Eight Hours In Paris

For travelers from the West, Paris can be a gateway to many parts of the world. It is also one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world. Known for its rich history, architectural brilliance, romance, great food, and fashion; Paris has something for everyone. For argument sake, and the sake of this article, we are going to focus on spending only a short amount of time in the city. You could be taking a connecting flight, or back-packing through Europe, and Paris is just a one day stop.

Getting around Paris can be relatively easy, as the transit system is well established. You can get from the airport to Disneyland, from the Eifel tower to Versailles. The most cost efficient way to use the public transit system would be to purchase a day pass. Day passes range in price from 8,50 Euros to 24,00 Euros for a 1-day passes. Be sure to check where you will be travelling, because prices are dependant on which “zones” you will be traveling in.

If you only have a small amount of time to spend in the city, you should pick your “top sites to see” and plot out a plan of attack. Paris has a ton to see, but the main attractions tend to be Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Champ Elysees; plus with their close proximity to one another, it is very easily to see all of these sites, of course you will not have time to actually go inside the Louvre, but the building itself is extraordinary.

To do this efficiently you must be prepared. You only have eight hours, and you have to be back at the airport to catch a connecting flight, so make sure you check your luggage at the airport, grab yourself a map of the city, and catch the next subway into Paris. I’d suggest the first stop be Notre Dame/St. Michel.

Notre Dame Cathedral really is bigger than life. The detail in the architecture is breathtaking, and sensation you will get from being in the most famous church in the world is really something else. Even if you are not religious, you can appreciate the sanctity and history pouring out of every corner. A definite must see. A short walk away you’ll find the Fontaine-St-Michel. The landmark depicts St. Michel slaying a dragon, and was created in 1860 by sculptor Davioud.

Next, find your way to the Louvre. The shear size of the building is overwhelming. If you wanted to take a short tour inside, do so, but know that to complete the entire museum, you are going to need several days. Behind the gigantic building is the Garden of Tuileries. Housing some of France’s most notable royal families, the beautiful gardens are lined by extravegant palaces. Walking through the gardens, which stretch from the Louvre to the Palace de la Concord, is a peaceful and rewarding experience. Enjoy relaxing by the water, or examining the many different, unique sculptures scattered about the gardens.

As you approach the end of the Gardens of Tuileries, you will notice a large obelisk. The Luxor Obelisk is one of two Obelisks that were erected in front of the Luxor Temple in Egypt around the 13th century B.C. In the 19th century one was moved to Paris, and the other remained in Egypt. It remains this way to date. The Obelisk is also at the foot of Paris’ most famous street, Champ Elysees.

Champ Elysees is world famous for a reason. It stretches two kilometers from the Palace de la Concord, where the Luxor Obelisk is located, to the Palace Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Tripomphe stands. It is lined with luxury butiques, shops and restaurants, plus with rent being as high as 1.25 million dollars a year, it stakes claim to the second most expensive street in the world to reside on (New York’s 5th avenue is first).

If shopping at the likes of Louis Vuitton, Benetton, Zara, Cartier, and Jimmy Choo is what you desire, then you want to be on Champs Elysees. Stroll up the busy, “most beautiful avenue in the world”, and check out the little cafes and bakeries. One bakery you should really stop into is Paul. Established in 1889, Paul Bakery has 330 locations throughout France, and has some of the best pastries you will taste. Take a break and help yourself to an éclair.

If you find yourself hungry at this point, stop and get some lunch on Champ Elysees. It will be more expensive than normal, but you are on one of the most famous streets in the world, indulge yourself. Overlooking the entire avenue is the Arc de Triomphe. The large arc honors soldiers that fought for France, and today contains the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Completed in 1836, 30 years after it was commissioned to be built, the arc stands at the west end of the Champs Elysees in the Palace Charles de Gaulle. If you have time, there is a small museum inside, and the views from the roof are spectacular.

Paris is home to one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower. You cannot come to Paris, and leave without seeing what 6.5 million people a year, and 200 million since its construction come to see. Completed in 1889 as the entrance to the World’s Fair, the tower was supposed to be a temporary structure. Gustave Eiffel had a 20 year permit for the tower, at which point ownership turned over to the city. The city planned to tear it down, but it proved too valuable, as the military and others were using it for communication purposes. It was allowed to remain standing, and today is one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world.

Depending on how much time you have until you need to depart Paris, you should take a ride up the tower. The line ups are typically long, but the wait is worth it. There are different tickets you can get to go up the tower; it all depends on how high you want to go. The first floor will cost 4.50 Euro, the second 7.80 Euro and all the way to the top is 11.50 Euro per person. I think it goes without saying, but the views from all the levels of the tower are incredible.

By now it should be time to hustle back to the airport to catch your connecting flight. If you have the time, hop back onto public transit, and navigate your way back to the airport.

Paris transit - http://www.ratp.fr