Guide to Paris: Insight into the Famed City of Lights

Upcoming Events in Paris

2011-10-05T19:53:00.003-04:00

Celebrate Paris in the Fall by taking part in some of the many events happening over the next 2 months!

Montmartre Wine Festival

From Oct 6 - 11, 2011, celebrate Paris' last remaining vineyard, in the Montmartre district, during this annual wine festival. Held each October, wine producers from all over France gather for the 5 day local festival.

The 40th Festival d’Automne

The Festival d’Automne (Fall Festival) is a months long celebration of modern arts in the city of Paris. The festival includes many different art forms, including visual arts, theater, dance, music and cinema. The Fall Festival presents original works that are experimental approaches to art by over 40 commissioned artists.

La Semaine du Goût

Explore the art of French cuisine during La Semaine du Goût (The Week of Taste) in Paris from Oct 17th through Oct 23rd. Learn more about the legendary French cuisine from the most famous chefs in Paris (and France) as they invite the public into their c

Spring Time in Paris

2011-06-02T15:11:00.002-04:00

Spring has officially arrived in Paris, and both the locals and tourists have come out to play in droves. There is truly no city as wonderful in the spring as Paris. If you're lucky enough to be visiting the city this season, you're in for a wonderful treat. Gone are the black outfits that Parisians hide behind during the gray, cold winter. Instead, if you're very lucky, you may spy a Parisian wearing a pop of color and (gasp!) a smile.

We wanted to showcase a few of the best places to spend a sunshine-filled afternoon in Paris. Below are a few spots that are ideal for some people watching, reading a favorite book, or sipping a cafe noir.

Cafes: Paris is truly a cafe city, and the options for sitting outside and people watching at one are endless. Find yourself a spot (perhaps at Le Dome or Le Select in Montparnasse which were two of Hemingway's favorites) and settle in with a good book, a cafe noir, or a glass of pinot. Tip Alert: A word of caution – outdoor seating usually comes at a premium, with prices 1 to 2 euros higher for each item listed versus the prices on the regular menu.

Gardens du Luxembourg: the second largest park in Paris, is gorgeous and filled with lush gardens and fountains. The perfect place to picnic with friends, or a waste away a quiet afternoon reflecting on your trip so far, the Gardens du Luxembourg never disappoint. You may even spot French politicians during your visit, as the French Senate is located on the park. Tip Alert: Keep your eyes peeled for the Pantheon, which one can see from the Luxembourg Palace.

Parc du Champs: My personal favorite park in all of Paris is the Parc du Champs. Located at the base of the Eiffel Tower, one can watch everything from local soccer (excuse me, futbol) pick up games, to families exploring the grounds, to friends picnicking with a bottle of wine. So grab a baguette and some cheese, a bottle of red, and settle in for an afternoon. Tip Alert: this is also a prime spot to visit in the evening, when the Eiffel Tower's light show begins.

French Open: this may be more of a personal favorite, but what could be better than watching the world's best tennis players compete at the world's premier clay court tennis event? Will Francesca Sciavone repeat at age 30? Will Rafael Nadal tie Bjorn Borg's French Open record? Will Djokovic solidify his position as the world's best in 2011? Tip Alert: Don't have a ticket to the French Open? Catch all the important matches on a giant screen deployed at the Hotel de Ville (Paris City Hall) throughout the tournament.

Upcoming Art Exhibits in Paris

2011-03-29T15:28:00.015-04:00

Here at Aeon we love to keep our guests informed about upcoming events in Paris. Below are a few of the art exhibits that are open now, or opening in the next few days. Enjoy!

Paris Remembers Basquiat

Celebrate the new exhibition space at the Paris Pinacothèque, which opened on January 26, 2011. The first exhibit presents the treasures of the Romanovs, with over one hundred rare works on loan from the legendary the Hermitage Museum of St. Petersburg. Now through May 29, 2011. LEARN MORE

The Heads of Franz Xaver Messerschmidt Come to the Louvre

Famous for his series of male heads created in the 1700's, Messerschmidt studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in 1755. Although initially rejected by art academia, his famed series of expressive male heads has since gained international acclaim posthumously. Now through April 25, 2011. LEARN MORE

Discover Manet, the Inventor of Modern Art, at the d'Orsay Museum

Manet, famous for defying the old renaissance masters with his 'new' modern art style, challenged them with his contemporary modern day paintings. He was adamant about creating art that was “not great art, but sincere art”. April 5 – July 3, 2011. LEARN MORE

Essential Films About Paris

2011-03-09T16:13:00.002-05:00

Paris is a traveler's dream - perfect museums, quaint city streets, fresh bakeries on every corner. There's something about the famous city that enchants both first time visitors and those that have been countless times. Unfortunately, while we may love the city, it isn't always possible to be in the City of Lights. Occasionally, nasty responsibilities like work and family life prevent us from returning as often as one would like.

However, there are several movies that speak to us about at Paris - from romantic comedies, to dramatic indie films, it seems there is no shortage of filmmakers obsessed with the city. Here are just a few to help satiate your Paris cravings:

1) Amelie (famous modern tale that takes our heroine Amelie through the city and Montmartre)

2) Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown's action/drama about the secrets beneath the Louvre)

3) Sex in the City (Carrie visits the fashion capitol of the world, falling hopelessly in and out of love)

4) Moulin Rouge (Appealing to those with musical taste, Nicole Kidman's performance earned her an Oscar nomination)

5) The Bourne Identity (Action packed thriller that takes place in Paris, amongst other famed European capitols)

6) Paris When It Sizzles (A classic film for those old-fashioned romantics in all of us)

7) Le Divorce (Naomi Watts and Kate Hudson sizzle in this family study)

8) Marie Antoinette (Sophia Coppola's artsy study of the legendary Queen stars Kirsten Dunst in arguably her best work yet)

9) Chocolat (a romance sure to make all of us chocolate fans, this hit stars Juliet Binoche and Johnny Depp)

10) Madeline (a family friendly flick that focuses on the child heroine)

Of course there are countless other films that take place in Paris, but these should be a good place to start.

The French Open Will Stay in Paris

2011-02-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

After much debate surrounding the possibility of moving the legendary French Open tennis tournament to a new, more modern stadium has ended with the decision to keep it in its current location. The most famed clay court tournament in the world had been courted by the Versailles Palace, as well as the french suburbs of Gonessse and Marne-La-Valles, but eventually lost out due to the huge expenses that would be involved with building brand new stadiums.

The French Tennis Federation had been considering a move due to the space limitations of the tennis facilities so close to the center of Paris. The tournament continues to grow in popularity around the globe, and the federation had wanted a more modern stadium, in the likes of the US Open in Queens, New York and the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia.

Many of the players cautioned against moving Roland Garros, because they believe the essence of the tournament lies in its intimacy and proximity to Paris. As Roger Federer said when asked about the possible move: “How can I say?” Federer explained, “What about the soul of Roland Garros? This is what we might miss after.”

Louvre Museum Records Record Number of Visitors in 2010

2011-01-06T18:45:00.002-05:00

A crowd eyeing the Mona Lisa

On Thursday, the Louvre Museum reported that 2010 was another record year for visitors to the museum's permanent collection. In 2010, 8.5 million people visited the museum, up from the (then record) 7.8 million in 2009. 2010 marked the museums third year in a row of record growth.

You can see the museum's most famous pieces on our private and group tours of the Louvre. To learn more about our touring options, click here.

The Best Views in Paris

2010-12-29T15:15:00.005-05:00

Visiting a city as beautiful as Paris certainly has its perks - first class food, vibrant nightlife, an endless array of cultural 'to-do's', and wonderful architecture. One of the best ways to take the entire city in, and see it in all its grandeur, is by getting a bird's eye view of it. Of course, it's also a great way to get to take a breather in the midst of all the exploring you'll do. Here are a few of the Best Views of Paris:

1) The Eiffel Tower: of course! Taking the elevator up the Eiffel Tower is unforgettable, and provides a wonderful view of Paris. Tickets to the top are €13.50 (adults), €11.50 (ages 12 to 24) and €9.00 (children). Trips to the 2nd level are €8.10, €6.50, and €4.00. Visitors can even choose to walk to the 2nd level, which is less expensive, but a workout.

2) Montmartre: the true bird's eye view of the Paris, climb the hills of Montmartre to the Sacre Coeur. On a nice day, one can see 20 miles, 360 degrees around. Be sure to visit with the local artists that frequent the street corners in the neighborhood. The carrousel is also a great reward for well-behaved children, and adults that are still young at heart. Entry fees are €5.

3) Centre de Pompidou: the home of Paris' modern art museum also provides one of the quaintest views of the Marais, and the nearby areas. Best of all, one needn't pay the entrance fee unless entering the museum itself, which means this view of Paris is free! Simply ride the escalator up and experience the view for yourself.

4) Arc de Triomphe: some say that the panoramic view of Paris that one gets at the top of the Arc de Triomphe is even better than the Eiffel Tower's. While entrance to the cathedral portion is free, entry tickets to climb the tower are €9 (adults), €5.50 (ages 18 to 25), and free (children).

5) Notre Dame Cathedral: while construction on this cathedral began all the way back in 1163, Notre Dame still has one of the best views of the center of Paris. You can climb all 387 steps for a mere €7.50 (adults), €4.80 (ages 12 to 24), and free (children).

L'Oreal Family Feud Resolved

2010-12-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

France's wealthiest woman, the owner of the L'Oreal cosmetic fortune, and her daughter have resolved their long-running familial dispute. You can read more about that here, courtesy of Yahoo!:

Free Museum Ideas for Budget Conscious Travelers to Paris

2010-12-02T15:38:00.020-05:00

Visiting Paris’ famous museums are on nearly every traveler’s ‘must-do’ list. However, for those of us that are tightening our belts in these challenging economic times, the cost of entry tickets can quickly add up. The Louvre Museum, home to some of the world’s most legendary pieces of art, entry is 9.5 euro, and can climb even higher depending on what exhibits you want to see. For a family of 4, it’s easy to see how a viewing of the Mona Lisa becomes quite the money-suck. (Maybe now we know what she was smiling about).

However, that does not mean that the budget conscious of us need to fret! There are many exquisite museums that are free of charge every day, and even more that offer free admission on certain days of the month. Here are a free recommendations:

One of the Picasso's stolen in 2010

> Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (houses over 8,000 pieces of modern art - some of which were stolen (!) in an art heist in 2010)

> Musée Rodin (home to Rodin’s most famous sculptures)

> Musée national du Moyen Âge (home to art created in the Middle Ages)

> Musée Carnavalet (dedicated to the history of Paris)

And for those who happen to be in town on the first Sunday of the month, the most famous museums in Paris, such as the Louvre, O’rsay Museum, and Centre de Pompidou offer FREE admission. (Be warned - the crowds can be overwhelming at those museums on that day)

Paris Nightlife - An Introduction to Paris After Dark

2010-11-29T11:24:00.003-05:00

There's something for everyone in the City of Lights come nightfall.

Paris nightlife is diverse and exciting. Everything from jazz bars to the latest DJs are on full display in the City of Lights come sundown. Paris truly comes alive in the evening. Whether you are looking to pass the night away at a smoky jazz bar, or listen to the latest DJs spinning their hits, there's a spot in Paris for you.

Chez Georges

Address: 11, r. des Cannettes Metro: Mabillon Phone: 01 43 26 79 15 Type: Bar

Le Fumoir

www.lefumoir.com

Address: 6, r. de l’Amiral Coligny Metro: Louvre Phone: 01 42 92 00 24 Type: Jazz

Au Dec des Lombards

www.ducdeslombards.com

Address: 42, r. des Lombards Metro: Chatelet Phone: 01 42 33 22 88 Type: Jazz

Le Sunside

www.sunset-sunside.com

Address: 60, r. des Lombards Metro: Chatelet Phone: 01 40 26 21 25 Type: Jazz

Le Petit Journal St-Michel

www.petitjournal-saintmichel.com

Address: 71, bd. St-Michel Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne Phone: 01 43 26 28 59 Type: Jazz

Wax

Address: 15, r. Daval Metro: Bastille Phone: 01 48 05 88 33

La Belle Hortense

Address: 31, r. de Vieille du Temple Metro: St-Paul Phone: 01 48 04 71 60 Type: Wine

Rex Club

www.rexclub.com

Address: 5, bd. Poissonniere Metro: Bonne-Nouvelle Phone: 01 42 36 10 96 Type: Dance

L ’Estaminet

Address: 39, r. de Bretagne Metro: Temple Phone: 01 42 72 34 85 Type: Wine

Okawa

Address: 40, r. Vieille-du-Temple Metro: St-Paul

Phone: 01 48 04 30 69 Type: Bar

Bob Cool

Address: 15, r. des Grands Augustins Metro: Odeon Phone: 01 46 33 33 77 Type: Bar

Chez Georges

Address: 11, r. des Cannettes Metro: Mabillon Phone: 01 43 26 79 15 Type: Bar

Five MORE Free Things to Do in Paris

2010-11-23T16:19:00.011-05:00

Our "Five Free Things to Do in Paris" was so popular, we decided to write up a few more 'freebies' that one can do while traveling through Paris.

1) Walk through Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the world's first buildings to use the flying buttress in its design, was actually completed in 1345, although construction began in 1163. The Cathedral offers free tours, and free entry (yes, free!) although visiting the Tower and Treasury will cost you.

2) Spend an afternoon in the Tuileries Gardens. Located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Gardens have been open to the public since 1564. It is a wonderful place to waste away a few hours reading, eating a picnic lunch, or enjoying a bottle of Pinot.

3) Explore the Marche des Producteurs de Pays in the Marais (closest metro stop - St. Paul) and sample one of the quaintest Parisian markets, filled with food like wine, oysters, cheese and much more. Be sure to try the free samples that most vendors provide ;-)

4) Head to the Cemetery of Père Lachaise (metro stops: Gambetta, Philippe-Auguste, or Pere-Lachaise) in the city's northeast corner to pay homage to some of modern history's most revered artists, novelist Oscar Wild and the Door's lead singer, Jim Morrison.

5) Take a look in the lobby of the grand Hôtel de Ville, located right in the center of Paris. While this expensive hotel might be out of reach of most travelers budgets, one is always welcome to take a look in the lobby of Paris' old city hall and to explore the courtyard hidden right inside its entrance.

Introduction to Parisian Restaurants

2010-09-21T10:16:00.000-04:00

Paris is a food lover's dream. It's almost impossible to find a terrible restaurant in Paris, as the French would simply not eat there. It's best to stay away from tourist traps (i.e. if you see a photo of the food in the window, it's not a place Parisians dine in). Below we've listed just a few of our favorite tasty spots. While they are a delicious place to start, don't stop with just our suggestions! The Parisian food landscape is endless and best explored by wandering down a hidden side street and slipping into one of her many charming, 4 table bistros. Bon appetit!

Keep in mind that many Parisians go on vacation in the summer, so please call ahead to make sure your restaurant will be open during your visit.

Astier
www.restaurant-astier.com
Type: Bistro
Reservations: Yes
Price: €€
Address: 44 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris
Nearest Metro: République
Phone: 01 43 57 16 35

La Fermette Marbeuf 1900
www.fermettemarbeuf.com
Type: Brasserie
Reservations: Yes
Price: €€€€
Address: 5 rue Marbeuf, Paris
Nearest Metro: Franklin-D.-Roosevelt
Phone: 01 53 23 08 00

Le Petit Pamphlet
Type: Bistro
Reservations: Yes
Price: €
Address: 15 rue Saint-Gilles, Paris
Nearest Metro: Chemin Vert
Phone: 01 42 71 22 21

L'Ambassade d'Auvergne
www.ambassade-auvergne.com
Type: Bistro
Reservations: N/A
Price: €€€
Address: 22 rue du Grenier St-Lazare, Paris
Nearest Metro: Rambuteau
Phone: 01 42 72 31 22

Rouge Saint-Honoré
www.rouge-saint-honore.com
Type: Cafe
Reservations: N/A
Price: €
Address: 34 pl. du Marche St-Honore, Paris
Nearest Metro: Tuileries or Pyramides
Phone: 01 42 61 16 09

Le Ch'ti Catalan
Type: Bistro
Reservations: N/A
Price: €€
Address: 4 rue de Navarin, Paris
Nearest Metro: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
Phone: 01 44 63 04 33

Chez Michel
Type: Bistro
Reservations: Yes
Price: €€
Address: 10 rue Belzunce, Paris
Nearest Metro: Gare du Nord
Phone: 01 44 53 06 20

Le Balzar
www.flobrasseries.com/brasseriebalzar
Type: Bistro
Reservations: N/A
Price: €€€
Address: 49 rue des Ecoles, Paris
Nearest Metro: Cluny-La Sorbonne
Phone: 01 43 54 13 67

Chez René
Type: Bistro
Reservations: N/A
Price: €€€
Address: 14 bd. St-Germain, Paris
Metro: Maubert-Mutualite
Phone: 01 43 54 30 23

La Table de Joël Robuchon
Type: Modern French
Reservations: Yes
Price: €€€€
Address: 16 av. Bugeaud, Paris

5 Free Things to Do in Paris

2010-07-26T13:41:00.002-04:00

Flea Market Treasures

Paris is the world's premier walking city. There is no better way to see the city than simply spending a day wandering and stumbling upon the city's countless secret attractions not listed in any guidebook. However, aimless wandering can leave you feeling like you missed out if you don't get to see all that the city has to offer, including some of the more well-known diversions.

To help you with your urban exploration, we have come up with a list of the top free things to do in Paris:

1) Climb the Sacre Coeur steps - made famous once again by the hit movie, Amelie, Montmartre is home to countless artists, bakeries and of course, Sacre Coeur. Climbing the steps there will give you an unforgettable view of the city, and cost you nothing.

Champs de Mars

2) Picnic at the Champs de Mars - the grassy field at the base of the Eiffel Tower is a fantastic place to grab some fresh bread, Nutella, and a bottle of wine and enjoy an economical lunch while basking in the shadows of the world's most famous tower.

3) Explore the Maison de Victor Hugo - always free to the public, Victor Hugo's apartment is a site that is often unexplored by visitors to Paris, but offers unusual insight into one of the world's most famous artists. His apartment also houses some first edition works as well

4) Lay under the sun on the Seine at the Paris Plage - work on your tan while you lay on the Seine in Paris' temporary summer beach. See and be seen by Paris' trendiest locals

5) Haggle at one of Paris' many flea markets - haggle with the locals at one of Paris' many flea markets. Interesting, and full of everything from clothing to food, Paris' flea markets are a sight to behold located throughout the city

Celebrate Bastille Day like the French

2010-07-12T11:05:00.002-04:00

Each July 14th marks the storming of the Bastille prison, and the start of the French Revolution of 1789. Hundreds of thousands of Parisians celebrate Bastille Day with festive events, including fireworks, parties, balls and parades throughout the city. Despite the recent political turmoil in Paris and rumors of canceling the different events, Bastille Day is sure to be as unforgettable as always.

Here are 5 Ways to Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris:

1) Attend the event’s kickoff, the Bal des Pompiers, on the evening of July 13 at 10:45 PM - the fireworks and concert at the Place de Bastille, the birthplace of the French Revolution itself.

2) Line the legendary Champs-Elysées to watch the famed military parade on July 14th, starting at 8:45 AM. The crowd can get as deep as 6 people, so be ready! This year marks the 50th anniversary of African colonies independence from France, so the military parade will be a mix of French and African soldiers.

3) Head to the fireworks at Trocadéro that will start at 11 PM. Gather with the thousands of other revelers on the beautiful Champs de Mars under the magnificent Eiffel Tower.

4) Let yourself simply wander! The city is electric during the Bastille day celebrations, with restaurants staying open all night for parties, live music, and picnickers in the city’s parks. Of course, nearly every bar and club will be staging a celebration as well so your options are endless.

5) If you’re less interested in being outdoors, and want to experience a slice of Parisian culture, the Louvre Museum offers free admission on Bastille Day.

A final word to the wise - don't forget your comfortable walking shoes because the metro is closed on Bastille Day!

The Beach Returns to Paris

2010-06-22T15:37:00.008-04:00

Each summer since 2002, the city of Paris has brought a slice of the Mediterranean to those unfortunate enough to be ‘stuck’ in the city of lights and not able to escape to the coasts of France. This year, from July 20^th to August 20^th, the beach returns.

Over 3 kilometers long, the beach is divided into 3 main areas, the Louvre to Pont de Sully, the Port de la Gare, and the Bassin de la Villette. Each is divided into different activities and areas of entertainment.

The Louvre to Point de Sully is the ‘original’ Paris beach. There is a swimming pool, and tons of outdoor activities like wall climbing and even tai chi to keep oneself entertained.

The Port de la Gare is considered the intellectual option, as it is loaded with free newspapers, a temporary library, and art classes. Don’t forget your laptop, because there is also free wi-fi here.

The Bassin de la Villette is the newest beach offering and includes most of the boating activities, where one can test his or her rowing, kayaking and pedal boat skills.

French Farmers Turn the Champs-Élysées into a Giant Flower Market

2010-05-24T16:12:00.006-04:00

French farmers, in protest of rising costs and decreasing productivity brought their farms to one of the most famous avenues in the world, the Champs-Élysées. Over 2 million people visited the 150,000 plants and animals that nearly covered the entire avenue.

Income levels for farmers have dropped over 34% between 2008 and 2009, leading to demands for greater government assistance in the forms of subsidies and price protections. The current European Union farming subsidy gives more than €45 billion to farmers, but is set to expire in 2013 with negotiations for the new program already underway. Claiming that the event was not created as a protest, the farmers insist that it was designed to bridge the gap between the rural farmers and urbanites and improve communication between the different classes.

Politics aside, the spectacle was an unforgettable experience. Thousands of visitors were seen snapping photos with their mobile phones, and getting first hand glimpses of pigs, cows and sheep.

New Versailles Tour Announced

2010-02-22T13:23:00.006-05:00

Aeon Tours is proud to announce that our touring partnership with the Palace of Versailles has been a huge success. Recently, the team at Aeon had been hard at work partnering with Versailles so that our guests can gain elite entry into the Palace of Versailles and skip the long entrance lines.

All of our hard work paid off and we've been granted partner-status which allows each of our groups to enter the palace through priority entrance, by specific appointment. Extremely convenient for those touring Versailles, it allows one to schedule their entry into the famed Palace, and not wait in the long entrance line. With busy season fast approaching, and entry lines often up to 2 hours long, this is invaluable to our time-conscious travelers.

Aeon's Versailles Tour allows our guests to explore the Palace and the legendary gardens while getting a firsthand view into French royal history and the home of such luminaries as Marie Antoine King Louis XIV.

Paris Catacombs Are Open Again

2010-01-19T14:52:00.006-05:00

Closed since early September 2009, the Paris Catacombs are once again open to the public. Initially, the Catacombs had been closed indefinitely by the Parisian municipality as they had been vandalized with bones being scattered everywhere. The spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office in Paris had said that the scattered remains were a hazard to visitors. On December 10, 2009, the city decided to reopen the Catacombs so that their rich history might again be experienced by visitors.

The burial ground for more than 6 million Parisians, the Catacombs are one of Paris’ most legendary sites. Part of an intricate network of tunnels underneath the city, the Catacombs are visited by almost 300,000 people each year. You can visit the Catacombs of Paris with one of our Private Tours of the city. Simply enter Paris Catacombs Tour in the space provided when booking!

Getting from CDG to Paris by Bus

2009-12-22T16:49:00.000-05:00

There are several ways to get from the airport to your hotel in Paris, including grabbing a taxi, hopping on the train, or, my personal favorite, the under-used bus. Both the Air France bus and the Roissybus are quick, convenient, and affordable. Even more fun is the view of the city one gets when taking the bus as they take travelers through the outskirts of the city that we’d most like never see as a typical tourist. Simply hop on at the airport, and pay the driver directly.

The Roissybus drops riders off at the Opera Metro (convenient to the Le Grand Hotel Intercontinental, the Ritz, and the Park Hyatt) for a mere 8.50€, far cheaper than a typical taxi ride fare of 45€. It’s also convenient if your hotel is off of a metro line that runs through the Opera stop. Hopping off the bus, and crossing the street (diagonally) to hopping on the subway to catch lines 3, 7, or 8 is easy and a time-saver.

You can pick up the Roissybus at departs every 15 minutes from Terminals 1 and 2. Simply follow the signs at the airport.

Air France has two bus lines that go into the center of Paris, Line 2 and Line 4. Line 4 stops at Gare de Lyon and Montparnasse while Line 2 stops near the Charles de Gaulle Etoile (Arc de Triomphe) and Porte Maillot. Both Air France lines cost 12€ for a one way trip or 18€ for a round trip fare.

To pick up the Air France bus, head to Gate 34 at the Arrivals level in Terminal 1. In Terminal 2 B or D, head to Gate B1. If you arrive in Terminal 2 A or C, get on at Gate C2. The bus departs every 30 minutes.

Paris Museums Closed Due to Worker Strike

2009-12-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Many of Paris’ most famous museums have been closed for the past week due to worker strikes. The strikes have been attributed to the French government’s threats to not replace any of the workers entering retirement.

Employees striking have alleged that this would be disastrous to the operational ability of the museums, as a significant portion of their employees are entering retirement, or near retirement age.

The strike began at the modern art heart of Paris, the Centre Pompidou, where an official said that almost 40% of their staff is over the age of 50.

Even more damaging to the Pompidou is the fact that it receives the majority of its funding from the government, and only generates 10-15 percent of its revenue from entry fee tickets.

Fortunately, although workers at the legendary Louvre Museum also voted to strike, by noon of the first day of the strike, the museum was back open to visitors. Be warned, some of the rooms in the expansive museum remain closed due to the lack of workers.

Of course, there are countless other tours that visitors to Paris can do to keep themselves occupied. Our Private Tours of the city cater to your exact needs – we can easily design a tour for you that will you to visit the museums that are still open (without waiting in a long entrance line). Simply contact us to learn more.

Hot Neighborhood in Paris: Grands Boulevards

2009-03-27T14:01:00.001-04:00

The Grands Boulevards neighborhood in Paris is one of the city's up and coming districts and is a "must-see" for any visitor. Lined with nightlife, restaurants, and cafes, it is one of Paris' best spots for a day (or evening) of people watching. The neighborhood officially begins at the Madeleine Church in the 9th arrondissement and continues through to the Bastille in the 11th.

The opening of the Metro station Grands Boulevards in 1988 brought new life to the historic neighborhood. Below are a couple of suggestions for things to do while there:

Folies Bergere
32 rue Richer
Built over 150 years ago, this historic music hall was a symbol of Parisian life, and even today offers exciting dance and music programs.

Chartier
7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
Nothing less than a Parisian institution, Chartier offers inexpensive and tasty Parisian cuisine. Frequented by students, locals, and tourists alike, it has entrées are only 2€ !

La Galerie Vivienne
Perhaps the most famous arcade in all of Europe, La Galerie Vivienne is exceptionally preserved and well worth a visit. It mosaic floor is sure to please, and even better - the shop clerks there are helpful and, dare I say, friendly.

Passage Jouffroy
This passage is dominated by antique bookstores, tea rooms and is a wonderful place for shopping and finding unique Paris souvenirs.

How to Survive a Metro Strike in Paris

2009-01-31T15:58:00.000-05:00

French workers are at it again - striking for what seems like the umpteenth time over their latest perceived government slight. This time, their frustrations are based on the economic crisis and the seemingly inadequate response by their president, Nicholas Sarkozy. While many previous strikes have been secular, this time the strike was a joint national effort by those in both the public and private sector. Banks were closed, hospital workers stayed home, and even some schools shut down for the day. The biggest consequence that a visitor to Paris might experience right now, however, is the virtual shut down of the bus and metro system.

What I always find interesting is the fact that although Parisians outwardly grumble and moan about a strike and related inconveniences that naturally follow, they actually take it very much in stride. "Cie la vie!" It's just one of the...charms of French life. There are, however, a few things that one can do to minimize the challenges that a strike inevitably brings:

1) If you can, select a hotel near the center of Paris. The closer you are to the center, the easier it will be to walk to the sites you want to see. Prices might be slightly higher, but at this time of year, hotels are far from full, so you should feel free to negotiate a rate for your room. It's not uncommon to be able to get a room for 10 - 20% lower than a published price.

2) Since you can't rely on taking the normally efficient metro to get to your hotel, try taking the shuttle that Air France provides. It leaves every 15 minutes and takes about a 35 minutes to reach the city center. Be warned, however, that it makes limited stops and you will have to walk to reach your hotel from the whatever drop off point is closest.

3) If you prefer to have door-to-door access directly to your hotel, consider booking a Paris Shuttle that will leave you right at your hotel. Prices for a shuttle are usually equivalent to those of a taxi, but the shuttles are larger and more comfortable, and since your booking is confirmed ahead of time so you won't have to wait at a taxi stand at CDG. Also, your fair for the shuttle is predetermined so you won't have to worry about any exorbitant taxi prices due to traffic issues.

4) Give yourself extra time to catch reach your destinations! That means, head to a taxi stand even earlier than you would plan to make sure you arrive at the airport in time to catch your return flight home. The taxis that are available will be in heavy demand. And, with the metro not operating fully, more Parisians will be forced to drive to their jobs - further congesting a city that is already infamous for its traffic jams.

Finally, take it all in stride when you're there. The French have a very strong view of citizen rights, and consider it their responsibility to protest any sort of government infraction. While it may lead to some minor inconveniences, think of the romance of it all. Striking is very much a part of French culture. For better or for worse.

5 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Paris

2009-01-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here is a list of 5 of the most common mistakes tourists make during their visits to Paris.

1) Wearing Sneakers! If you want to look like a foreigner while in Paris, it's easy enough - simply wear your sneakers when walking the city's streets. It's always fun to spot the American tourists wandering around with their New Balance gym sneakers on. Trust me, Parisians only wear their sneakers to one place - the gym. If, and that' a big IF - they even go to the gym.

2) Not saying Bon Soire (pronounced Boh(n)swah ) - meaning Good Evening or Bon Jour (pronounced Boh(n)zhoor) - meaning Hello, upon entering a French business. These common phrases are used whenever one enters a French establishment, use them upon entering a restaurant, cafe, or shop.

3) Spending too much time on the Champs-Élysées, and streets like it. Paris has many, many delightful neighborhoods, but the real Paris is best discovered in the intellectual Quartier Latin or the chic Marais district. Sure, visit the Champs-Élysées, but don't spend too much time there. On that same note,

4) Only visiting the Louvre. See more museums than just the Louvre - please! The Louvre Museums is an architectural sight in and off itself. The actual works in the museum would take months to see on their own. Many visitors are surprised, and a tad disappointed, when the finally cut through the throngs of people and get to the Mona Lisa ("It's so small!" is the most commonly overheard phrase upon viewing it). Instead, visit the Louvre, but spend time at the other magnificent Paris museums. The Centre de Pompidou, Rodin Museum and Museum D'Orsay immediately come to mind as a couple of museums that should be on anyone's list of "must-sees".

5) Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. At least, attempting to do so during peak hours. The lines at the Eiffel Tower are legendary - one can wait for hours just to get to the top, only to discover that the smog is so thick that the view is atrocious. Of course one should go see the Eiffel Tower - it is, after all, an international icon. However, don't waste your precious time in Paris waiting in line to get to the top. It's also worth noting that the Parisians hated the Eiffel Tower upon it's completion in 1889, as they viewed as a monstrosity.

10 Great Paris Museums

2008-11-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

There are so many fantastic museums to see in Paris, that it's hard to limit the list to just ten. However, here at Aeon Tours we've done our best to do just that. Feel free to recommend any other museums that you think are "must-sees".

1) Musée d'Orsay
www.musee-orsay.fr
Phone: 01 40 49 48 14
Highlights: Presents Impressionist works in all forms, starting in 1848 through WWI
Hours of Operation: Tue-Sun 9:30am-6pm; Thu 10am-9:45pm
Admission: €7.50, €6.50 students, under 18 free
Address: 1, rue de Bellechasse, Paris, France 75007
Closest Metro Station: Solférino

2) Musée du Louvre
www.louvre.fr
Phone: 01 40 20 50 50
Highlights: Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace
Hours of Operation: Mon, Thurs & Sat, 9am-6pm; Wed & Fri, 9am-10pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Admission: €8.50; €6 after 6 pm on Wed & Fri
Address: 34-36, quai du Louvre, Palais du Louvre, Paris, France 75001
Closets Metro Station: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre

3) Musée de Cluny
www.musee-moyenage.fr
Phone: 01 53 73 78 00
Highlights: the Jardim Medieval, the Gold Rose, La Dame a la Licorne, Musee du Moyen Age
Admission: €6.50; ages 18-25, €4.50
Hours of Operation: Mon, Wed-Sat, 9:15am-5:45pm (Closed Tuesdays and Sundays)
Address: 6, pl. Paul-Painleve
Closest Metro Station: Cluny-La Sorbonne

4) Centre Georges Pompidou
www.centrepompidou.fr
Phone: 01 44 78 12 33
Highlights: the Fauvist, Cubist and modern art at the Musée National d’Art Moderne
Admission: €10; under 26, €8; under 18 is free
Hours of Operation: Wed-Mon, 11am-10pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Address: pl Georges Pompidou, Paris, France 75191
Closest Metro Station: Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, or Châtelet

5) Musée Picasso
www.musee-picasso.fr
Phone: 01 42 71 25 21
Highlights: Home to some of the most prestigious of Picasso’s works, including Autoportrait, Le Violon et la Musique, Deux Femmes Courant Sur la Plage, La Femme Qui Lit and paintings from his personal colletion by the likes of Matisse, Corot, and Renoir
Admission: €6.50; 18-25 years – €4.50, under 18 free
Hours of Operation: (Apr-Sep) Mon, Wed-Sun, 9:30am-6pm; (Oct-Mar) Mon, Wed-Sun, 9:30am-5:30pm
Address: 5, rue de Thorigny, Paris, France 75003
Closest Metro Station: Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert, Filles du Calvaire

6) Musée Rodin
www.musee-rodin.fr
Phone: 01 44 18 61 10
Highlights: See some of Rodin’s most famous sculptures, including The Thinker, Le Baiser, and L’Age Mur
Admission: €6; ages 18-25 and seniors, €4
Hours of Operation: (Apr-Sep) Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:45pm; (Oct-Mar) Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:45pm
Address: 79, rue de Varenne, Paris, France 75007
Closest Metro Station: Varenne, Invalides or Saint-François-Xavier

7) Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
www.cite-sciences.fr
Phone: 01 40 05 79 99
Highlights: Explora Science Museum (perfect for kids)
Admission: Tickets range from €3-€9
Hours of Operation: Tue-Sun, 10:30am-9:30pm; (Open odd hours on Mondays – call ahead)
Address: Parc de la Villette, 30, avenue Corentin Cariou - A.P. 75930 Paris cedex 19 , 75019 Paris
Closest Metro Station: Porte de la Villette

8) Maison Europeenne de la Photographie
www.mep-fr.org
Phone: 01 44 78 75 00
Highlights: Houses a video library with over 600 films by esteemed photographers
Admission: €6; under age 26 and seniors, €3
Hours of Operation: Wed-Sun, 11am-8pm, free on Wed from 5pm-8pm
Address: 5-7, rue de Fourcy, Paris, France 75000
Closest Metro Station: St-Paul

9) Musée de l'Histoire de France
www.archivesnationales.culture.gouv.fr/chan/chan/musee/musee-hdf.htm
Phone: 01 40 27 60 96
Highlights: Richard the Lionheart’s Edict, Louis XVI’s Diary, a letter from Napoleon to his love, Josephine
Admission: €3; ages 18-25, €2.30
Hours of Operation: Mon, Wed-Fri, from 10am-12:30pm and 2pm-5:30pm; Sat-Sun, from 2pm-5:30pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Address: 87, r. Vieille du Temple
Closest Metro Station: Filles du Calvaire

10) Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
www.mam.paris.fr
Phone: 01 53 67 40 80
Highlights: one of the world’s grandest collections of modern art housed in the Palais de Tokyo; also see Matisse’s La Danse Inachevee
Admission: Free admission to permanent exhibits; special exhibits range from €4.50-€9
Hours of Operation: Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm; Wed night until 10pm
Address: 11, av du Président Wilson, Paris, France 75016
Closest Metro Station: Léna or Alma-Marceau