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From the plush towels to ideal location, our apartment was perfect. Thanks for living up to your promises! Justin, Melbourne
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Paris Perfect’s Top Ten Must-Sees in the City of Lights!

Here, by popular demand, are the top to-do’s when in Paris as compiled by the staff of Paris Perfect:

  1. Boat Ride on the Seine River: Whether this is your first or fiftieth trip to Paris, take the Bateaux Mouches or the Bateau Bus for a delightful sightseeing tour. Glide past the beautiful monuments and see what makes Paris one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Glide past the Eiffel Tower, Musee’ d’Orsay, the Louvre, the Academie Francaise, the Senate buildings, Notre Dame, Ile St. Louis, and even past a small version of the Statue of Liberty. The oldest company is Bateaux Mouches. Also see Bateau Bus.
  2.

    Shop a Paris Street Market: These markets date from the 1400s, when farmers brought their wares into Paris to sell, carried in wooden carts. That they remain and flourish is a timeless element of Paris. Merchants bring their specialties from all over France — vegetables, fruits, flowers, cheeses, wines, seafood and more — to be sold to finicky Parisians who value quality and price. Don’t resist finding that perfect delicacy to share with family and friends in your vacation apartment. All of our apartments are located within a short walk to some of the best open markets in Paris and we provide lots of information to our guests on hours, specialties etc.

  3.

    Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars Gardens: Stroll over at sunset or after dark to enjoy the hourly magical light show that starts at nightfall. 20,000 lights sparkle up and down La Grande Dame, Parisian’s name for the Eiffel Tower, and the sight is unforgettable. The light show was created for the 2000 Millennium celebration, and proved so popular that the City of Paris has made it permanent. Presided over by the tower is the Champs de Mars Gardens, where our children played when they were small. Find an ancient puppet theatre, still operating, a hand-cranked merry-go-round. On weekends, time stands still as grandparents bring the grandchildren to play while they sit on green wooden benches and remember their own childhoods passed in the same way.

  4. Visit the Puces or Paris Flea Market: If you love antiques and interesting objets d’art, don’t miss a visit to the largest antique market in the world, Les Puces. Go early on Saturday or Sunday because when the weather is nice, it will get very crowded by late morning. See our article on the Paris Flea Markets for more information on its history, the different markets, and opening hours.
  5.

    Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre: I’m sure you’re asking why it took so long to ‘get serious’ with museum suggestions! Most guidebooks can give you the ‘top ten’ sights, but we want you to really experience and fall in love with Paris as Parisians do. The Musee d’Orsay is one of our favorites; it’s walking distance from most of our apartments at www.parisperfect.com and one of the most beautiful modern musems we’ve ever visited. The specialty is Impressionist art, but you’ll find paintings leading up to that period and more. What can we add about The Louvre, one of the richest museums in the world in terms of size and art? A tip: it’s easier to digest in small bites, so choose a wing and savor it. Come back another time for more.

  6.

    Notre Dame and Berthillon: The beauty and size of this Cathedral never cease to amaze; run up the steps to see the famous Gargoyles and then stop at Berthillon ice cream on Ile St. Louis for a treat afterwards.

  7. Rodin Museum/Invalides: We love Rodin’s sculptures that come alive with expression and movement. And we enjoy the manageable size of this gem next to the Invalides. Take a picnic and eat on the grounds of the Rodin Museum. The Invalides is where Napoleon is buried and offers one of the most impressive military museums in the world.
  8. Sainte Chappelle, Cluny Museum and Luxembourg Gardens: Made famous by The DaVinci Code, the Sainte Chappelle is a stunningly beautiful gem - a small Cathedral with gorgeous stained glass windows. Nearby is the Cluny Museum with the famous red tapestries. The Luxembourg Gardens are as timeless and beautiful as the Champs de Mars Gardens; we squeeze it in here so our list stays at 10!
  9.

    Stroll the Left Bank and Latin Quarter: Where other than in Paris can you wander for hours discovering more unique shops, design, buildings and architecture? Whether you are shopping for shoes, clothing or the finest antiques from Europe, you’ll find it all siteseeing here.

  10. Versailles: Favorite home of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI. The Palace and Gardens have been lovingly restored (many American benefactors) and you can bring a picnic and spend the day. Take the RER direct to Versailles - the line runs along the river and direct from most of our apartments.