Friday, February 18, 2011

Paris - should it be top 100 things I love about Paris?


1. Eiffel tower at night - If you thought the Eiffel is magical by day, wow, you should see the magical lights dance all over the tower at night! This beacon of a structure lights up and can be seen from great distances. So no matter how up close or how distant you are, the dancing lights of the Eiffel tower at night is a sight to behold.


2. The River Seine - Though you need not have to cruise the entire 486 miles to appreciate the entire river, a cruise down the Seine is something many tourists look forward to when they visit the city of love.


3. Arc de Triomphe - The round about that surrounds the Arc de Triomphe is fast and crazy! Just watching the cars go by and see how they can manage not to hit each other is like watching a movie!

4. Champs Elysee - The ambiance and feel walking along this prestigious avenue lined with luxurious shops, cafes and cinemas is something that can not be felt in any other part of the world.

5. Grand Palais de Champs Elysee - The "Grand Palace" is a exhibit hall and a museum. I love the look from the outside. Don't you?


6. Pont Alexandre III - This elegant bridge appears to be the most ornate and most decorated bridge in all of Paris. This bridge was named after the Czar Alexander the third and always seems to appear in romantic Hollywood movies. Can you guess one of them?

7. Les Invalides - L'Hôtel national des Invalides or The National Residence of the Invalids, houses museums and monuments. The original purpose was to be a retirement home for war veterans and a hospital. One can easily spot it from several kilometers away, because of the shiny gold dome.

8. Notre Dame - Notre Dame which means, Our Lady, is synonymous to Paris. It is a fine example of French Gothic architecture, because of the stain glass windows which decorate the walls of this church. But I suggest taking a look at the intricate stone statues found in the exterior. Extremely fascinating.

9. Sacre Coeur - The Basilica to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a popular landmark in Paris and it has one of the best views of the city too.

10. Montmarte - Found on the right bank of Paris and in the area of the 18th arrondissement, Montmarte is interesting not only because it sits on the summit of a hill, but it gives the feel of an artist's village when you walk around the tiny square. It is no wonder that famous artists have once set up studios in this area.

Yes, there should still be a 11 to 100.