Paris Pleasures Without the Treasure

By: Kali Hamerton-Stove (View Profile)

Aux Artists (65 Rue Falguiere, Near Metro Pasteur) is a haunting little restaurant with good quality food and an interesting atmosphere. It’s quite busy, but perfect for a late night dinner.

Petit Prince (12 Rue Lanneau, Metro Maubert Mutualite) is in a wonderful location and has very good food for the price.

Julien (16 Rue de Faubourg St Denis, Metro Strabourg Saint Denis) is a bustling brasserie tucked away in a colorful neighborhood. It’s a bit more expensive but the food is outstanding.

Paris is also famous for fabulous museums, packed with famed paintings and sculpture you’ve seen all your life in books and pictures. Don’t miss an opportunity to gaze into Mona Lisa’s eyes, muse over Mondrian’s modular meaning, or dip your toe into Monet’s Water Lilies. Visit museums on the first Sunday of the month if you can, when many are free of charge. Depending on your interest and availability, consider buying a Paris Museum Pass, which includes sixty museums and is available in two, four, or six day increments. Check Web sites to ensure opening times haven’t changed for the following sights:

The Louvre is the ultimate museum full of breathtaking pieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Hours: 9 am to 6 pm every day except Tuesday and holidays. Open until 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Musee D’Orsay, located in a beautifully restored train station and houses an impressive collection of impressionist masterpieces. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday open 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday open 9:30 am to 9:45 pm.

Musee de l’Orangerie, located in the Jardin de Tuilleries, this newly renovated museum houses Monet’s masterpieces beautifully. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month Hours: 12:30 pm to 7:30 pm every day except Tuesday. Open until 9 pm on Friday.

Centre Pompidou, the building alone is a masterpiece and inside you’ll be inspired and intrigued by the work of the modern masters. Check out the excellent street performers outside. Hours: 11 am to 10 pm every day except Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays open until 11 pm.

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posted: 10.30.2007
Laura Martin
Thinking about going to Paris? Why not swapping? Security is a hot topic today, even when it's not making the 6 o'clock news. Many of us feel most vulnerable when we are traveling alone. An unfamiliar spot, unfamiliar faces, and unusual customs can make us feel out of place. A perfect way to fit in anywhere and to really enjoy a trip is to swap homes. www.homeforswap.com
posted: 02.23.2007
Lena Vazifdar
I found this article to be really informative and well written. It makes me wish I was in the city of lights right now!
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