Les Cartes Postales: Le Trocadéro

For the 1878 World's Fair, the (old) Palais du Trocadéro was built someetings of international organizations could be held during the fair. The palace's form was that of a large concert hall with two wings and two towers; its style was a mixture of exotic and historical references, generally called "Moorish" but with some Byzantine elements.

Below the building a large aquarium was built to contain fish of French rivers. It was renovated in 1937 but closed again for renovation from 1985 until May 2006. The space between the palais and the Seine is set with gardens, designed by Jean-Charles Alphand, and an array of fountains.

Free Admission to Paris Museums

If you were looking for an excuse to head to the local Paris museums for a day out, come April, you won't have any better one.
Beginning April 4, visitors under 25 years of age, as well as professors, will be admitted into the French national museums and monuments for free. This includes Paris' Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. The normal admission fee for adults at the Louvre, for example, is around €9, or $12. So, if you qualify, take advantage and brush up on your French culture!

Stroll a Parisian Flower Market

Did you know that in medieval times, cathedrals were completely painted with bright colors, both inside and out? None of this painting remains except on the inside of Sainte-Chapelle, another fantastic church known for its stained glass windows. You’ll find it hidden within the walls of the Palais de Justice.

On your way back to Le Marais from Ile de la Cité, be sure to stop at the incredible flower market. There are nearly 50 stalls offering thousands of potted flowers. From Paris’ popular geraniums to sophisticated orchids – and everything in between – these floral gems are all anticipating a peaceful life in a Parisian window. Take one home with you!

Marvel at Notre Dame

Cross the Pont St Louis and you’ll find yourself on Ile de la Cité. At the east end of this island is the World War II memorial, just by square Jean XXIII. The island is home to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, the masterpiece of gothic architecture built in the 1100s. It has just undergone a major cleaning project and is now even more magnificent with its pure white stones contrasting against the blue Parisian sky – the perfect photo op.

Tour Hotel de Sens

Closer to the Seine and the St. Marie Bridge in Village Saint Paul, stop by the Hotel de Sens, former house of the Archbishop of the City of Sens. With its renaissance style and gothic remains, you’ll feel more like you’re in the Loire Valley than in Paris.
Continue across the bridge and you’ll be on Ile Saint Louis, an island that is a favorite among Americans. This is the real Paris, so magical that you can’t help but fall in love with the city. The Ile is also home to many charming and affordable restaurants, offering great menus for less than 30 euros. Perhaps a bit touristy, but a great walking tour.

Walk Village Saint Paul

The Village Saint Paul is truly a village – it is a self-contained area dedicated to peace and the art of living. This tiny block of houses with its stone streets is entirely pedestrian and accessible only through arched passageways. It is located just behind Saint Paul Church, between the noisy rue de Rivoli and the busy road bordering the Seine.
Just to the west of Village Saint Paul, you’ll notice a long medieval wall with towers. This is the only section left of the Philippe Auguste fortifications. Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, Paris was only the size of today’s first six districts. The city was a fortress, completely surrounded by walls and towers to keep out criminals.

Visit 63 rue de Monceau

Wouldn't you love to tour one of the many beautiful Parisian mansions dotted throughout the city? Since most have been divided into apartments or are not open to the public, ce n'est pas possible.

But, there is one- the Musée Nissim de Camondo, a spectacular private hotel at 63, rue de Monceau.

The entire collection is stunning. All of the French XVII century objects are woven in history—tables and vases from Marie Antoinette, and carpets from Versailles. It is not each object, but the whole incredible ensemble, that makes the collection harmonious and magical.

A Stroll Through the 9th

A jewel of the 9th district, the Parisian home of the French Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau [1826 -1898] is located at 14 rue de la Rochefoucauld, hidden away in the Nouvelle Athènes neighborhood. One could often walk by without noticing this extraordinary museum since the heavy doors appear to be always closed.
The second story is actually the painter's old workshop, built in 1895. There are broad windows and a high ceiling framing the room. The third story, connected by a remarkable spiraling staircase, leads to the second workshop of the artist.
The walls are completely covered with oversized paintings of more than two hundred biblical and mythological characters.