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The palace's form was that of a large concert hall with two wings and two towers; its style was a mixture of exotic and historical references, generally called "Moorish" but with some Byzantine elements.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.