Paris Travel Planning, Art, Culture & More

Your Paris Library

by PwS | Mar 3, 2018 | Paris, Travel, Trip Planning

Paris is one of the most visited and beloved places in the world, and because of that, there are MANY books about Paris. Lots of people have written about Paris and continue to write about it. They make movies with Paris in a starring role that have luscious scenery and breathtaking views. Lucky for us! That means we get to read old favorites and brand new titles coming out each year, plus watch the newest films shot on location in Paris. Fun For All Of Us!

Together with histories and nonfiction accounts, publishers keep turning out historical fiction, thrillers, mysteries, picture books, children’s books, guide books, cookbooks, best of books, garden books and even shopping books and guides. Books have always been, and still are, a sure way to transport you to another world and they do the same for Paris. They are the perfect way to explore Paris before going so you can learn more about what you like and what you do not like. Remember, it is important to narrow your focus to what you love and what really interests you. That is important so that you can create your Paris List and have the best trip to Paris possible.

Narrow Your Focus in Advance

In order to figure out what you want to see, one website, guidebook or history is not enough. Paris is so diverse that you should consult multiple sources in order to get a feel for the monument, museum or neighborhood that may spark your interest. Each author has a different perspective and each offers a different insight. And, you may learn something from one book that you would never find out from another book.

My “Paris Library” contains some of all types of books. It contains a range, from little mini books on bistros to oversize coffee table books. Each one has a particular appeal. Some are so specific that they would be unhelpful to the casual Paris visitor. But, since I write about Paris, I need some pretty specific books to help with some of the articles that I write.

To help you begin your initial armchair journey to Paris, I have reviewed my library and propose some books for your pleasure. You probably only need a few to really make a difference in your life. And by making a difference, I mean providing information and photos to get you really excited about going there, providing information to make informed decisions on what will meet your expectations, and providing a way to have a great traveling experience even at your home through photos, writing and recipes.

I find these books are especially helpful, with plenty of information. They are books that I find myself returning to time and again for the great resources and reference. But also, because they conjure the feelings of Paris.

Guidebooks

It would not be impossible to visit Paris without a guidebook, but…. You may have a few questions before, during and after your trip and a guidebook could provide the answer. Plus, they are fun to read and pretty much essential for preparing your Paris List.

More info here: Guidebooks for Paris

Fiction

To be able to write like Balzac! Or Victor Hugo??? What about Ernest Hemingway??? Each novel takes us deep into Paris. And, who doesn’t like to sit on the edge of the seat waiting for what comes next in mysteries and thrillers? A car wreck, Soviet spies, snipers – and set in PARIS!

Nonfiction

Like most nonfiction, we can learn more than we really want to know about the real goings on in the past. From the bedraggled pauvres that are the subject of one of the longest running Broadway plays, to the daily rituals of Louis XIV, these books illustrate the reality of the past and present.

Photo Books

Nothing is quite like sitting with a photo book and getting a bird’s eye view or seeing oversize full-page photos of Paris. One image can make your heart leap! So many try to publish books that capture the City of Light, but some seem to do it better than others.

Garden Books

Well, if you want to admire beauty up close and personal, garden books can set you straight. The grand gardens, the little pocket parks, the areas surrounding monuments that would not necessarily be called gardens. Each one is elegant and thought out beyond what we can imagine. Formal, wild, vegetable, preserve – you name the garden type and you can find it in Paris.

Cookbooks

Cookbooks are a great way to learn about the food that you may see on a restaurant menu. Not that you have to learn the name of every French dish in French, but being familiar with some of the names can help ease you into your culinary experiences in Paris.

Children’s Books

What joy to read a children’s book and see characters come to life with caricature drawings – and then – see them in real life. Children’s books are just as fun for adults and really dig deep into the French mindset preparing and exciting the whole family.

Movies

Dancing like Gene Kelly across the screen is about as wonderful and magical as you can get!!!! Audrey Hepburn takes on Paris in her own way and everyone knows The da Vinci Code! Images of Paris, style, culture, glamor – all rolled up in these movies. Movies are pure entertainment.

Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel)

by PwS | Feb 22, 2018 | History, Paris

What image is conjured in your mind when you hear, Paris? The Eiffel Tower, of course! It must be the symbol that is most closely associated with a city, and it has to be the most recognizable structure on the planet. Even in photographs and drawings, it is stunning, but in person, it is heart stopping. It is doubtful that anyone could tire of seeing the Eiffel Tower, even if it were straight outside your living room window and you had to look at it every day!

Its history began in the 1800s when Paris decided to host a world’s fair named, Exposition Universelle de 1889. The year 1889 was chosen because it marked the 100th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille and the beginning of the French Revolution. A world’s fair at the time was primarily for countries to show off their industrial achievements and their culture. But, with so many visitors, they had to have food, souvenirs and even entertainment – like Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley performing his “Wild West Show,” yes, right there on the Champ de Mars.

When the exposition was in its planning stage, according to the official website, a competition was held to “study the possibility of erecting an iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars with a square base, 125 metres across and 300 metres tall”. Out of 107 entries, the chosen submission came from “Gustave Eiffel, an entrepreneur, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, both engineers, and Stephen Sauvestre, an architect.”

Controversy is Its Name

Like any project, it was controversial at the time. But, the Gustave Eiffel pushed ahead and it was completed on March 31, 1889. It was the tallest structure made by man in the world. Visitors must have been in a state of awe as they entered the Exposition Universelle de 1889 through the wrought iron arches of the Eiffel Tower. Soon, the controversy died down and its popularity was unsurpassed. The Eiffel Tower boasted nearly 2 million visitors in 1889, alone. Now, the Eiffel Tower has nearly 7,000,000 visitors each year, and claims that nearly 300 million people have visited it since its opening.

Many of these visitors have the opportunity to view it as they ascend and descend, but also from afar while in other parts of Paris. From many places, you can catch a glimpse of it jutting into the sky. At anytime, day or night, the Eiffel Tower is extraordinary. During the day, clouds seem to float just above the top. And in the darkness, it has an otherworldly glow from the soft illumination along the iron work. At the top of every hour after sunset, twinkling lights dance along the structure making the entire Eiffel Tower sparkle with diamonds in the night sky.

Visiting The Eiffel Tower

If you go for a visit, the first level above the ground has a transparent floor. You may gasp when you take your first steps out into the open. Before you look down, grab the arm of whoever is near to you for a little steady support. After you enjoy seeming to walk on air, find the elevator for the second level, and move on up.

On the second level, walk the perimeter for more extraordinary views. That doesn’t sound like much, but there are only so many ways to describe how great the views are. The farther up you go, the farther away you can see. As you make your way to the top, notice how the perspective changes – it is fascinating. Enjoy your time, have a snack or something to drink if you like, or, reserve a spot for lunch find a souvenir, then find the elevators to ascend to the top level.

Squeeze in and catch your breath as the elevator moves higher and higher through the wrought iron. As the door opens, look out from the top of the Eiffel Tower! Safely make your way around in the caged walkway to see the world at your feet. Chilly winds can blow at this height, so come prepared. Back inside you can see Gustave Eiffel’s office and the gramophone that was given to him by Thomas Edison. After your trek to the top are you hankering for a glass of bubbly? Then toast your visit at the Champagne Bar.

After you have enjoyed your time at the summit, find the down elevators and begin your descent back to earth.

Buy Your Tickets in Advance!

If you are sure you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, buying your ticket in advance may set your schedule for the entire trip. Plan ahead – way ahead, like a month or more before you go – to buy your ticket. Unless you are unbelievably fortunate, if you do not have an advance ticket, you will spend one entire day trying to go up the Eiffel Tower. If you do not have an advance ticket, and you want to spend your day in line, make sure you get in the right line! My friends, Jennifer and Jamie, and I got in line to go up, and when we bought our tickets – IT WAS FOR THE STAIRS to the first level!!!!! No way were we getting in line again, so we hoofed it to the first level!

My parents were some of the unbelievably fortunate. We took an afternoon river trip on a glass-topped boat leaving from the quai by the Eiffel Tower. On the excursion, the heavens opened up. Rain poured for nearly the whole journey back from the Seine turn around. But, when we got off the boat and walked to street level, no one was in line to buy tickets to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I had no idea my mother would want to go to the top, but she did. I had never been up before, so we bought tickets, made our way to the top and had crystal clear visibility from the downpour and hardly any other visitors. Do not expect this bit of luck – buy your tickets in advance!

Spend the Afternoon and Enjoy Lunch

The official site states, “In 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre occupied the first floor platform. Each restaurant could seat up to 500 guests.” Maybe not such expansive establishments now, but dining options are available on the street level, first level and second level. Make a reservation at one of the restaurants to enjoy a meal at a table and chairs. Or, send one of your party to the take out kiosk and enjoy a sandwich or hot chocolate standing in line. Do not be worried that that you will go hungry while seeing the Eiffel Tower, plenty of options are available.

Update – The Eiffel Tower has welcomed more than 300 MILLION visitors!!! That is correct – 300 MILLION.

The Eiffel Tower

What makes it special: Iconic symbol of Paris from the Exposition Universelle of 1889.
Nearest Métro: Bir-Hakeim – about a half mile walk to the Eiffel Tower
Nearest RER: Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel – a little less than a half mile walk to the Eiffel Tower
Arrondissement: 7th
Official website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en
Open every day. Hours depend on season
Need detailed regulations? Here is the official pdf.

Arc de Triomphe

by PwS | Feb 21, 2018 | History, Paris

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive memorial arch that epitomizes the word, monument. This landmark is truly monumental in scale and it is an immediately recognizable symbol of Paris. The Arc de Triomphe was built to commemorate the armies who fought in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. However, it is also the site for the annual recognition of Armistice Day and Victory in Europe Day, as well as for Bastille Day celebrations. Under the arch, a World War I soldier is buried in the tomb of the unknown soldier. Above him, an eternal flame burns dedicated to French soldiers who died and who were never identified.

Admiring the arch from underneath is a humbling experience. The piers of the Arc de Triomphe are colossal and they are the backdrop for the four towering sculptural groups/reliefs that represent moving stories of the French army during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. The interior portions list names of important warriors in those armies and names of battles. Altogether, the Arc de Triomphe is an awe-inspiring monument. If you are lucky when you visit, a huge Tricolore (the French flag) will hang from the arch and twist in the wind.

A Breathtaking View of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe Roof

Besides the history and beauty, the Arc de Triomphe has a platform roof offering sweeping views of Paris. Climb the stairs up to the top for one of the best perspectives of the city. It is not so high up that all sense of scale is lost. But, it is kind of on a hill at the end of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées that provides enough altitude to see many other monuments around the city in great context. Plus, you get a bird’s eye view of one of Haussmann’s great achievements – twelve grand avenues radiating from the arch.

In one direction the Eiffel Tower looms above all. Over to the southwest the vast green expanse of the Bois de Boulogne spreads before you. Look to the north and the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur radiates from Montmartre. Due west, the new arch anchors La Défense. Toward the east Notre-Dame de Paris, les Invalides, Tour Montparnasse, the Panthéon, the Seine and more fill the view. Look due east from the Arc de Triomphe all the way down the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, across the Place de la Concorde and its obelisk, through the Tuileries and all the way to the I.M. Pei Pyramid and the Louvre. The distance is a bit over 2 miles if you are up to walking. From there, you can look back and really get a sense of the size of the Arc de Triomphe.

Tunnels provide access under the traffic. You must take the tunnels to visit the arch. DO NOT TRY TO CROSS ON THE ROADWAY.

A Grand Meeting Place

Two of my favorite memories of Paris are at the Arc de Triomphe. Between the avenues that radiate from the arch, little squares or parks are formed. There, among the trees and gravel, the city maintains benches where you can sit and admire the Arc de Triomphe at any time of day or night.

When I was in school in Paris, my friend, Lisa, and I would meet at those benches at night. Lisa was living one Métro stop north of Charles de Gaulle- Étoille, and I was living one Métro stop south. After dinner with the families where we lived, we would take the Métro to meet each other on the benches. Often, we would see a man walking a pair of Borzois around the arch. Every now and then we could spy visitors way high on top of the arch looking out from the top. The night was usually cool and not much traffic flowed around the arch at that time. We would talk and admire the arch while living a dream – studying French in Paris.

Another particularly fond memory is of being on those benches with my parents for lunch, eating baguette sandwiches, drinking Oranginas and taking in the entirety of the scene. The sun was bright, the traffic crazy and we were all happy that we were not driving around like Chevy Chase in European Vacation!

The Arc de Triomphe

What makes it special: One of the grandest monuments in all of the world.
Nearest Métro: Charles de Gaulle-Étoille – takes you right to the Arc de Triomphe
Address: Place Charles de Gaulle
HOURS:
Last admission 45 min before closing time. In case of overcrowding, the ticket office may close.
2 January to 31 March – Open every day 10.00-22.30
1st April to 30 September – Open every day 10.00-23.00
1st October to 31 December – Open every day 10.00-22.30
CLOSED: January 1, May 1, May 8 (morning), July 14, November 11 (morning) and December 25
Official website: http://www.paris-arc-de-triomphe.fr/en/

Olympics 2024 in Paris

by PwS | Jan 22, 2018 | Events, Paris

On your mark… Get set……. GOOOO PARIS 2024 Summer Olympics!

XXXIII OLYMPIAD 2024 – PARIS

In Lima, Peru, the International Olympic Committee announced the host of the XXXIII OLYMPIAD 2024 is Paris.

One hundred years after Paris last hosted the Olympics, the City of Light will host the world once again. And, it will be the third time for the city – Paris also hosted the games in 1900.

“Today I am delighted to invite you to join the great family of Parisians, a family which belongs to the world,” said the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, as she announced the Olympics in Paris. “With this team, I am very proud and moved to bring the Games back to Paris. At the heart of these Games, we will place young people, who represent our present, our hope and our pride.”

Are you ready to start planning?

No time like the present, or so the adage goes.

The Olympics are a huge draw for visitors from around the world. So, put your thinking cap on. These are some of the venues for the jeux olympiques d’été de 2024 (Summer Olympic Games 2024).

Of course, road cycling down Champs-Elysée (where the Tour de France ends each year.)Near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine participants will run marathons, race walk, and endure the Olympic triathlon.

Can you imagine the Olympics in Paris?? Sand fields will be erected in the Champ de Mars for beach volleyball. And, what will be behind and in front of spectators and athletes alike? The Eiffel Tower!!

Fencing and Taekwondo in the halls of the Grand Palais – imagine the light! Across the Seine will be archery on the esplanade of the Invalides – at least there is plenty of room to avoid being skewered. And, the Seine will host all of the socializing a person could handle.

Are you getting the idea? Kind of a big triangle of the 7th arrondissement with a Champs-Elysées hatchet handle??? Meaning, anywhere the 7th will be a popular spot during the Olympics. And, it may be long walks, but one could walk.

But, wait there’s more….

Paris and the nearby suburbs will be alive with activity

Depending on your proclivities, head to AccorHotels Arena (f/k/a Bercy Arena), the Stade de France (in Saint-Denis) for track and field events – and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies!!!

Stade Roland Garros will host the tennis, mais bien sûr!!! (But, of course! It is the home of what we call the French Open.) Travel to the Chateau de Versailles for equestrian events, how appropriate. Bicyclers? Head to the Velodrome de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

Football anyone (that is soccer for us Americans)? Stake your claim on a seat at the Parc des Princes.

Are you wanting to catch your favorite athlete in a candid moment? Maybe L’Île-Saint-Denis is the place for you. The island will be home to the Olympic Village and all the athletes. Probably why they have it on an island – hard to get to, easy to secure from roving tourists.

Want an adventure outside of Paris for the Olympics?

The only sailing in Paris is by toy boats in the garden fountains. So head to the old port of Marseille for sailing. Take the train to Biarritz for surfing (let’s go now and wait for them to get there!)

How about the Paris Marathon? Get inspired to run it, watch it, and support green Paris.

And many more! There are so many games and venues, who can keep track of them all?

More posts to come. Don’t worry about how to get around during the busy Olympic schedule. Who knows, maybe you will take an electric car and just hop in?

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