Another taste of the exquisite Rodin Museum in the centre of Paris.

Paris

Don’t limit yourself to appreciating Paris from street-level when there are so many ways to view the whole city from on high. Here are six of the best ways to view Paris…

1 From the Steps of the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

The dome of the white Sacre Coeur is the second highest point in Paris (exceeded only by the Eiffel Tower.) This elegant church gazes down at the rest of Paris from the atmospheric, if crowded, area of Montmartre.

2 From the Roof of La Défense

This giant hollow cube at the west end of Metro Line 1 is a “love-it or hate-it” affair, as far as Parisians are concerned, but the view from the top is spectacular. A single line cuts straight through Paris to reveal the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysees, Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.

3 From the Top of the Arc de Triomphe

Stand on top of Napoleon’s “triumphal arch” to view the cube of La Défense in one direction and the Champs-Élysees, the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre in the other. The view from the Arc de Triomphe also lets you appreciate the chaos of the roads that radiate away from the central roundabout of Charles de Gaulle Étoile.

4 From the Top of the Eiffel Tower

Look over Paris from the symbol of Paris itself. The view is great, the climb is perhaps more interesting than the others, but there is, of course, something missing. From here, you can’t see the Eiffel Tower itself…

5 From the Tour de Montparnasse

This ugly modern tower block is certainly not worth a visit for its own merits. Yet, take the lift to the 56^th floor to find a great view of Paris – one that includes the Eiffel Tower.

6 From the Roof of L’Institut du Monde Arabe

Accompanied by a great café and restaurant, dripping in deep purple and gold, the top floor of this educational building gives you a great view over central Paris. (It also serves a great citron pressé – a “typical” French drink I’ve been searching for since I read about it at school.)

View from the Arc de Triomphe

So there you have it, the six best view of Paris. Let us know if you know of any more…

Inside the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Tiomphe in Paris

is the largest triumphal arch in the world and it sits in one of the most devilish traffic junctions in the world. The Arc may look ancient and distinguished but in European terms it’s actually quite young. Emperor Napoleon commissioned the work so that his troops could “return home beneath triumphal arches,” but the work wasn’t finished until 1836.

Visiting the Arc de Triomphe

As it turns out, there’s more to see at the Arc than just the traffic or the engravings. The Arc de Triomphe has become a memorial to those lost in battle, from officers of France’s Imperial Army, to more recent conflicts in Korea.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

An eternal flame burns over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War One, a symbol of remembrance for all those who cannot be identified.

View From the Arc de Triomphe – The Best in Paris

It’s a hefty climb to the 50 metre high summit of the Arc de Triomphe (although those with young children or wheelchairs can take the lift.) From the top, however, the vision in the layout of Paris becomes clear.

You can see straight down the Champs-Elysées to Place de la Concorde in one direction and straight to the modern arch La Defense in the other.

View Along the Champs Elysees

View to La Defense

You can see the creamy curves of the Sacré-Coeur on the hills of Montmartre.

View Across Paris to the Sacre Coeur

And you can also see this other monument:

The Eiffel Tower - from the Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe – Practicalities

Sadly, a visit to the arch is not cheap and you’ll often have to queue to buy tickets. Entry includes a museum, housed in the upper portion of the Arc, that illustrates its history: triumphant Imperial processions, the invasion of the Nazis and the subsequent visits from US presidents.  

To see the Arc de Triomphe, head to Charles de Gaulle Étoile on the Paris Metro.

How to Use the Paris Metro

Paris Metro Maps

Each train has a map of the overall metro system plus a separate one that shows all the stations on the line that you are on.

Platforms have the same information. Tourist offices and guidebooks usually have a map of the whole metro system.

Near the ticket desks, you can find maps that show the area above ground to help you choose the exit you need. Some stations are small and only have one exit, some are vast and have 12.

Buying Tickets for the Paris Metro

The easiest way is probably to use a machine, which gives an English option. There are many debates on what represents the best value for money but I still think it works out best to buy a carnet (pronounced carnay) which gives you 10 tickets in one go at a discounted price (11.60 Euros in April 2010.)

You can pay by cash or card (as long as the machines aren’t broken.)

Tips & Tricks for the Paris Metro

Most doors open automatically, however some older trains have metal handles that you need to open yourself. These need a forceful shove into the upright position (and there’s quite a knack to it!) Don’t leave it too late and miss your stop…

Paris Metro Exits

Place de la Concorde & The Eiffel Tower

– You need to walk through imposing looking metal gates at the end of your journey (no ticket required.) Don’t mistake them for a blocked off exit – you are supposed to walk right into them.

Buggies, Luggage, Stairs & Lifts on the Paris Metro

– Unfortunately the Paris Metro System doesn’t make it easy. You need to call the station master and wait for someone to open the gate in order to let you through if you have anything bulky with you. The Paris Metro is also riddled with staircases and there often isn’t the option of a lift. If you’re sticking to the centre of town (between Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe) it’s often easier to walk.

Read Part One of How to Use the Paris Metro

Place de la Concorde

- the busiest, most frenetic and somehow beautiful traffic junction in Paris.

The history of this 20 acre square follows that of Paris. Initially built to commemorate the king, it became the bloody site of the revolutionary guillotine before being renamed Concorde – agreement or friendship – once 1119 lives had been taken.

The 3000 year old Luxor Obelisk, however, only arrived in the 19th century. It isn’t a particularly restful place to stop – but you can see the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe all from the Place de la Concorde.

For more travel photos, visit Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby.

The Kiss - Rodin

The Rodin Museum displays some of the world’s best-loved sculptures, such as The Thinker and The Kiss, against an accessible and elegant backdrop in Paris.

Not only does the Museé Rodin showcase art that even jaded skeptics find intriguing, it does so within the extended manicured gardens and airy rooms of an 18th century mansion in the heart of Paris.

Today, Auguste Rodin is considered one of France’s greatest sculptors, but just like J.K. Rowling and Elvis Presley, he was rejected several times along the way.

The Thinker - Penseur

His most well-known works include the grim-faced The Thinker, the sensual intertwined lovers in The Kiss and his expressive series exploring hands. He eventually donated his work to the French state, on the condition that it was to be displayed in public. France responded by arranging his work – from immense outdoor sculptures to delicate indoor sketches – in the grand Hôtel Biron.

Hôtel Biron - Joseph Cesare

A visit to the Rodin Museum fits in well with an afternoon spent wandering around the Invalides area in Paris (the district that also includes the Eiffel Tower.) You can buy tickets on site or online, although many groups of people are entitled to free access.

Entrance is free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month. Musee Rodin: 79, rue de Varenne, Paris, 75007 Nearest Metro: Invalides or Varenne, line 13.

More on Cheap Weekend Breaks in Paris

More on Cheap Weekend Breaks in France

Start your sightseeing with these world famous attractions. Then explore in more depth if you have time.  Or come back another weekend.

Paris Sightseeing – Top Paris Attractions

1) The Louvre

Top Paris Sightseeing - The Louvre

A fortress, a royal palace and now one of the world’s greatest museums, the Louvre somehow successfully mixes old and new, with the Mona Lisa inside and a daring series of glass pyramids outside. The Louvre is staggeringingly beautiful, impressive and crowded.

It’s free to walk around its magnificent courtyard – and worth doing twice – once in the day and once at night to really appreciate it. To go inside, get here early and prepare to queue, especially to see the Mona Lisa (which often seems smaller than expected and a bit of a disappointment).

Eiffel Tower at Dusk

2) The Eiffel Tower

It may feel like a cliché, but the Eiffel Tower symbolizes Paris and no sightseeing trip would be complete without it. It’s actually hard to miss from riverbanks along the Seine, illuminated by night  and standing proud in the day.

It’s free to walk around the base, but you need to pay to climb to the top.

3) Sacré Coeur in Montmartre

Sightseeing in Montmartre

This white domed cathedral sits romantically at the top of a sweeping flight of stairs in the artistic part of Paris, the home of old bohemian dreams. Entrance again is free, but the real highlight is walking around Montmartre’s narrow streets that ooze with Parisian charm.

Add Montmartre to the evening of your sightseeing plans and enjoy dinner in one of its many atmospheric restaurants.

4) Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe, a giantic block of stone in the centre of the Paris’s swirling traffic, honours Frenchmen lost in battle, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier underneath.

Champs Élysées & Arc de Triomphe

Broad, leafy and overflowing with wealth, the Champs Élysées leads directly from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. Decorated with lights at certain times of the year, it can look spectacular. Under grey rain in the middle of the day, perhaps less so.

However, the walk along this broad boulevard takes you from one symbol of Paris to another. From the Arc de Triomphe to…

6) Place de la Concorde

View from Place de la Concorde

Standing in Place de la Concorde rates as one of the best sightseeing spots in Paris. It’s free, it’s impressive – and it offers views of most of Paris’ key sights: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the finally the Champs Élysées leading majestically to the Arc de Triomphe.

It has a bloody history, however. During the French Revolution, thousands of people were executed here by guillotine, including Marie Antoinette.

Today, the Luxor Obelisk, from the original Luxor Temple in Egypt, stands proud in the centre, covered in hieroglyphics.

7) Notre Dame

Inside Notre Dame

This world famous cathedral (with the legendary hunchback) looks rather squat from the outside. From the inside, however, it is amazing – with enormous stained glass windows. Visit at night to see the intricate outside walls come to life.

Cruise Along the Seine

Plenty of sightseeing boats – or Bateaux Mouche – crusie along the river day and night and a twilight crusie really is the best time to fall in love with Paris. From the boat, you can see Notre Dame, the side of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Sightseeing in Paris – Potential Pitfalls

Moulin Rouge

Toulouse-Lautrec first made the Moulin Rouge famous, years later Nicole Kidman wore frilly knickers and continued the tradition. A visit today, though, is far from inspiring. The photos of the scarlet windmill may entice you there, but some serious cropping has taken place to hide the run down surrounding neighbourhood. There’s no hint of bohemia any more and the shows are strictly aimed at tourists.

In my opinion, there are better things to see when you are sightseeing in Paris.

Cutting the Cost of Your Weekend in Paris

Cheap Weekend Breaks - Paris - Arc de Triomphe

Paris, like London and Tokyo, has a bad reputation for being expensive. And so it is, to live there. But a cheap weekend break should be within reach – with the help of the following tips:

1 - Research Getting There

Depending on where you live, flying may really not be the best option. Travelling by coach and ferry can be cheaper. Best of all, Eurostar takes you straight to the centre of the city, so you don’t need to pay for airport transfers.

2 - Consider Staying a Little Out of Town

As long as your hotel is within reach of a Metro Station (Check with Google Maps) then you can reach all the Paris highlights from a cheaper hotel base.

3 – Stroll Along the Seine

You can reach most of the attractions that cluster around the Seine riverbank by walking: the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Tuileries, the Museé d’Orsay and the Left Bank. Place de la Concorde sits next to the Jardin des Tuileries and if you’re feeling energetic you can roam all along the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe on foot.

Use the metro to reach quirky Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the space-age region of La Défense. Metro tickets can be bought in blocks of 10 as carnets (pronounced car-nays.)

4 – Eating Out – Find Somewhere New

France, as you may have heard, loves its food. So it’s hard to go wrong with eating out. Wander along the sidestreets until you find a restaurant with an atmosphere that you love and with locals huddled around its tables. As with most cities, prices fall the futher you travel from the top tourist traps.

5- Think Twice Before Buying Money-Saving Passes

As someone who loves  a cheap weekend break, I’ve bought more than my fair share of ‘money-saving’ passes and I’ve hardly ever saved any money with them. Following free tips, like the ones mentioned here, is usually more effective.

6 – Make the Most of Free Attractions

Gazing at the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the steps of the Sacré Coeur, the grounds of the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs Elysées each cost absolutely nothing.

Do you have a favourite way of cutting costs in Paris?

Paris By Night

Paris, the City of Lights, is a photographer’s dream. Even when it’s raining.