by Nancy Pitman


Enticing?  Romantic?  Thought provoking? Fun?  Yes, all this and more when you visit one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  Paris has it all, from the most famous museums in the world to leisurely walks along the River Seine, once you experience the charm of Paris you never want to leave.

Cruising down the River Seine photo by John Pitman

Let’s start with some history of how this extaordinary city began.  Founded by the Gaul’s of the Parisii tribe, who were Celtic Senone’s, boatsmen and shrewd traders around 250 BC.   Paris actually started out as a small fishing village.  It came under Roman rule after being conquered by Julius Caesar over 2000 years ago.  Originally named Lutetia, later it was renamed Lutece. The budding city became an important trading center filled with palaces, roman baths, theaters, temples, amphitheater and even a forum for the traders.  (You can view the ruins of a Roman forum even today.)  Abandoned after the collapse of the Roman Empire the local inhabitants who decided to stay and tough it out, built a fort on the island, and named it Ile de la Cite’. Although Emperor Julian the Apostate reigned only for 2 years in 363 BC, it was under his rule that Paris finally received her name.

Although Paris has had a tumultuous past, it’s the modern city that beckons tourists from all over the world.  Where else can you wake up to the most amazing fresh baked, flaky croissants and pastries, or walk through a room in the Louvre Museum that houses the original ramparts of Paris's humble beginnings. Stroll along small Parisian streets lined with unique shops, historic buildings, and sidewalk cafes filled with people sipping on a steamy aromatic Parisian Caffe. 

Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic buildings, sport world famous statues, and notice how the apartment windows are framed in colorful geraniums and summer flowers. Chubby cheeked brass cupids hold 3 bulbed lampposts, glowing in the evening sky giving way to romance on the Seine River. The Eiffel Tower puts on a stunning light show around 9 p.m. nightly, no wonder Paris is known as the City of Lights!

Alexander Bridge Lamp Posts photo by John Pitman

If you love to shop or you are an avid Fashionista, Paris is loaded with chic shops and fashion shows to keep you busy for weeks.

Luxembourg Gardens is the perfect retreat from frantic city life. Stop by a small market to pick up a few picnic items and trot on over to the gardens. Parisian families and lunch break workers go there to enjoy a little leisure time before having to get back to hectic daily routines. The large central fountain sits in front of the Palace takes you back to a time when family was everything, when the days were less stessful. Catch a glimpse of the children with their handmade or rented toy sail boats, as they urge each other on with giggles of pure joy to see who will win a race. All the while parents are busily chatting with each other, sitting in one of the many chairs under nearby billowing trees. If you want a little peace and quiet take the short stroll where you can admire the gorgeous artwork of Medicis Fountain .

Sacre’ Coeur Basilica photo by John Pitman

There is actually a hill in Paris that houses the very large Sacre' Coeur Basilica, adorned rounded domes crowning the majestic Byzantine architecture. Many tourists miss this spectacular church on their first visit. If you have abundant energy you can hike up the 1000 or so stairs up to the top or take a cogwheel to arrive up top in minutes. The panoramic view of Paris is one you will not soon forget. (Especially if you have your camera handy.) The mosaics in the main section are stunning and the Pietro downstairs in the mausoleum very thought provoking. The statue of Joan of Arc stoically sitting a horse holding her sword heavenward at the entrance is remarkable. Then take the walk from the Basilica to Montmartre. You will pass by a small cafe lined square filled with Artists selling their works of art. Shops located in small historic buildings guide you down the streets back into town.             

Artist Quarter on the Hill of Sacre’ Coeur photo by John Pitman

Sainte Chapelle just a few short years ago was missed by most visitors to Paris. Take the short detour around the corner from Notre Dame to see this wonderous Gothic cathedral. Originally built as a private sanctuary by Louis IX, the chapel has 15 vibrant panels of stained glass with colors that still cannot be replicated to date. Sunsets will intensify the colors of the stained glass. The Moroccan decor adds to the ambiance of the room of multi-domed ceilings drenched in smokey blue and white stars. Marble columns with shiny inlaid tiles lead up to golden flumes of tiny archways to the ceiling. The intricate handcarved archways that direct you to the main altar are delicate and precious. Sainte Chapelle also houses part of the Thorn Crown from Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

Paris is also the perfect location to use as a home base. Versailles is a short 20-minute rail ride away, the Normandy beaches are about a 2-hour drive, and the Loire Valley showing off manor homes and castles is an easy daytrip. Other excursions to think about would be to see Chantilly a smaller but less crowded version of Versailles and Giverny where artist Monet painted some his most popular works.

Paris is unlike any other city in the world, there is something new around every corner. The food is remarkable, and although you still might run into a less than friendly local from time to time, Paris is a city that must be experienced. So, what are you waiting for? Start checking out airfares and hotels and make plans for an unbelievably memorable vacation!