Paris Travelers Recommend - page 2

The City of Light is known for romance, and few landmarks are more iconic than the Eiffel Tower. And while this popular attraction ranks high on the list of must-see-spots for travelers (particularly in summer months), its epic views and storied history can be hard to stomach while navigating serious crowds. Luckily, skip-the-line tours offer travelers an immediate trip to the top, so they can bypass tourists and head straight for those magnificent views. Our Skip-the-Line Eiffel Tower Ticket in Paris offers visitors a fast-track entrance to the first and second levels of the tower, as well as access to its highest point. Travelers can explore the structure solo and venture through the priority walkway to the high-speed elevator—without waiting in line! Visitors who want to know more can opt for the Skip the Line: Eiffel Tower Tickets and Small Group Tour. Guests follow an expert guide to the second level of this iconic tower.

There are literally hundreds of ways to explore the City of Light-- from walking tours and boat cruises to afternoons spent lingering at sidewalk cafes and strolls through the halls of world-famous museums. But perhaps the most iconic way to experience the beauty and romance of Paris is with a tour that includes a delicious French meal and some truly spectacular city views. The Paris City Tour with Seine River Cruise and Eiffel Tower Lunch includes the city’s sites and its cuisine during well-planned morning or afternoon excursions. Coach tours stop at the city’s main attractions, like the Place de l’Opera, Champs-Elysees and Arc de Triomphe, and an 11-language audio guide on the quiet riverboat complements the incredible views. This popular tour covers some 2,000 years of history and ends with lunch in the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant on the first floor of the tower, where French cuisine can be sampled.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Paris’ major attractions lining the beautiful river Seine, whose historic riverbanks are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starting at the imposing Eiffel Tower, your route takes in the iconic Notre Dame-Cathedral, the buzzing Latin Quarter and the Parisian Statue of Liberty, as well as world-famous museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, as you cruise to La Bibliothèque Nationale and back. Your boat’s glass roof and large panoramic windows offer great views from every seat. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you drift slowly past the sights of Paris.

Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, Alain Ducasse’s 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is famous for its panoramic views overlooking the Trocadero area of Paris. Serving traditional French brasserie food with windows spanning the entire restaurant, this dinner spot has one side that faces the city and another that looks out onto the intricate metal design of the Eiffel Tower. 58 Tour Eiffel is a trendy spot to eat during the day; lunch is a two- or three-course “picnic” meal, partly served in metal baskets. During the evening, the lights are dimmed, the dress code turns formal and classic French cuisine is served while the city lights up under the night sky. After dining on a gourmet meal at this award-winning restaurant on the Eiffel Tower's first floor, there’s plenty to experience in the City of Lights.

Paris probably has more familiar sights and attractions than any other city in the world. The Eiffel Tower offers visitors one of the best views of Paris. On the first level you will find 58 Tour Eiffel, sky-high French cuisine with breathtaking views. The Moulin Rouge is one of the most famous nightspots in the world and home of the can-can. Relax with fine French champagne and enjoy cabaret at its finest until the curtain closes on your unforgettable Paris night.

The birthplace of the high-spirited can-can and subject of Toulouse-Lautrec’s iconic paintings, the Moulin Rouge is not only the world’s most famous cabaret, but one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions. Since opening its doors in 1889 during the French Belle Époque era, the Moulin Rouge has inspired pop culture around the world, immortalized in the award-winning 2001 musical film of the same name, as well as the hit song “Lady Marmalade.” Walking down Boulevard de Clichy in Paris’ famous Pigalle district, you can’t miss the Moulin Rouge, with its distinctive red windmill and dazzling neon sign, and spending an evening at the legendary cabaret is a quintessential Parisian experience. Opt for dinner and a show with or without transport, and tuck into a gourmet three-course meal while watching the Moulin Rouge’s “Feerie” show – a fast-paced performance featuring 60 Doriss Girls, 100 artists, spectacular sets (including a giant aquarium).

"On July 14, 1789, the French Revolution kicked off with the Storming of the Bastilles. Today, you can find French nationals and Francophones celebrating this historic event around the globe, with Paris serving as the hot spot for commemorating the momentous occasion. Visitors to the City of Light can kick off Bastille Day with the morning Military Parade on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. This annual tradition showcases the French military’s regiments and pays homage to an age-old tradition of national honor and protection. The president of the French Republic makes an appearance and tourists are treated to a foot parade, mounted troops and a motorized brigade until noon. Travelers looking for a delightful mix of color, sound and lights can catch an impressive fireworks display launched from the iconic Eiffel Tower. This annual event is one of the most popular highlights of Bastille Day, marking the historic battle with truly epic fanfare. A scenic dinner cruise along

The fromagerie (cheese shop) is another world, with an astounding range of regional varieties accompanied by quince paste, green tomato jam, and fabulous bread. Make your selection and head up to the heart of the Latin Quarter, packed with colorful historic shops and restaurants, and the former home of writer Ernest Hemingway, who wrote in his ode to Paris, A Moveable Feast: "This is how Paris was in the early days when we were very poor and very happy". Finish at the Pâté de foie gras speciality shop with a decadent tasting of this delicacy. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer to taste gourmet chocolate and pastries, walking through lovely Parisian neighborhoods. Feeling creative? Make your own fine pastries and desserts, from ice cream (geranium, lavender, chocolate, or caramel) to truffles or learn the secret of the prized French macaroon. Sip champagne as you cruise along the Seine, or visit the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region.

Day 1: Cruising, Art and Cabaret Cruise the Seine or take a stroll along the river to explore the famous monuments and museums. Visit the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Pompidou Centre or take the hop-on hop-off bus to see all the sights. Then see the spectacular cabaret shows of the Moulin Rouge, Lido or paradise Latin show. Day 2: Culture, Food & Shopping Explore the ancient streets and lively cafés of the Latin Quarter, and the Left Bank homes of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Jim Morrison, or the high fashion shops in St Germain des Prés. Day 3: Paris Day Trips Explore France's royal and cultural history on a trip to Monet's garden and Louis XIV's grand palace of Versailles. Discover the magnificent vineyards and world class cellars of the Champagne region home to Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon and Mumm.

Watch an iconic Paris show while feasting on a delicious 3-course dinner, served on elegant china and accompanied by wine. Enjoy such specialties as duck fois gras, sea bass fillet with a mushroom sauce and a typically delectable French dessert on this Viator Exclusive. As you cruise down the Seine River, admire the sights of Paris and learn about the history of Paris from the informative audio guide. Following your cruise, relax at Les Ombres Restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly, and enjoy an authentic French 3-course meal. From your table, marvel at exquisite panoramic views of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Following your cruise, relax at Les Ombres Restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Musée du Quai Branly, and marvel at exquisite panoramic views of Paris and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Many visitors know that the WWII battlefields and memorials in the Normandy region of France are a popular day trip from Paris but what they may not realize is that France abounds with WWI battlefields and memorials as well. Just as France honors the memory of the War to End All Wars, so too do they remember with great respect the Great War. And although a trip to see the WWI battlefields from Paris is more time-consuming than visiting the Normandy sites, it's worth at least a day trip to one of the sites – and a longer trip takes you into Belgium as well, if you're country-counting! Here are the main sites to see.

With its beautiful scenery, historic towns and magnificent chateaux, the Loire Valley lies in easy reach of Paris. During the Renaissance period French aristocrats built lavish residences on or near the Loire River. Over 300 chateaux were built in the region, with only a few open to public visits. Among them is the 11th century Chateau d’Amboise, where Amboise’s most famous non-royal resident, Leonardo da Vinci worked. Da Vinci may be responsible for designs to an even more spectacular chateau – Chambord – namely the double-helix staircase. Chambord’s façade is one of the Loire’s most famous, rising from a solid base and becoming more fanciful the higher it climbs. Meanwhile, instantly recognisable Chenonceau is one of the great monuments of the French Renaissance. While all of these buildings express the aspirations of different ages, the rambling Chateau de Blois, offers a whole range of styles in one spot.