Travel Goals

1. Climb to Everest Base Camp.
2. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
3. Learn to Scuba Dive.
4. Visit every continent.
5. See the Galapagos Islands.
6. Sail down the Amazon River.
7. Climb Ayer's Rock.
8. Ride the Trans-Siberian.
9. Go into space.
10. Go wild at La Tomintina.
11. See the sunrise from Mt. Fuji.
12. Gaze at Borobudor.
13. Visit the Pyramids
14. Safari in East Africa.
15. Go to the World Cup!
16. See Machu Picchu.
17. Join the Century Club.
18. Visit Antarctica.
19. Do development work.
20. See Petra Jordan.
21. Backpack the Eastern Block.
22. See the Northern Lights.
23. Vegas Baby! Vegas!
24. Greek Island hop.
25. Cycle Tuscany.
26. Visit India.
27. Lounge in the Seychelles.
28. See Morocco.
29. Oktoberfest!
30. Caravan across the Sahara.
31. Visit Tibet.
32. Fly first class.
33. Go to Israel.
34. Carnival!!!!
35. Mardi Gras!
36. Cannes Film Festival.
37. Sundance Film Festival.
38. Eat a sushi meal at NOBU
39. Pacific Island hop.
40. Spend a night in the Ice Hotel.
41. See Glacier National Park.

Book Your Travel Here!!

Paris: The City of Love

August 25, 2008

Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, statesmen have all written about it. All came to Paris and walk away in love. It’s hard not to fall in love with Paris. It’s a magical place and I can see why so many flock here. Paris exudes culture, sophistication, and style. Like the millions before me, I too feel in love with the city.

I remember the exact moment. It was about midnight and I had only been in Paris two hours. I was meeting friends for a night on the town. I hadn’t seen much of the city as I arrived late. Yet the second I got out of the metro and stared at the Arc De Triomphe and marveled at the Champs Elysees, I feel in love. Paris was it- the highlight of my time in Europe. However, the trip to Paris was truncated by a last minute trip to Bordeaux. With only two days in Paris, I’ve only had time to see the big sights and walk around. Two days does not do this city justice and I will be back for sure.

One of the first things that struck me about Paris was how spacious it was. Paris is filled with wide streets, lots of little squares and plazas, and large parks. In European cities, especially ones as old as Paris, you rarely find such openness. It’s usually in the newly built areas where you find such space. Old buildings were usually built close together and any trip to London, Barcelona, Rome, or Prague will have you wondering how people moved about. Yet Paris is different. There is a lot of wide space here. I was surprised to see so much as all my previous trips had me dodging cars in tiny alleys. The spaces makes the city feel much less busy and far more relaxed. You can walk, you can move, you can dodge that car. It’s refreshing.

With my limited time here, I stuck to the major sites. I stared at the Arc De Triomphe and strolled down the Champs Elysees. The Champs Elysees is always busy and always expensive. With so many tourists and expensive shops, it’s not surprising. I spent my first night club hopping there. My Parisian friends showed my the local nightlife, which does not end until 8 a.m. - Parisians party hard. I strolled down to the Louvre and marveled at its size and wondered if Dan Brown would use it again in his books. I didn’t go in though- the Louvre deserves more time than I can give it this trip.

The highlights of the trip came on my second day. I spent six hours wandering the streets of Paris, falling in love with it more and more. The city is beautiful. Stupidly beautiful. All of it. Nothing else can be said- I’ll let each photo tell you a thousand words. I really enjoyed the Latin Quarter. This historic area is filled with tiny, winding streets that turn at weird angles to open into little cafe lined squares. Despite being located so close to Notre Dame, there were few tourists wandering around. The streets here are much quieter and it seemed like a nice area to eat and relax in. I was glad to get lost in it for quite some time.

Another great place in Paris was the Jardin Du Luxemborg. This huge garden behind the Palais Du Luxemborg is a local favorite to hang out in on a warm summer day. Tree lined paths zig zag the area, connecting parks to picnic or sleep on and tennis courts to be active on. There’s a large central fountain and a little place to race boats. The park is filled with people relaxing and eating. One thing that amazed me about the gardens was the large amount of chairs. In fact, most parks in Paris had chairs. Chairs that were not tied down. No one takes them. They are just there. I was surprised because it wouldn’t happen in the states or most other places I have been- people would take the chairs and slowly they would go away, too costly to replace.

But how could I forget the two biggest sights- The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame.

The Eiffel Tower wasn’t that impressive the first time I saw it. It was raining, and the gray clouds seemed to blend in with the tower. Yes, it was cool but it wasn’t breathtaking. Then I saw it a second time. On a clear blue day, the tower stuck out in the sky, reaching high above the surrounding buildings. Walking towards it I got more excited and the second time I saw it towering above the Seine, I was impressed. Really impressed. However, I was not impressed with the two hour wait to the top though and skipped that. But what a sight! The Eiffel Tower, or the “metal asparagus” as Parisians used to call it, is mesmerizing. It is the symbol of the city of love and that is evident by the large amount of couples caressing each other on the surrounding grass. (See first photo.)

Notre Dame was cleaner than I thought. I expected a grim laden structure giving the Gothic architecture an even more dark and mystical feel. Sadly, it seems the building as been cleaned over the last few years. I think it takes away from the history and foreboding of the structure. C’est Le Vie right? The inside was pretty standard and the front reminded me of doumos in Italy. The real beauty of Notre Dame is its buttressed oval rear. This part is breathtaking and the Gothic art here is very intricate and well designed. The downside to Notre Dame is the sea of tourists who crowd this place. They swarm around like flies to honey and I quickly decided to leave. It was nice but not worth the annoyance. I marveled at it from afar- away from the crowds.

Paris was amazing. I loved it all and will come back as soon as I possibly can. It is everything I thought it would be and more. My next post will be about tips for traveling around the city and offer more practical advice. But this is my Paris love story. We all have one. What’s yours?

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Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Europe

Comments

21 Responses to “Paris: The City of Love”

Cuckoo on August 25th, 2008 8:04 pm

Yes, I agree. Paris is just amazing. The Champs Elysees.. expensive but one can not miss it.
Did you try metro ? I had fallen in love with that too !
Quickroute on August 25th, 2008 9:00 pm

I loved Paris too and so much so I went back 3 times.
I rate Venice a close second and Edinburgh after that
laradunston on August 26th, 2008 12:45 am

You must go back! Paris is not all wide boulevards and spacious parks. Some of my favorite neighbourhoods have narrow cobbled streets and wonderful little sidewalk cafes and bars. You need to tell us which bars and clubs you liked on your night out. The thing I love about Paris’ nightlife is that it’s so laidback. Despite their reputation as fashion plates, young Parisians are pretty scruffy in an endearing kind of way and the bars are therefore fairly casual. We had one of our most memorable nights out in Paris (although admittedly it was pretty hazy toward the end), where the bar staff were dancing on the bars and pouring spirits down people’s throats. It was surprisingly a rather bohemian bar too! Not what you’d expect. Lots of fun!
Julie on August 26th, 2008 3:11 am

You know, it’s funny; I went to Paris when I was 17 and I hardly remember anything about it. But I’m very eager to go back.
Ant on August 26th, 2008 7:28 am

Just curious, what did you eat in your time there? For me, gay Paris is the city of bon appetit (though to be honest, I’m just as partial to my good ol’ English chippies!) Well written post though mate, where’s next?
NomadicMatt on August 26th, 2008 8:15 am

@cuckoo: I thought the paris metro was a little old, which i found odd considering how modern france’s rail system is.

@lara: The Latin Quarter was like that. Little streets and cafes. I loved it. Had lunch at some place. mmmm so good. I went out to World Place and Buzz on my big night out. Amazing time, although Buzz was very expensive. Parisians were very funny and I agree- despite their reputation as fashionistas, they were dressed very casual and scruffy.

@Julie: Let’s go!

@Ant: I ate out at various cafes I came across. The food was excellent. I had amazing food in Bordeaux. I’m in Germany now waiting to get to Bangkok.
NewWrldYankee on August 26th, 2008 9:35 am

Oh, it was so like being there! I have always wanted to go, and now you made that desire even worse. Thanks for that!!
Ant on August 26th, 2008 10:07 am

@ Lara: I had a memorable night there too, I was there for the Champions League Final, drinking in the bars around the Moulin Rouge when an unprovoked gang of young Parisians sought to test the reputation of the English football fans abroad and striking out with metal stools and throwing glass bottles into the fray. The only thing the succeeded in was being arrested! Still, I wouldn’t condemn the city’s people on a few idiots.
lakshmi on August 26th, 2008 11:52 am

Its truly a dreamy city. I missed going to Paris narrowly last year ..must go there soon
jenny on August 26th, 2008 12:05 pm

wow… I really want to go to Paris too! It’s been a goal of mine to visit the lovely city and stroll the streets, do people-watching at cafes, or admire the masterpieces!

how many days do you think would be appropriate to tour Paris alone?
Anna on August 26th, 2008 1:55 pm

When I was Paris, we took the stairs to the top. Best work out of my life! Didn’t come down for a while after that….
Jessica on August 26th, 2008 6:35 pm

I’ve been to Paris twice now…and I would LOVE to go back for a third. Each time I go I find new things that capture my attention and attract me to this lovely city.

I find le Tour Eiffel to be extremely breathtaking, and seeing it sparkle at night from a distance is something to remember. I walked my way to the Tower, and the entire time, as the sight got closer and closer, bigger and bigger, my emotions grew stronger for it! It’s so pretty!

I must admit, as I was only in Paris for 2 days the first time, that it does take more than that to truly see everything and explore the amount of culture the city has to offer.
Monna on August 26th, 2008 9:38 pm

Paris was my first European city. I read about Paris and the French incessantly; I researched for the trip for six months. We went for my birthday. Oooh la la!
I loved Paris from the moment that our taxi pulled out of Charles de Gaule and started flying towards the city. I was practically vibrating with happiness as we got out in front of our hotel on Rue Cler.
Eight days later (yes… eight days!) we were in yet another taxi headed back to the airport… and, ultimately, North America. I started to cry because I wanted to stay.
It’s true. I am hopelessly in love with Paris. (Florence too.)
Mark H on August 26th, 2008 10:39 pm

My favourite city (marginally ahead of Prague and Florence) and a great review for your short visit. I think the broad variety of emotions from walking down the Champs to narrow little laneways, from the Louvre to small local galleries and from chic expensive cafes to homely suburban coffee shops. Most importantly, the French have left the centre unspoiled - I assume by strong planning rules. And you are correct, the tower does work in Paris and I have no idea why.
Tanya on August 26th, 2008 11:51 pm

Love it! I never thought about how open Paris is - lot’s of open spaces. Nicely put. I’m so glad you got to see this fabulous city!
Priyank on August 27th, 2008 5:41 am

Never been to Paris and this was very beautiful
NomadicMatt on August 27th, 2008 8:26 am

@yankee: you’re welcome!!

@lakshmi: you must!!

@jenny: Paris is like london huge- I would give it at least 5 days to really see it. you’ll need a full day for the louvre and a full day to head out to Versailles.

@jessica: I only had two days too and so will have to go back to really explore it.

@monna: I too love florence, even more than Paris but Paris is great and I only wish I got to spend eight days there. It must have been an amazing time.

@mark: thanks!

@tanya: after reading your stories from paris, I knew I would love it. Your city is amazing. let’s go back together!
Tamara on August 27th, 2008 10:32 am

I think the reason the chairs aren’t tied down at the Jardin du Luxemborg is because they close (and lock up) the park at sundown - just like most of the other big parks. It was always a little heartbreaking to get kicked out just at nighttime was getting started.

Since you’re only allowed to sit on the grass in very specific spots in that park, it is really nice that they have thousands of chairs all over the place. The jardin du luxemborg was absolutely one of my favorite spots in that city!
Tips for Traveling Paris | Nomadic Matt's Travel Site on August 27th, 2008 10:59 am

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C K on August 28th, 2008 3:44 pm

Thanks for sharing your Paris experience in this post.

As London is just a 2hrs Eurostar trip to Paris, it’s rather convenient for us to hop on south for a weekend getaway.

You hit the nail right on the head when you described Paris as a magical city because that was exactly what I felt on my way up Eiffel Tower. Needless to say, I didn’t mange to cover all the sights during my 4 day stay so I’m looking forward to my next trip to Paris in Nov.

Looking at your photos makes me feel that I’m in the city already.

Have added your link to my blogroll and will be dropping by more regularly now. Cheers!
Top 5 Things Travel has Taught Me About Myself | Yankee in a New World on August 30th, 2008 6:16 pm

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