Its Easy to Love Paris
A model shoot at Place Vendome, Paris; (c) Henningstad/iStock
Eleven million people live in Greater Paris. Does crippling traffic limit the places I can visit in a day? Do I have to wait in long lines for every attraction? Do cookie-cutter malls sap the city’s soul? No, No, and No.
The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, and Palace of Versailles ensure that every visit is memorable, but they are not what make Paris easy to love. Three other man-made traits accomplish that task with bold panache.
First, central Paris has Haussmann architecture that makes each block walkable and easy on the eyes. Second, the local government helps small businesses survive and retain local help. Third, Paris Metro stations blanket the city within 3 blocks of every attraction big, medium, or small. People of all ages ride the Metro.
Seasoned tourists should consider smaller or no lines at these alternative attractions:
• Musée d’Orsay (1 day), Paris Opera House (1/2 day)
• Place Vendome shops (1/2 day)
• Foundation Louis Vuitton (1/2 day)
• Chateau de Fontainebleau (1/2 day)
• Musee Rodin (1/2 day)
• Explore designer fashions at Samaritaine (1/2 day)
• Book a Seine River Cruise (1/2 day or night)
• Stop for selfies in scenic Jardin du Luxembourg (1/2 day)
Pointing at the Louis Vuitton flagship store in Paris; (c) Soul Of America
An endless supply of little things heap more love on Paris.
Have a Croque Monsieur sandwich with fine coffee at a boulangerie near your hotel. Spend at least two days wandering around without a plan. Stumble into dozens of small businesses selling hand-made gifts, rare books, manuscripts & collectible magazines, unique garments, arts and crafts, and so on.
The list of great eateries from cheap to medium to high prices is longer than both arms and satisfying to every budget. Don’t forget to ride Metro Line 6 over the Seine River for postcard views of the Eiffel Tower.