Essential tips for planning a trip to Paris
(ARA) - The old Ella Fitzgerald song "I Love Paris" details what is so enchanting about the "City of Light" in spring, summer, fall and winter, and rightfully so. Even if Paris is drizzly or sizzling, the city's seemingly endless charms will make you fall in love with it.
However, trying to plan a trip to Paris can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Here are some tips to make planning your Parisian vacation a snap.
* Where to stay: One star, two star, Michelin star . . . what does it all mean? It can vary a lot, so don't take a star rating at face value. If you're an independent-minded traveler, you can pick from hundreds of Paris hotels, but you'd be well advised to compare and contrast. Consult guidebooks, get user reviews and do some pricing research on sites like Travelocity.com. You'll find everything from shabby-chic pensions to sleek, ultra-luxurious modern hotels.
* Where to eat: Few cities in the world have a reputation for gastronomic delights equal to Paris. Plan on grabbing the occasional crepe from a street stand as you move between sites, but make sure that you try a variety of Paris's restaurants. Your hotel will likely offer a breakfast (if not lunch and dinner), and they can also provide tips on the best restaurants in the neighborhood. Just remember one thing: Restaurants here don't mind if you linger, so take your time and enjoy slowly. A word to those with a sweet tooth - don't miss getting ice cream at the famous Berthillon in the rue Saint Louis en l'Ile.
* What to see: There's simply so much to choose from that you'll have to make some tough decisions. Try to mix it up: a bit of art, a bit of history, a bit of nature, a bit of architecture. The Louvre and the Musee D'Orsay are top contenders for art museums, but the Musee Rodin and L'Orangerie are also worth considering. Take a short train ride out to Versailles for a look at the world's most famous palace. Enjoy some greenery strolling in the Bois de Boulogne or other city parks like the Jardin de Luxembourg. And cap it all off by marveling at soaring churches like Notre Dame, St. Eustache or Sacre Coeur, which has sweeping views of the city.
Paris is notorious for being pricey, but don't let that deter you. There are some great deals to be found in dining, sightseeing and accommodations. If you want to cut costs and make planning a bit simpler, consider Paris vacation packages that combine flight and hotel costs, and often give you better value for your money.
Courtesy of ARAcontent