It’s Easy to Love Paris

By Angela Dorsey

Eleven million people live in the Greater Paris. Does crippling traffic limit the places I can visit in a day? Do I have to wait in long lines for every attraction? Do cookie-cutter malls sap the city's soul? No, No and No.

Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Arc de Triomphe and Palace of Versailles ensure that every visit is memorable, but they are not what make Paris easy to love. Three other man-made traits accomplish that task with bold panache. 

First, central Paris has Haussmann architecture that makes each block walkable and easy on the eyes. Second, the local government helps small businesses survive and retain local help. Third, Paris Metro stations blanket the city within 3 blocks of every attraction big, medium or small. People of all ages ride the Metro.

Seasoned tourists should consider smaller or no lines at these alternative attractions: Musée d’Orsay (1 day), Paris Opera House (1/2 day), Place Vendome shops (1/2 day), Foundation Louis Vuitton (1/2 day), Chateau de Fountainebleau (1/2 day), Musee Rodin (1/2 day), explore designer fashions at Samaritaine (1/2 day), book a Seine River Cruise (1/2 day or night), and stop for selfies in scenic Jardin du Luxembourg (1/2 day). 

An endless supply of little things also make Paris easy to love. 

Have a Croque Monsieur sandwich with fine coffee at a boulangerie near your hotel. Spend at least two days wandering around without a plan. Stumble into dozens of small businesses selling hand-made gifts, rare books, manuscripts & collectible magazines, unique garments, arts, crafts and so on. The list of great eateries from cheap to medium to high prices is longer than both arms and satisfying to every budget. And don't forget to ride Metro Line 6 over the Seine River for post card views of the Eiffel Tower.

For more info about Paris and the 2024 Summer Olympics visit, https://www.parisinfo.com.