europe discount paris travel
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:23:39 -0400 - Posted in lodge mammoth travel
Hi!
First, a huge thank you to everyone who has EVER posted here for all the tips and information!
I am planning a trip in September to Paris, Rome, Florence and Venice. It is still dependent on my getting a visa (a bit iffy because of my nationality), but I would still like to get your feedback.
I have been to Paris once before, for a conference where we crammed sight seeing into about 2 days. I was not satisfied and was determined to go back. So, the itinerary is as follows:
Paris - 5th Sept - 11 Sept. Staying at Hotel de la Herse d'Or
Over night train to Venice. 12th Sept day trip in Venice. Train to Florence in the evening. Staying at Bed and Bed Cassia.
13,14th in Florence.
15th - train to Rome. Staying at Hotel Julia.
18th - Fly home to London
I am a student, so there is a budget, but I'd love advice of any sort on where to go, what to see, and how to do it = )
Cheers!
Paris loves greenery and space and from the heart of the city to its outer fringes, visitors and locals find plenty to enjoy. The French capital is said to be Europe’s greenest city, devoting ¼ of its area to open spaces. Large or small, formal or informal, they embellish historical sites, stretch along the river Seine, take over ancient woodlands or disused railway tracks.
Paris gardens and parks are awarded a generous budget to provide wonderful oases for everyone. Sitting on the lawns is not always allowed but in these peaceful havens filled with colour and fragrance, no one seems to mind. Garden tours lasting around three hours are available.
Luxembourg Gardens
On the left bank of the Seine, the Luxembourg gardens boast 350 000 flowers and shrubs and are the largest within the city. Romantic couples stroll under the trees, men play chess, others read or watch the world go by while families head for the puppet show.
There are fountains and lots of statues, including French Queens, St Genevieve, patron of Paris, and a mini Statue of Liberty. An inexpensive café serves refreshments in the shade and model boats sail across the pond, barely disturbing the lovely reflections of the Luxembourg Palace, now housing the Senate. The Parisians owe their favourite oasis to Queen Marie de Médicis who commissioned palace and gardens in the 17th century in the style of her native Tuscany.
Jardin des Tuileries
The Tuileries palace did not survive a turbulent past but the Jardin des Tuileries is sheer delight, part of the central axis linking the Louvre Museum to the Concorde Square along the Seine. The park was designed by Le Notre who created the fabled gardens of Versailles.
Formal lawns and flower beds are enhanced by water features and sculptures, some by well known French artists Maillol and RodinThe southern terrace offers superb views over the river. The Jardin des Tuileries is home to two art museums, including the Musée de l’Orangerie displaying works by Claude Monet.
Bois de Vincennes
On the eastern edge of Paris, the Bois de Vincennes was landscaped by Baron Haussman, the architect of 19th century Paris. Admiring London’s public parks, Haussman turned the old royal hunting ground into informal gardens, retaining the woodlands to bring the countryside to the city’s doorstep.
Nearly three times the size of Central Park in New York, the Bois de Vincennes is crisscrossed by jogging, riding and cycling trails and includes four lakes, a castle, a zoo and a Buddhist temple, built for a colonial exhibition and still in use.
The Bois de Vincennes attracts bird watchers, families who picnic in the shade and couples in search of romance. There are rowing boats, exhibitions about the natural world and a Floral Park which is the pride and joy of every Parisian.
Inspired to visit the City of Light? Don’t forget to check out our collection of luxury hotels in Paris…
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