Paris is its image: fashionable, cosmopolitan, cultured and romantic.
I've been to Paris twice. Once, as a student and the other as the mother of a student.
In the ensuing years between my first and second visit, not much had changed. The same landmarks and sights which wowed me the first time, did so the second.
The Eiffel Tower: This distinct iron tower was built next to the Seine River in 1889 for the Word's Fair. Be sure to take an evening river tour to see the city of lights from the water. Back in 1979, the tower was not lit. It is now and it sparkles above all else. During the day, be sure to take a ride up to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the city.
Avenue des Champs Elysees: This is the most prestigious avenue in Paris. It is lined with cafes, fashion and luxury shops. In the summer, an open air cafe is the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cool drink and people watch. Another iconic landmark, The Arc de Triomphe is nearby.
Montmartre & the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) : It's a bit of a climb, but well worth the hike. Montmartre is the artistic district of Paris. This is where Picasso and Toulouse-Laytrec lived and painted. Artists still work here and display their art. The atmosphere is wonderful and the view from the top of Montmartre is amazing.
Louvre: The national museum of France is a must see! A former palace, the Louvre is home to over 35,000 art objects including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. The works of the world's most recognized masters - Rembrandt, Vermeers, da Vinci, Michelangelo - are on display. It's simply the greatest art museum on earth.
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Notre Dame: This catholic church is breathtaking on several levels. First, the architecture - outside the flying buttresses, the facade with its stone carvings and the gargoyle rain spots. Second, inside the large rose stain glass window gleams like a jewel inside the dark interior.
I went to France as the parent of a student also. $999 for 10 days including airfare, hotel and food - unreal! Paris and the spots you describe were all beautiful. But my favorite on the trip was Le Mont St Michel off the coast of Normandy, a tidal island not always accessible depending on the tides. The monastery is magnificent and the history is breathtaking, compared to our history in the U.S. being only a couple hundred years! :)
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