One of Paris' most famous streets is the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. Taking a stroll down this wide and traffic-filled thoroughfare is a must for any trip to Paris. Beginning at the Arch de Triumph on the upper side of the avenue, visitors can see the Tomb of he Unknown Soldier as well as one of the busiest intersections in the city, which connects a dozen major streets in one place.
Find some of the best cafes and shopping available in Paris along the Champs-Elysees. The shops offer everything from perfume to sports cars, and the cafes offer some of the fine French foods only found in specialty shops in the United States.
A walk down the Champs-Elysees would not be complete without saving part of it for the evening hours. The lights along the avenue cast an enchanting glow over the city streets, and many of the shops and cafes are open late, In addition, a trip along the avenue should include stopping to see the world famous Lido de Paris cabaret show.
The Palace of Versailles was originally a hunting lodge built by Louis XIII. When his successor, Louis XIV took over, he made grand expansions to the palace and relocated the central government operation to the palace. This remained the center of the monarchy's power until the French Revolution.
When spending a short time in Paris, a trip to this magnificent palace and a tour of its grounds is a must. The palace is about a half hour outside of the city, but well worth the trip. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the best in classic French art and can visit the Museum of the History of France. Inside the palace itself is the newly renovated Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartment and so much that symbolizes the absolute power and excess of the king during the time of Louis XIV.
Guests here can also take a walk through the royal gardens or see the private estate of Marie Antoinette, the wife of Louis XIV who was later convicted of treason during the Reign of Terror and beheaded in Paris.
Perhaps the most identifiable landmark in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, and even a weekend in Paris should include a visit there. The tower was built as the entrance way to the 1889 World's Fair by Gustave Eiffel and it is now visited by millions each year.
A trip to the top of the tower provides a panoramic view of the city with some of the best photo opportunities. A restaurant located within the tower, Jules Verne Restaurant, is among the city's finest eateries and should be included in any culinary tour of the city.
