Next stop: Notre Dame Cathedral
Walking directions: From Le Balzar, take Blvd. St. Michel north; cross the Seine river, and turn right on Quai du Marche Neuf until you reach Notre Dame.
By bus: Walk to Blvd. Saint Michel and take the 38 or 62 bus north; get off at "Cité". Walk down Quai du Marché Neuf to Notre Dame.
- Notre Dame Cathedral is one place you shouldn't miss. The breathtaking 13th-century gothic cathedral is a true chef d'oeuvre. Make sure to visit the cathedral towers for a fantastic view of Paris.
Next stop: The Louvre or Musée d'Orsay
Directions:
To get from Notre Dame to the Louvre, walk back across the Seine toward Saint-Michel, and take bus 27 from Quai des Grands Augustins (direction St. Lazare). Get off at Quai du Louvre; the museum entrance is just northwest of the stop.
To get to the Musee d'Orsay: Take the RER C at Saint-Michel; direction St.-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Get off at Musée d'Orsay.
- The Louvre is the world's most gargantuan and popular fine arts museum. Today, though, take only two to three hours and see one or two wings.
- The Musee d'Orsay houses the world's most remarkable collection of early modern art, including Monet, Degas, or Gaugin.
Next stop: Champs-Elysees and Arc du Triomphe
Directions: From the Louvre, take metro line 1 to Champs-Elysees-Clemenceau. From Orsay, Take bus #73, direction "Place de Belgique" to Champs-Elysees Clemenceau.
- The Champs-Elysees is Paris' most famous avenue. Walking down the majestic, wide avenue is always a thrill.
- The Arc du Triomphe crowns the "Champs" at the west end. Emperor Napoleon's tribute to himself features elaborate sculptures and affords great views of the city.
