There is no shortage of transportation means in Paris, and the public transportation system is extremely efficient. But touring Paris by metro may not be the most rewarding sightseeing occasion. That?s where the Open Tour deals you a better hand.
Two circuits to discover from the top deck
There are at least two advantages to a double-decker: you sit higher so you see farther, and it smells better on the open deck than at traffic level. Overall, the top platform is very pleasant excepted of course during rainy days.
The company which operates the Open Tour platform bus offers 4 touring circuits, each exploring several well-known areas. The ?Grand Tour? is the longest, the ?Montparnasse - Saint-Germain? a must-do. In my opinion, the other two are less interesting.
One of the two major benefits of the Open Tour formula is the multi-lingual commentary pointing at what you should look at. The other is to allow passengers to get off at each stop, visit the area, and board the next Open Tour double-decker with their 1-day or 2-day passes.
Off to the ?Grand Tour?
The 2-hour long ?Grand Tour? circuit starts at ?Le Printemps?, one of the largest department stores in Paris. Its first stop is the old Opera Garnier. Recently renovated, the Opera house is a fine example of Second Empire architecture. It shelters the National Ballet Academy where 11-year old girls start the hard-labor path which may lead them eventually to the coveted honor of being recognized as a ?Star?, a soloist ballerina.
The decker moves on to the Gardens of Palais Royal which have become famous for the black-and-white striped concrete stumps called the ?Buren?s Columns?. The Louvre museum is a couple of minutes away. The bus enters the center courtyard through the Arches of Rohan. It stops between Li Pei?s steel and glass pyramid, and the small Carrousel, a small version of the Arch of Triumph which sits at the end of the Champs Elysees avenue.
The bus then moves to the central courtyard of the Louvre museum where you will admire (or loathe) architect Li Pei?s glass pyramid. There again, the contrast between such a modern structure and the classical proportions of the Louvre buildings is open to debate.
Then it?s off to Notre Dame Cathedral, and crossing the river Seine over the Pont Neuf, the medieval bridge built from 1578 to 1604. Notre Dame Cathedral can be toured, and the faithful can attend a Catholic mass. For the not-faint-of-hearts, the high towers offer a photo-opp view at the top of a steep flight of stairs. The large plaza which lies at the feet of the cathedral often becomes an improvised stage for street performers.
The Open Tour then takes you on a long ride along the left banks of the Seine, to the Orsay Museum. The 19th-century decommissioned train station was fully renovated in the 80?s and converted into a large museum dedicated to impressionist art. The facade of the building is an architectural delight.
A little detour will have you cross the Seine again, and land on Concorde Square, a plaza of awesome dimensions. There stands the Louqsor obelisk offered to King Charles X by Egyptian sovereign Mohammad Ali in 1831. Then it?s up the Champs Elysees Avenue.
The lower section of the famous thoroughfare has kept some of its 19th-century charm with its sidewalks shaded by many trees. It ends at ?Petit Palais? and ?Grand Palais?, two major exhibition venues built toward the end of the 19th century, and recently renovated. From there starts the upper section of the Avenue, which has only become uglier and uglier ever since the 60?s.
Atop the Champs Elysees stands the Arch of Triumph, a monument commissioned by Napoleon I to celebrate his victory over the Austrian armies at Austerlitz. The four pillars of the large Roman-style structure bear the names of the killing fields where the French tyrant exacted his death toll on European populations.
Moving on. Going around the Arch of Triumph and down a side avenue, the Open Tour bus proceeds to the Trocadero, a majestic structure built in the Roman Empire style at the end of the 19th century. I believe the Trocadero plaza is one of the two places in Paris from where you get the best full view of the Eiffel Tower.
The Tower is your next destination. The bus circles around it, going through the midsection of the Gardens of Mars, a vast expanse of grass which lies at the feet of Mr. Eiffel?s brainchild. Quite a fine site to spend a summer afternoon, soaking the sun.
The Open Tour home stretch leads you back across the Concorde Plaza, up the Rue Royale and along the upscale chic Rue St Honore. The rich 2-hour tour stops at the gates of the Madeleine Church.
Details of some importance
The Open Tour company offers 1-day and 2-day passes. Those allow you to board and de-board the company?s double-deckers at any stop along the tour circuits. Both passes also give you access to take all 4 tours. At ?25 and ?28 respectively, they are excellent value for money. Children?s rates are discounted 50% over regular rates. The Open Tour should be a thrill for your teenage kids. That you can board and get off at any stop ensures they won?t get bored, or grow impatient.
The website of the operator shows you where to buy your day pass, where to board the bus, and at what time. Type ?open tour Paris? on Google, they come up first.
I leave you on this final note: when you want to see as many sites as possible but feel dead tired after 3 days of walking the streets, the Open Tour double-deckers offer an easy-going way to soak in some more history and architecture. Good deal!
About the Author: With thirty years of on-the-ground experience, Phil Chavanne has helped many travelers to make the best of their stay in Paris. You can share his thorough knowledge of the city at http://www.paris-eiffel-tower-news.com/walking-in-paris.html, a free guide with many advices, stories, and tips on Paris Hotels and Restaurants.
RacingJunk.com® Partners with ISCARS DASH Touring
Raceway Media's RacingJunk.com®, the largest online motorsports marketplace, has just announced its new partnership agreement with the ASA-sanctioned International Sport Compact Auto Racing Series (ISCARS) DASH Touring.
Traveling With Family In A Caravan For The Vacation
There is one time in a year, when most of the families get excited about traveling to a very nice place for their vacation. Usually it is during the time, when all the members of the family have their holidays.
Caravans For Your Holiday Vacation
What used to be defined as a group of travelers traveling together has now changed. This also used to mean group of merchants traveling on camels or on horses and going to different locations to trade goods. But all these changed when cars were invented. Now, caravans can mean cars used when people travel from one location to another. People are now using this means of transportation to travel together or bring products and goods to other areas. Caravans can also mean a home trailer for people who are always on the road. Such caravans are named motor home caravans.
Breaking Away By RV Camping
As professional life becomes more and more demanding, and the kids are placed under even more strain at school, it becomes increasingly necessary to have a good vacation. And there is little activity more relaxing than spending a weekend or a week off with the majesty of mother nature RV camping. What is RV camping, and what is the best way to ensure you have a good time doing it? The following article tells you a bit about the best ways to take in the great outdoors with an RV.
Wireless Service RV Accessory Options Now Available Through Passport America, WiFiRV
RV accessory options have become greatly advanced with the announcement that WiFiRV is now the preferred WiFi wireless service provider for Passport America.
Truck Camper: A Perfect Rv Solution For Campers
Truck campers are the perfect RV solution for you if you are a camping freak and consider going out on a camping experience every week. Truck campers are compact and don't require a special license to use one of these. These camper vehicles are inexpensive and provide great comfort to travelers as compared to the traditional recreational vehicles. If you have been sleeping on the ground or in a tent on your entire camping experience, then you must consider purchasing a truck camper today.
Traveling By RV: Why You Should Create A Trip Itinerary
Are you interested in taking a trip in your RV in the near future? If you are, you will likely hear over and over again the importance of being properly prepared. As tiring as this may be to keep on hearing, it is an important point that needs to be mentioned. The more prepared you are for your upcoming RV trip, the more fun you are likely to have, while being safe at the same time.
Touring The Scottish Highlands
Misty Lochs, landscapes rich in history and heritage and tartan-clad locals proud of their unique traditions - in ?bonny Scotland? you?ll discover a country that is refreshingly different from many other UK destinations The city of Glasgow is the ideal base from which to plan your travel adventures through Scotland
RV How-To-Video Producer Offers Cutting Edge Instant Video Downloads for RV Consumers
With all of today's technology consumers want instant access to the products they purchase. Over the past few years instant download e-books were the craze and this instant gratification is currently moving in the direction of video.
Touring Florence With Car Hire
Europe?s culture capital can only get better with car hire Boasting more galleries and museums than you could shake a stick at, boredom in Florence is not an option
RV Satellite TV Systems - Get the Best System and Service
RV Satellite TV Systems
Choosing the Right RV
If you are planning to rent an RV for your next camping trip, this article will help you with some information about how to find, choose, and evaluate a recreational vehicle (RV) that you may want to take your next vacation in.
The Latest in Motor Home Driving: Workhorse to Show New 22,000 lb. GVWR Version of UFO Chassis at Tampa RV Show
The new chassis will be on display at the Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa Jan. 16 to 20.
RV Park Pals
My husband and I are retired and have been for three years now. We enjoy traveling in our RV. This is a great way to see America. I mean you really see America this way and not just through a windshield traveling down the interstate highway system. By staying in RV parks, you get to know the people of America. This is a terrific way to meet new friends and view the different lifestyles of folks across the country. We have met the most interesting people that we have ever met in our travels since we have been retired than we ever did working nine to five jobs.
Touring Napa From Above: Hot Air Balloon Rides Over The Valley
The most popular way to see Napa is on the ground, picking your way through vast vineyards tasting any number of different wines. If you?re in the mood for something that will stimulate the blood a bit, however, there?s another option. One of the most unique approaches to experiencing the glory that is the Napa Valley is to ascend above it in a hot air balloon. From this new vantage point, you?ll truly appreciate the vivid green landscape. With the number of hot air ballooning companies rising steadily over the past two decades, prices have dropped dramatically, and it?s now possible to soar above the clouds for less than 200 dollars per person. So grab a couple of bottles of fantastic California wine, and prepare to embark on the adventure...