| ked up the personalities of boutiques as I walked | | | | (lower to mid-70s) all the way up to 95 degrees, plan |
| among the streets, I glided along the Seine River on a | | | | to bring a variety of apparel to keep cool and warm. A |
| luxurious dinner cruise, and I almost fainted when I | | | | few light sweaters, jeans, shorts, and cotton shirts |
| finally saw the Eiffel Tower in person. I fell in love with | | | | would work best. For the colder evenings (mid- to |
| a city. I fell in love with Paris, France. I have no doubt | | | | upper-50s), plan to bring a coat to keep warm. Other |
| that you would, too. | | | | essentials to pack before leaving Paris include: |
| Paris in the summer was most enchanting. There is | | | | * a digital camera |
| always a celebration or an event that will perk your | | | | * a small bag to carry a water bottle, maps, paper and |
| interests. From the three-day Paris Country Fair to the | | | | pen, and the digital camera |
| Nuits de Feuto, one of the largest fireworks | | | | * comfortable walking shoes |
| spectaculars in the world, these events are sure to | | | | * a light rain jacket (just in case) |
| please especially if you like the outdoors. Or, if you | | | | Besides the typical items you should bring with you, an |
| prefer the indoors, with 140 theatres and show venues, | | | | absolute consideration must be made when planning to |
| there are major theatrical productions and musicals | | | | travel overseas; knowing what type of ID you will need |
| galore! | | | | while in France is most important. Only a passport is |
| What woman could possibly visit Paris without wanting | | | | required for entry into France. For stays up to 90 days, |
| to experience the joy of shopping? I sure didn’t | | | | a visa will not be needed. |
| as I roamed among different neighborhoods to visit | | | | Understanding at least some of the "language of love" |
| boutiques and cafés. Le Marais district is best | | | | is most appreciated by the French. So, taking some |
| to explore many fashion and design boutiques. | | | | beginning French lessons before you leave for Paris |
| It’s hard to resist making a purchase of some | | | | would be useful or simply finding a good English-French |
| sort along the way! A unique café you’ll | | | | dictionary may work well to start. Learning some basic |
| want to check out is Pomze in the Opéra | | | | phrases helped me around the city or guided me to |
| Grands Boulevard area, which offers apple-themed | | | | someone who spoke English. For example, there were |
| cuisine. | | | | several friendly question and greeting phrases I used |
| I thought the view of some historical landmarks along | | | | repeatedly throughout my trip: |
| the Seine River while on a night-time dinner cruise was | | | | * Hello (good day). --> Bonjour. |
| stunning! The Bateaux Parisiens/Seino Vision cruise is | | | | * Good evening. --> Bonsoir. |
| unforgettable. I saw the spectacular night view of | | | | * Excuse me, do you speak English? --> Excusez |
| Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower (nicknamed the | | | | moi, parlez vous anglais? |
| "guardian of Paris in golden apparel"), the | | | | * Where is -? -->Où est - |
| Musée du Louvre (The Louvre Museum), and | | | | * In what direction do I have to go? --> Dans quel |
| more historical landmarks of France. | | | | sens dois-je aller? |
| You absolutely don’t want to miss visiting the | | | | * How much is it? --> Combien est-ce? |
| Eiffel Tower in the day as well. A 59-foot trek up the | | | | * No, I don’t understand. --> No, je ne |
| tower takes you to the top to overlook the city of | | | | comprends pas. |
| Paris that will leave you breathless! | | | | * Thank you. --> Merci. |
| During the day, the Louvre Museum was just as | | | | * Bye. --> Au Revoir |
| delightful. As a former royal palace, it features a large, | | | | And when you do get to Paris, it’s best to do |
| glass Crystal Pyramid near the front entrance. The | | | | three things to make your trip most enjoyable. First, |
| museum itself features paintings and artifacts of | | | | knowing that Paris is partitioned by districts, which are |
| architecture, history, and archeology of | | | | located on the street signs, will make your travel |
| France’s rich heritage. The Louvre hosts the | | | | easier. Second, for a very low price, purchase |
| famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa. | | | | what’s called a "Paris City Passport" from the |
| The palace was first opened to the public during the | | | | Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau which includes |
| French Revolution. | | | | over 45 museum, attraction, excursion, and shopping |
| In July you don’t want to miss the famous | | | | discounts and also includes a map of all Paris districts. |
| bicycling race, Le Tour de France (The Tour of | | | | Third, knowing a little about all transportation options |
| France). Even though Lance Armstrong may not be | | | | would be ideal, usually the Metro bus or taxi are good |
| entering the race again, it is worth experiencing the | | | | choices. Knowing what district your hotel is in also |
| national identity and pride of France. | | | | helps. And don’t forget to use your new French |
| But before you’re able to experience Paris to | | | | skills! |
| its fullest, I strongly recommend not leaving home | | | | To endure the everlasting spirit of Paris is not difficult. |
| without planning well in advance. Advanced lodging | | | | Once I visited Paris, I never knew such beauty could |
| accommodations are much needed. Booking travel | | | | exist in a thrilling European adventure like this. I have |
| dates ahead of time and your hotel stay will save you | | | | not left the memories behind me and I have not |
| hours, if not days of stress headaches while trying to | | | | forgotten the experience of falling in love with a city. |
| plan the perfect Paris vacation. Since the summer | | | | Paris will continue to fascinate you too, even after |
| weather in Paris ranges from fairly cool in the day | | | | you’ve said, "au revoir! |