Seven Great Things To Do in Paris: A Fabulous Air Canada Destination

The Eiffel Tower you probably know about. This famous landmark, much ridiculed at its unveiling back in the day, is now the worldwide symbol of Paris. But there are so many other great things to do and see in Paris, now easier to reach than ever thanks to new, non-stop flights from Vancouver. Here a few suggestions.

Take a Citroen Tour: The company 4 Roues sous 1 Parapluie (four wheels and an umbrella) give wonderful tours of Paris in an electric Citroen 2 CV; an enormously cute and fun to be driven around in. My wife and I did this several years ago in winter and had a great time. We checked out marvellous views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame and learned some history lessons – and a wee bit of French – along the way. http://www.4roues-sous-1parapluie.com/EN/index.html

Stroll Rue Mouffetard: A Canadian city dweller should feel right at home on this narrow street on the left bank, near the Sorbonne. It feels a bit like Kensington Market in Toronto, with fruit and vegetable stands, inexpensive restaurants and stands selling freshly made falafel. A true feast for the eyes. And the stomach. A good place to buy wine, as it’s a relatively working-class region with plenty of students, none of whom can afford $20 for a bottle of Bordeaux.

Sip Away at Café Deux Magots: This might be the classic café in all Paris. Located in the fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood on the left bank of the Seine, it’s been frequented over the years by many writers and intellectuals; including Jean-Paul Sartre, ,Ernest Hemingway, Bertolt Brecht, Pablo Picasso, James Joyce and even, later on, Julia Child. They still award a Deux Magots literary prize in France every year. Pull up a chair and order a cold glass of Provencal Rose or a warm cappuccino, or perhaps a grilled Croque Monsieur, and let the crowds roll by.

Try the Smaller Museums: The Louvre is justifiably known as one of the world’s great museums; being home to the Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo and dozens of other famous works. But it’s huge. And it’s crowded as all get out. The Musee d’Orsay is a visually stunning museum on the left bank (south side) of the Seine. It’s housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a gorgeous Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900.You’ll find many famous paintings here, including some of the most beloved works by such artists as Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Cezanne and Georges Seurat, who painted those lovely, restful shots of women parading through Paris parks with their bright parasols. Looking for something a little more offbeat? The city also has museums that feature sewers, carnivals, hunting and vampires.

Check out the Pantheon: The exterior of this monument to French heroes is great, but the inside is what really makes it stand out. You’ll find plenty of marble and acres of glorious light, with amazing statues of celebrated French citizens and a basement where some of the greatest names in France’s history are buried, among them Voltaire and Victor Huge, who no doubt would enjoy a stroll along Rue Mouffetard if he was alive today.

Wander, wander, and wander some more: Le Marais district has tons of trendy shops and lovely cafes. In winter, look for places selling hot chocolate, which is just a little better than what you get at the machine in a hockey arena in Canada. Likely you’ll be served a thick, super-rich and authentically chocolate drink that’s pure heaven in a cup. Stop in Les Philosophes, a former meeting place for Jewish workers and a spot for legendary Russian Leon Trotsky once sat and contemplated the universe.

Check out the Champs Elyssees: Want to be a free man in Paris, or a free woman? Or something else? Follow Joni Mitchell’s lead and wander the Champs Elysees from café to cabaret. You’ll find expensive shops and three to four million sidewalk cafes (this is only a slight exaggeration). The road leads from central Paris west to the famous Arc de Triomphe.

Hotel Options: Le Bristol is ultra-romantic, with old-world décor, outstanding service and modern amenities. The food is sensational, and there’s a cool indoor pool upstairs. You’re a short walk from the Champs Elysees. The hotel was featured prominently in Woody Allen’s movie “Midnight in Paris.” The Ritz also is lovely, and has been graced by the likes of George Clooney and his wife, Amal. If those are out of your budget range, try one of the city’s many Best Western hotels. I’ve stayed in several and they all were clean and comfortable, usually with a free breakfast.

Air Canada now flies direct, non-stop flights between Vancouver and Paris. They also have direct, non-stops to Paris from both Montreal and Toronto.