Paris at Its Most Parisian

Nov. 8, 2004 — -- There's a finesse to life in Paris -- a comfortable, time-tested rhythm of kisses on the cheek, shopping at neighborhood market streets, and seeing familiar faces at the corner café. When you're in Paris, take time to savor Parisian life, stopping to order a crêpe and strong coffee (two of the city's many small pleasures) on your way to the next world-class sight.

The massive Notre-Dame Cathedral is a pinch-me-I'm-in-Paris experience. If it's raining, rush here to see the gargoyle drain-pipes spout out water. Notre-Dame means "Our Lady," and every bell tower, gargoyle, and stained-glass window here is dedicated to Mary. France's most famous church has a picture-perfect location on the Seine, an historic interior (where Napoleon was crowned), and lively action on the cathedral square.

Just a short, scenic bridge away is the neighboring island of Ile St. Louis. This elegant island in the center of the Seine has high-rent apartments, fancy boutiques, and characteristic restaurants. What was once swampy marshland is now the best address in town. Window-shop along the island's main street for a range of dinner possibilities, from cozy creperies to brasseries to rollicking all-you-can-eat places. After dinner, seek out the island's popular Berthillon ice cream shop and enjoy a stroll, licking the best ice cream in Paris while gazing on an illuminated Notre-Dame.

It's easy to be entranced by the City of Light -- many of its most famous residents were. Impressionists such as Manet, Monet, Degas, and Renoir created paintings that captured a local ballet dance class, an outdoor picnic, and the café culture of the common people. For fans of this school of art, there's no better place than the Orsay Museum. You'll see how Impressionist painters woke up the sleepy art world by moving art out of stodgy studios into the shimmering light of the sun.