On Holiday in Paris - Plan the Perfect Parisian Vacation

There is so much to see and taste in Paris, the city can almost seem overwhelming. Many monuments are visible from public streets, and the sights and smells of the city are a vast change from any other place in the world. A holiday in Paris can quickly become a whirlwind of confusing activity, especially if France is not your native country and you don't speak the language. By knowing where to go, you can plan a perfect (and yet relaxing) vacation.

After all, vacations are supposed to be enjoyable, too. You will want to see what the city has to offer, but also be able to enjoy your stay and relax. When you're on holiday in Paris, be sure to take time to visit the Louvre, one of the city's most famous attractions. The largest of all Parisian museums, the Louvre has been open to one and all since 1793 and houses one of the world's finest art collections. Here, you'll be able to view such famous works of art as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. There are more than thirty-five thousand works of art to see in the Louvre, and a visit here could take up most of the day.

Outside the museum, you can take a romantic stroll in the Tuileries, one the largest and most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you're looking for a hotel in the area, try Le Relais du Louvre, an 18th century building located nearby. Old world charm and grace mix with modern day convenience at this beautiful hotel. Hotel des Tuileries is next to the famed gardens, and also dates back to the 18th century. The building was once owned by a notorious Parisian citizen - Marie Antionette.

Because there are many sights to see at street-level, including the famous city "squares," Paris offers many walking and riding tours that you may enjoy. Minibuses or air-conditioned automobiles will drive you through city streets, or you can walk along with knowledgeable tour guides.

These famous "squares" (which are actually circular in shape) include the Place de la Concorde. The Tuileries are near here, the gardens originally designed by Louis XIV. The Place du Carousel contains the Arc de Triomphe, erected in Napolean's time. The famous Luxor obelisk (a starkly beautiful object) is located in the most famous of all Parisian squares - the Champs Elysses.

Paris, an Old European city, is a city steeped in story and song. There are many places to see, each with its own unique history. You may wish to visit the renown Bastille prison (built in 1370), which was twice home to the philosophic author Voltaire. If you have a taste for artwork done by French impressionists, visit the Musee d'Orsay, which features canvases by Frenchmen like Monet and Manet. But if you are visiting Paris, no holiday would be complete with a stop at some of the famous Paris chateaux.

Built near the end of the 18th century at the request of Marie Antionette, the Chateau de Bagatelle was built by her own brother-in-law. Opulent and lavish, the castle is a true sign of the times in which it was built. It is as beautiful on the outside as it is inside, and you'll want to photograph the exterior even if you never venture inside.

If museums are on your list, visit the Chaillot Palace, where you'll find the Museum of Mankind, part of the Paris Museum of Natural History. You'll be able to view the lush palace, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable historical exhibit in one trip. If history and palaces interest you, it's Fontainbleau, just south of the city, that you'll want to see. The home of an emperor (Napoleon), Fontainbleau features extravagant gardens and forty thousand acres of forested land. Carriage rides are offered that will delight young and old alike. The palace itself features a museum-worthy collection of exhibits sure to please the eye.

The Chateau de Versailles, the Palace at Versailles, was the French royal palace for many generations. Here Kings and Queens enjoyed the glory of a lavish lifestyle and the finest in French living. The rooms here will take your breath away. The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte is another famous chateau in the city, located near the glorious Le Notre gardens.

What would a holiday in Paris be without a taste of fine French cuisine? Parisian cuisine is served with quantities of red wine, butter, and heavy cream sauces. There's no room on the menu for dieting if you want a true taste of the city - so enjoy the tasty breads, rich cheeses, and calories to their fullest. Vacations are not the time for diets.

More affordable Parisian restaurants include the wine/bar restaurant Jacques Melac, the bistro Le Petit St-Benoit, no-reservations-required Au Sauvignon, and the family-owned La Sancerre. You can sample true Parisian fare and enjoy French wines at any of these locations, which are frequented by local Parisians and tourists alike.

When you're on holiday in Paris, you'll want to see and taste it all. Learn the layout of the city and plan your tours, trips, and camera opportunities accordingly. Outdoor cafes make it possible to enjoy French food and Parisian sights and sounds at the same time, so take advantage. Stop by Rue de la Paix to find the hotspot of French fashion, and stroll the avenues near gardens to find budding French artists. Walking through the city streets themselves will help you steep yourself in French culture. Paris is unlike any other city in the world, so enjoy it. A trip to this city will be one that is remembered for a lifetime.