Family trip to Paris for the Christmas holidays. Paris is very beautiful. It is nicknamed the City of Lights, for good reasons. Our hotel for the trip was Suite Novotel Paris Issy les Moulineaux, located just outside central Paris and across from a train station for easy access to the main Paris sites. Our go-to place for dinner was the Latin Quarter, known for student life and a lively atmosphere. The Latin Quarter has many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Many restaurants have combo deals where you can get an appetizer, main dish (entree), and dessert for 10-18 euros.
Flights
I used frequent flyer miles to upgrade into business class. Meals are multi course (like a cruise dinner) and the seat transforms into a bed for good sleep.
The flight to Paris had very strong tailwinds - at one point the Boeing 777 was flying 754 mph.
Monuments
Saint-Michel monument, Arc de Triomph, Ferris wheel
New Year's eve at the Arc de Triomph.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This Catholic cathedral is one of the largest and and one of the most well known church in the world. Beautiful exterior and interior.
Louvre Museum
This museum used to be a fortress. It is one of the world's largest museums. Walking every hallway in the museum is the equivalent of walking a half-marathon. The museum was featured in the movie Da Vinci Code. Inside are artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from European, Asian, and African history. You could spend days in this museum. One tip: buy tickets in advanced in order to avoid the longest queue (which can be as long as 3 hours just to get in).
Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands out in day and night. The tower lights up into a shiny gold at night. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel tower summit. Queues to buy tickets and take the elevators are long, but the views are worth it. Visit early morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
More Eiffel Tower pictures
Seine River Cruise
Boat ride on Seine River at sunset. Great way to rest while enjoying the Paris skyline. Being sunset time, we got to see the city light up as we entered into night time.
Versailles Palace
This royal chateau was the home of Louis XIV and his successors. Today, it serves as a museum and also for political meetings. The palace visit consists of a palace history wing, state apartments, and gallery of key battles during the French revolution. When visiting, I strongly recommend booking a guided tour in advanced - guided tours can skip the looooong queues (more than 3 hours to get in).
More Palace pictures
Palais Garnier Opera House
Palais Garnier is among the world's most famous opera houses, and is the setting for Phantom of the Opera. Elegant, beautiful interior. It is open for visitors unless there is a show scheduled.
More Paris pictures
Flights
I used frequent flyer miles to upgrade into business class. Meals are multi course (like a cruise dinner) and the seat transforms into a bed for good sleep.
The flight to Paris had very strong tailwinds - at one point the Boeing 777 was flying 754 mph.
Monuments
Saint-Michel monument, Arc de Triomph, Ferris wheel
New Year's eve at the Arc de Triomph.
Notre Dame Cathedral
This Catholic cathedral is one of the largest and and one of the most well known church in the world. Beautiful exterior and interior.
Louvre Museum
This museum used to be a fortress. It is one of the world's largest museums. Walking every hallway in the museum is the equivalent of walking a half-marathon. The museum was featured in the movie Da Vinci Code. Inside are artifacts, sculptures, and paintings from European, Asian, and African history. You could spend days in this museum. One tip: buy tickets in advanced in order to avoid the longest queue (which can be as long as 3 hours just to get in).
Eiffel Tower
The symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands out in day and night. The tower lights up into a shiny gold at night. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel tower summit. Queues to buy tickets and take the elevators are long, but the views are worth it. Visit early morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
More Eiffel Tower pictures
Seine River Cruise
Boat ride on Seine River at sunset. Great way to rest while enjoying the Paris skyline. Being sunset time, we got to see the city light up as we entered into night time.
Versailles Palace
This royal chateau was the home of Louis XIV and his successors. Today, it serves as a museum and also for political meetings. The palace visit consists of a palace history wing, state apartments, and gallery of key battles during the French revolution. When visiting, I strongly recommend booking a guided tour in advanced - guided tours can skip the looooong queues (more than 3 hours to get in).
More Palace pictures
Palais Garnier Opera House
Palais Garnier is among the world's most famous opera houses, and is the setting for Phantom of the Opera. Elegant, beautiful interior. It is open for visitors unless there is a show scheduled.
More Paris pictures
