Paris – for everyone Paris – for everyone First time, on a budget or been there, seen that – our Paris experts share their top tips for making the most of your visit to the City of Light Musee d'Orsay clock © Ashoke Banerjee Paris must-sees for first timers World famous landmarks, dazzling architecture, lamplit bridges that span the river Seine and charming bistros that line the streets and squares. With its scenic splendour, café culture and hundreds of museums and art venues, there is always a captivating buzz about Paris. So, what to see if it’s your first time? Jeremy Flint shares his top tips. Aerial Views It is impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, so any visit to this fascinating city must start here. The iconic and elegant technological masterpiece overlooks the Champ de Mars parc and Trocadero gardens (great for a picnic). At 320-metres tall, the wrought-iron structure is named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company built and designed it in the late 1800s. The views from every level are stupendous. If you’re feeling fit, head to the second level via a 704-step staircase. Or take the elevator to each level. The third floor has restaurants and bars. Insider Tip: Head to the Champagne bar at the top for a special treat (and to avoid queues). At one end of the Avenue des Champs- Élysées, the 50-metre-high Arc de triomphe is the focal point of the city’s most iconic avenue. Built in 1836 to commemorate Napoleon’s victorious army and France’s military prowess, the elaborately sculpted Arc is free to visit at ground level. Paying visitors can climb the 284 steps (or take an elevator part way and climb the rest) to the observation deck at the top for breath-taking views of the Eiffel Tower and Basilica of Sacré Coeur. Glorious spots Stroll along the UNESCO-listed riverbanks of the Seine and admire the sights including the bouquinistes, the green book-sellers boxes (the book trade has been plied here since the 16 th century), and Pont Alexandra III bridge with its ornate decorations, Art Nouveau lamps and huge gilded statues, from here you’ll have a fabulous view of the Eiffel Tower. Place de la Concorde is where many were despatched by guillotine during the French Revolution, including King Louis XIV and Queen Marie-Antoinette. The square is home to two famous and picture-worthy fountains, and the 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk of Luxor and the Hôtel de la Marine. Like a miniature chateau, it was built to house the royal families overflow furniture and is now a marvellous museum. The Musée d’Orsay, a former train station, 52 © Theodora | Good Hansen Life France The Good Life France | 53
