Paris is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, and when one lands here, they will be able to feel and see why. The sights are breathtaking and it feels, well, truly French. The narrow brick roads, bakeries or "boulangeries", outdoor cafes and restaurants, people playing musical instruments and singing, all make the city romantic.
What to See in Paris
Sacre Coeur is a beautiful basilica situated in Montmartre. It is located at the highest point of the city. A person has to climb over 100 steps to see the beautiful basilica, but the effort is worth it. The monument looks ethereal in the moonlight. Montmartre is Paris' artistic hub as most artists, musicians, and entertainers are often found here. One can also see the city of Paris after climbing the steps to Sacre Coeur.
The Musee du Louvre is vast and takes at least an entire day to see. The museum is home to the Mona Lisa and the statue of Venus. The museum is situated in the Palais du Louvre which was originally a fortress. Expect huge lines and tons of people in the grounds. See the pyramids and admire the beautiful architecture of the palace. There is also a cafe situated in the Palace, but everything is expensive. The cheapest main dish is about 15 euros. There are also plenty of cafes and brasseries on Rue de Rivoli at walking distance from the Louvre.
Le Jardin des Tuileries is located after Palais du Louvre and connects the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, where the Arc de Triomphe is situated. One can go on top of the Arc de Triomphe to get a view of Paris. The lines are shorter than that of the Eiffel Tower, but be prepared to keep at least a couple of hours just to go to the top, especially in the summer. Walking through the garden is a beautiful experience as pretty statues and fountains surround the place. There is also an amusement park.
Of course, one has to see the Eiffel tower in Paris. This impressive structure is beautiful in daylight and at nighttime. The lines to go to the top are huge. Expect to spend an entire day at the tower just waiting in line to get the ticket to go to the top. If waiting in line does not sound exciting, then take a stroll in the garden and lay down on the grass.
Notre Dame and Musee d'Orsay are also must-sees. So is Musee Rodin which houses all of Auguste Rodin's famous works such as the "Thinker."
Also, plan a trip to the breathtaking Palace of Versailles. The line to buy the tickets are long, but once a person has them, they can spend an entire day admiring the ornate beauty of the rooms in the palace. The main attraction is the Room of Mirrors which sparkles and pleases the eye with its intricate beauty. The garden in front of the palace is magnificent. One can spend around two hours just taking a leisure stroll in the garden.
Sights of Nice
Nice is situated in the South of France on the French Riviera. The pace of life in Nice is more relaxing than in Paris. One can soak the sun at the beach, but be aware that the beach is made up of pebbles and not sand. The blue waters, however, are beckoning and pristine. The beach is located on Promenade des Anglais, a popular promenade in the city divided by tall palm trees. The Chateau offers a beautiful view of the city and has a pretty waterfall (or "cascade" in French). A street parallel to Promenade des Anglais is full of restaurant, cafes, ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and small clothing and shoe stores. The best part of the street is that cars are not allowed to enter it. Nice also has a Notre Dame, which is a miniature version of the real one, but equally charming. Marche aux fleurs offers a variety of flowers and it looks like a painting with its mixture of colors.
Bordeaux – The City of Art
Bordeaux is known for its artful buildings. Yes, Bordeaux is world-famous for its wine and a visit to Maison du Vin (house of wine) is a must. There are also vineyards around the city that offers tours on how wine is made. Place de la Bourse is an excellent example of 18th century architecture. There is a beautiful fountain and the Garonne river in front offers a quaint landscape. Place Saint-Pierre in the center of the city offers old-style architectural sights such as the Church of Saint-Pierre built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Place du Parlement has many bars and restaurants where one can sip their drink outside on the terrace in the summer. One can also tour the Great Theater for 5.20 euros, which is home to the sculptures of three goddesses-Juna, Venus, and Minerva.
Other Tips for France
French people, especially Parisians, often have a bad reputation for being stuck-up, however, attempting to speak a little French will immediately make the locals smile. Do not be afraid to stop people to ask for directions. Most of them are pretty helpful. Also, do not expect to dine in a hurry. Even the smallest cafes are very relaxed and so is the service. Service is even slower in the South of France because French people like to enjoy their meal. The waiters never force people to leave the restaurant even if the bill has been paid. An hour and a half is normal eating time in France, so relax, sit back and enjoy a good meal.
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