The Way Anchor Way - Your Way - His Way - Week A'Way
Paris A'Way
It is impossible not to fall in love with Paris. The city is a unique blend of iconic architecture, stylish fashion, hedonistic cuisine and illustrious art, all beautifully laid out on the banks of the river Seine. Paris has nurtured the artistic talents of Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dameinspired the renovation of the famous Gothic cathedral after which the tale was named. The concert halls have hosted the premiere of Bizet's opera,Carmen,and the impressionist melodies of Claude Debussy. Cabaret found its home in the bohemian neighbourhood of Montmartre, where the notorious Moulin Rouge saw the invention of the Cancan dance.
Paris owes much of its beauty and elegance to the vision of Baron Haussmann, who renovated and modernised the city in the late 19th century. The city has contrived to remain untouched by conflict or catastrophe over the years, so all of its history is preserved in the new layout. Wide boulevards lead to squares lined with facades built from the distinctive pale cream 'Paris stone'. Haussman even designed new parks for the city. The Bois de Bologne was inspired by Hyde Park in London.
Paris is a city for all seasons. Summer sees visitors and locals alike relaxing on the banks of the Seine and sipping coffee on sidewalk cafes. On autumn afternoons the brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up the glittering Champs Elysees is carpeted with colourful fallen leaves. Visitors in winter can take to the ice rink outside the Hotel de Ville, while spring sees the city gardens burst into colour and the street performers emerge to practice their trade.
Paris is fairly compact and easy to navigate and many tourists opt to walk or bicycle around to soak up the flavour of the city and take in the numerous iconic landmarks and parks, or stop at one of the many pavement cafés. A cruise down the Seine is also a popular option as many of the city's greatest sights are on the river, including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower.
Other things to see in Paris include the Basilique du Sacre-Cœur, which offers great views over Paris. The Pompidou Centre houses the Musée National d'Art Modern, while the square to the west of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers. Stroll around the cobblestone streets of the Marais district with its mansions and museums, or visit the courtyards and antique shops of Ile St-Louis, which also boasts the former homes of Marie Curie, Baudelaire, and Voltaire.
South of the river, the Musée d'Orsay, the Rodin Museum and the Hotel des Invalides (the burial place of many great French soldiers, including Napoleon Bonaparte) can be found. When they've finished sightseeing, visitors can idle away an afternoon in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Further along visitors can stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, Paris' first public garden, created by Louis XIII's doctor for the cultivation of medicinal plants, or visit the National History Museum. The St-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood, the former residence of existentialists Sartre and Camus, has retained much of its bohemian atmosphere with bookshops, art galleries and coffeehouses.
Paris owes much of its beauty and elegance to the vision of Baron Haussmann, who renovated and modernised the city in the late 19th century. The city has contrived to remain untouched by conflict or catastrophe over the years, so all of its history is preserved in the new layout. Wide boulevards lead to squares lined with facades built from the distinctive pale cream 'Paris stone'. Haussman even designed new parks for the city. The Bois de Bologne was inspired by Hyde Park in London.
Paris is a city for all seasons. Summer sees visitors and locals alike relaxing on the banks of the Seine and sipping coffee on sidewalk cafes. On autumn afternoons the brisk walk from the Eiffel Tower through the Parc du Champ de Mars and up the glittering Champs Elysees is carpeted with colourful fallen leaves. Visitors in winter can take to the ice rink outside the Hotel de Ville, while spring sees the city gardens burst into colour and the street performers emerge to practice their trade.
Paris is fairly compact and easy to navigate and many tourists opt to walk or bicycle around to soak up the flavour of the city and take in the numerous iconic landmarks and parks, or stop at one of the many pavement cafés. A cruise down the Seine is also a popular option as many of the city's greatest sights are on the river, including Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower.
Other things to see in Paris include the Basilique du Sacre-Cœur, which offers great views over Paris. The Pompidou Centre houses the Musée National d'Art Modern, while the square to the west of the building attracts a varied assortment of street performers. Stroll around the cobblestone streets of the Marais district with its mansions and museums, or visit the courtyards and antique shops of Ile St-Louis, which also boasts the former homes of Marie Curie, Baudelaire, and Voltaire.
South of the river, the Musée d'Orsay, the Rodin Museum and the Hotel des Invalides (the burial place of many great French soldiers, including Napoleon Bonaparte) can be found. When they've finished sightseeing, visitors can idle away an afternoon in the Jardin du Luxembourg. Further along visitors can stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, Paris' first public garden, created by Louis XIII's doctor for the cultivation of medicinal plants, or visit the National History Museum. The St-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood, the former residence of existentialists Sartre and Camus, has retained much of its bohemian atmosphere with bookshops, art galleries and coffeehouses.
Monday - Arrival in Paris
You ArriveBy air, land, or sea: wherever you are are in the world, we can arrange for your transport to Paris. You can also choose to arrive early or stay extra nights - no need to coordinate with others in the group.
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Hotel Check-inYou choose the class of hotel to fit your comfort and budget. No need to coordinate with others in the group. Only you will know if your accommodations are 1* or 5*
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Ponder the PossibilitiesYou will receive a 3-day Paris site-seeing pass that includes skip-the-line entry to the most popular sites. You will also have unlimited use of city trains, buses, and trams. Follow the Way Anchor schedule of group activities when you want to, and go your own way when you choose.
See the Possibilities |
Tuesday - Thursday 3 days to "Dive-in" to Paris
Good MorningMorning "Walk & Talk" begins at a coffee shop and ends at the site-seeing starting point
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A day in Paris - Your wayUse your pass to see sites you want to see, when you want to see them. Don't forget that you get to skip-the-line at the major sites.
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Evening StrollYour chance to share stories with the group as you share the streets with Parisians. Ice-cream is definitely an option.
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Friday - Sunday "Dive" Deeper
Friday Side-TripMake a day-trip to Versaille. Or choose Chartres, Giverny, Normandy, Fontainbleu, or somewhere else - It's your-way!
See all Day-Trips from Paris |
Satur"day in the Park"We'll extend our morning "walk and talk" to shop for souvenirs and picnic fixins, then spend the afternoon breaking bread and sharing wine in Luxembourg Park.
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Sunday church serviceChoose any of Paris' many churches. Services are available in English, or you can try French.
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