A FewTips

So as I mentioned my first trip to Paris was fantastic.  And so I would like to dedicate this post to the "must sees" in Paris. And surprise, surprise, it is not the typical, Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, although these are things you should see. But I think my favorite times were sitting on benches in the various parks, walking along the not so busy streets and sitting in those fabulous sidewalk cafes.

On afternoon, after lunch in the Latin Quarter (called that  because it was the area of learning and universities) I decide to head up to the Luxembourg Gardens. I tried to ride the Metro but couldn't get the automatic ticket machine to work, so I walked. It was all pretty much up hill but a nice walk indeed. Once I arrived at the gardens, I strolled around the paths and saw the beautiful Fountain of the Medici. I love Parisians because they take the time to relax and enjoy the day. I know they have to work but honestly, I think they work to live, not live to work, as we seem to do here. Anyway, I digress. SO after looking at the fountain and taking pictures, I strolled up to the small lake where the sailboat enthusiasts sail their model boats and discovered that there was going to be a concert by a group of string performers from the Sorbonne. Wow, what a treat. So I hung around until a chair became available and sat down to wait for the performance. This was not a touristy attraction, in all honesty, I believe it to be locals taking lunch breaks etc. Parents with children, people with their pets, it was so relaxing. I loved this couple, they were just enjoying the music and each other on a warm afternoon in May.













The Tuileries is another very special place. After I did my visit to the Louvre, to see the Mona Lisa in all her beauty, I walked over to the Gardens and they were beautiful and also filled with people just enjoying the day. The irises were blooming and there are always chairs available to just sit and watch.  OK, it is History Lesson #1. In 1666, Andre Le Notre transformed the gardens of the Chateau des Tuileries into a French style garden and opened up the view to the west with a road which later became the Champs Elysees. The octagonal lake, the terraces running along the Seine and the numerous trees growing along either side of the central avenue all convey the romance of the past.  All of this is connected to the Musee du Louvre, which was originally built as a fortress in the last 12th century under Philip II. Today it is one of the largest museums in the world housing nearly 35,000 objects from pre-history to the 19th century. It will take days to see it all, and my suggestion is to pick what you HAVE TO SEE your first visit and plan the rest for your next visit to Paris.


I hope what I have written today helps. But the one thing that I want to express to anyone who travels is this, we travel to SEE things, but I think we should travel to EXPERIENCE things.



Take the time to smell the flowers, hear the music, enjoy the people all around you, it will enhance your trip and make it a memory that will last your lifetime.

Jusqu'à la prochaine fois
Terri