Awe Inspiring (Sights & Attractions in Paris in general)

Member Name: bailey_kipper_uk

Product:	Sights & Attractions in Paris in general
Date:	28/09/01 (139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hotter than Britain, Lots to see

Disadvantages: Expensive, Hard if you don't speak the lingo

My girlfriend until recently was the Students Union President for New College in Southampton and through that we found out about a trip to Paris organised by the University.
We went in May just before my birthday, it was a treat for me. It cost just £35 each and was a Friday Night-Sunday Lunch trip,

We left Friday at about 10pm from the University and travelled by coach. We arrived at about 7-8am the next day. To begin with we went for some breakfast at a nearby Cafe. Prices are expensive in Paris so take plenty of money. We spent about £50 each over the day

Next we walked to the Louvre. If you have never been then it is well worth a visit. There is so much to see and do we decided to concerntrate on the section that contained the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. There is a lot of stairs so be prepared for a lot of walking. My girlfriend (Emma) was on crutches at the time so was unable to walk very quickly, or very easily up and down stairs. We found things very easily using the map which you get when you pay for entry, about £5 which is valid all day. There is so many paintings, sculptures, ceilings to see and they are all brilliant, I personally don't understand art but even I could tell that the things in there were very very good. I have to say that the Mona Lisa was smaller than I expected and I was more impressed by a lot of other things in there.

Next we went to the Notra Dame. We decided to walk along the river and look at the street sellers along the way. All have things to sell and you will find it hard not to find anything you like. The Notra Dame is BIG not as big as the Duomo in Milan but still big. I am not really religious either but again I could tell that I was in a special place. The walls, pillars, ceilings are to be in awe of. It is a bit freaky seeing tombs but if you forget that people are actually buried in them then it is very nice. Emma knew a lot about most things so I learnt a lot that
day and since have been to Winchester Cathedral and found it very enjoyable.

The last main attraction we went to see was the Tour Eiffel (Eiffel Tower in other words). We caught a bus there as Emma was by now feeling quite tired. It's not the easiest system to work out but knowing French is a big advantage. The Eiffel Tower itself is again BIG. We took the lift up to the first floor and stayed there for the most. It's a magnificent view which you really do need to see for yourself.

Finally we went on a boat trip which was as always informative but possibly not as informative as the Amsterdam one.

Dinner was a Pizza (I know not very French but everywhere was packed) and then we headed off in the direction of the coach.

We'd had a great day but the coach didn't leave until 12 midnight which was about 3 hours too late. After travelling all night with about 2 hours sleep (if that) then walking all day in 27C heat (The hottest day of the year at that time by about 5C) it would have been nice to leave about 9 - 10.

When we got back on Sunday we went to bed about 3pm and didn't get up until Monday at about 10am.

It was the best short break I had been on and one of the most romantic. I recommend it for any couple.

Summary: