Rivers flow in one direction; from higher elevations downstream. The direction of the river is your compass to identify the right bank and the left bank. Now you know what the Right and Left Banks of Paris are and what it means.
Ancient cities were founded around waterways. As they grew, the most important buildings were placed prominently on river banks. Paris is a bit different, as the Seine also has islands, which were developed. If you watched the Olympics last Summer, the Seine was the featured Parisian landmark. It is our location for the 7 night Paris to Normandy cruise our specially priced Seine river adventure.
The Seine flows from the Burgundy region in NW France through Paris to Normandy then the North Sea.…
Hotel check in, packing/unpacking, foreign bathrooms and signs? Love to travel but want to avoid the double whammy of jet lag and touring? River cruises are your answer. Did you drool over Parisian scenes during the July Olympics? Join our group and enjoy stress free travel to Paris and Normandy from our special solo river cruise. Toss in Norman countryside, shore line villages and ‘voila’ you have a French experience.…
Some European cities are magical. From high up they are fantastical. I hate heights, but panoramas tell a story like no other. Watching the Paris Olympics made me reconsider climbing or riding to heights to catch the best views. From the air, wow’s are wow er.
In Paris you can climb up to the basilica of Sacre Coeur for views from the highest natural point on a hill. You can climb the Arc de Triomphe for a panorama of the ladder like boulevards.…
Here are some of the most engaging street markets in Paris; we walk by some on our trip. Some are food with mountains of cheeses and breads, some are herbal with soaps and personal products, some sell objects and antiques. We only listed those which are easy to locate during our November Paris week. Look down each street and alley, you will find others.
That is a smart thought. Before an Olympic, cities have to pass a tight audit well in advance of their dates. The audit covers their ability to host a major event: infrastructure, transportation, hotels, security, and such.
All images Sources: Paris Tourism and VisitParis
The benefits of hosting the games are huge: employment and a gigantic boost in tourism. The city builds new arenas and cleans up older ones.Most…
My 10 personal Parisian Surprises for 2022. I am just back from Europe, finalizing our May Paris and London trips. They will both be fantastic. Paris because I know it so well and London because it was my home for years. Here are a few fun tips for when you join us to Paris May 6. The next post will be about London whre
Museums are oases: free wifi, clean bathrooms, lounge areas, shops and often budget eating. …
Do we all fit the image of ‘happy family with turkey and gifts under the tree”? Or are you with no family, and friends who invite you because you make a great cake? You are not an oddball; we hear this all the time.
No matter what your religion, going away for Christmas removes you from the intensity, memories, and obligations of the season. Leaving home and family, if you have any, means more than ‘taking a trip’. It is a form of refreshing independence. …
The Women’s Travel Groupoffers some trips during winter, like Paris for The Holidays Dec 21-28. Although we visit the world capital of fashion, there is no reason to ‘dress up’ for the trip. Just be comfortable. Here is our suggested wardrobe for European cities in winter. And for winter river cruises like New Year’s on The Rhinewith us. From top to bottom, here is what works:
Winter coat, gloves and if you get cold easily, wear a down jacket under your coat.…
