day trip from that I really enjoyed was a visit to the Monet Gardens. The most convenient way to reach the Monet Gardens in Giverny would be via a private or small group tour, which includes transportation and fast track tickets to enter Monet’s home and gardens that were depicted in many of his painting. A tour guide will give many insights in the artist’s life and works. Maybe this evening you want to see a Moulin Rouge Show with the famous cabaret dancers. This event can be booked with a traditional French Dinner before the show or just the show itself with Champagne. Either way it is a mesmerizing experience.

Au revoir Paris! Until next time …. After breakfast a private transfer is waiting for you to bring you to the airport