Paris, France

The first time we visited Paris our son was 5 and our daughter 13. We flew into London toured around and then took the Chunnel Train to Paris for three full days of sightseeing. We hit all of the high spots. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower, toured the city at night on a bus (which was a highlight of our trip), took a sightseeing cruise on the river Seine, hit the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Sacré Cœur. We took hundreds of pictures during our trip with our Canon Elph. For those that don’t know the Canon elph is a tiny camera that takes a decent photo and fits in your pocket...on the last day of our visit our camera was stolen. All of our pictures were gone. We were heartbroken.

That trip was in 2004 and the “cloud” was not what it is today and I hadn't offloaded any images at all. I spent months scouring the internet after we got home expecting our camera to show up for sale. I went on to message boards pleading for the return of our SD card. I realize now how silly it was to think that it would show up somewhere….but I was desperate and desperate people do desperate things.

We still mourn the loss of those images...but the experience taught us a few things. Firstly, pickpockets are very real in Paris and you should always be on the lookout and secure your stuff. Secondly, a bigger camera that doesn’t fit in your pocket is easier to keep track of. After owning three iterations of Elph cameras and having them all stolen or lost, I switched to a much larger Nikon camera. It’s easy to use and is a good cross between an SLR and an automatic. It’s big enough that I can’t put it in my pocket and the camera body is red so it stands out. I’ve had it for years now... never stolen and never lost. Thanks to my husband for realizing that a bigger camera might be a good idea for me.

Despite our loss we fell in love with Paris on that trip. We’ve been back several times since, always finding something new to visit. Once you get the top tourist spots out of the way you can start really exploring the city...finding your favorite restaurants, your favorite parks, your favorite place for pastries and coffee and your favorite place to take in the view with a baguette and a glass of wine. On stressful days we fantasize about sitting on the edge of the River Seine on the Île de la Cité with our feet dangling over the riverbank with a fresh baguette and a bottle of wine. Of all of the cities we’ve been to we could see ourselves living in this vibrant city.

Beyond its beauty and gastronomy, Paris embraces a rich cultural heritage. The city is a hub of artistic expression, with world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. From classical masterpieces to contemporary exhibitions, Paris nurtures creativity and embraces diversity.

In this blog we have pulled some of our images from the different times we’ve been there since we lost our images on that first trip. There are some cities we’ve been to that we have no desire to see again but Paris is a place we plan to visit over and over again.

Click the above video poster image to see a video of our elevator ride, a rather unusual ride as it shakes & rattles its way up to the observation platform. There isn't much room inside these elevator cars and everyone is packed in tightly! The east & west hydraulic elevators were designed by the Fives Lille company in 1899. The north & south Otis hydraulic elevators were installed when the Eiffel Tower opened in 1889 and were replaced by Otis elevators in 1900.

Consider the Louvre area; It is in the 1st arrondissement just north of the Seine River. The Tuileries Park is directly next to the Louvre. It is within walking distance to several museums including the Orangerie and Musee D’Orsay. It’s close to the Île de la Cité and Notre Dame and there are convenient metro stops to get you to places like the Eiffel tower and a number of places you will want to visit. Click here for a Google Map of the Louvre.

We stayed at the La Clef Louvre on our first trip with our kids and it was a perfect location (opposite the Comédie-Française theatre and the Grand Louvre museum, and only a few minutes away from the Opéra). During our most recent trip we rented a small apartment in the Le Marais area of Paris. And for a previous trip, we rented (again through VRBO) an apartment near the Les Sablon Metro Station and the Bois de Boulogne park. Hotels in Paris are generally expensive, and using VRBO or AirBnB to find an apartment in a good location is one option to keep costs down. You can cook some of your own meals and keep drinks and snacks in your apartment. Eating in sometimes can save a lot of money and your waistline. We find that after a few days of eating out we are dying to just have something simple. Do your due diligence and read the reviews when renting a place to make sure it will meet your needs. There are a number of reliable apartment rental companies available, you should make sure your selection will be in a good location and would meet your needs & budget. We suggest that you try to find accommodations near a metro station, as that will simplify your trips around the city. See our tips below about where to obtain a Metro ticket.

NOTE: As of this moment (8/24/2023) Google Search shows that there are over 2,949 hotels in the city of Paris. Even more if you include the metropolitan area and my point here is that many of these hotels are expensive. But if your goal is to go to Paris just to enjoy an expensive hotel instead of seeing this beautiful city, then you should go right ahead and do what is right for you & your budget. If your goal is to be comfortable and to be relatively close to a Paris Metro Station, then do yourself a favor and click one of the buttons or links below to do your own search.

The Louvre Museum is more than just a building; it's a pilgrimage for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. Housed within the iconic glass pyramid and the historic Louvre Palace, this Parisian gem boasts an unparalleled collection that spans millennia. From the enigmatic Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo's timeless beauty, the Louvre offers a breathtaking journey through human creativity.

Beyond its star attractions, the museum is a treasure trove of artistic and cultural riches. Explore the intricate details of ancient Egyptian artifactsd, marvel at the grandeur of Renaissance masterpieces, or immerse yourself in the elegance of French royal art. With its vast collection, the Louvre caters to every taste and interest.

NOTE: Image # 2 is the property of Alvesgaspar via Wikimedia Commons.

How do you get to the Louvre? The closest Paris Metro station to the Louvre Museum is the Louvre Rivoli and Palais Royal Musée du Louvre, both on Line 1 (yellow) which travels underneath Rue de Rivoli. The closest RER station is Chatelet Les Halles on line RER A. See the Paris Metro Maps website for a full map.

You may not have noticed the interesting architecture of the Louvre roof, so this image is a close-up of one of the roofs (see the larger picture of the Louvre, in particular, the building roof at the right side of the picture).

Fun Fact: The "greyish" area behind the windows, is called a mansard or mansard roof (also called a French roof or curb roof) is a four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides with the lower slope, punctured by dormer windows, at a steeper angle than the upper. The steep roof with windows creates an additional floor of habitable space (a garret), and reduces the overall height of the roof for a given number of habitable stories. The upper slope of the roof may not be visible from street level when viewed from close proximity to the building.

This mansard roof caught our eye because it was so ornate and unusual to us - you just do not see this kind of architecture in America very often.

When one thinks of Paris, a myriad of iconic images come to mind – the enchanting Seine River, the charming streets filled with patisseries, and the city's vibrant culture. However, one structure stands tall and proud, symbolizing the beauty and romance of the French capital like no other – the Eiffel Tower. As one of the most renowned landmarks on the planet, the Eiffel Tower captivates millions of visitors each year, offering an unforgettable experience that leaves an indelible mark on their hearts.

Constructed in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, the Eiffel Tower was initially met with skepticism and mixed reviews. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the tower's unique iron lattice structure was a feat of engineering excellence for its time, soaring to a height of 324 meters (1,063 feet) and surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza as the tallest man-made structure. Though initially intended as a temporary exhibit, its immense popularity and utility as a communication tower preserved its place in the Parisian skyline for generations to come.

Although the Eiffel Tower is named after Gustave Eiffel and his company constructed the tower, the original idea for the tower came from two engineers who worked for Gustave's company; Emile Nouguier and Maurice Koechlin.

What are the Security Requirements at the Tower?

Security controlling access to the Eiffel Tower has become ever more stringent; As is the case for all French facilities open to the public, the Eiffel Tower has implemented a strict security system and checks, which are reinforced by the national “Vigipirate” plan (currently the “increased security – risk of attack” level). All visitors, whether they bought their tickets in advance or want to buy them on site, must undergo two security check steps: the first occurs at the entrance to the site and the second prior to entering the pillar to take the elevator or stairs.

You should visit the Eiffel Tower Visitor's Practical Guide page for all information pertaining to security and visitation of the Eiffel Tower.

The statue is at the west end of the L'île aux Cygnes, which was adjacent to where our Viking Cruise ship was moored. We could see it from the sun deck of the ship, and decided that we should walk over and explore.

This is the view of the Place du Trocadero from the first observation deck (57 meters above ground) of the Eiffel Towerand the view of Place du Trocadéro is breathtaking. Directly across the Seine River, the Palais de Chaillot dominates the scene with its grand neoclassical wings extending outward, framing the plaza. The open space of Trocadéro Gardens, with its lush greenery and symmetrical design, adds to the stunning vista. Below, the Fountain of Warsaw provides a striking centerpiece, with water jets creating a dynamic display, especially beautiful at night when illuminated.

Beyond the Trocadéro, the cityscape of Paris stretches out, showcasing its iconic architecture, with tree-lined avenues and historic buildings. The scene is especially captivating during sunset, when the golden hues bathe the area in a soft glow, and the distant landmarks of Paris become even more picturesque.

The view from the Eiffel Tower’s first level is not as high as the upper decks, but it offers a closer, more intimate perspective of Paris’s landmarks, with Place du Trocadéro being a central focus. It’s a perfect spot for admiring the harmony of Paris’s urban design and capturing memorable photos.

The following images were taken during our stroll along the River Seine, beautiful area isn't it? Our destination is now in sight, the Musee D'Orsay. Note to self - the Musee D'Orsay is closed on Mondays.

According to Google Maps, it is a 2.5 kilometer walk from the Eiffel Tower to the Musee D'Orsay. On a beautiful day with these scenic and iconic locations along the River Seine, it is a nice way to get to the museum.

Sometime in 2008, people (tourists as well as locals) started attaching padlocks with their first names engraved on them, to the railings and grates of the bridge. By 2012 the number of padlocks had become enormous, estimated to be in excess of 700,000. As of 2015, over a million locks had been attached, weighing approximately 45 tons.

Quick History Lesson: In June 2014, part of the parapet on the bridge collapsed under the weight of all of the padlocks that had been attached to it. On 18 September 2014, the City Hall of Paris replaced three panels of this bridge with a special glass as an experiment as they search for alternative materials for the bridge where locks cannot be attached.

From 1 June 2015, city council workmen from Paris started to cut down & remove all of the locks. Health and Safety officials said "the romantic gestures cause long term Heritage degradation and danger to visitors". Street artists like Jace, El Seed, Brusk or Pantonio have been chosen to paint the new panels that replaces the old railings with locks.

Originally built in the 1850s as an orangery (a dedicated building where orange and other fruit trees are protected during the winter) for the Tuileries Palace, the building was converted into a museum in the early 20th century. It underwent extensive renovations in the 2000s and reopened to the public in 2006.

The Musée de l'Orangerie is an art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings located in the west corner of the Tuileries Gardens next to the Place de la Concorde in Paris. The museum is most famous as the permanent home of eight large Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet, and also contains works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, Alfred Sisley, Chaim Soutine, Maurice Utrillo, and others.

Unfortunately for us, they were not allowing pictures to be taken the day we were there, it was crowded and that may have led to that situation. For a glimpse at some of the fantastic art to be seen there, click the Google Images link below (there are 43,131 images as of May 4, 2023).

This is a historic district in Paris that we had not previously visited. Long the aristocratic district of Paris, it hosts many outstanding buildings of historic and architectural importance. It spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements in Paris (on the Rive Droite, or Right Bank, of the Seine).

If you are interested in reading more depth about the Le Marais ("The Marsh") area of Paris, click here to read a good article about the history & architecture of Le Marais. This article is very good, and you will be surprised to learn about the role the Templar Knights played in the Le Marais.

The sidewalk cafes on the Rue Saint-Antoine in Le Marais do not waste any space, the tables are kept very close to each other, so that as many customers as possible can be seated.

Sidewalk cafes and restaurants are enormously popular in Paris, and they offer a delightful way for a visitor to have a coffee, a drink & snack or a complete meal while watching Parisians walk by.

We are not fastidious diners and we do not seek out Michelin rated restaurants, if that is what you are looking for, then you might be looking at the wrong Travel Site! We tend to eat lightly, most often we are not "fast food junkies" and we definitely enjoy "going local". Do we check "Yelp" ? Yes, it is often a good place to get an idea of what is available where you are. Let us leave you with this thought, we ate at each of these places and we enjoyed the food & service.

If you would like to perform your own restaurant research, click here to view a Google Search Results list for "what are the top five places to eat in Le Marais paris"

Grande Arche in La Defense

This is the Grande Arche in La Defense looking out from the rear of the building.

The steel apparatus that is attached to the top of the arch, is the original transparent elevators, that used to take passengers from the base of the arch, to the top of the building. They were closed in 2010 after a non-injury accident. The museum and restaurant at the top are now accessible only via interior building elevators.

The Grande Arche comprises the third arch (together with the Arc de Triomphe and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel) on the historical axis of Paris.

Walking East from the Grande Arche

As we walked east from the Grande Arche, we found several beautiful water fountains, several shopping malls, coffee shops, and had a very pleasant afternoon walking about this area. The Grande Arche is in the center of this image, as walked beside one of the water fountains.

Notre Dame Cathedral Flying Buttresses

This is the eastern end of Notre Dame, and it shows you how they used "flying buttresses" to support the height of the Cathedral. As they were working with only stone and mortar, and did not have the benefit of steel at that time, the only way they knew how to support that kind of height, was to use these flying buttress supports.

You may not be aware, but when construction was first started on Notre Dame, it did not have these flying buttresses. See the history lesson below for an explanation of why they were necessary.

IMAGE CREDITS: Image # 1 is the property of Jean Lemoine via Wikimedia Commons and CC BY-SA 2.0.

Image # 2 has no author information and was downloaded from Wikimedia Commons using CC BY-SA 3.0.

Notre Dame Cathedral Dimensions

• The building is 130 meters long, 48 meters wide and 35 meters high.
• The rose windows have a diameter of 10 meters.
• The cathedral pillars have a diameter of 5 meters.
• The twin towers are 69 meters tall, and there are 387 steps to the top.

Notre Dame interesting facts;

• It was built between 1163 and 1345. Its construction was ordered by the Bishop of Paris named Maurice de Sully in 1160 and died in 1196, long before the cathedral was completed.
• The largest Notre Dame bell is located in the South Tower & weighs 28,000 pounds. The bell is also known as the Emmanuel Bell and was created in 1681.
• The magnificent stained glass windows in Notre Dame are original.
• Approx 13 million people visit Notre Dame every year, which makes it the most popular monument in France. People visit Notre Dame more than the Eiffel Tower.
• The best part is that it is free to enter the cathedral.
• In 1804 Napoleon invited Pope Pius VII to come to Notre Dame so that he could be crowned emperor. At the last minute Napoleon crowned himself instead.
• There are many small statues outside of Notre Dame which were placed there to serve as rain water spouts and to support columns.
• Based on a 1905 law, Notre Dame is owned by the French State, but the Catholic Church has the right to use it forever.

We visited the Sacré Cœur du Montmartre, which is easily one of the prettiest churches in Paris. Due to the height of Montmartre, the church can be seen from all over Paris! In fact, image # 2 was taken on the Eiffel Tower where you can see Montmartre in the distance! And of course the reverse is true as well, the views of Paris (read below) from Montmartre are very good on a clear day. Image # 1 is the south facade main entrance.

Word of warning: You can see how the church sits high on the hill? On a hot day, it can be difficult to walk up all those stairs (222 steps in all). There is a funicular that you should utilize if you are not comfortable with walking up steep stairs. Be forewarned that the funicular is very popular with the "don't want to walkup the stairs" folks, so the line to use it is always lengthy.

The Catacombs of Paris are located in the 14th arrondissement quartier Montparnasse. We had our teenage son with us, and we had intentionally looked for something unusual like this to visit. Judging by his reaction to what he saw on the tour, he found it to be very entertaining!

Visiting the Paris Catacombs is a fascinating experience that combines history, architecture, and an eerie atmosphere. These underground ossuaries house the remains of over six million Parisians, their bones arranged in intricate patterns along miles of tunnels. Originally created to address the city's overflowing cemeteries, the Catacombs are now a unique site for reflection and exploration.

The constant temperature of 14°C (57°F) gives the space a cool and somber ambiance, enhancing its mystique. The history tied to the Catacombs, including their use during World War II by both German forces and the French Resistance, adds depth to the experience. Visitors can take guided tours or audio guides to learn about the ossuary's origins and significance. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended due to the 200-visitor limit at a time and frequent long queues during peak seasons​

You can see in image # 2 the circular staircase that must be utilized to enter the catacombs, it is steep and very narrow, so if you are claustrophobic, this staircase will affect you.

It is not known just how large the Catacombs actually are, there are estimates that there are over 200 miles of tunnels, however, only a very small area of that is part of the tour and "legal". The other areas are considered to be dangerous and are off limits with police patrols, etc.

Was it spooky? Definitely!! I doubt that anyone could descend into an area like that, where the bones of over six million people are kept from hundreds of years ago and not feel it!

IMAGE CREDIT: Image # 1 is the property of MykReeve via Wikipedia using the CC BY-SA 3.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

• Paris Catacombs Tickets: Click here to go to the official website.
• Paris Catacombs Tours: There are numerous companies offering tours, click here to see a Google Results list for "paris catacombs tours".
• Paris Catacombs Map: Click here for a Map of the Catacombs.
• Paris Catacombs History: Click here to go to the Wikipedia Page for the Paris Catacombs.
• Paris Catacombs Videos: Click here to view a Youtube Search Results list for "Paris Catacombs".
• How to get to the Paris Catacombs via Metro: The entrance to the Paris Catacombs is on Place Denfert-Rochereau, a public square in the Montparnasse district. The nearest train station is Denfert-Rochereau. You can take an RER 'B' service here, or jump on a Metro line 4 or 6.

Once you have entered into the green building entrance, you will immediately descend via a very narrow (and steep) spiral staircase that delivers you into the catacombs. The first thing you'll notice are the very low ceilings - if you're claustrophobic you might want to brace yourself - and for the first three or four minutes you'll be walking through empty corridors with no bones in sight. Once you reach the ossuaries, you will see bones neatly stacked, sometimes to the stone ceiling, frequently stacked all the way back to the stone walls (often a considerable distance) and these bone stacks are everywhere!

There are no elevators at the entrance or exit, you walk down the steep entrance staircase (130 steps) and you will have to walk up the steep exit stairs (83 steps). There are no cloak rooms or bathrooms anywhere, and it is chilly so you should dress appropriately.

IMAGE CREDIT: Image # 1 is the property of MykReeve via Wikipedia using the CC BY-SA 3.0 license. All other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.

The municipal ossuary in the Paris Catacombs is one of the world’s largest and one of only a handful located underground.

There are several YouTube videos that can show you the catacombs in detail, click here to view one of them.

• Paris History on 'Local Histories' site
• Top 10 Things to do & see in Paris on 'Paris Perfect' site
• 25 things to do and see in Paris on the "Fodors" site
• Google Search Results list for restaurants in Paris
• 29 Best Restaurants in Paris on Conde Naste Website
• Google Search Results list for accommodations in Paris
• Google list of Paris Catacombs Websites
• Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Eiffel Tower Tour from the "Get Your Guide" site
• Youtube Search Results list for "Paris France"
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Our Top Paris Sites List
• Explore Paris's Medieval Landmarks and Modern Delights on the 'National Geographic' Site
• 75 Best Things to Do in Paris on the 'Crazy Tourist' Site
• Exploring Paris on the 'Lonely Planet' Site

• Explore Paris on the 'Rick Steves' Site
• What to Do with Three Days in Paris on the 'Destination Tips' Site
• Paris Tourism on the 'Introducing Paris' Site
• Google list of things to do & see in Paris
• Amazon Search Results list for "Paris France"
• Our Image Gallery for Paris
• Wikipedia Article for Paris
• Google Image Gallery for Paris

On one trip to Paris, we took a train to Bordeaux. We rode the metro (very early in the morning) to the Paris Gare Montparnasse train station, and we saw our train listed on the train schedule monitors, so we enjoyed a cold drink while waiting for our train's track location to be announced. When it was finally announced, we walked over with our back packs & luggage, got on the train and sat in our assigned seats. Just as we got relaxed, an English family walked up and said "you are sitting in our seats", so we asked the train car attendant to come over and sort out the situation. He took one look at our tickets and told us "your tickets are for the express train, and you are on the local train to Bordeaux & your train has already departed". So we gathered up our backpacks and exited the train, and as we are standing next to the train car wondering what we do now, the same train car attendant leaned out the car door and told us "hey, you can ride with us, and someone will get off the train and you can have those seats". Since this was much better than waiting in the train station for the next express train to Bordeaux, we hopped back on & spent the majority of the ride in between train cars, sitting on the floor. We eventually got seats as people exited the train.

These things can happen when travelling - keep your cool and have fun along the way.