If you’re visiting the City of Light, you’ve discovered that Paris can be intense. You’ll be cheek to jowl with people queuing up to see the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower. You’ll never get tired of Paris. But sometimes it’s good to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. The obvious day trip … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the glamorous Opera Garnier in Paris. The opera house is a must visit attraction in the 9th arrondissement. A creation of Charles Garnier, it was part of Napoleon’s great makeover of Paris. It’s highly decorative, a mix of Beaux-Arts symmetry and Baroque and Renaissance elements. Visiting Paris’ Opera Garnier is … Read more
Paris is celebrated not just for its romantic ambiance and artistic heritage, but also for its stunning array of religious buildings. The city’s churches offer a breathtaking diversity of architectural styles, ranging from the ancient Romanesque and majestic Gothic to the ornate Baroque. Many of these churches are not only architectural marvels but also house … Read more
If you only walk down Rue de la Huchette, you may run screaming from Paris’ Latin Quarter. That street is just so gaudy and jammed jowl to jowl with tourists. But the Latin Quarter isn’t just one touristy street. It’s eminently friendly and likable, if you know where to look. Its likability doesn’t emanate from … Read more
Tucked away in the charming 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Marmottan Museum is a delightful secret waiting to be discovered by art enthusiasts. While the Musée d’Orsay is often hailed as the pinnacle of Impressionist art in Paris, the Marmottan offers an equally mesmerizing experience. This hidden gem provides a peaceful escape from the bustling … Read more
Just outside the city limits lies a completely overlooked hidden gem in Paris — the fantastic Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis. In this Saint-Denis guide, you’ll discover everything to see at this overlooked religious gem. Saint-Denis is a French national treasure. The church is the birthplace of Gothic architecture. It heralded Europe’s transition from a clunky … Read more
The Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’ true treasures and a must visit site on the Left Bank. In 2018, it was named the “best museum in the world” in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. There’s good reason. The Musée d’Orsay is housed in a beautiful converted Beaux-Arts railway station. The museum has the world’s … Read more
Montmartre is a district rich in history and celebrated in countless artworks. It’s a haven for those chasing romantic Parisian dreams. A century ago, this charming village within Paris was a magnet for bohemian artists and the dazzling cabarets of the Belle Epoque era. Today, Montmartre retains its unique character, offering a delightful escape from … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the beautiful Pantheon, one of Paris’ historic landmarks. The Pantheon is a must see site in Paris’ Latin Quarter. The grand neoclassical basilica dominates, rather ironically, the artsy neighborhood. It was built after a king’s near death experience and celebrates the greatest dead heros of France. The building is a … Read more
If you’re an art enthusiast, the Louvre is probably at the top of your Paris or museum wish list. As the world’s largest and most visited museum, it boasts an impressive collection of 35,000 artworks, ranging from the 6th century BC to the 19th century AD, all housed within a magnificent Renaissance palace. However, as … Read more