Bonjour and welcome to Paris!  Paris has long been a magnet for attracting artists, musicians, and poets.  Parisians are culturally enlightened and continue to set new boundaries in fashion and the arts.  Though Paris has been occupied on occasions throughout history, the city has never been destroyed by war.  Therefore, much of the city exists as it always has.  Paris has as much if not more to offer tourists then any other European city.

The panoramic view from the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur gives you a sense of Paris’s timelessness.  Amongst hundreds of pigeons you’ll gaze in awe at the never-ending clusters of limestone buildings.  Paris is a world-class city and its streets are bustling day and night. You’ll observe Parisians fruitfully greeting one another by kissing on both cheeks and gleeful pedestrians carrying loafs of French bread.  Experiencing French culture is immensely gratifying.

The northern part of Paris, known as Montmartre, is especially charming.  Visiting Montmartre is like traveling back in time.  Van Gogh once lived here and the streets look very familiar to the landscapes portrayed in his paintings.  Local artists work for hire in Montmartre’s center square and the streets are lined with shops carrying everything from souvenirs to wide selections of fabrics.

Paris has long been considered one of the world’s most romantic cities.  In the evenings, streetlights reflect off the white limestone buildings radiating blues, pinks, and purples. Cobblestone streets coupled with the illuminated Eiffel Tower in the city’s backdrop is categorically Paris.

Surveying the thousands of masterpieces housed at the Louvre on its own is enough to keep anyone busy.  However, Paris has much more to offer tourists.  Take the pilgrimage to Cathedrale Notre-Dame and enjoy a stroll through some of Paris’ immaculately landscaped gardens.  Afterwards, waste part of the day people watching at one of the many cafés in town. In the evening, visit one of the city’s celebrated restaurants and taste the pâté. Afterwards, take in a show at the famed Moulin Rouge.  You’ll be hard pressed not to keep busy while in Paris.

Paris is awe inspiring and eye opening.  You’ll leave Paris with a sense of enlightenment not soon to be forgotten.  You will also leave Paris with a lighter wallet or purse.  We found that a small bottle coke in our room at the George V was $15 US Dollars and a Big Mac, Large Fries and a Large Drink was $28.  We also found that the people have a dislike for Americans and if you can get over that you will like the area, we have decided to take Paris off our to revisit list after two visits and both being the about the same.  Outside of Paris is totally different and we would visit again.