Paris Tourist Info

The Best Five Museums in Paris

admin — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:21:11 +0000

Paris is home to some of the world’s best museums. Exhibitions showcase modern and contemporary art work. You’ll find the famous work of Picasso, Monet, Calder and many more. For art enthusiasts and historians, Paris offers impressive exhibitions that must top your vacation itinerary.

Regardless of your favorite medium, you’re sure to find great treasures in the following museums.

Musée du Louvre

The Louvre is one of the best known museums. The elaborate building houses some of the world’s most treasured art pieces. While it owns more than 300,000 paintings, it only shows a small percentage at any one time. You’ll find the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo here. You could practically spend your entire vacation here. If that’s not in your itinerary, at the least, plan for a full day or two to explore the exhibitions.

Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay museum showcases 19th century paintings, as well as some well- known pieces of French impressionism and post-impressionism. Glass and iron canopies top the building, a nod to its prior use as a former railway station. You’ll find the Whistler’s Mother among the vast collection of paintings and sculptures.

National Museum of Modern Art at Centre Pompidou

Originally located in the Palais de Tokyo, the museum moved to its current location in 1977. The National Museum of Modern Art exhibits more than 70,000 modern art pieces. Its collection is considered the second largest in the world. Two floors cover major 20th century pieces, including Cubism, Surrealism and Pop Art. Its prestigious, permanent collection also features newly acquired pieces and visiting exhibitions.

Musée National du Moyen Age and Thermes de Cluny

This unique museum houses an impressive collection of medieval artifacts. Its must-see moniker stems from its exhibition of tapestries, including the 15th century tapestry cycle, The Lady and the Unicorn (La Dame à la Licorne). Part of the museum includes the remains of the 3rd century Gallo-Roman baths (also known as Thermes de Cluny). You’ll also find 7th and 8th century sculptures, as well as gold and ivory pieces.

Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

The City Museum of Modern Art is located in the Palais de Tokyo, an art mall. While this museum is smaller than the more well-known museums, it houses impressive pieces of 20th century Parisian art. You’ll find Picasso (painting and sculpture), Leger, Braque and Arp. It’s also quieter and less crowded than the bigger museums. As an added bonus, its café also lends itself as the perfect spot to view the Eiffel Tower and the Seine.

If you plan on visiting multiple Paris museums be sure to get the Paris Pass. It includes fast-track entry to many popular attractions and museums and will save you precious time, in addition to money.

10 Paris Facts for Kids

admin — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:17:26 +0000

If you’re planning a trip to Paris with the kids, it’s helpful to learn a little about the history, culture, and facts about the country.

Here are our 10 fun Paris facts for kids

The Namesake of Paris – The capitol city was named after the tribe of Parisii, who settled on the Ile de la Cité between 250 and 200 B.C.
Eiffel Tower – This landmark structure was only supposed to be a temporary exhibit. The winner of a contest for best design, la Tour Eiffel was erected as an entrance to the 1889 Paris Exhibit and expected to stand for only 20 years. The construction designer Eiffel suggested its continued use as a military radio tower, and the tower was fitted with a permanent base in 1906.
Paris emblems –Three main emblems in France are the cockerel (le coq), considered a courageous fighter; the stylized lily or iris (la fleur-de-lis); and Marianne, the nation’s symbol of freedom (her profile is on coins, stamps, and the official seal).
Bastille Day – A national holiday held on July 14th, Bastille Day (Le Fête Nationale) celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. On July 14th, 1789, peasants, fueled by anger over unfair treatment, stormed the prison, released prisoners, and seized weapons. Bastille Day celebrations include a huge Paris parade and fireworks displays across the country.
Le Musée du Louvre – One of the most visited museums in the world, it was first built as a castle in 1190 to prevent enemy attacks. In 1535, the existing Louvre was built after demolition of the original building. In 1985, the glass pyramid was erected as an entrance to the famed museum and art gallery.
The Mona Lisa – The famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, La Joconde was bought in 1519 by the French government. Considered the most valuable painting in the world, the Mona Lisa is housed in the Louvre.
L’Arc de Triomphe – This huge, ornamental monument was built to honor soldiers, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior lies beneath the arch. The monument sits in the center of a well-known roundabout, nicknamed the star because twelve incoming roads resemble the points of a star.
“Name Day” Celebrations – Le jour de fête celebrates a saint every day of the year. If your name is the same as the day’s celebrated saint, it’s your name day! You receive presents and best wishes, just like you would on your birthday.
Wedding Dress Tradition – Wearing a white wedding dress is a tradition originated in France. In 1499, Anne of Brittany is thought to be the first bride to wear a white gown for her marriage to Louis XII. In 1558, Mary Queen of Scots also wore a white gown.
Christmas Traditions – Christmas starts with a huge, family dinner at midnight on Christmas Eve (Le Réveillon de Noël). The tradition is that Father Christmas (Père Noël) leaves gifts by the tree and goodies in children’s shoes left in front of the fireplace.

This list of Paris facts for kids wouldn’t be complete without a little quiz. Click on the thumbnail images and see if you can identify to which fact it belongs.

If you are traveling to Paris with kids soon, have a look at Things to Do in Paris with Kids and Paris Theme Parks.

There are obviously more interesting things to learn about Paris. What are your favorite Paris facts for kids?

Things To Do In Paris With Kids

admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:21:53 +0000

If you’re planning a family trip to Paris with kids, you’ll find an almost endless supply of things to do without getting bored. Paris is an exciting city with plenty of kid-friendly activities, like museums, attractions, art, restaurants, shops, beaches, and parks. Strollers are easy-to-use on flat streets and walkways, and the public transportation system makes it an easy way to ride to another outing.

Choose activities for your kids based on their ages, interests, and usual activity levels. Obviously, high tea rooms aren’t appropriate for your toddlers, and trying to speed-visit every museum in a day isn’t practical. After all, you’re in Paris to have fun with the kids, not to overwhelm them. Your kids (and you) will have more fun with planned site-seeing that allows breaks and time to explore. In between activities, schedule downtime for older kids and naps for little ones.

Here are our top five things to do in Paris with kids:

Cité Des Sciences Et De L’Industrie (The Museum of Science and Industry) – Paris offers a variety of museums, and this is one of the best for families. Located in the modern Parc del la Villette, The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie dedicates itself to learning science, in the most fun, kid-friendly way possible.

The Cité des Enfants (Children’s Village) highlights hands-on activities geared toward children’s imagination. Age appropriate exhibits feature topics with definite kid appeal. Kids can learn to program a robot, become a broadcast cameraman, and explore the human body functions in the show “Snot”. Various exhibits offer fun facts and activities for all ages, from toddlers to young adults (and their kids-at-heart parents).

The Parc de la Villette – This park has a little of everything, and all of it’s fun! The park has ten playgrounds with fun themes, like the bamboo garden, fog garden, mirror garden, dunes garden, and the dragon garden (the Jardin du Dragon) featuring a giant, dragon slide. Inside the park, the kids will love the movies held inside Géode, a polished steel sphere with a 180-degree film screen.
CinéAqua: The Trocadéro Aquarium – Located in the historic Trocadéro area, the awe-inspiring aquarium features forty-one water worlds of tropical fish, exotic underwater species, sharks, and more. Take a 1 ½ tour of its 8,000 creatures, as you learn about fish in different regions, watch a shark feeding, and touch fish in the fish pool. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and its unique film and animation studio, which boasts an underwater, sound studio; an underwater robot and film program; and a cartoon workshop.
Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower) – the kids will love this signature site of a Parisian vacation.
Visit at night for a grand view of the city. Ride to the viewing deck via elevator, and afterwards, let the kids run around the beautiful grounds, the Parc du Champs du Mars, with gardens, grass, and a playground. Mark the Eiffel Tower as a must-see place for the whole family.
Jardin du Luxembourg – this historic park is adored by residents and visitors. Once part of the 1600’s palace grounds of Marie de Médici, the second wife and widow of King Henri IV, the formal gardens feature beautiful sculptures, fountains, and terraces. There are lots of things to do with the kids, including Paris classics, like watching the grand marionette show, sailing boats at the octagonal Grand Basin, listening to music, riding the Ferris wheel, and enjoying pony rides. The free park is open all year. Grab one of the park’s lawn chairs and enjoy the scenery, including the two notable fountains, Fontaine de Médicis and Jardins de l’Observatoire.

Additional ideas for fun activities in Paris with kids are found on our page Paris Theme Parks.
With fun attractions, kid-friendly museums and parks, visiting Paris with kids will be an unique learning experience you’ll enjoy and remember forever.

Should You Take A Seine River Cruise?

admin — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 21:12:24 +0000

A Seine River cruise, considered by many as the most romantic and treasured cruises, takes you by breathtaking and historic sites in Paris, such as the famous Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Boat tours can take an hour or longer, depending on the cruise line and whether you choose a day or evening tour. Many tours offer lunch or dinner, guided or recorded narration, and shows. Year-round boat tours are available, but the best cruises are during the warmer months of May through September. Several companies specialize in cruises along the Seine River.

Attractions along a Seine River Cruise

Most cruise lines feature similar itineraries and curve along the Seine River past the following historical sites:

The Grand Palais – This 1900 Belle-Epoque styled building houses several art galleries and museums.
Pont Alexandre II – One of the most famous and ornamental bridges, this 1896 bridge spans the entire Seine River.
Hotel des Invalides – Built in 1676, the barracks and its grounds are home to several museums (including a military war museum), the Royal Chapel, and the Church Saint-Louis.
Assemblee Nationale – The French National Assembly sits in this 18th century building.
Musee d’Orsay – This popular Paris art museum is housed in a grand 1900’s train station.
Musee du Louvre – One of the most visited art museums in the world, it houses the famous Mona Lisa painting.
La Tour Eiffel – The Eiffel Tower is a landmark of Paris and built for the 1889 Paris Exhibition.
Notre Dame Cathedral – The well-known 13th French Gothic church features sculpture and stained glass. It is an active Catholic Church.

The design of the tour boat, called bateaux-mouche, is a long boat with glass-covered decks. Its shape is uniquely designed to navigate shallow rivers and canals. With overwhelming popularity in these tourist cruises over the years, the name bateaux-mouche now refers to any tourist vessel on the Seine. On most boats, you have a choice of sitting inside or outside on the deck. You can also choose to have a narrated tour with English or French speaking guides (or with recorded narration).

A Seine River Cruise is a relaxed way to see the sights of Paris

As one of the most famous waterways of the world, the 486-mile Seine River is a must-see destination. Choose a Seine river cruise, and you’ll have the best seat of Paris; viewing historic sites while you relax in the beauty of the winding Seine River and its gorgeous Paris landmarks.

Ready to book your Seine River Cruise? (View available tour packages)

Shopping and Fashion in Paris

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:25:18 +0000

Paris is the world’s unofficial fashion capital. Shopaholics with limited time may enjoy one of the specialty tours of premier shopping destinations.

Paris Shopping Tour: Discount Paris Fashion Paris means fashion, so take a Paris Discount Shopping Tour and shop like a fashion-savvy Parisienne on a budget! You’ll buy the clothes you’ve always dreamed of, at exceptional prices, on this insider’s tour of Paris’ fashion outlets and come home with a Parisian wardrobe that all your friends will envy.	Paris Shopping Tour: Fashion Accessories Looking for the right fashion accessory to complement your every day wear and screams Paris? The right bag, exclusive scarf, designer shoes, exquisite lingerie and magnificent jewelry are awaiting your purchase on this Paris Fashion Shopping Tour.	Paris Shopping Tour: Beauty Products Parisian women have a reputation around the world of looking effortlessly glamorous and chic. Come discover the shops and the hidden addresses that enhance the women of Paris and let their beauty secrets inspire you.
Paris Shopping Tour: Designer Homewares Lovers of good design, this tour is designer shopping tour in Paris for you! A shopping tour of the best in Paris design, combining a mix of the modern and the traditional. Visit the best shops and galleries for furniture, accessories, unique objects and art work so you can bring the cosmopolitan Parisian “art de vivre” to your home.	Paris Shopping Tour: Discount Couture Buy all the famous couture brands including Chanel, Vuitton and Dior at affordable prices! This shopping tour is designed to help clients discover the great resale shops, or “depot vente” in Paris where you can get the designer labels without the designer price tag.	Teen Shopping and Fashion Accessories Tour in Paris Girls, looking for something that just screams “I got this in Paris”? Turn your best friends green with envy when you arrive home from your trip to Paris with the latest, funkiest fashion. You’ll visit places known only to the savviest Parisian teenagers, and find the hippest French brands on this three-hour shopping tour. No wonder this tour is such a hit with teenagers and moms!
Perfume Workshop in Paris Learn about perfume, its history and current trends, then create several perfumes of your own guided by a top Paris “nose” and perfume expert.

Private Guided Tours in Paris

admin — Mon, 17 May 2010 00:12:44 +0000

Looking for a unique experience that will take you off the beaten path? A private guided tour is the answer.

Private Paris Walking Tour – Magical Marais Your Private Walking Tour begins with a walk around the gay section of rue des Archives and see the popular bars, restaurants and boutiques. You may also visit the only remaining Cloister in Paris if it is open.	Private Tour: Montmartre Walking Tour in Paris Discover the renowned artistic region of Montmartre on this walking tour of Paris.	Private Paris Walking Tour – Marais District and Gay Life A great 2 hour orientation tour of gay life in the Marais, a diverse area of contemporary gay life, historic mansions, the Jewish quarter. Your expert gay guide will show you the ways of this elegant and historic quarter of Paris, what to avoid and how to get around. He will point out the best bars, saunas, restaurants, gay boutiques and clubs.
Private Paris Walking Tour – Oscar Wilde’s Left Bank On this walking tour of the Left Bank, you will be delighted with the charming streets and cafes just like so many writers and and painters residing in this area now and in the past. You will visit some of the favorite haunts of Oscar Wilde and the generation of writers he inspired and influenced.	Private Citroen 2CV Tour: Essential Paris Allow yourself to be charmed by an authentic and intimate journey, through the heart of Paris, in the most enchanting of cars as you escape the masses! Discover Paris in a truly and personalized manner aboard your very own Citroen 2CV.	Viator Exclusive: Private Paris Tour by Citroen 2CV Book the Private 2CV tour of Paris with your very own courteous and knowledgeable chauffeur will take you to all of the city’s must see sights! You will discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris including: the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum, the Cathedrale Notre-Dame, Moulin Rouge and Montmartre (the Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre).
Private Citroen 2CV Tour: Secret Paris Allow yourself to be charmed by an authentic and intimate journey, through the heart of Paris, in the most enchanting of cars as you escape the masses! Discover Paris in a truly and personalized manner aboard your very own Citroen 2CV.	Private Transfer: Disneyland Resort Paris Book one-way or roundtrip private transfers between Disneyland Resort Paris and your centrally located Paris hotels or Charles de Gaulle (CDG) & Orly (ORY) International Airports. The transfer services are available from 4am until 12-midnight, 7 days a week. Book a private car up to 4 people or a private minivan up to 8 people.	Paris Private Arrival Transfer: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) Travel from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) International Airport to your centrally located Paris hotel. Transfer services are available from 4am until 12-midnight, 7 days a week. Book a private car up to 4 people or a private minivan up to 8 people
Paris Private Departure Transfer: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) Travel from your centrally located Paris hotel to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) International Airport. Transfer services are available from 4am until 12-midnight, 7 days a week. Book a private car up to 4 people or a private minivan up to 8 people.	Private Tour: Romantic Seine River Cruise, Dinner and Illuminations Tour What could be more romantic than a private evening out in Paris for two? You’ll cruise along the Seine River, have a romantic three-course dinner at a Paris brasserie then tour Paris by night in a private car to see the city’s brilliantly illuminated monuments and buildings.	Romantic Horse and Carriage Ride through Paris Can you imagine a more romantic way to experience Paris than by horse and carriage? Enjoy this unique tour through Paris taking in such sights as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysses, Trocadero and much more.

Paris 2CV Tour

admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 22:00:01 +0000

Now this is not your ordinary Rental Car! When in Paris, do as the Parisians do and experience the city in a historic Citroen 2CV. You won’t find this anywhere else.

Paris Theme Parks

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:25:50 +0000

When traveling to Paris with kids there are a number of fun-filled activities that children of all ages will enjoy. Disneyland Paris and the Parc Asterix are great activities to keep even the littlest Paris visitors entertained.

Planning ahead and buying your tickets online will eliminate long lines and usually save money as well.

Disneyland Resort Paris with Transport Discover Disneyland Resort, a Magical Kingdom not so far away – somewhere between a place where you wish upon a star and dreams come true, and classic Disney heroes and heroines live once upon a time in fairytales that are, happily, never ending.	Paris Walking Tour Adventure for Kids Paris isn’t just for grown-ups, the kids will love all the city has to offer on these walking tours. Join the fun or leave them in the capable hands of a qualified local mom who will show them there is more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower. With a varied program of daytime activities for children between the ages of 7 and 12, walking tours are limited to a maximum of 5 kids. Every child gets plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get to know their fellow adventure seekers!

Parc Asterix Theme Park Tickets and Transport Planning on taking the family to Parc Asterix Amusement Park outside Paris? Transportation and entrance fees are all taken care of, so all you need to do is have fun! Parc Asterix Amusement Park transfers from Paris are ideal if you prefer to travel independently and have fun at your own pace.	Parc Asterix Tickets Parc Asterix Amusement is 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Paris. It is the 2nd largest theme park in France and has all the ingredients to be the most fun place to be – join the happy party! With a superb mix of fun-tastic shows and wild rides all put together with Gaulish good humor.

If you have some other ideas for activities with kids in Paris please share them in the comment area below.

Paris Walking Tours

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:24:54 +0000

Discover Paris on a walking tour. Some experiences are better made on foot with a knowledgeable guide.

Paris Walking Tour Adventure for Kids Paris isn’t just for grown-ups, the kids will love all the city has to offer on these walking tours. Join the fun or leave them in the capable hands of a qualified local mom who will show them there is more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower. With a varied program of daytime activities for children between the ages of 7 and 12, walking tours are limited to a maximum of 5 kids. Every child gets plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get to know their fellow adventure seekers!	Paris Walking Tour: Classic Paris The Private Walking Tour: Classic Paris offers a complete overview of Paris. Virtually every major site in the city center is covered including the Notre Dame, the Place de la Concorde, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and of course, the Eiffel Tower.	Paris Walking Tour – Da Vinci Code The Da Vinci Code Walking Tour of Paris will takes you through the pages of Dan Brown’s sweeping novel that has engulfed the world with intrigue. Follow the adventure of renowned Harvard symbolist Robert Langdon as he searches for the hidden clues that lie throughout Paris.
Paris Latin Quarter Walking Tour The Latin Quarter, on the Left Bank of the Seine River, contains more history and beautiful monuments in one place than any other district of Paris. Take this two-hour guided walking tour and you’ll discover the Latin Quarter’s hidden secrets in an afternoon. Led by your local guide, the walking tour makes its way from the Pantheon, the final resting place of France’s most famous citizens, to the perfectly manicured Luxembourg Gardens.	Paris Walking Tour – Montmartre Begin your Paris Walking Tour of Montmartre just across the street from the most famous cabaret in the world – the Moulin Rouge. Then wander the cobblestone streets as you slowly ascend from the bohemian streets to the highest point in Paris, which offers breathtaking views in all directions.	Paris Morning Bike Tour The morning bike tour of Paris is perfect for both those new to the city and Parisian veterans. For the beginners, this tour offers a fantastic orientation and gives you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that riding a bike is the best way to see Paris.
Paris Afternoon Bike Tour This afternoon bike tour of Paris is perfect for both those new to the city. For the beginners, this tour will offer you a fantastic orientation and give you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that riding a bike is the best way to see Paris.	Paris Night Bike Tour Paris Night Bike Tour is perfect for both those new to the city and Parisian veterans. For the beginners, this tour will offer you a fantastic orientation and give you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that biking is the best way to see the “City of Light”.	Paris Walking Tour – The French Revolution The Paris Walking Tour – The French Revolution, will enlighten you to the significance of one of the most important events in modern history. Relive the troubled times leading up to the storming of the Bastille, the capture of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Reign of Terror and the bloody results of the guillotine.
Paris Walking Tour: World War II This 2-hour World War II Walk will take you back to Paris’ darkest hours – the Nazi occupation. Explore subjects such as the invasion of France, the Resistance, life in Paris during the occupation, the D-Day invasion and of course the Liberation itself. Also included are visits to specific Paris sites related to this historical time period.

Paris Bike Tours

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:16:06 +0000

Paris Morning Bike Tour The morning bike tour of Paris is perfect for both those new to the city and Parisian veterans. For the beginners, this tour offers a fantastic orientation and gives you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that riding a bike is the best way to see Paris.	Paris Afternoon Bike Tour This afternoon bike tour of Paris is perfect for both those new to the city. For the beginners, this tour will offer you a fantastic orientation and give you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that riding a bike is the best way to see Paris.	Paris Night Bike Tour Paris Night Bike Tour is perfect for both those new to the city and Parisian veterans. For the beginners, this tour will offer you a fantastic orientation and give you an opportunity to see virtually all of the sites you’ve read about. For the veterans, you will learn new facts and stories about Paris that you’ve never heard before. You are sure to agree that biking is the best way to see the “City of Light”.
Heart of Paris Bike Tour Come and experience the sights and sounds of the Heart of the city on this Paris cycling tour through local streets. See the beautiful monuments and tourist attractions as well as immersing yourself in the quaint village atmosphere of the surrounding area.	Paris Villages Bike Tour See Paris and its outlying villages by bicycle. Cycling around Paris is an original and unusual way to see the real Paris, away from traffic and stress. You’ll ride across residential areas and along quiet avenues to discover the unexpected hidden charms of the Parisians? Paris. Even better, exclusive to Viator, you can pedal through Paris on a tandem bicycle built for two!