Fall French Getaway: Another Top Five Favorite Things to See and Do in Paris

After submitting my last Favorite Five List of Paris my brain went into overdrive when other Parisian landmarks and places I love to visit flooded my memory banks, so I decided to write another top five list....:)

These long hot days of summer are starting me make me think of the cooler months ahead, at least for those who don't live in Miami where it doesn't cool down until November or December, so when I start dreaming of travel, my thoughts start to fantasize about traveling to Paris in the cooler months when it's not sizzling.

Yes, at any time of the year is always special in that city but my favorite time to go is in the Fall...the leaves are turning colors in the parks and on the Grand boulevards, the crowds have thinned after the crazy summer tourist season is over and besides that, the airlines have some super special deals for traveling during Sept, Oct and November...It's still not too cold for outdoor activities or eating at the outdoor cafes and it's certainly not as hot as summer can be, expecially when many places aren't air-conditioned...Spring is a scrumptous time in Paris too, but there are quite a lot of holidays in May with store and museum closings and rain can be a nuisence if you are not lucky....yes, Fall is my favorite time I remember one November, hubby and I paid about $300 each to fly over there, we then used our American Airlines miles to upgrade to Business Class seats...They were even available on the dates we wanted due to the fact that this was not peak season...it was quite a luxury!

One: Rodin Museum

Musee de Rodin.... This museum used to be the home of one of the most famous sculptors of the nineteenth century....just the exquisite gardens alone are worthy of a visit, filled with copies of his work displayed amidst the most beautiful sculptured topiary arrangements and around a little pond so quaint and so very special...stand next to the Thinker and just think about how Rodin managed to create this figure, stand beside the figure of Balzac and the sight is twofold when you spot the shining gold dome of Napolean's Tomb, peaking over the wall, just a short walk away...Then enter the beautiful 18th century Chateau where he lived and worked, the sights before you will trigger your imagination as you see the famous series of Hands, The Kiss, and the other erotic marble statues he carved out of stone...each room filled with his most beautiful original and famous works of art ...Don't miss the top floor where there is a video of him working and entertaining for the camera...

Two: The Marais

Speaking of museums, another favorite of mine is located in the Marais, the area of Paris that means many things to different people...it's noted as the Jewish quarter since this is where many people of Jewish faith had been rounded up during the war by the Germans for export to the concentration camps and there are memorials of remembrance dedicated to those poor souls located on a few of the side streets....But many survivors of that war chose to come back to the Marais when the war was over and settle down there with their families. Now it is more multi-ethnic but most stores are closed at sundown on Friday and all day Saturday...The most famous Jewish Deli in Paris is located there, Jo Goldenbergs, there is usually a line to get in but it is worth the wait ! ...Want the best Hummus, Gyros or middle eastern street food? Then don't miss the small food spots along each street, some just a window openings... Also don't miss the famous Place de Voges, where duels were held during past centuries. Now, if you are lucky you will find some small musical group playing chamber music or something a bit more lively...there is always something going one in this square! This is also where some of the best shopping can be found in the small boutiques and art galleries which line the narrow streets and passageways...

Three: The Musee Carnavalet

In the Marais is the other museum that is an absolute favorite of mine.....This one is like stepping back into the historic past of Paris. The Musee Carnavalet. This museum actually contains the History of Paris, only in miniature...so much is included here, each corner you turn will hole a surprising treasure demonstrating some sort of historic significance in the growth of the city....The Musee is actually an old mansion that has been converted to hold all it's many treasures...just listening to the creaky wooden floors, as you walk around the building, creates a mood and atmosphere all it's own...There is much to be learned about Paris and it is here that you will find all that information in detail...there is even a miniature guillotine on display in the French Revolution section...

There are two more museums nearby worth mentioning, The Picasso and The Museum of Jewish Art and History, both a just a short walk from the The Musee Carnavalet and definitely worth a visit.

Four: Take a Walk and Eat

Tired of Museums, want to take in the great outdoor Parisian sights? Well, walking is the one of the best pastimes in Paris...I love the river banks, those romantic Quays, where inevitably you will pass couples walking hand in hand, or just looking out at the water and the boats passing by...Go to see the book stalls where you will find old books, antique posters and vintage postcards, even pornography that dates back more than 100 years, not as graphic as today's might be but the message gets across...

As you walk you can't miss the incredible views of Notre Dame on the Ile de la Cite, where the city of Paris really began and the fantastic bridges that cross from the Left bank to the Right...One, the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, is definitely worth taking note of and of course some pictures...(it is from this bridge where you can board my favorite boat ride on the Seine)

Then, cross over to the left bank or better known as the Rive Gauche...another of my favorite walks is on a street called Rue de la Huchette, located in the Latin Quarter. This is one of the oldest streets in Paris, really a funky old street with weathered beaten old timbered buildings, some that need to be propped up...the street is narrow as are most of the streets in this quarter but it is here you will find many places to eat on a budget...just looking in the windows will make you hungry with the most delectable displays of food calling for you...you will find many ethic foods available, Greek, Chinese and of course French food as well much much more, also you will see some of the most beautiful seafood lavishly displayed and them prepared to your order...we always wonder how all that food can be consumed in just one day...yes, this is definitely a good place to sit down for a meal or continue on your way with food in hand...

Side note: one night my husband and I sat down in one restaurant for our appetizers, paid our check then went further down the street for our main course, then another for dessert...

Also, don't miss a the tiny street called the rue de L`Anncienne-Comedie , the oldest street in Paris..it's nearby and quite a step back in history with it's worn down, narrow cobblestone streets and it is here you will find the oldest restaurant in Paris, Le Precope, opened in 1686, where even Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklyn as well as Voltaire and Victor Hugo enjoyed a meal or two.

Five: Shopping

Last but not least, what would a trip to Paris be without shopping...I love the markets streets, Avenue rue Cler for one, with vendors selling fresh from the farm fruits and vegetables and flowers galore, oh, the way they display everything is just so colorful and mouthwatering...there are even organic items for sale, more and more common these days....if you want to shop for more then food and want a bargain, don't miss the biggest Flea markets in Paris located at the Porte de Clignancourt and the March`e de Vanves.... Only held on the weekends, this is where collectors of almost anything can find a treasure to add to their collections as they make their way though the vast array of booths and sellers...But warning, hold on to your wallets and pocketbooks because there can be more than just sellers eager to get a hold of your money.

And how can I forget the showcase department stores, each one more elaborate and beautifully decorated then the next, the architecture and design of these stores are worth the visit alone, Au Printemps, Au Bon Marche, Galeries Lafayette, and my favorite, La Samaritaine ...

Side note: La Samaritaine might still be undergoing the vast renovation which caused it to close for a while..If it's open during your visit to Paris, go to the top floor to see the most exciting views of Paris just below and in all directions...Notre Dame to your left with the forebidding structure of the Conciergerie , just across the river, in all of Paris....this is my favorite view, better even than on top of the Eiffel Tower, since you can see the tower in this view of Paris.

Oh, but what's inside these magnificent stores, you might ask? The answer to that is just about anything, from clothing to cosmetics, home décor, and even a few odds and ends, inexpensive to High Couture, it can be found in one of these grande stores....

Side note: Best time to avoid crowds would be Friday night, my guess is that its payday and the beginning of the weekend so there are shoppers galore..

Also these stores have the best in French perfumes, cosmetics and a vest array of souvenirs..speaking of souvenirs, don't miss the Rue de Rivoli, this long street on the right bank across from the Tuilories Gardens will have everything you need to bring home for your family and friends, and, of course yourself!

And don't forget to walk in the Tuilories, the French put so much pride on seasonal displays, one year there were fantastic Gourds of all the fall colors growing in every corner of the park, they were so unusual looking and unique.. all the gardens of Paris are spectacular and worthy of a visit.

Well, that's about all for now, another of my top five favorite things to see and do in Paris...I love to do and see each and every one of them.
Believe me, there are more but I thought I would concentrate of these for now....they are varied, each and every one a trip in itself and I do hope that one day you too will enjoy one or all...