Paris
The City of Light is a sensory wonderland: world-renowned boutiques, cozy street-side cafes, aromatic bistros, grand avenues, jazz clubs, galleries and museums collectively cast a spell on this enchanting city. A must-visit destination for romantics and artists alike, Paris is full of urban parks and gardens, and the beautiful Seine River runs right through its heart. Paris is perfect for couples in love who want to explore the huge array of romantic spots the city has to offer. Spend a leisurly afternoon viewing world-renowned art at The Louvre and a romantic evening atop the sparkling Eiffel Tower. If you are looking for that truly romantic escape in Paris, one of the best spots is the Temple of Love. It is the perfect spot for couples and newlyweds.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Language: French
Flight Time: 7 hours from NYC, 13 hours from LA
Getting Around: Metro (subway), bus, taxi
Paris At Its Best
Best Weather: MAlthough Paris is beautiful any time of year, the best weather can be found in early spring (May or June) or early fall (September and October).
Best Prices: Tourist season starts in early spring. If you’re looking for lower ticket and hotel prices, try visiting from November to February.
What to do
Photo Ops
Take pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower (come back at night when crowds thin out to see the city in all its glittering glory), the stately Arc de Triomphe (erected by Napoleon to celebrate his military prowess), the tourist-laden Champs-Elysees, and the majestic Sacre-Coeur. For a nice overview of city vistas, hop on one of the Bateaux Mouches (motorboats that tour Paris via the Seine).
Shopping
Top designer shops dot avenue Montaigne, rue du Faubourg-St-Honore, and Place des Victoires. Head toward Place Vendome for jewelry, the area around St-Germain-des-Prés for specialty boutiques, and Les Halles for trendy threads. Grands magasins (department stores) near the opera house include Galerie Lafayette and Au Printemps. Memorize these words: soldes (“sale” — January and August are the best months), tout doit disparaitre (“everything must go”), and coin des affaires (“bargain area”).
The Art Scene
Must-see museums include the Louvre (once a fortress, now a sprawling museum), the Orsay Museum (which includes an excellent Impressionist collection, Art Nouveau furniture, and a Belle Epoque restaurant), the whimsical Pompidou Center (home to the Modern Art Museum), the Picasso Museum, and the Rodin Museum. Gain entry to 70 museums and sites — and go to the front of the line! — with a Carte Musees et Monument (museum pass) available at museums, the tourist office, as well as most major Metro stations.
