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Just The Facts Sightseeing

Paris

By Glenda Mariner

Published by Glenda Mariner

http://www.justthefactssightseeing.com

First Edition

ISBN 978-1-62018-036-5

This e-book edition created at FoliumBookStudio.com

Preface

In preparation for my first trip to Paris, I read everything I could, devouring all of the descriptive narrative and pictures in guidebooks and other books; however, when I was actually in the city, I needed basic information with just the facts so that I could access it quickly. I also needed something that wouldn’t be bulky and inconvenient to carry around.

Now many trips later, I have garnered a treasure trove of information on sights in Paris and have put together this factual guide. It lists over 100 attractions but is presented in such a way that you can get to information like location, metro stop and opening and closing times without having to wade your way through a lot of narrative. It's a perfect match for today’s tablets, e-readers and smartphones. A highlight of the book is the addition of website links which enable you to keep up-to-date on things like fees and hours.

The last section of the book has practical tips that cover frequently asked questions about travel to Paris. These include details on how to make phone calls, how to tell time, electrical outlets, getting to the city from the airport and much more, all with the intent of making your trip enjoyable.

Part 1: Neighborhoods (Arrondissements)

Paris is made up of 20 areas called arrondissements (abbreviated “arr” in this book) which are divided by the Seine River into the Left Bank and Right Bank. The primary neighborhoods most visitors encounter are listed below with brief descriptions and some metro stops located there.

A neighborhood practically dead-center to the city. Its location makes it easy to traverse any part of the city using the Metro. The Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Pompidou Center, Hotel de Ville and the Forum des Halles shopping complex are all a part of this area. Located on the Right Bank.

Metro: Palais Royal- Musee du Louvre, Louvre-Rivoli, Chatelet-Les Halles, Hotel de Ville, Tuileries, Concord

An Island in the Seine whose main tourist attractions include Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, Palais de Justice and the Conciergerie.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. Popular attractions include: The Picasso Museum, Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo museum and the heart of the Jewish community. Located on the Right Bank.

Lively area known along with St. Germain des Pres as the intellectual heart of Paris. The prestigious La Sorbonne University is here. Located on the Left Bank.

Vibrant and energetic. In the 20s and 30s this was the center of intellectual life and a favorite Hemingway haunt. Home to Les Deux Magots cafe and the Cafe de Flore. The Jardins du Luxembourg and the Musee Orsay are also here. Located on the Left Bank.

The Eiffel Tower dominates this section along with Napoleon’s tomb housed in the Hotel des Invalides. Located on the Left Bank.

This area is framed by the famous Avenue des Champs Elysees which stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Located on the Right Bank.

Metro: Concorde, Champs Elysees-Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, George V, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

The Opera Garnier, Madeleine church and the department stores Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps are attractions found in this district. Located on the Right bank.

You can pinpoint the Montparnasse area from many parts of the city since it is home to the tallest skyscraper in Paris, Montparnasse Tower. Located on the Left Bank.

Montmartre is a village-like neighborhood that lies upon the highest hill (butte) in Paris. Home to the Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre where artists congregate. It is also the locale for the movie, Amelie. Located on the Right Bank.

Part 2: Sightseeing Companies

Red double decker hop-on-and-off buses that stop at major sights. Tickets are purchased on board and are valid for two days. Discounts are given to those with the Paris Visite card. The bus stops are: Trocadero (Palais de Chaillot), Eiffel Tower, Champs de Mars, Louvre, Notre Dame, D’Orsay, Opera, Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Palais. Tour starts at Trocadero at 10:00. Complete tour takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Prices are slightly higher than L’Open Tour and do not cover as many sights, but departure times are more frequent and drop off and boarding points are usually closer to sights than those of L’Open Tour. Check website for prices.

Hop-on-and-off double decker buses. Tickets can be purchased for one or two consecutive days. Discounts are given to holders of the Paris Visite pass.

There are four routes. The main one called the Paris Grand Tour, takes two hours to complete. It stops at or passes near Madeleine (connection point for all lines), the Grand Magasins department stores, Place Vendome, Opera, Palais Royal, Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Musee du Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Pont Neuf, Conciergerie, Sainte Chapelle, Square du Vert Galant, Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, Beaubourg, Latin Quarter, Musee de Cluny, Jardin du Luxembourg, Pantheon, Sorbonne, Saint Germain des Pres Quarter, Musee d’Orsay, Quais of the Seine, Concorde, Musee de l’Orangerie, Champs Elysees, Avenue Montaigne, Arc de Triomphe, Trocadero, Palais de Chaillot, Eiffel Tower and the Hotel des Invalides.

The Montmartre Route allows access to: Madeleine, Gare St Lazare, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Place du Tertre.