Friday, Jun. 06, 2008

Vive Paris!

Often Referred to as the Artistic Epicenter of the World, Paris Offers Way More Than Just Art

Story & Photos By Nicholas Sakelaris

Staff Writer

Whether it’s the exquisite architecture of the Arch de Triomphe, gold-plated ceilings in the Louvre Museum or a culinary masterpiece with a glass of wine, the patience and attention to detail may be what surprises Americans most when they visit France.

If you’re tired of cookie-cutter chain restaurants and retail shops, then consider booking a trip to France this summer.

Be prepared for a little sticker shock when you exchange your dollars into Euros, the latest exchange rate is a whopping $1.56 dollars for 1 euro.

Surprisingly, most of the iconic landmarks that everyone identifies with Paris are relatively cheap to visit.

Fine dinning and upscale shopping are pretty pricey, though, but it’s just as much part of the experience as visiting the Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower, which was completed in 1889, is a good place to start when you get to Paris.

From the top you can look at the Paris landscape through an enclosed viewing area with landmarks identified on the map or go upstairs to the open air. During the summer, the tower is open until midnight.

The Arch de Triomphe is another must-see. Completed in the 1830s and standing at 49.5 meters [about 162 feet] tall, the monument honors the country’s military veterans and includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Getting to the top requires some serious climbing — there’s a spiral staircase with more than 250 steps. But the panoramic view once you reach the top is more than worth it. The view of the Eiffel Tower, La Seine River, the Notre Dame Cathedral and other landmarks provide a great place to take pictures.

Surrounding the arch is a traffic circle, called the Place Charles de Gaulle, that has no fewer than 11 streets feeding into it, the biggest and most famous being the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. From atop the arch, you can look straight down the Champs-Elysees and see the royal gardens, called the Jardin des Tuileries, and beyond that is the Louvre Museum, regarded as one of the biggest museums in the world.

Expect to spend a minimum of an entire day at the Louvre, and even then don’t expect to see everything.

It’s packed with dramatic paintings of Napoleon’s victorious campaigns, ancient Greek statues, Egyptian mummies and, of course, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa.

The English maps are very helpful, allowing you to find the paintings, sculptures, artifacts and treasures that interest you.

Also be sure to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral that dates back to the 12th century and took 200 years to build. Inside, the shear scale of the gothic-inspired ceiling is awe-inspiring. Huge stained-glass windows line both sides of the church leading up to the main altar.

Walking is one of the best ways to see Paris, especially strolling on the Champs-Elysees. You’ll be mingling with hundreds of tourists and Parisians as you take in the shops and restaurants on both sides. After working up an appetite from all that walking, take in an authentic bistro.

The cuisine is absolutely beyond incredible. Whether you try steak seared with red wine or fried duck, French Chefs make every meal an unforgettable experience.

While Paris has plenty to feed your cultural appetite, don’t neglect the rest of the country.

The southwest part of France, particularly the Bordeaux area near the border with Spain, has a rich history and picturesque vineyards.

Be sure to check out the historic Château de Beynac, or Beynac Castle in English, which sits proudly atop a cliff on the Dordogne River.

You can wander the castle’s various dungeons, ramparts and staircases at your own pace, but to make things easier, pick up an English guide.

Portions of the castle date back to the 12th century, and it was also relevant during the 100 Years War.

From the top rampart, you can look across the Dordogne River at the Castelnau-Bretenoux, which was occupied by the English.

For a taste of Gallo-Roman influence, visit Perigueux.

The ancient city is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, which was built over an archeological site, and the majestic St. Front’s Cathedral.