Paris

Paris

Both long daylight and a lot of sun made the 2008 summer solstice an ideal opportunity to explore one world's most beautiful cities: Paris. I stayed for three days which was barely long enough to see the main sights only. Although a bit pricey St. Christopher's Hostel was in fact one of the best hostels I've ever stayed at (dormitory B&B for EUR 35). Plus, it is located near the Gare de l'Est which is convenient if you arrive there by train as I did.

On the first day I got up early, had my free breakfast and headed to the nearest metro station where I bought a carnet (10 single trip metro tickets, EUR 11,10). I took the metro to Champs de Mars and started my sightseeing trip with one of the world's most recognisable icons: The Eiffel Tower. I enjoyed a walk around the Champ de Mars and across the Seine river past the Trocadéro fountains to the Palais de Chaillot which offers one of the best views on the Eiffel Tower.

At the top of the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe is the most illustrious symbol of French national history. It was begun in 1806 on the orders of Napoleon in honour of the French army. The monument stands nearly 50m tall, 45 metres wide and 22 meters deep. 12 major boulevards radiate from it. The traffic on the roundabout must be a nightmare if you're driving - but it is certainly entertaining to watch.

From here, I walked down the busy Champs Elysée, past expensive cafés and shops. I took a right at the Grand Palais and arrived at what I believe is Paris' most beautiful bridge: the Pont Alexandre III. Built in the late 19th century, both the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III boast splendid Art Nouveau decoration.

Back on the Champs Elysée I continued towards the vast Place de la Concorde with its Luxor obelisk which is more than 3,300 years old. After a stroll through the Tuileries Garden next to the Place de la Concorde I arrived at the Palais de Louvre, in time for a beautiful sunset.

The next morning, I had breakfast in a lovely little café on the touristy but still rather pretty Place du Tertre in Montmartre. I also visited the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (free) and enjoyed the view from its cupola (EUR 5).

My next stop was at Les Halles. The little park in front of the Gothic St. Eustache Gothic church was an ideal spot for a quiet rest at lunchtime, especially after my earlier visit to the busy shops in the Forum des Halles.

Next on the agenda was the church at Les Invalides (EUR 8) which is known for the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821). In 1861 Napoleon who was initially interred on Saint Helena was moved here. The floor of the church was cut into and Napoleon's sarcophagus was laid to rest there.

Another 70 famous French personages including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Alexandre Dumas are laid to rest in the crypt of the Panthéon (EUR 7.50). I joined a 40 minute guided tour (free) to gain access to the dome gallery and also to an outside terrace. From here, I could see the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame is considered as one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and is famous for its intricate design.

Built more than 600 years later, the Tour Montparnasse - or Montparnasse Tower - offers probably the best view on Paris (EUR 10). The Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, the Pont de Alexandre III and the Grand Palais, Notre Dame, the Pantheon and even Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica can be seen from here. The 59th floor outdoor observation deck is accessible by a flight of stairs and offers a unique viewing experience some 210m above the streets.

Thanks to Keith and Pete for the advice on the Tour Montparnasse.

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