| Paris
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| A L'Olivier, 23 rue de Rivoli, 4th
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If it involves an olive, you'll find it here.
| Phone: | 01.48.04.86.59 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 7PM Tuesday through Saturday; 10AM to 6PM Sundays; closed for three weeks in August and the week after Christmas
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| Web: |
www.olivier-on-line.com |
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| Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles-de-Gaulle-Etoile, 8th
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No trip to Paris would be complete without a pilgrimage here. But don't even think about crossing the busy Place Charles-de-Gaulle -- formerly the Place de l'Etoile. The underground passageway is the only way to get there in one piece. Seeing this, the largest triumphal arch in the world, at the end of the Champs-Elysees is a pulse-quickening reminder that you are, in fact, in Paris. Napoleon ordered the arch in 1806 to showcase his victories. Since then, the arch has played a role in protests, celebrations, and state funerals. There's an observation deck at the top with breathtaking views of the city.
| Phone: | 01.55.37.73.77 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 11PM daily in summer; 10AM to 10:30PM off season |
| Web: |
www.monum.fr |
| Admission: |
8EUR
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| Au Printemps, 64 bd. Haussmann, 9th
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Thanks to the splendid facade and gorgeous stained glass dome crowning the ceiling, Au Printemps is a must-see even for those who aren't shopping. Those who are will find housewares, mens and women's fashions and accessories in abundance. Tourists can get a 10% discount card at the English-speaking Welcome Services desk in the basement.
| Phone: | 01.42.82.50.00 |
| Hours: | 9:35AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday; open Thursday nights until 9PM |
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| Basilique du Sacré-Coeur (Church of the Sacred Heart), Place St-Pierre, 18th
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When you survey the Paris landscape, only the Eiffel Tower is more recognizable than the white dome and tower of Sacre Coeur. Standing high atop Montmartre, the church was begun in 1875 and finished in 1914. Inside the church, there's a lovely stained glass gallery, a stunning mosaic, and a crypt containing the remains of Alexandre Legentil. Most visitors come for the smashing views from the Dome.
This shuttle boat service on the Seine, which stops at 8 different locations, is a very convenient and scenic way to get around.
| Hours: | 10AM to 7PM off-season; 10AM to 9:30PM in the summer; boats run every 25 - 30 minutes |
| Web: |
www.batobus.com |
| One day pass |
11EUR
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| Five day pass | 16EUR |
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| Batofar, Face 11 Quai Francois-Mauriac, 13th
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This barge on the Seine competes with Les Bains for the coolest place to dance the night away. One of the key differences is, you can probably get in here. The best DJs in Paris spin techno, electronic, and alternative music for a hip, young crowd
| Phone: | 01.56.29.10.33 |
| Hours: | 8PM to 2AM Tuesday through Sunday |
| Web: |
www.batofar.org |
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| Bike'n Roller Eiffel Tower, 137, rue St Dominique, 7th
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Bicycling and rollerblading are very popular in Paris. In fact, several of the city's boulevards are closed to automobiles on Sundays to accommodate bikers and bladers. You can rent bikes, rollerblades, and all the accessories here.
| Phone: | 01.44.18.30.39 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 7PM Tuesday through Sunday |
| Bike rentals from: |
13EUR
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| Rollerblade rentals from: | 9EUR |
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| Bike'n Roller Invalides Esplanade, 38, rue Fabert, 7th
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Bicycling and rollerblading are very popular in Paris. In fact, several of the city's boulevards are closed to automobiles on Sundays to accommodate bikers and bladers. You can rent bikes, rollerblades, and all the accessories here.
| Phone: | 01.45.50.38.27 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 7:30PM Monday through Saturday, 10AM to 7PM Sunday |
| Web: |
www.bikenroller.fr/hten/ |
| Bike rentals from: |
12EUR
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| Rollerblade rentals from: | 9EUR |
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| Bike'n Roller Notre Dame, 6, rue St-Julien-Le-Pauvre, 5th
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Bicycling and rollerblading are very popular in Paris. In fact, several of the city's boulevards are closed to automobiles on Sundays to accommodate bikers and bladers. You can rent bikes, rollerblades, and all the accessories here.
| Phone: | 01.44.07.35.89 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 7PM Tuesday through Sunday |
| Bike rentals from: |
13EUR
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| Rollerblade rentals from: | 9EUR |
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| Bois de Boulogne (Boulogne Woods), Main entrance at the end of av. Foch, 16th
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Developed by Baron Haussman in the 1850s, the Bois de Boulogne is one of the most pleasant parks in the city. Stylish cafes, two race tracks, lakes and waterfalls dot the 2,200 acres. It's a lovely place to jog, stroll, or watch beautiful Parisians. You can rent rowboats and paddles across two of the lakes.
| Phone: | 01.40.67.90.82 |
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| Bon Marché, 22 rue de Sèvres, 7th
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This was the first department store in Paris and it's still the most stylish. It's the place to come for fashion, housewares, and food. The gourmet department is one of the best in the city.
| Phone: | 01.44.39.80.00 |
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday |
| Web: |
www.lebonmarche.fr/ |
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| Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, 6 place du parvis Notre-Dame, 4th
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Bishop de Sully commissioned the construction of Notre Dame in 1159 on the site of an ancient Roman temple. Since then, its path has closely paralleled the city's and today Notre Dame is a one-stop refresher course in Parisian history. Over the years, the Cathedral has been renovated. The buttresses were rebuilt in the 14th century and the spire was added in the 19th century under the direction of Viollet-le-Duc. Start you exploration outside, examining the spectacular flying buttresses and the magnificent West Facade with its Portal of the Virgin, Portal of the Last Judgement, and Portal of Ste. Anne. As you enter the church, you'll see the North Rose window to your left and the West Rose Window behind you. The Treasury contains ancient manuscripts and reliquaries, including remnants of the True Cross and the Crown of Thorns. The ambitious can climb the 387 steps to the top of the south tower for great views of the city and the cathedral's wonderful gargoyles.
| Phone: | 01.42.34.56.10 |
| Hours: | 8AM to 6:45PM daily; The tower and crypt are open from 9:30AM to 6PM daily in summer and from 10AM to 5:15PM off season; the museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 2PM to 5PM; the Treasury is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30AM to 11:30AM and from 1PM to 5:45PM |
| Web: |
www.paris.org/Monuments/NDame |
| Admission to the Tower and Crypt: |
6.10EUR
Admission to the Cathedral is free.
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| Centre Pompidou (Musee National d'Art Moderne), place Georges Pompidou
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When it opened in 1977, this was one of the most controversial buildings in the world. A recent extensive renovation has enlarged several of the galleries. And now, the Pompidou is better than ever. The collection of fine art created between 1905 and 1960 is superb. Matisse, Dubuffet, Picabia, Pollock, the Surrealists and Dadaists are well represented. And the museum hosts boffo temporary exhibits as well. There are actually four separate entities here and if you want to see them all, you'll need to buy a combination ticket.
| Phone: | 01.44.78.12.33 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 10PM Wednesday through Monday |
| Web: |
www.centrepompidou.fr |
| Admission from: |
7EUR
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| Special Exhibits: | 9EUR |
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| Cimetière du Père-Lachaise (Cemetery of Father Lachaise), 16 rue du Repos, 20th
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This remakable cemetery made the Travel Channel's Top Ten list of things to see in Paris. Everyone from Oscar Wilde to Balzac is buried here. But the most frequently visited grave belongs to Jim Morrison. His most ardent fans hide among the tombs so they'll be locked in at night. Cobbled lanes wind through more than 100 acres of tombs, many of which are quite stunning. The cemetery is a pleasant escape from the city, particularly on hot days, and many Parisians come here to just while away the hours. You can buy a map pointing you to the graves of Chopin, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, Sarah Bernhardt, and other luminaries, or you can explore on your own.
| Phone: | 01.55.25.82.10 |
| Hours: | 8AM to 5:30PM daily |
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| Fauchon, 26 Place de la Madeleine, 8th
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Probably the most famous food shop in Paris, Fauchon is for many as much a part of a trip to Paris as the Eiffel Tower. With more than 20,000 products, there's practically nothing you can't find here.
| Phone: | 01.47.42.60.11 |
| Hours: | 9:40AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday |
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| Galeries Lafayette, 40 boulevard Haussmann, 9th
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Galeries Lafayette is the Big Daddy of Paris department stores. If you can't find it here, you don't want it. And you can count on very accommodating service. It's great for fashion, housewares, food, and accessories. There's a welcome desk where tourists can pick up a 10% discount card.
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday; open until 9PM Thursday nights |
| Web: |
www.galerieslafayette.com |
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| Izrael, Epicerie du Monde, 30 rue Francois-Miron, 4th
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You'll find every imaginable spice -- and lots of exotic food items -- at this busy market in the Marais.
| Phone: | 01.42.72.66.23 |
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 1PM and 2:30PM to 7PM Tuesday through Friday; Saturdays 9:30AM to 7PM; closed for two weeks in February and August |
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| Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxemburg Gardens), Corner of Boulevard St-Michel and Rue Soufflot
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This is the Parisian's favorite park and many seem to think of it as their al fresco living room. Marie de Medici had the palace built here in 1612 and the gardens date from the same time. After the revolution, the garden was made public, and today it's as civilized and stately as it appears in the paintings of Renoir.
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| Jardins des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden), Adjacent to the Louvre Museum
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These formal gardens provide the perfect spot for relaxing after a tour of the Louvre. There's great people watching here. The schoolchildren are especially entertaining.
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| Jean-Luc Poujauran, 20 rue Jean-Nicot, 7th
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You'll find some of the best breads in Paris here.
| Phone: | 01.47.05.80.88 |
| Hours: | 8AM to 8.30PM Tuesday through Saturday, closed in August. |
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| La Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, La Villette, 30 av Corentin-Cariou, 19th
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You could easily spend a day exploring the exhibits of the state-of-the-art science museum. When it opened in 1986, it cost a staggering $642 million and when you visit, you'll understand why. More than 5 million visitors come each year, drawn by interactive displays on everything from outer space to volcanoes. You can experience weightlessness, watch a 3-D movie in the 30-seat cinema, fly a plane in a flight simulator, tour the human body, or step inside a camera. It's a cool place for those interested in science and technology.
Run by an American named Juan Sanchez, this is one of the best wine shops in Paris. Juan buys directly from the producers and has free tastings on Saturdays. If you want advice without intimidation, La Derniere Goutte is a great place to shop for wine.
| Phone: | 01.43.29.11.62 |
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 1:30PM and 4PM to 9PM Tuesday through Friday; 9:30AM to 9PM Saturdays; 9:30AM to 5:30PM Sundays |
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| La Grande Epicerie de Paris (The Great Parisian Grocery Store), 38 Rue de Sevres, 7th
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With more than 5,000 products and 2,000 bottles of wine, 200 cheeses and heavenly to-go items, this gourmet shop in the Bon Marche department store is a must for foodies.
You could come to Paris and not visit the Eiffel Tower. But why? Even if you've seen hundreds of pictures of it -- and chances are, you have -- you'll be amazed by its delicacy. The tallest structure in the world for decades, it's still an engineering marvel. If you decide to go all the way to the top, be sure to take in the views from all the lower levels -- each has a different and delightful perspective. For the best photos, come during the "golden hour," just before dusk.
| Phone: | 01.44.11.23.23 |
| Hours: | 9:00AM to midnight daily in summer: 9:30AM to 11PM off season |
| Web: |
www.tour-eiffel.fr |
| First landing admission: |
4.10EUR
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| Third landing admission: | 10.70EUR |
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| Le Louvre des Antiquaires, 2 place du Palais-Royal, 1st
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With more than 250 dealers on three floors, this antique center directly across from the Louvre is antique heaven. Most of what's here is top quality, so don't expect much in the way of bargains. But savvy shoppers will find many treasures here.
| Phone: | 01.42.97.27.00 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 7PM Tuesday through Sundays; closed Sundays in July and August |
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| Les Bains Douches, 7 rue du Bourg-l'Abbé, 3rd
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This is where celebrities go when they're in Paris, consequently it's not easy to get into. If you really must go, make reservations at the restaurant. The music is the latest and greatest, and the patrons are mostly fabulous and beautiful. Dress up and take money.
| Phone: | 01.48.87.01.80 |
| Hours: | 11:30PM to 5AM daily |
| Admission from: |
20EUR
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| Les Caves Taillevent, 199 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8th
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Affiliated with the legendary Restaurant Taillevent, this wine store in the street level and cellar of an antique center has the largest selection anywhere. There are more than half a million bottles, ranging from affordable table wines to astronomically priced rarities.
| Phone: | 01.45.61.14.09 |
| Hours: | 2PM to 7:30PM Mondays; 9AM to 7:30PM Tuesday through Saturday; closed the first two weeks in August |
| Web: |
www.taillevent.com |
| Saturday tastings from: |
4EUR
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| Bottles of wine from: | 4EUR |
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| Les Egouts (The Paris Sewers), Pont de l'Alma, 7th
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For a completely different view of Paris, try descending into her mammoth sewers. In 1852, Napoleon III appointed Baron Haussman Prefect of the Seine. He spent the next 17 years modernizing the city and many believe the Paris sewer system was his most significant contribution. More than 1,300 miles of pipe -- much of which was laid during the 19th century -- run beneath the city. Nowadays, the wastewater lines are accompanied by telephone cables. It's not for everyone. In fact, the effluvium can be overwhelming. But if you're interested in engineering, and have a strong stomach, you might want to check it out.
| Phone: | 01.53.68.27.81 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 5PM Saturday through Wednesday in summer; 11AM to 4PM off season |
| Web: |
www.paris.org/Musees/Egouts/info.html |
| Admission: |
3.80EUR
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| Maison Europeenne de la Photographie, 82 Rue Francois-Miran, 4th
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The permanent collection here contains more than 15,000 photographs from the 1950s to the present. There's a large collection of Japanese photographs and a gallery of work by Irving Penn. The temporary exhibits are also of interest.
| Phone: | 01.44.78.75.00 |
| Hours: | 11AM to 8PM Wednesday through Sunday |
| Admission: |
6EUR
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| Maison Kayser, 8 rue Monge, 5th
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Many believe this patisserie in the 5th bakes the best baguettes and croissants in the city. Try the baguette au froment.
| Phone: | 01.44.07.01.42 |
| Hours: | 6:45AM to 8:30PM daily except Tuesday |
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| Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market), Place Louis-Lépine, Ile-de-la-Cité, 4th
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This flower market along the Seine provides unrivalled photo opportunities.
| Hours: | 8:30AM to 4PM daily |
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| Marché aux Livres (Book Market), Square Georges Brancion, 15th
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Bibliophiles will enjoy a visit to this large book market. New, rare, and used books of all sorts are available here.
| Hours: | 10AM to 6PM Saturdays and Sundays in summer; closes at 4PM off season |
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| Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt, Av. de la Porte de Clignancourt, 18th
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With more than 2,500 dealers, this is the largest flea market in the world. And it was the first. There's junk. There's quality. And there's everything in between. Like the Louvre, it can be too much of a good thing. But serious flea market lovers won't want to miss it. And since it's open on Monday, when many other attractions are closed, it's convenient.
| Hours: | 9AM to 6PM daily |
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| Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves, Av. Georges-Lafenestre, 14th
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Those in the know think this weekend flea market is the best in town. Dealers prefer it and serious collectors can usually find several items they can't live without. Not noted for its bargain, but there's always great stuff here. Plus, there's a food market nearby on Sundays.
| Hours: | 6:30AM to 4:30PM Saturday through Monday |
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| Marche Biologique (Organic Market), Boulevard Raspail between rues du Cherche-Midi and Rennes
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Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities and four-star chefs at this lively outdoor food market. The food here is glorious and the ambience is hard to beat too.
| Hours: | Sunday mornings |
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| Marche Biologique Batignolles , Boulevard des Batignolles, 17th
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This Saturday market is a good source of produce, pastries, and dairy products.
| Hours: | Saturday mornings |
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| Marché Buci, Rue de Buci, 6th
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A food-lovers paradise, the Marche Buci has produce, chickens, wine, cheese, flowers, and meat in abundance.
| Hours: | 9AM to 7PM daily |
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| Marche d'Aligre, Place d'Aligre, 12th
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Marche d'Aligre combines a street market, a covered market, and an open-air flea market. The merchandise may not be the best, but the people watching is terrific, and there's always a lot going on here.
| Hours: | 9AM to noon daily |
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| Marche Monge, Place Monge, 5th
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You'll find fresh produce, spit-roased chickens, and wonderful charcuterie at the 40 stalls in this colorful market.
| Hours: | Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays |
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| Moulin de la Vierge, 105 rue Vercingétorix
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You'll find some of the best breads in Paris here.
| Phone: | 01.45.43.09.84 |
| Hours: | 7AM to 8PM Monday through Saturday |
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| Moulin Rouge, 82 Boulevard de Clichy, 18th
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Visitors to Paris have been coming to the "Red Mill" since it opened in 1889. Sure, it's touristy. But how many tourist traps were painted by Toulouse-Lautrec. You can come for the show -- which features 100 amazing "artists" wearing 1,000 costumes -- and choose from one of several four-course dinners. Or go to the late show and have drinks. We recommend the latter.
| Phone: | 01.53.09.82.82 |
| Hours: | Dinner is at 7PM nightly; Shows start at 9PM and 11PM |
| Web: |
www.moulinrouge.fr/home-flash-gb.html |
| Show only from: |
87EUR
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| Dinner and show from: | 140EUR |
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| Musee de l'Orangerie des Tuilleries, Jardin de Tuilleries, place de la Concorde, 1st
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With 24 Renoirs, 14 Cezannes, 11 Matisses, and Monet's fantastic "Nymphras", the Musee de l'Orangerie is a must for lovers of Impressionism.
| Phone: | 01.44.77.80.07 |
| Hours: | 12:30PM to 7PM Wednesday through Monday; open until 9PM on Fridays |
| Web: |
www.musee-orangerie.fr/ |
| Admission from: |
6.50EUR
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| Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts), In the Palais du Louvre, 107 rue de Rivoli,1st
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This rather specialized museum is not for everyone, but for decorators, designers or those interested in the decorative arts, it's very worthwhile. The collections range from the Middle Ages to Art Deco and beyond. The 17th-, 18th- and 19th-century furnishings are especially striking. In the Louvre's Pavilion de Marsan.
According to the Travel Channel, Americans in Paris actually prefer the Musee d'Orsay to the Louvre. And it's not hard to see why. It's manageable. Unlike the Louvre -- which can overwhelm almost anyone -- the Musee d'Orsay can easily be explored in a couple of hours. The turn of the century rail station in which the museum is housed is stunning. And the Impressionist paintings on display are beloved by almost everyone. Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, van Gogh, Whistler, Gaughin are in stellar form here. About all we can say is that if we could only see one thing in Paris, the Musee d'Orsay would be it.
| Phone: | 01.40.49.48.14 |
| Hours: | Tuesday through Saturday 10AM to 6PM; Thursday evenings until 9:45PM; Sundays 9AM to 6PM |
| Web: |
www.musee-orsay.fr |
| Admission: |
7.50EUR
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| Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum), Hôtel Salé, 5 rue de Thorigny, 3rd
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When Picasso died in 1973, the French government presented his estate with a $50 million tax bill. In return, they received the body of this remarkable collection: more than 200 paintings, 3,000 drawings and engraving, over 150 sculptures, and various and sundry ceramics, notebooks, and collages. Work from each of the modern master's periods are represented here. Highlights include "The Kiss", "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon", and a self-portrait from his Blue Period. Paintings from Picasso's personal collection, including work by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse are also on display. One of the most popular museums in Paris, this is a must for any modern art lover.
| Phone: | 01.42.71.25.21 |
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 6PM Wednesday through Monday in summer; 9:30AM to 5:30PM off season |
| Web: |
www.paris.org/Musees/Picasso |
| Admission from: |
5.50EUR
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| Opéra National de Paris Bastille, place de la Bastille, 12th
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This modern opera house was opened in 1989 on the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. It lacks the history and glamour of Paris's other opera house. In order to compensate, it's commissioned new works, staged infrequently seen operas, and raised the level of performance in Paris.
| Phone: | 01.40.01.17.89 |
| Hours: | Hours: The box office at 130 rue de Lyon is open from 11AM to 6:30PM Monday through Saturday |
| Web: |
ww.opera-de-paris.fr/ |
| Tickets from: |
20EUR
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| Guided tours from: | 9EUR |
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| Opera National de Paris Garnier, Opera National de Paris Garnier
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Completed in 1875, Paris's original opera house was recently restored. Once you pay your admission, you can tour the opulent interior yourself or take a guided tour. The foyer and staircase are quite grand and the stage is the largest in the world. Performances have inched up a notch lately thanks to competition from the Opera Bastille. If you have the chance to attend a performance here, dress up and go. It's unspeakably glamorous.
| Phone: | 01.40.01.17.89 |
| Hours: | The box office is open from 11AM to 6:30PM Monday through Saturday; the Opera House is open from 10AM to 4:30PM daily; English-speaking tours at 3PM |
| Tickets from: |
9EUR
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| Parc Monceau (Monceau Park)
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The most attractive of the Right Bank parks, Parc Monceau was laid out in 1778. It's surrounded by 18th- and 19th-century mansions, making it a very pleasant place for a stroll.
| Phone: | 01.42.27.39.56 |
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| Paris à Vélo, C'est Sympa, 22 rue Alphonse Baudin
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In the past couple of years, Paris has added 78 miles of bicycle lanes to the city's boulevards. On Sundays, the expressways along the Seine are closed to automobile traffic from 9AM to 6PM. You can rent bikes and accessories here and see another side of Paris.
The Paris Museum Pass provides unlimited admission to over 60 museums and monuments for two, four or six days. Although it doesn't provide admission to temporary exhibitions, it's still a good deal. And if you have one, you just blow right past the ticket line, which at the Louvre can involve a 30-minute wait. Passes are available at museums, tourist offices, and main Metro stations. Or they may be ordered before departure and delivered to your office, your home, or your Paris hotel.
| Web: |
www.parismuseumpass.fr |
| Two-day museum pass: |
30EUR
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| Four-day pass: | 45EUR |
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| Paris Velo, 2 Rue du Ferh-a-Moulin, 5th
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In the past couple of years, Paris has added 78 miles of bicycle lanes to the city's boulevards. On Sundays, the expressways along the Seine are closed to automobile traffic from 9AM to 6PM. You can rent bikes and accessories here and see another side of Paris.
| Phone: | 01.43.37.59.22 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday; 10AM to 2PM and 5PM to 7PM Sundays |
| Web: |
www.paris-velo-rent-a-bike.fr |
| Bike rentals from: |
12EUR
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| Petit Palais, av. Winston-Churchill, 8th
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Built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, the Petite Palais houses the city's museum of Fine Arts. The fin de siecle building itself is lovely, and the permanent collection will appeal to fans of the Fauves, the Symbolists, and the Impressionists. Vuillard and Bonnard, Corot, Courbet, Delacroix, David, and Manet are represented. The museum also hosts some impressive temporary exhibits.
| Phone: | 01.42.65.12.7 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 5:30PM Tuesday through Saturday |
| Admission: |
6EUR
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| Petrossian , 18 boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 7th
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Shop here for expensive delicacies, including the world's finest caviars.
| Phone: | 01 44 11 32 22 |
| Hours: | 9AM to 8PM daily; opening Monday and Saturday at 9:30AM; closed Sundays and Mondays in August |
| Web: |
www.petrossian.com/ |
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| Pierre qui Roule, 139, boulevard St Michel 5th
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Rollerblading has taken Paris by storm. The three-hour Friday night group skate from Place d'Italie can attract 10,000 rollerbladers. You'll need to be a great skater to join in. But the Sunday afternoon skates from the Bastille are suitable for beginners. You can rent rollerblades and accessories here. For more information about rollerblading in Paris, visit www.pari-roller.com.
| Phone: | 01.01.40.46.99.66 |
| Rollerblade rentals from: |
9EUR
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| Rue de Lévis, Off boulevard des Batignoles, 17
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Great breads, Alsatian specialities, and some of the best cheese shops in the city are at this market.
| Hours: | daily except Mondays |
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| Rue Mouffetard, Begins rue de l'Epée-de-Bois, 5th
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This is one of the oldest, most popular, and most enjoyable open air markets in Paris.
| Hours: | Opens at 8AM daily except Monday |
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| Sainte-Chapelle, Palais de Justice, 4 bd. du Palais, 1st
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Sainte-Chapelle makes our short list of Paris "must sees." On a sunny day, it is quite simply one of the most beautiful structures in the world. Practically hidden beneath the Palais de Justice on the Ile de la Cite, not far from Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle was built in 1248. Supported by slender columns, the upper chapel seems to be constructed entirely of stained glass. The 15 magnificent windows have been removed three times for safekeeping -- during the French Revolutions and during both World Wars. Be sure to allow plenty of time to savor the 1,000 Bible stories depicted in Technicolor splendor. Because of the chapel's superb accoustics, there are evening concerts here in summer. If you only have a day or so in Paris, make Sainte-Chapelle a priority.
| Phone: | 01.53.40.60.80 |
| Hours: | 9:30AM to 6:30PM daily in summer; 10AM to 5PM off season |
| Admission: |
5.50EUR
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| Samaritaine, 19 rue de la Monnaie, 1st
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This department store is slightly less expensive than its competitors. It was recently purchase by the chain that owns the Bon Marche, so chances are it will be upgrading its wares. It also has one of the best free views in Paris from its location across from the Pont Neuf. Take one of the center elevators to the ninth floor, go outside to the dining terrace, then take the spiral staircase up to the observation platform. Under the railing, there's a map labeling all the landmarks laid out at your feet.
| Phone: | 01.40.41.20.20 |
| Hours: | 9.30AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday; open Thursday nights until 10PM |
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| Shakespeare and Company, 37 rue de a Bûcherie, 5th
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The name is pretty much all that remains of Sylvia Beach's legendary Left Bank bookstore. Her famous patrons -- Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and Henry Miller -- all frequented the establishment's previous location. Still, book lovers will enjoy wandering through the stacks.
| Phone: | 01.43.26.96.50 |
| Hours: | 11AM to midnight daily |
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| St-Eustache, 2 rue du Jour, 1st
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Although not on every visitor's agenda, this historic Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. Begun in 1532, due to religious wars the church took more than a century to complete. Today, the church presents a variety of architectural styles. The exterior is Gothic, but its five naves and radial chapels are decorated in the Renaissance style. Berlioz and Liszt both performed here, and Richelieu and Madame de Pompadour were baptized here.
| Phone: | 01.42.36.31.05 |
| Hours: | 9AM to 7PM daily; Sunday organ recitals at 5:30PM |
| Web: |
www.st-eustache.org/ |
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| St-Germain-des-Prés, 3 place St-Germain-des-Prés, 6th
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No church is Paris has a longer history than St-Germain-des-Pres. The original church was established in 542 to house the holy relics of a Benedictine order. By the 11th century, the Abbey was one of the most powerful in France, but the church burned down in 1794. Only one of the three original towers remains, and it's one of the oldest in France and a Left Bank landmark. Philosopher Rene Descartes and others are buried here.
| Phone: | 01.43.25.41.71 |
| Hours: | 8AM to 8PM |
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| The Louvre (Musée du Louvre), 34-36 quai du Louvre, 1st
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Arguably the greatest collection of art in the world, the Louvre could take a year to fully explore. Even those who plan to come each day of their stay in Paris will need to pick and choose what they see. Otherwise, they'll wander aimlessly, helpelessly overwhelmed by it all. From the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi -- dating from 1700 BC -- to French paintings from the mid 19th century, the collections here are unsurpassed. Highlights include three superb Da Vincis: "Mona Lisa", "Virgin and Child with St. Anne", and "Virgin of the Rocks". Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo are not to be missed. And the museum's three Rembrandts are stand-outs. Visitors can take a tour, or decide which are their favorite artists or periods and consult a map. Early morning is the best time to visit. And since the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, avoid Wednesday if you can.
| Phone: | 01.40.20.51.51 for information; 01.49.87.54.54 fo |
| Hours: | 9AM to 6PM, Saturday through Monday and Thursday; 9AM to 9:45PM Wednesday and Friday
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| Web: |
www.louvre.fr |
| Admission: |
13EUR
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| Admission after 6PM: | 11EUR |
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| Vedettes du Pont-Neuf , Square du Vert-Galant, 1st
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If you'd like to cruise the Seine, this is your best bet. Smaller than the other guys and more conveniently located, Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruises from the Pont Neuf to the Eiffel Tower and back, passing the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, and Notre Dame en route. Now that many of the city's monuments and all of the 32 bridges spanning the Seine are illuminated, it's particularly romantic at night. There'a a bar on board.
| Phone: | 01.46.33.98.38 |
| Hours: | Sixteen departures during the day and another four in the evening. Call for times and reservations |
| Email: | info@pontneuf.net |
| Web: |
www.pontneuf.net |
| One hour cruises from: |
10EUR
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| Viaduc des Arts, 1-129 Avenue Daumesnil, 12th
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Built in 1859 as a support for the railway, this viaduct was restored by the city of Paris in 1990 to provide studios for craftsmen and artisans. Today, fifty artists working in wood, metal, clay, fabric, paper, gold, and silver display top-quality crafts that you won't find anywhere else.
There are dozens of antique dealers along in the courtyards and alleyways lining Rue St. Paul from the Marais all the way to the river. Sundays are the best time to visit.
| Hours: | 11AM to 7PM Thursday through Monday |
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| Village Voice, 6 Rue Princesse, 6th
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This English-language book store in Paris is just about the closest thing you'll find to one of the city's great literary salons of the 1920s. There are about 30 readings here each year, and if you're lucky, you might hear Edmund White or David Sedaris. This is a great place to meet expats and anglophiles. Plus, the shop stocks 25,000 titles.
| Phone: | 01.46.33.36.47 |
| Fax: | 01.46.33.27.48 |
| Hours: | 10AM to 8PM Tuesday through Saturday, Monday 2PM to 8PM, and
Sunday 2PM to 7PM |
| Email: | voice.village@wanadoo.fr |
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