3rd July 2008, 18:14
| #16 |
| BHPian  Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pune
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7th July 2008, 22:30
| #17 |
| Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pune
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11th July 2008, 21:50
| #18 |
| BHPian  Join Date: May 2008 Location: gurgaon
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| Hey sschivate. Although I’m writing this, a bit late, but better late than never Paris is at its best in springtime, even if it is sometimes a little wet. In winter Paris has all sorts of cultural events going on, while in summer the weather is warm and lazy - sometimes sizzling. In August, when Parisians flee for the beaches to the west and south, many restaurateurs lock up and leave town too, but this is changing rapidly and you'll find considerably more places open in summer than even a decade ago Here is what I would do if I were to visit Paris (again and again and again…..) Eiffel tower: Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World Fair), held to commemorate the centennial of the Revolution, the Tour Eiffel was the world's tallest structure at 320m (1050ft) until Manhattan's Chrysler Building was completed. Try to head out during the evening to watch the fireworks, although I don’t clearly remember now if you’re allowed to go to the top during the evening. During the day, you’re certainly allowed. Notre Dame: If Paris has a heart, then this is it. Notre Dame de Paris is not only a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, but has also been Catholic Paris' ceremonial focus for seven centuries. The cathedral's immense interior, a marvel of medieval engineering The Louvre: The Louvre may be the world's greatest art museum - but it's also the one most avoided by visitors to Paris. Daunted by its size and overwhelming richness, many people head to smaller galleries but if that doesn’t deter you, it’s a must visit for a first timer. The former fortress began its career as a public museum in 1793 with 2500 paintings; now some 30000 are on display. The most famous works from antiquity include the Seated Scribe, the Jewels of Rameses II and the armless duo - the Wing Le Limonaire ( live music) This little wine bar, tucked far away from the big commercial cabarets off rue Bergère, is one of the best places to listen to traditional French chansons (songs). The crowd can be convivial or almost reverential, depending on the night. Le Loir dans la Theiere : One of Paris' best spots to spend a languorous Sunday is Le Loir dans la Theiere (The Dormouse in the Teapot) a wonderful old space filled with retro toys, comfy couches and free Wi-Fi. Lido Show: Last but certainly not the least, the world famous lido show. Entry ticket can be expensive but worth a visit for sure. If going with wifey, all the best  Rome: The sheer imperial scale of Rome is sure to knock you out.It's hard to say what you'll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City - the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.  On the list of my must to see activities would be Museo e Galleria Borghese (art gallery) This 'queen of all private collections' was formed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the most passionate and knowledgeable art collector of his day. The ground floor contains some important classical statuary and intricate Roman floor mosaics. But Bernini's spectacular carvings - flam flamboyant depictions of pagan myths - are the stars. His precocious talent is evident in works such as Pluto and Pro Roman Forum Built over the course of 900 years, the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome from the Republican era until the 4th century AD. Its importance declined along with the Roman Empire. With the Renaissance came a renewed appreciation of all things classical, and as a result, the Forum provided fresh inspiration for artists and architects. Trastevere: Although its traditionally proletarian nature is changing as the crumbling palazzi become gentrified, a stroll among the labyrinthine alleys of Trastevere still reaps small gems of a bygone past. Washing strung out from the apartments in best Mama-leon The lovely Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere is the area's heart. It's a true Roman square - by day peopled by mothers with strollers, chatting locals and guidebook-toting tourists, by night with artisans selling their craft work Pincio Hill The view of St Peter's from the Pincio just has to be seen to be believed. This elegant park with its avenues of shady trees gets its name from the Pinci family, who owned it in the 4th century. It's a popular place for a weekend passagiata. Giuseppe Valadier designed the lofty gardens (which adjoin Villa Borghese) around 1809-14. Roman families, cyclists and skaters continue the tradition of past strollers, including Keats, Severn, Richard Strauss, Mussolini, and King Farouk. Trevi Fountain Rome's largest and most famous fountain, Fontana di Trevi was completed by Nicola Salvi in 1762, and immortalized 200 years later by Marcello Mastroianni and a frolicking Anita Ekberg (spilling out of a black strapless gown) in Fellini's La Dolce VI This extravagant baroque work takes up most of the piazza, appears to meld into the palazzo, and depicts Neptune's chariot being led by Tritons with seahorses - one wild, one docile - representing the moods of the sea. Trevi refers to the three Colosseum Of all the monuments in Rome, the Colosseum thrills the most. It was here that gladiators met in mortal combat and condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions. This great symbol of eternal Rome still excites the imagination as you'll see from the horde. Its construction was started by Emperor Vespasian in AD72 in the grounds of Nero's private Domus Aurea and it was inaugurated by his son Titus in AD80. Thereafter, inaugural games lasted for 100 days and nights, during which some 5000 animals were slaughtered As you can see, the list is exhaustive but this would give you a fair idea as to what to expect. Hope it's been of some assitance to you. Looking forward for your travelogue when you get back Have a nice trip M2S |
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11th July 2008, 23:11
| #19 |
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14th July 2008, 11:50
| #20 |
| BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pune
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14th July 2008, 13:30
| #21 | |
| BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bangalore
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| Quote:
Also, I remember on one particular Sunday of the month, entry to the Louvre in Paris is free. Same for entry to the Vatican museum in Rome, it's free on one particular Sunday of the month.....although they are different Sundays ( if I remember correctly). I remember I'd visited Paris and Rome (on different weekends) and coincidentally both were on those Sundays where the respective entry was free. (Just in case you want to save about 10 euros each place. ) | |
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14th July 2008, 14:05
| #22 |
| BHPian  Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: "God's own Shaap"
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| @sschivate: Word of advise on Paris. Pick up a Hotel at Montparnasse.It is probably the best connected spot in Paris with shuttle services back to the Airport , intercontinental train services nearby and super short distances to the main sights. The rooms are the best Value for money you can get in the city. 2 examples as below. Hotel du Parc OFFICIAL SITE - Montparnasse - 2 star Paris - France - Saint Germain Central Hotel Paris OFFICIAL SITE - 2 Star, Montparnasse Tower, Gare Montparnasse, St Germain des Pres, France If your company pays for you, pick one up right near Champs Elysee.. Also make sure you hit the Champs Elysee at night. This is when all the fun begins. Hit one of the bars in the Bylanes as they are substantially cheaper than the ones on the main street. Try the raspberry beer . You always end up drinking way more than you can handle.P.S: I in no way work for the above 2 establishments. I am just trying to help a fellow Indian with the oxymoronic Indian option "cheap and best"  |
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14th July 2008, 14:53
| #23 |
| BANNED Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bangalore
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14th July 2008, 15:05
| #24 |
| Distinguished - BHPian   | You will actually find a LOT of information on spending time in Paris on this thread http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/intern...tml#post563368 I wrote that last year. |
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15th July 2008, 18:10
| #25 |
| BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pune
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15th July 2008, 18:12
| #26 |
| BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pune
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15th July 2008, 18:57
| #27 | |
| Senior - BHPian  | Quote:
For others you would be able to do in about 1 hr at an avg waiting and then about the same time visiting. If u are taking the guided tours to the collosium (which are strongly recommended) it will take about 2 hrs and so will the vatican . Check the museum pass, it allows u to cut lines in some places and go straight to security. Check if they have the museums u want on the list. For Lido (its on the champs elysees) u will have to book atleast 2 days in advance to be able to get a place. oh yeah n take ur formals if u wanna do this. I was told by the enquiry guys "to be dressed properly for an entry" Last edited by sammyboy : 15th July 2008 at 18:58. | |
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15th July 2008, 22:38
| #28 |
| BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: gurgaon
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15th July 2008, 22:51
| #29 |
| Distinguished - BHPian | |
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16th July 2008, 11:26
| #30 |
| BHPian Join Date: May 2008 Location: gurgaon
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