The guy that I am seeing is currently visiting Paris for pleasure, so I felt compelled to write a little something about it so he knows I didn’t forget him, and that I have eyes and ears everywhere. I haven’t personally visited Paris yet, but it occurs to me that it is a counterpart to New York; sort of like a long lost sister that chain smokes and doesn’t eat very much. One of the best things about New York is that there is something for everyone, regardless of your budget. With this in mind, I threw together some of the top must-see free attractions for the French metropolis:
Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris
This iconic Parisian landmark is one of the most well-known cathedrals in the world. Not seeing this would be like visiting New York City for the first time and staying in Jersey the whole time. Keep an eye out for Danny Devito’s hunchbacked twin swinging around the bell-towers.
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
A museum is a museum in my book, but if you are going to visit an epicenter of culture, art, and history such as Paris you have to take in a few exhibits. It is written in the bible.
Le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
The flea market and antiques fair St-Quen is the perfect place to study some curiosities and get a glimpse of some objets d’art. Window shopping is the perfect way to kill an afternoon without murdering your budget.
Le Champ de Mars
What was previously a military marching ground is now a well manicured lawn below the Eiffel tower where French people gather to do french things, like eat baguettes and wear horizontal stripes. Perfect place for a Parisian picnic.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Jim Morrison’s final resting place has always been a favorite vacation of rock-lovers everywhere. This cemetery also boasts great literary legends like Proust, Balzac, and Oscar Wilde. Consider this cemetery for an afternoon stroll especially if you love cobblestone streets, haunting mausoleums, and ghosts of dead French people.
The sixth and last thing you should do while you are in Paris is pick up the book Paris Versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities, by Vahram Muratyan. The book is a fully illustrated and totally charming peek into the similarities and comparisons between two of the world’s most well-known metropolises. I have included a special peek inside below.
you are absolutely correct, you have never been to Paris. But good attempt though.
The lawn below the Eiffel tower is full of tourists, beggars, and people peddling various souvenirs. Another major difference between Americans and Parisians and most Europeans actually is that they do not eat on the go, I have been to Paris multiple times as well as other European cities is and you do not see locals, eat or drink on the go, not even water. If they want a snack or coffee they go to a cafe, consume the food and drink and then be on their way.