Paris Travel Guide

Paris is known as The City of Lights and it absolutely deserves this name. But Paris is much more than just the City of Lights. Paris is one of the best travel destinations in the world as it offers everything a traveler could possibly hope for.

Once you've settled into a stylish suite at a Paris hotel such as Paris HotelParis Therese (5-7 rue Therese, 1st arr., www.hoteltherese.com), its time to create your own list of must do Paris activities and must visit Paris restaurants. Just grab a Paris travel guide from the lobby of your hotel to and you're on your way to an unforgettable Paris vacation.

A stay in Paris should always include at least three of the most popular Paris activities for visitors including: a visit to the Louvre -- one of the most impressive and well known museums in the world, a climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and a climb to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral. If you have time, you should also climb the steps to the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, stroll around the Place du Tertre, and visit the saucy Pigalle district. Take a walk around the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) -- St. Germain, Boulevard, St. Michel -- and bask in the creative energy of the street performers outside the Centre Pompidou.

In the neighborhoods of Paris you can visit Fontainebleau and Versailles, with its magnificent palace of Louis XIV, as well as Vaux-le-Vicomte and the inspiration for Versailles. All of these Paris activities make perfect day trips just about any day of the week.

Another wonderful sight that shouldn't missed on your visit to Paris is the world famous Musee Picasso (Picasso Museum). At Paris’s Picasso Museum, you can browse through the famous artist's masterpieces housed in one of the most significant private residences in the Marais – the Hotel Sale. The Picasso Museum features a spectacular collection of Picasso’s works including drawings, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and engravings, as well as the artist’s private collection highlighting paintings by Cezanne, Braque, and more.

Paris is full of surprises – the city even offers an interesting breakfast place called “Breakfast in America.” Located at 17 rue des Ecoles, 5th arr., this Paris restaurant is a great place to fuel up before a long day of exploration and energetic Paris activities (www.breakfast-in-america.com). Just give it a try – you’ll be amazed at Paris’s take on American cuisine! For an authentic Paris breakfast, try any Boulangerie Patisserie for excellent Paris pastries and coffee.

Be your own Paris travel guide -- take a walk and discover some of Paris’s treasures for yourself!

Top Ten Things to Do in Paris

Notre Dame Cathedral - A climb to the top of Notre Dame Cathedral also offers nice views of Paris, and if you have time, you should also climb the steps to the Sacré Coeur in Montmartre. www.notredamedeparis.fr

Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) -- The Latin Quarter lies in the 5th Arrondissement around St. Germain, Boulevard St. Michel. Here, visitors can bask in the creative energy of the street performers outside the Centre Pompidou.

Strolling Along the Seine - This is the perfect place for a romantic walk along the banks of Siene. Booksellers and anglers are plentiful here.

Le Marais - Spend a day in Paris's most fashionable district. Located on a collection of streets north of place de la Bastille, Le Marais is home to kitschy Paris hotels, funky boutiques, trendy bars, and unique Paris restaurants and cafes.

Musee Picasso (Picasso Museum) - Housed in one of the most significant private residences in the Marais – Hotel Sale, the Picasso Museum features a spectacular collection of Picasso’s works including drawings, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and engravings, as well as the artist’s private collection highlighting paintings by Cezanne, Braque, and more. Hotel Sale, 5, rue de Thorigny, +33 (0)1 42 71 25 21, www.musee-picasso.fr.

The Eiffel Tower - Climb to the top for the most spectacular views of Paris. www.tour-eiffel.fr

Dinner at Carré des Feuillants - This Paris restaurant, housed in a restored 17th century convent, features one of the France's top chef's, Alain Dutournier. 14 rue de Castiglione, (01-42-86-82-82), near place Vendôme and the Tuileries.

Arc de Triomphe - Located at the western end of the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe is the biggest triumphal arch in the world. It measures roughly 161 feet high and 144 feet wide. Place Charles-de-Gaulle, +33 (0)1 55 37 73 77, www.monuments-nationaux.fr.

The Louvre - One of the most impressive and well-known museums in the world. 99, rue de Rivoli , +33 (0)1 40 20 57 60, www.louvre.fr.

Restaurant du Musee d'Orsay - The elegant and beautifully designed Belle Epoque room features panoramic views of the Seine and excellent, but reasonably priced French cuisine. This first-class Paris restaurant is located on-site at Musee d'Orsay. www.musee-orsay.fr/en/