With the third and possibly final movie, Before Midnight recently released it is worth a reflection on a few of my experiences and sightseeing stops during my last time touring this much loved city.
Paris is a major European hub city with two International airports, Charles De Gaulle Airport (named after a French General) and Orly. Charles De Gaulle is the primary airport for International flights and Flights to Paris from around the world arrive daily. The quickest and cheapest way to get to the central part of the city is to hop on the city train connecting from either Terminal 2 or 3; the total ride takes about 30 minutes.
With the Musee du Louvre landing on my “must visit” list during my stay in the city – we looked for hotels close by. There are actually many hotels within easy walking distance of this major museum – and the prices range from budget to luxury. A visit here is not meant to a be short one; there are over 35,000 items in the museum’s permanent collection with over 400,000 items in its entire collection – this is a serious museum! To save yourself time – especially during the busy summer months – consider purchasing tickets ahead of time online. This will allow you to avoid the long lines that invariably form at the main entrances.
While the Mona Lisa is arguably its most famous piece associated with the museum (clearly evident by the crowds that mill about in front of its bullet proof glass covered exterior like bees to honey) – there are hundreds of other paintings from the Renaissance era on display. The museum has thousands of sculptures – many well preserved from centuries ago.
Another must visit museum is the Musée d’Orsay. Its collections are housed in a old railway station. I am a big fan of impressionism and this museum contains the best collection of paintings from this era I have seen. The painter and sculptor Edgar Degas was a brilliant artist – some of his best works are displayed in this museum.
For a somewhat macabre visit, a stop by the Catacombs are in order. The remains of approximately 6 million people are stored and are on display in caves and tunnels that were old stone mines beneath the city. Thousands of skulls and bones are carefully stacked up all moved here from early Paris Cemeteries. Many are the bones are from monks from centuries ago. Get there early in the day – visits are limited to only 200 people. Allow about an hour – as you will walk about 2 kilometers.
In the evening, we strolled along the Moulin Rouge – my friend somehow attracted the attention of the ladies – and at one point he was picked by several of these women who attempted to carry him inside. Quite aggressive – but after his strong protests they finally set him back down. There is even a museum devoted to sex – for an unusual and at times risque experience, visit the Museum of Eroticism. It is seven stories containing a vast collection of erotic artifacts from around the world.
Oh, I so love Paris. This is such a really spectacular place that I would love to keep coming back. Wonderful post!