PARIS

SPRING & SUMMER GUIDE 2010

The best places to eat, sleep and play in Paris this spring and summer
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INTRODUCTION
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Inside

PARIS
Elegant, romantic, exciting, unforgettable It can only be Paris. Founded in the third century, on what is now the le de la Cit, Paris did not become Frances capital until the 10th century.

PACKING TIPS
1. Comfort zoneParis is best seen on foot, but wear comfortable shoes as you cover immense distances. TripAdvisor Member, Tokyo, Japan 2. Smart moveAlways carry your valuables in a money belt. TripAdvisor Member, Seabrook, Texas 3. ConvenienceYoull need to carry lots of small change: For first timers to Paris, a little tip: You have to pay to use the restrooms. TripAdvisor Member, San Carlos, Calif.

Throughout its history, the city has prospered and has been at the forefront of cultural and political innovation, most notably during the French Revolution of the late 18th century. In the early 1900s, the halcyon years of the belle poque ushered in the Art Nouveau movement, bringing with it advances in the arts and sciences. As capitals go, Paris is relatively small, with a population of just over two million. In the warmth of the spring and summer, explore its plethora of landmarks on foot and youll quickly work up an appetite for the superb cooking for which its restaurants and cafs are famous. But keep that umbrella handy for unexpected showers! And dont fear the frigid winters; simply duck into the citys many cafes or museums to escape the cold. tripadvisor.com 2

Top

VIEWS
A boat ride on the Seine is an absolute must. Many of the most beautiful monuments were built along the Seine River. The night cruise is also beautiful because all the buildings are illuminated. Most of the boat companies are located by the Trocadero near the Eiffel tower. TripAdvisor Member, Alsace, France

PARISS BEST VIEWS

The Eiffel Tower was easily one of the biggest highlights of my trip through Europe. Ive been up other skyscrapers and landmarks and usually my response is Eh, so what now? But this was one experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. TripAdvisor Member, San Francisco, Calif.
Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 0144112323

Where to

TOP 10Attractions
1. Musee dOrsay, 62 rue de Lille, 01 40 49 48 14

PLAY

Stand at the arch opposite the Louvre around sunset. In the distance, you see the Champs Elyses with the Arc de Triomphe at the end. To your left, you see the Eiffel Tower light up in the distance and the Muse dOrsay to your immediate left. We spent an hour watching the lights get brighter as the sun disappeared and night fell. TripAdvisor Member, Durban, South Africa
Musee du Louvre , 99rue de Rivoli, 01 40205317

6. Montparnasse Tower, St. Germain Boulevard & the Invalides 7. Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris, 8 rue Scribe, Place de lOpra, 01 72 29 35 35 8. Saint-Chappelle, 4 blvd. du Palais, 01 43 73 78 41 9. Muse Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 01 44 18 61 10 10. Palais Garnier - Opera National de Paris, 8 rue Scribe, Place de lOpra, 01 72 29 35 35

2. Musee de lOrangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, 01 44 77 80 07 3. Musee du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli, 01 40 20 50 50 4. Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris), 6 place du Parvis, Ile de la Cit, 01 42 34 56 10 5. Eiffel Tower(Tour Eiffel), 5 av. Anatole France Quai Branly, 01 44 11 23 23

FAMILIES
Even if youve been to Paris a thousand times, City Segway Tours is a must do! You see many of the main attractions, and have great fun getting there. The Segways themselves are a breeze to learn to drive and huge fun!TripAdvisor Member, Kaiserslautern, Germany
City Segway Tours, Meets at South Leg (Pilier Sud) of the Eiffel Tower, 01 56 58 10 54

At Disneyland Paris, put a great big smile on your face as you walk through the gates, and enjoy the magic. We cant wait to go back again.TripAdvisor Member, Herefordshire, U.K.
Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, 0160306053

The Cite de La Musique is a precious experience for older children. The way the instruments are displayed, as well as the excellent audio guide, make this museum so special. Our kid would stay in front of a display for long minutes in a row, just listening to what each instrument sounded like. TripAdvisor Member, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Cite de La Musique, 221 av. Jean-Jaures, 01 44 84 44 84

ROMANCE
Attend a performance of the ballet at the incredibly ornate Palais Garnier opera house for a truly unforgettable evening. The lobby is as opulent as the theater, and the performance will be equally spectacular. TripAdvisor Member, Boca Raton, Fla.
Palais Garnier, 8 rue Scribe, Place de lOpra, 01 72 29 35 35

You cant imagine the wealth, expanse and beauty of the place.
For a romantic day out of the city and a glimpse of how French royalty lived, visit the Chateau de Versailles and its magnificent gardens. You cant imagine the wealth, expanse and beauty of the place. TripAdvisor Member, Oklahoma
Palace of Versailles, Versailles, 0130837800

Sacr-Coeur is a grand basilica whose famous white dome provides excellent views of the city. It was simply breathtaking.TripAdvisor Member, California
Sacr-Coeur, 35rue du Chevalier-de-labarre, Montmartre, Place du Parvis du Sacr Coeur, 0153418900

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Where to

PLAY
Pre-Lachaises 118 acres contain the final resting places of the famous and the infamous, from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrison. But take a look beyond the better known sites: Skip the famous graves. Take your time and just let the magic of this place envelop you.TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.
Pre-Lachaise Cemetery, 16rue du Repos, 0155258210

BUDGET
Entry to Notre Dame Cathedral is free, although you will be charged if you want to climb the towers. Entering the cathedral is almost overwhelming. It is impossible to put into words just how beautiful and impressive this building is.TripAdvisor Member, Laurel, Md.
Notre Dame Cathedral, 6place du Parvis, Ile de la Cit, 0142345610

It costs nothing to wander the ChampsElysees. The grand, tree-lined boulevard is incredibly charming and a lot of fun. Go and walk and enjoy how beautiful it is. TripAdvisor Member, San Diego, Calif. Champs-Elysees TripAdvisor members have posted more than 3,000,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. Its almost like being there!

ADVENTURE
Fat Tire Bike Tours offers bicycle tours of Paris (day and night), Versailles and more. Also, check out their Segway tours. We did the Versailles bike tour, and it was magical and lots of fun. Once you get the hang of riding the three-speed beach cruiser bikes, they are super comfy and fun to ride.TripAdvisor Member, Sydney, Australia
Fat Tire Bike Tours Paris, 24rue Edgar Faure, 0156581054

If you like wine, you need to go to O Chateau. The pours were generous, the wines from various regions, the crowd fun and international. We left the cellar a bit tipsy. The highlight of our trip! TripAdvisor Member, Denver, Colo.
O Chateau Paris Wine Tasting, 01 44 73 97 80

We left the cellar a bit tipsy

If you enjoy in-line skating, join the thousands of like-minded people for Pari Roller, and skate your way through the city (starting at the Montparnasse Metro station) every Friday night from 10p.m. to 1a.m. To participate, you just need to come with your skates. There is indeed only ONE condition to your participating in the skate, but it is a vital one: You absolutely must be a GOOD skater! TripAdvisor Member, Paris
Pari Roller, Adhesions, Place Raoul Dautry, http://www.pari-roller.com

EDUCATIONAL/HISTORICAL
There is a saying, See Paris and die. It holds true, especially at places like the Arc de Triomphe, which is breathtaking, historic and a thing of pride and awe to the French. TripAdvisor Member, Abuja, Nigeria
Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle, 0155377377

Home to such famous works as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, The Louvre is a splendid treasure of knowledge. It took me two hours to visit one room. The experience was one of the best Ive had in a museum. TripAdvisor Member, Rennes, France
Muse du Louvre, 99rue de Rivoli, 0140205317

The beautiful Muse dOrsay was once a railroad station and now houses a stunning collection of Impressionist art. Fantastic! Superb! Magnificent! Tremendous! TripAdvisor Member, Oxford, England
Musee dOrsay, 62 rue de Lille, 0140494814

RELAXATION
A haven of peace, magnificent gardens for the eyes, puppet theater for the children, tennis courts for sports or jogging, statues of queens of France for history and art lovers, the Luxembourg Gardens have something to please everyone. TripAdvisor Member, France
Luxembourg Gardens, Place EdmondRostand, Place Auguste-Comter, Rue de Vaugirard, 0142342000

Sitting in the Musee de lOrangerie, surrounded by Monets art, feeling as if you are in his gardens at Giverny is an awesome and invigorating experience.TripAdvisor Member, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Musee de lOrangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, 01 44 77 80 07

My wife has always wanted to go to Moulin Rouge so I set this up as a surprise, expecting rubbish and to be ripped off at every turn. Instead we had a great evening! Id tell anyone, Do it at least once! TripAdvisor Member, Great Yarmouth, U.K.
Moulin Rouge, 82 boulevard de Clichy, 0153098282

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Whats the

TOUR

How to Get Around

For international travelers, the Paris Visite passes are by far the best option. And they can be pre-purchased online as a redeemable voucher or genuine physical ticket and shipped to your home. TripAdvisor Member
Paris Visite Pass, http://parismetro. tourpackagers.com

Beware When crossing roads, expect the unexpected. Parisians drive like they first got in a car that morning.TripAdvisor Member, England

River view The Batobus takes you to eight different stops along the Seine and is a relaxing way to get the lay of the land. TripAdvisor Member, Monterey Bay, Calif.
Batobus, 08 25 05 01 01

WHERE
FAMILIES
Le Relais de lEntrecte is a family favorite among Parisians because of the simplicity of its menusteak frites or nothing. A truly memorable and interesting Parisian dining experience. TripAdvisor Member, New York
Le Relais de lEntrecte, 15rue Marbeuf, 0149520717

to eat

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The menu at Pramil is delightful, with a selection of seven starters, mains and desserts. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the staff were friendly and only too happy to help translate some of the items. Just a fantastic experience all round. TripAdvisor Member, Cheshire, U.K.
Pramil, 9 rue du Vertbois, 01 42 72 03 60

Au Petit Sud Ouest specializes in duck. The fried duck liver on apples was exceptional and generous. We greatly appreciated the attentive and friendly service. Our five-year-old was as warmly welcomed as we were.TripAdvisor Member
Au Petit Sud Ouest, 46 av. de la Bourdonnais, 01 45 55 59 59

...a delightful, traditional French meal

ROMANCE
If youre looking for a delightful, traditional French meal in an intimate, informal setting, come to La Cordonnerie. Our mushroom appetizer was one of the highlights of our trip. And the bananas flamb, prepared at our table, was memorable.TripAdvisor Member, Princeton, N.J.
La Cordonnerie, 20 rue St-Roch, 01 42 60 17 42

From your table at the swanky La Tour dArgent, you can see the floodlit NotreDame and the boats cruising the Seine. What could be more romantic? One of Pariss greatest and most famous dining experiences.TripAdvisor Member, Paris
La Tour dArgent, 15-17quai de la Tournelle, 0143542331

Taillevent is first and foremost known for their one of a kind, phenomenal, very, very personable service. Though the dining is excellent, the service really outshines the food.TripAdvisor Member, New York, N.Y.
Taillevent, 15rue Lamennais, 0144951501

BUDGET

One of Pariss greatest and most famous dining experiences.

The food at La Fontaine DItalie was great! We had pizza, calzones, scallops, calamari beignets and desserts for only 15 euros a plate.TripAdvisor Member, United States
La Fontaine DItalie, 23 rue Moliere, 01 47 03 95 72

Chez Denise is one of the last authentic restaurants in Les Halles. It has been in business for over 30 years. Its good, traditional, hearty food; portions are generous. TripAdvisor Member, Perpignan, France
Chez Denise, 5rue Prouvaires, 0142362182

Go to the Louise Cafe if youre on a budget and still want good food. I had the French-style beef stew, and my husband had leg of lamb for 36 euros, an excellent price in the heart of Paris.TripAdvisor Member, New Jersey
Louise Cafe, 8 rue Croix des Petits Champs, 01 42 60 22 44

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WHERE
HEALTH-CONSCIOUS
I just went to Yen for the first time. Their soba, which they hand-make every day, is absolutely authentic. The quality of food is at the top end of Japanese cuisine. TripAdvisor Member, Copenhagen, Denmark
Yen, 22 rue Saint-Benoit, 01 45 44 11 18

to eat

Aquarius is my favorite mix of things in a restaurantflavorful food, relaxed atmosphere and friendly service. The specials rotate between great vegetarian fare and non-vegetarian substitutes. TripAdvisor Member, Bristol, U.K.
Aquarius, 40 rue de Gergovie, Plaisance-Pernety, 01 45 41 36 88

Moaz Vegetarian is a fantastic place among the typical small lanes of Paris. The falafels are very crispy and tasty, and the toppings have a lot of variety.TripAdvisor Member, Chennai, India
Moaz Vegetarian, 8 rue Xavier Privas, 01 43 26 36 00

HIDDEN GEMS
The atmosphere at LAtelier de Jol Robuchon is so very different from any other French dining experience. You sit around the kitchen on high stools. Can be quite a show. You will weep over the mashed potatoes. TripAdvisor Member, Chicago, Ill.
LAtelier de Jol Robuchon, 5-7rue de Montalembert, 0142225656

Le Grand Mericourt is definitely one of the best restaurants in Paris. Excellent food, excellent service, good wine list and a small, cozy environment. Their six-course tasting menu was superb and delivered a great value.TripAdvisor Member, Stockholm, Sweden
Le Grand Mericourt, 22 rue de la folie Mericourt, 01 43 38 94 04

Le Relais de lisle is a charming yet cozy little jewel. We ordered duck and salmon and were mesmerized and delighted at how delicious it was and how good it looked! TripAdvisor Member, Ohio
Le Relais de lisle, 37 rue Saint Louis en lile, 01 46 34 72 34

SPECIAL EVENTS
Spring is the time for love, and when better to discover the language of love than during the Printemps des Poetes? Throughout the streets, cafes, museums and parks of Paris, poets and artists fill the air with words at poetry readings, recitals, exhibitions and competitions celebrating the love of spring and the art of posie. (March 2 15)
Printemps des Poetes, Various venues, 01 53 80 08 00, http://www.printempsdespoetes.com

Each year, Paris celebrates the Summer Solstice with the Fete de la Musique, a citywide music festival in which performers ranging from amateur street musicians to national orchestras play free outdoor concerts. The annual party has become so popular, that since its inception in 1982, it has spread to more than one hundred cities around the world. (June 21)
Fete de la Musique, Various venues, http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr, http://www.musee-orsay.fr

The French have been running marathons in Paris since 1896. These days, the Paris Marathon is one of the most popular long distance races in the world, and its easy to see why. The course starts on the Champs Elyses and takes participants down the Seine and past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and 250,000 cheering fans. Runners are even served wine and cheese along the course! (April 11)
Marathon de Paris, Begins at Champs Elyses, 01 41 33 15 68, http://www.parismarathon.com

For most of the year, the Stade de France is the place to watch the national team take on international opponents intense competition, but in July it transforms into something else entirely: an artificial beach! The public is invited onto the famed pitch, now covered in tons of sand and water, to take part in fun and games including volleyball, badminton and even sailing. (July August)
The Beach at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, 08 92 70 09 00, http://www.stadefrance.com

Every spring, France hosts the famed Tournoi de Roland-Garros or French Open, one of four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis. The unique red clay courts have made the French Open one of the most grueling (and popular) professional contests in the world. (May 18 June 6)
Tournoi de Roland-Garros (French Open), Roland Garros Stadium, 2 av Gordon Bennett, 01 47 43 52 52, http://www.fft.fr/rolandgarros/billetterie

Join the French in celebrating Bastille Day, a national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. The partying starts the night before and continues into the next day with picnics, fireworks and a massive military parade down the Champs Elyses. (July 14)
Bastille Day, Various venues

Head to the Pompidou Centre for the 4th annual Pocket Film Festival, which will showcase movies made using mobile phones. One hundred and forty films from 30 different countries will be shown on both big and small screens. Some movies will even be made available for wireless download to the mobile phone in your pocket. (June 18 20)
Pocket Film Festival, Pompidou Centre, Place George Pompidou, rue Saint-Martin, 01 44 78 12 33, http://www.festivalpocketfilms.fr

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Where to

STAY
We stayed in a family suite at the Hotel Residence Foch. It really was perfect for us - a family of four, with kids ages 8 and 11. The price and, more importantly, the staff make this hotel highly recommended by our family!TripAdvisor Member, Seoul, Korea
Hotel Residence Foch, 10 rue Marbeau, 01 45 00 46 50

FAMILIES
Forget that rumor about indifferent staff at Parisian hotels: If you choose Hotel Bassano, you will have the best hotel staff in the city.TripAdvisor Member, Charlotte, N.C.
Hotel Bassano, 15rue de Bassano, 0147237823

The Hotel Ares is even better than in the website photos! The location is great, near the Eiffel Tower. We had a deluxe room to accommodate two children, and we found it elegant and chic.TripAdvisor Member
Hotel Ares Eiffel, 7 rue du General de Larminat, 01 47 34 74 04

A true joy!

Have questions about Paris? Get insider advice from local experts in our forums. The majority of questions are answered within 24 hours. Dormouse House Bed and Breakfast is situated 20 minutes by train to Paris, but feels as if it is in the countryside, far away from the city. It has the most beautiful, impressionistic views and coloring. TripAdvisor Member, Jerusalem, Israel
Dormouse House Bed and Breakfast, 34 rue de Medan, Villennes-sur-Seine, 01 39 75 95 73

ROMANCE
The 2010 Travelers Choice Winner for Romance, Hotel le Petit Paris is one of those gems you find very rarely. Everything has a clean, freshly decorated scent. The beds were so comfortable, and the bathroom was immaculate. This is truly the kind of place youll recommend to your friends. TripAdvisor Member, London, England
Hotel le Petit Paris, 214 rue Saint Jacques, 01 53 10 29 29

We were charmed by the Royal Magda Etoile, located within steps of the Arc de Triomphe, on a small quiet street. Rooms are very clean and nicely decorated. Breakfast was plentiful and varied and served until midday. A true joy! The staff are always friendly. In brief, ideal for a romantic stay in Paris.TripAdvisor Member, Toulon, France
Royal Magda Etoile Hotel, 7 rue Troyon, 01 47 64 10 19

BUDGET
I must say, Hotel Fontaines du Luxembourg matched all my criteria: clean, nice room, very nice service and a decent price.TripAdvisor Member, Zurich, Switzerland
Hotel Fontaines du Luxembourg, 4 rue de Vaugirard, 01 43 25 35 90

We really enjoyed our stay in Loft Paris. It was a nice little room in a very quiet alley behind the Moulin Rouge. Dont expect a swanky room. But for the price, it was a really good find.TripAdvisor Member, Oxford, U.K.
Loft Paris, 7 cite Veron, 01 46 06 55 55

The Pink Hotel is clean and modern. No frills, but for the price, good value. Rooms are rather small, but sheets and beds are comfortable. Recommended for value in Paris.TripAdvisor Member, Brussels, Belgium
The Pink Hotel, 20 Bis rue Dugommier, 01 43 43 47 73

LUXURY
One by The Five is very romantic and original, but also very functional. Everything has been created to awaken the five senses. The bedroom is exceptionalthe bed looks like a big cloud, surrounded by a starry sky, and the shower is like a blue rain. Magic and fabulous!TripAdvisor Member, Nice, France
One by The Five, 3 rue Flatters, 01 43 31 52 31

I would love to move in permanently.

The Four Seasons Hotel George V is Pariss top luxury hotel, according to TripAdvisors 2008 Travelers Choice awards. If you only visit one hotel in your life, this has to be it. TripAdvisor Member, Manchester, England
The Four Seasons Hotel George V, 31avenue George V, 0149527000

Jays Paris is an absolute gem! It was difficult to leave at the end of my visit. I would love to move in permanently. TripAdvisor Member, Marseille, France
Jays Paris, 6 rue Copernic, 01 47 04 16 16

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Where to

STAY
Im normally fussy with my reviews but I honestly could not fault the Chambre dhotes Rivoli. The room is very clean and modern. Perfect. A very good selection of basics in the fridge and cupboards and good cooking facilities.TripAdvisor Member, Auckland, New Zealand
Chambre dhotes Rivoli, 35 rue Francois Miron, 06 19 91 58 28

HIDDEN GEMS
If youre looking for a perfect stay in Paris, try Au sourire de Montmartre. The proprietress and her family are so friendly and kind, and the breakfast is just unforgettable and typically French! The rooms are very charming, clean, arranged individually and with love for details. TripAdvisor Member, Stuttgart, Germany
Au sourire de Montmartre, Rue du Mont Cenis, Montmartre, 06 64 64 72 86

We will return to the Hotel Luxembourg Parc. Its what you dream of for a romantic weekend. Cozy rooms. A fireplace in the library. There was nothing not to like. TripAdvisor Member, Biarritz, France
Hotel Luxembourg Parc, 42 rue de Vaugirard, 01 53 10 36 50

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