04.22.09
A Paris View
“I never rebel so much against France as not to regard Paris with a friendly eye; she has had my heart since my childhood…. I love her tenderly, even to her warts and her spots. I am French only by this great city: the glory of France, and one of the noblest ornaments of the world.”
~ Michel de Montaigne
1533-1592
This noble city has delighted travelers throughout the centuries. With France as the world’s number one tourist destination, Paris welcomes over 20,000,000 visitors each year. Her streets brim with faces from all over the world that have come to partake of the French experience.
Over the last few centuries, the face of tourism has changed incredibly. With transportation becoming faster, safer, and more economical, visits have become shorter and more frequent. In the 18th century, the Grand Tour of the young British aristocracy might have lasted up to three years, with Paris often occupying several months. Today, the average stay for a tourist in Paris is 2.6 days.
For those who love Paris, it seems hard to imagine spending such a short time in this amazing city. However, many travelers are combining their visit with stops to other destinations in France and around Europe, and these 2.6 days are the time allotted for Paris. In light of these changes, one might ask the question: How can I experience the best of Paris during my stay? Answering this question is the goal of A Paris View. Though there is no way to see it all, there are ways to drink deeply of Paris and taste of her greatness.
For the last few years, I have organized visits for small groups of friends in and around Paris. My desire was not only for them to see all of the things that you have to see, but also for them to enjoy and to love Paris as I do. In A Paris View, I have compiled the best plans and ideas to introduce you to my highlights of Paris in 2.6 days. I have also put together an assortment of information to help you plan and enjoy your trip, and in the process, to make Paris your own!
(Today’s blog is taken from the Introduction of A Paris View, our Paris travel guide. Our updated third edition of this interactive e-book will be available next week!)