My first draft of this article began something like, "here are
the top ten things to do and see when you travel to Paris." My
plan was to show how to plan a cheap travel excursion to Europe
in general and France in particular. But three drafts later, I
finally realized that
the entire City of Paris is a stunning
and unforgettable attraction.
Sure, there are a few places you have to see when you go there,
or else one of your coworkers will make you feel like a dope
because you traveled to Paris and didn't see the Louvre or the
Eiffel Tower.
But the point is, the entire City of Paris is one of the most
beautiful travel destinations on the planet. You can travel to
Paris on a budget without sacrificing any of its romance and
excitement. Even if you wander off of the well-worn tourist
paths, the charm and elegance of the city just seems to seep
into your very pores. (Think of it as something like the
anti-Detroit.)
Parisians, of course, have a reputation for being just a teensy
bit boastful about their city, ("how dare you even speak of
[insert your hometown here] in the same breath as Paris, you
swine! I will spit on your toes.") But it is hard to argue that
their pride is not justified.
But if you insist on knowing my list of top things to do or see
in Paris (particularly for travel on a budget), here it is:
--The Louvre was first opened to the public in 1793 after
the French Revolution and now houses the most enormous art
collection in the world. If you are dead set upon seeing every
exhibit, be sure to set aside the most convenient decade of your
trip in order to do so.
--The Palace of Versailles, is a fine example of what one
man (King Louis XIV) can do with a Home Depot credit and the
ability to impose crushing taxes on the French peasants.
--The Eiffel Tower was originally built as an attraction
for the 1889 Universal Exhibition. The tower was considered by
many Parisians to be an eyesore, but they have since come to
terms with it and merely hang sheets over it when visitors come
to town. It was the tallest structure in the world until the
Empire State Building was completed in 1931.
--The Seine River. Here is where you can see and do it
all without spending a bundle. Spend as much time as you can
either walking along its banks or taking boat tours up and down
the waterway itself. It is probably the most beguiling river in
the world, and you will find almost every building of interest
in Paris is on or near the Seine.
--The Parisian cafes. Here again you can take in the
sights and experience the essence of romantic Paris without
great expense. Particularly visit the cafes in the St.
Germain-des-pres district, so you can follow in the steps of
Ernest Hemingway, Victor Hugo, Ezra Pound and F. Scott
Fitzgerald. You may or may not develop the ability to write as
well as these artists, but you be able to brag to your friends
when you return home. Assuming of course that your kind of
friends know that Hemmingway, Hugo, Pound and Fitgerald were
writers and not a law firm.
OK I failed. I have touched only a very few of the highlights of
travel to Paris. But when you go, be sure to take your time and
stroll through the streets with the eye of a wanderer. Be sure
to taste the foods and sample the wines. This is one city that
organized walking tours are often worth your time, but you can
also take your own walking tour with a guidebook in hand and a
heart to behold its beauty.
COPYRIGHT (c) 2005, C.H. Brown. All rights reserved.
About the author:
C.H. Brown is a former attorney who now spends his time
indulging his passion for travel and shares the unique travel
destinations and unbeatable travel bargains he uncovers on his
blog, Guerrilla Traveler - Adventure on a Budget,
www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com.
