Day One

Having a full week to explore the rich and fascinating country of France allows you enough time to enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Paris, the legendary castle of Versailles, and the magnificent Loire Valley, while still allowing time to explore Provence and wile away a languid day the French Riviera.

 

Begin your journey Paris, the world famous City of Light, made famous in countless books, movies, and poetry works. Start at the top, literally: the legendary Eiffel Tower. Designed by Gustave-Alexandre Eiffel and built for the Universal Exhibition of 1889, the tower stands 1,056 feet tall. There are several ways to ascend the tower. The first is to bypass the elevator lines and hike two floors by stairs. If you want a more exciting view, travel by elevator to one of three increasing high levels (tickets are more expensive the higher you go).

 

After gazing at the city from above, you will be ready to hit the pavement and start exploring. Make your way over a few streets to Paris’ other famous monument, the Arc de Triomphe. It stands 163 feet high and 147 feet wide, and was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, though it was completed in 1836 under a different ruler. It is decorated with sculptures and engraved with the names of generals who commanded troops in Napoleon’s armies.

 

Because the Arc de Triomphe stands at the head of one of the most famous streets in the world, you are in perfect position to spend the afternoon strolling down the Champs-Elysees on your way to Place de la Concorde. The Champs-Elysees is Paris’ commercial heart and soul. It is lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Choose a lovely sidewalk café or bistro, and order a traditional Parisian lunch of croque monsieur (a decadently French ham and cheese sandwich).

 

When you have had your fill, continue your stroll. Finish at the Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’ major squares, marked by a giant Egyptian obelisk. It was the site of many of the beheadings during the French Revolution including King Louie XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette.