Paris is renowned for its art, literature, haute couture, and restaurants. Its sobriquet, the City of Light (la Ville Lumiere), earned during the Enlightenment, remains appropriate for the place that spawned such iconic monuments as the Eiffel Tower and the world’s largest museum in the Louvre. Leafy parks and grand boulevards curve gracefully along the Seine River. Paris is a city that is alluring year-round, but it’s especially charming during the spring and summer, when many flowers bloom and the crowds thin.
The best way to explore this marvelous city is on foot. The city is relatively compact and has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. Invest in a Metro map and you’ll find it easy to get around without getting lost.
Taking to the streets is also an excellent way to get to know the locals and see the city at its most authentic. Throughout the city, cafés spill out into the street. Even when the temperatures drop, most cafes run heaters to keep their patrons warm.
The top spot for most visitors is the Eiffel Tower, but don’t overlook the view from the Arc de Triomphe. This monument sits atop one of the most massive roundabouts in the world. You’ll have an incredible view down the Champs-Elysees and over to La Defense.
