Spooky Travel Destinations

As we approach the end of October with the most anticipated day of the month, Halloween, lets spice up the creepiest time of the year with some spooky travel destination ideas.

From the strange, to the creepy, to the gross, places around the world have some bizarre tourist attractions. Whether you have a love of all things odd or are looking for a break from everyday tourist attractions, these spooky destinations are well worth a visit.

The Devil's Footprint at Munich's Cathedral of our dear Lady, Munich, Germany

In the entrance area right underneath the beautiful organ you will see a footprint with a spore in one of the tiles on the floor. When stepping with your foot right in there and looking at the altar none of the cathedral's picturesque side windows can be seen.
According to the legend, in 1468, the cathedral's architect, Joerg von Halspach, went looking for contributions to rebuild Munich's cathedral and ended up making a deal with the Devil: the Devil would provide the funds for the huge building on the condition that it would be a celebration of darkness, with no windows to let in light.
After completion of the cathedral, the devil entered the cathedral and stopped at this special spot. He laughed that a church with no windows doesn't make any sense and stumped the ground joyfully which left the footprint. After stepping forward all of the beautiful windows came in sight and he realized he was tricked. He was so angry he changed into a huge storm, which did not make any harm to the building. It is being said that you sometimes can still here him meander windily through the cathedral's towers...

Walk with the dead at Père- Lachaise and in the catacombs, Paris, France

For some it might not be of interest to visit a cemetery during your vacation but visiting Paris’ “Pere Lachaise cimetière” is like visiting the RIP - VIPs ! Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde just to name a few.  Soak up the quiet, watch the trees, smell the flowers, listen to the birds. Grab a map and check out the tombs of your favorite RIP - VIPs.

Next stop: the catacombs: The entrance already sends a warm welcome with the French verse: "Arrete, c'est ici l'empire de la mort", "Stop! This is the realm of Death"! Situated 60 feet below ground, the catacombs remain of approximately six million Parisians, transferred gradually 300 years ago as graveyards were being closed due to the pros they posed to public health. The catacombs wind like a maze of dark galleries and narrow passages. You will see an arrangement of bones in a macabre display of Romantic taste. Goosebumps included!

Isla de las Munecas, Mexico

Is "The Ring" your favorite movie? Well, than head to Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City - a real live Mexican version of this story. Visit the eerie "Island of Dolls" created by a farmer haunted by the memories of a young girl whose dead body washed ashore on his island. The farmer collected hundreds of strange dolls, some missing eyes, limbs, even heads. They dangle form trees and wires all around the forbidding island.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Yet another inspiration for a movie.  After spending a weekend in the Stanley in 1973, Stephen King got so creeped out wandering the almost empty hotel that it inspired him to write the horror cult - classic " The Shining".  The hotel has been spooking guests like King for more than a century. Among its permanent paranormal residents are a phantom playing the piano in the ballroom and ghostly kids who play pranks on the fourth floor.  Sweet dreams!

The Loewenstein'sche chamber of silence, Wertheim, Germany

If you ever get to visit the author's hometown, Wertheim, make sure to stop by the Stifts Cathedral. Walk all the way back to the altar area and you will find a black door on the left side. Open the keyhole plate and peak through it. Not only will you feel the cold, smelly air creeping out, but you will also see the coffins of Wertheim's royals resting there for many centuries.  It is being told that one of them " Dutchess Kaethe" can be seen wandering around on the cathedral's vestibule. Make sure not to meet her, sighting her means harm will find your family!

America's most haunted city, Savannah, Georgia

Established in 1733, Savannah has a long, vibrant history. And with this history comes years of hauntings. Lots of historic buildings or cemeteries in Savannah may let you catch sight of ghostly presences surrounding you. One is "17Hundred90", a historic inn and restaurant. Join a guided tour of the Inn which hosts at least three ghosts.  The most famous entity, Anna, of room 204 was the bride of an arranged marriage who fell in love with a sailor in the early 1800s.  She is said to have thrown herself to her death from a third floor window onto the brick courtyard as the sails of her love's ship disappeared from sight down the Savannah River to the sea.  Patrons report strange cool breezes on the back of the neck, sensations of being physically nudged, and personal items mysteriously disappearing and reappearing elsewhere.  Only the bravest of tourists opt to share a few nights in room 204 - with Anna!

Château de Chantilly - gardens, art, horses, monkeys, gourmetrestaurant, luxury hotel and... whipped cream

Chateau Chantilly

Don't let the title of this post fool you regarding the beauty and magnificence of this château nestled just 25 minutes north of Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport. A fairy tale vision surrounded by an artificial lake and magnificent gardens, the Château de Chantilly contains a superb collection of paintings within the Musée Condé.

Left in a shambles after the Revolution, the greatly restored château consists of two attached buildings, "the Petit and Grand Châteaux", which are entered through the same vestibule. The estate’s Grandes Écuries (Grand Stables) are just west.

Containing the Appartements des Princes (Princes’ Suites), the Petit Château was built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency (1493 -1567,male), who served six French kings as connétable (high constable), diplomat and warrior, and died doing battle with Protestants in the Counter-Reformation. The highlight here is the Cabinet des Livres , a repository of 700 manuscripts and more than 30,000 volumes, including a Gutenberg Bible and a facsimile of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, an illuminated manuscript dating from the 15th century that illustrates the calendar year for both the peasantry and the nobility. The chapel , to the left as you walk into the vestibule, has woodwork and stained-glass windows dating from the mid-16th century.

The attached Renaissance-style Grand Château , completely demolished during the Revolution, was rebuilt by the Duke of Aumale, son of King Louis-Philippe, from 1875 to 1885. It contains the Musée Condé , a series of 19th-century rooms adorned with paintings and sculptures haphazardly arranged according to the whims of the duke – he donated the château to the Institut de France on the condition the exhibits were not reorganised and would remain open to the public. The most remarkable works, hidden in the Sanctuaire (Sanctuary), include paintings by Filippino Lippi, Jean Fouquet and (it’s thought) Raphael.
The Condé Museum's painting collection makes it the number one museum of ancient paintings (prior to 1850) in France after the Louvre! Comprised of more than a dozen rooms, you will discover throughout the tour over 800 masterpieces of French, Italian, Flemish, English art and many more. During your tour you will enter the monkey room! The Monkey room is a charming boudoir (lady's dressing room), dated 1737 and previously credited to Watteau. It is entirely covered with Christoph Huet murals and represents an incredible and overwhelming number of scenes that feature monkeys and Chineses maggots. In the eighteenth century, monkeys and Chinese maggots were extremely popular and are frequently found in the salons and decorum of private hotels or châteaux.

The "monkey" room

The breathtaking park features 115 acres, divided into three historical gardens: the French style garden designed by André Le Nôtre, the famous designer of the gardens of Versailles, the Chinese garden with its Hameau and the English garden. Chantilly is the only garden created by the gardener of Versailles that is in line with a statue, rather than with the chateau. Le Nôtre drew a great perspective that begins at the honor gate and ends at the statue of the Connétable Anne de Montmorency, extending to the other side of the Grand Canal, up to the forest.

The Grand Canal of Chantilly (1,5 miles) exceeds by far that of Versailles. It is actually the Nonette, a tributary of the river Oise channeled by Le Nôtre. Of all of the Le Nôtre gardens, the gardens à la française of Chantilly feature the largest water expanse.

Chantilly is also world famous for its New Museum of the Horse, the stables and the horse show. The museum is both an artistic and an ethnographic one, including an artistic crossing and hippologique ages with the displaying of about 200 objects showing the importance of the horse from the beginning of civilization.

For the last 20 years, the Live Horse Museum has created season shows and horse demonstrations devoted to the art of Haute-École training, the highest and most considered form of equestrian training in France. The goal of each and every show is: to engage the audience to the classic equestrian arts. Architect Jean Aubert built the Grand Stables at the request of Louis-Henri de Bourbon, the seventh prince of Condé. The legend says the prince was convinced he would be reincarnated as a horse and therefore wished for stables worthy of his rank. 

The horses are true partners to the Live Horse Museum riders. Before taking part in a live show, a long training period for the horses is essential. Focused mainly on the relationship with the rider, its aim is to get a total understanding of the horse's different reactions to ensure total harmony!

Now, what about that whipped cream, you might ask yourself. It's being said that the whipped cream has been discovered right here, at Château Chantilly! A creamy, frothy and subtle preparation of immaculate whiteness, Crème Chantilly is loved around the world. Known in the Anglo - Saxon countries under the name of "whipped cream", it has however kept its French name in many countries, taking Chantilly culinary tradition beyond their borders.

After visiting Chantilly, we agreed that staying overnight is a great option to complete this getaway and to feel like a prince or princess for a while. Stay a night or two at the "Auberge du Jeu de Paume" one of "Relais & Châteaux's" luxury destinations and enjoy a gourmet meal at the "La Table du Connetable", led by the 2 michelin starred young chef Arnaud Faye. The hotel also offers a beautiful spa that includes beauty treatments inspired by the history of Chantilly. 

Et voila...
...You will feel like a prince/ princess, we promise! 

Email tripdesign4u@gmail.com for your royal getaway to Chateau Chantilly!

Trier - Where Roman heritage and Gallic charm meets on German grounds

Are you interested in the Roman Empire and ancient history?

Do you love wine, shopping and delicious food?

Then let us take you on an unforgettable journey to Trier, Germany!

 Trier was founded in 16 BC as Augusta Treverorum during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.  It is Germany's most important site for classical monuments and art treasures.  There is no doubt that the Romans designated Trier as a city rather than a settlement.  Seven of the monuments have UNESCO World Heritage status and art treasures have been preserved and tell of fascinating times gone past.

   It's being said, Trier is the oldest city in Germany! It definitely has the oldest ruins outside of Rome!

Porta Nigra

   Starting with the Porta Nigra (Latin for "black gate", you will see at daytime that the stones look black) - the best preserved city gate from antiquity and today the most famous landmark in the city.  The amphitheater, the famous Imperial Thermal Baths (Kaisertherme) where the Romans went to relax, remnants of the St. Barbara Roman Baths form the second century and, just as old, the Roman Bridge, which is still part of a main road into the city (now, this is some serious civil engineering!), they all bear witness to Trier's extensive classical heritage.

Aerial view of the Kaisertherme

   Just as impressive are the medieval buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Peter (the oldest in Germany) and the early - Gothic Church of our Lady. Trier's other historical sights include medieval Hauptmarkt square with the Steipe building, the Red House, St. Gangolf's Church and many more.

The Roman Bidge

   Karl Marx was one of the great German thinkers and philosophers.  His birth place, the Karl Marx Haus, is worth a visit regardless of your ideological standpoint.

Karl Marx Haus

   With all those beautiful sights and interesting facts, one should not forget to shop, right?  We recommend the shops in "Neustrasse", all these boutique style stores offer individually selected or even hand crafted goodies, you wish you could take them all home.  With names like Rapunzel, Fraeulein Prusselise or Kreisel (dreidel) for a toy store, it shows the individuality of these shops.  Check out the boutique "Lieblingsstuecke" , we are sure you will find an accessory that still fits into your suitcase.

Shopping at Neustrasse

   If you are looking for a fun and adventurous tour, go to the tourist office right next to the Porta Nigra and book an adventure tour which will take you back in time with themes like "Secrets of the Porta Nigra" or a walk together with Gladiator Valerius to the Amphitheater where he tells you about the dungeons and his life as a gladiator, we are sure you will find something you are interested in.

Velarius telling the visitors about the dungeons and his life as a gladiator

   Trier's proximity to its French neighbor and Luxembourg is noticeable throughout the city, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. Outstanding restaurants of international standing offer an unparalleled dining experience.  Start the day with an excellent breakfast buffet at the "Jahreszeiten" in Petrisberg, which also is the perfect spot for lunch and dinner with seasonal offerings to satisfy any palate.  If you would like to take your beloved one out for dinner, we recommend the restaurant " Schlemmereule " with an exquisite wine selection of the neighboring wineries or visit the wine bar at "Becker's" with a selection of more than 60 local and international wines, their restaurant holds two Michelin stars.  For a more casual dining experience, we recommend two wonderful authentic Italian restaurants: "Da Massimo" in the Eurener Strasse and "Quo Vadis" in the Neustrasse. 

  How about a wine tasting? The "Cask Cellar of the Bischoefliche Weingueter (BWG) " which is located directly underneath the center of Trier's old town would be our recommendation.  The cellar covers 30000 square meters and its history goes all the way back to the year 600 AD. Once you descend down in the historical vaulted cellar, built by the Romans, there is an impressive view - 240 traditional Mosel casks, called "Fuder", are being stored here.  Running through the oldest part of the cellar is an historic water line from the Romans. Over 1400 years ago it led directly to the nearby "Imperial Baths" (Kaisertherme).

   All these excellent wines from the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer area are of course very much in evidence and delight visitors to the many wine festivals and town celebrations.  The annual highlight is the Moselle WeinKulturZeit, a month - long series of wine, gourmet and cultural events.  You can sample excellence of all kinds in and around Trier - so why not spend the whole month here?

Hauptmarkt at Christmas time

   Trier is a thoroughly young and vibrant city thanks to its two universities and strikes a wonderful, lively and appealing balance between its past and present.  Shops, cafes, bars and bistros across the city invite visitors to stroll around or watch the world go by.

   When it comes to nightlife, dancing in the Zebra Cluba or Metropolis is an option or check out the website www.hunderttausend.de for daily updated events. 

   There are many ways to visit Trier - as an individual tour by car, easy train ride or even as a stop on one of our famous river cruises. 

   

   

" Silent Night" Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria

“Silent Night” Chapel (Saint Nicholas Chapel) in Oberndorf, Austria

From the small village of Oberndorf near Salzburg, the world’s most famous Christmas carol has spread around the globe. Learn about the humble and most charming story of its creation.   

Without this song, Christmas would only be half as beautiful. Which is why Oberndorf is filled with such an inimitable Advent atmosphere, with the world-famous Christmas song “Silent Night!” taking center stage.

Nothing beats standing in front of the „Silent Night, Holy Night“ memorial chapel in Oberndorf on Christmas Eve and joining hundreds from all over the world in the singing of the Christmas carol in its original version. You’ll feel a chill when you join the chorus singing a song which spread from this very spot to the entire world!

The local priest, Josef Mohr, wrote the words (the original version is "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht", in German) in 1816 and Franz Xaver Gruber composed the famous tune two years later. The song was first performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at the Saint Nicholas Parish Chapel in Oberndorf. Near the memorial chapel and the idyllic Christmas market on Silent Night Square, you’ll find the Gruber-Mohr memorial and an exhibit about the history of “Silent Night” in the local museum.

Oberndorf is about ½ hour by car/bus outside of Salzburg and you’ll want to take a photo in front of the small chapel. Further villages like Wagrain, Mariapfarr and Hallein host Silent Night museums, sights and special events as they were places of activity of the composers.

Cruising along the Danube

Flowing from Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube offers a chance to explore some of Europe's grand Old World cities. Whether you prefer to bike, hike, cruise or drive along the banks of the "blue" Danube, you will be astound by the beauty of the countries (10!) and even capitals (4!) you will pass. 

The Hungarian capital of Budapest is divided by the Danube. River cruise passengers usually visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a large terrace that overlooks the city and river. You might also see the Great Market Hall, founded in the late 19th century.

Bratislava is the heart of Slovakia, and it's the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. It has an attractive Old Town and baroque palaces, and your guide will probably point out Michael's Gate, the only surviving portal from Bratislava's medieval fortifications.

In Vienna, visit the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral, and see the Ringstrasse -- a broad avenue lined by stately buildings. Your itinerary may even include a private concert of classical music in the Austrian capital. Watch Rick Steve's travel video Vienna and the Danube here:

During a port call in Austria's Melk, most passengers head for the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey that looms over the town from atop granite cliffs. Be sure to check out the beautiful ceiling frescoes, the enormous library filled with nearly 16,000 books, and the great views from the terrace.

Austria's Wachau Valley is one of the most scenic parts of the Danube, lined with terraced vineyards and picturesque villages like Durnstein, centered around a pretty blue and white church tower. Some Danube River cruises sail through the Iron Gates, a spectacular gorge that forms the boundary between Serbia and Romania.

In Passau, Germany, you may be treated to a concert on the 17,774-pipe organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral. That city also has some fine examples of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Regensburg is a cultural hub in eastern Bavaria, originally a Celtic settlement and then a Roman garrison. Here you can glimpse the old Roman gate, explore the well-preserved medieval center and stand upon the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge.

Nuremberg is another beautiful medieval city. It gained notoriety as the site of Nazi party rallies and later was the location of the Nuremberg war crimes trials in 1945 and 1946. Local guides show travelers the former Nazi parade grounds and the Palace of Justice, where the trials took place.

Many Danube River itineraries include an excursion to Salzburg, where you can seek out the mustard-yellow home where Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and stroll through the manicured gardens of Mirabell Park, used in the filming of "The Sound of Music."


Finally, wintertime brings festive holiday scenes to cities along the Danube as outdoor Christmas markets open in town squares. Guests on these late-November and December sailings have numerous opportunities to visit the traditional bazaars and browse the merchants' booths for handcrafted ornaments, toys and woodcarvings. Sample local cold-weather treats like grilled sausages, gingerbread and the mulled wine called glühwein

Weltenburg Abbey - Monks, Baroque and Gold Medal Beer

On a picturesque bend in the Danube river, a short 1.5 hour car ride from Munich, sits one of the oldest monasteries in Germany, Weltenburg Abbey.

The Benedictine abbey of Weltenburg is the oldest monastery in Bavaria.  Founded around 600 AD by the monks of St. Columbanus from Ireland and Scotland, it is situated near the entrance to the scenic Danube gorge, on the Northern slopes of the Arzberg mountain and near the site of the ancient Celtic settlement of Artobriga.  Weltenburg Abbey is a popular destination for pilgrims, foodies and beer lovers alike.

Since 1050 the monks of Weltenburg Abbey have been brewing world class beer, it is said to be the world's oldest monastery brewery, called Weltenburger Klosterbrauerei (although this title is disputed by Weihenstephan Abbey).  The water is being supplied by a 90 yard deep well coming out of the jura lime stone right underneath the monastery. The "Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel" was named the best "European- style dark beer" at the World Beer Cup in San Diego in 2004, 2008 and again in 2012. The brewery also won a silver medal for its Kloster Anno 1050 Maerzen.

The Benedictine monk with the brew master

You can taste all the different beer styles in the adjacent taproom, "Klosterschenke Weltenburg". Pretty cool: the bar gets the beer supply directly through a pipeline leading to the beer cellar. The originality of this beer is formed by its freshness, only lightly filtered and no preservatives. 

Once the temperatures are warm enough, the beer garden right in the Abbey's courtyard invites guests from near and far to gather and enjoy world class beer with great food, including the Abbey's own cheese.

Specialties include pork shank, pig roast, the "Klosterwurst" after the original recipe and the Klosterbrandy.

The abbey is a gorgeous example of baroque architecture. The church sits on the banks of the Danube.  The construction was dedicated to St. George and was built by the Asam Brothers between 1716 and 1739. 

It is decorated throughout with ceiling frescoes, paintings in gilded frames, statues and other works of art, including a depiction of Cosmas Damian that looks down from the cupola above the sanctuary.

Weltenburg Abbey can be part of your special designed beer tour through Europe.

Ellen's article in the Fort Mill Magazine Spring 2014 issue: Bienvenue a Paris!

Bienvenue à Paris!

Top ten things to see and do while visiting the City of Light.

Paris - the City of Light - and one of the most romantic cities in the world.  Who does not want to visit France’s capital on the Seine river with its countless sights and the wonderful savoir vivre, the French art of living?  Exploring Paris  is very easy as many of the attractions are within walking distance and you may always use the “Métro”  which offers an inexpensive and convenient way to explore the city.  Is there a best time to travel?  Paris has its highlights in every season.  There are the blooming gardens in Spring, the festivals in the Summer, the color changing beauty of Fall  or Christmas  markets in the Winter; every season would be an ideal holiday to enjoy the City of Light. Planning  your visit well ahead, knowing some French greetings and words like “Bonjour, Madame/ Monsieur”  , “Merci” and “Au revoir”  (Hello Ma’am/Mr., Thank You and Goodbye) are encouraged to be used every time entering and leaving a place (trust me, this opens doors), and you will help to enhance your memories for a life time. There is so much to see and explore, but below are my top ten suggestions when vacationing in Paris.

Champs Élysée

With its full name “Avenue des Champs-Élysées” which refers to the Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed in Greek mythology, it is today the most prestigious and broadest avenue in Paris. Plus, shares the title of  the second most expensive strip of real estate in the world, second only to New York City’s Fifth Avenue with the annual rent being as high as over $900.000.00!  Take some time and go window shopping the luxurious stores or as the French say “faire du lèche-vitrine” .  The avenue runs almost 1.5 miles through the 8th arrondissement (district) form the “Place de la Concorde” in the East with its obelisk to the “Place Charles de Gaulle” in the West, which is the location of the Eiffel Tower or “Arc de Triomphe”.

Take a break to stop by “Ladurée” (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées), a beautiful tea room, and get some of their famous macaroons together with the best hot chocolate in Paris!

Montmartre and Sacré Coeur

“Montmartre”, situated on Paris’ highest hill and crowned by the beautiful 17th century church of “Sacré Coeur” is well worth a visit.  Stroll to the “Place du Terre” and almost feel like being rushed back in time when artists  “Picasso” or “Van Gogh” came to publish their masterpieces. Detour safely by strolling  through the back streets to get away from the tourist’s crowd and enjoy Montmartre’s small city charm,  grab a “pain au chocolat” (delicious chocolate croissant) in a “boulangerie” (bakery), get your sweetheart and stretch out your walking legs on the  steps of “Sacré Coeur” enjoying the breathtaking view of the City of Light.  How simply romantic!

La Tour Eiffel

“La France will be the only country whose flag will wave in pride on a mast at 300 meters height”

These were the words “Gustave Eiffel”, a French engineer, used when he started to build the tower which is named after him.

We know this is not true anymore, but being in Paris this massive monument out of steel and masterpiece of engineering is well worth a visit.

Before  your tour please make reservations way in advance to avoid a long wait in line for tickets. If you would like to do some workout, climb the stairs to the second platform and treat yourself with a lunch at the restaurant “Jules Verne” which is also located here.  Originally built for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, “La Tour Eiffel” , which is its French name, had been built for the world exhibit in Paris which took place in 1889 and was only supposed to be  present for a couple of months.  Now, Paris would not be Paris without its Eiffel tower, right?  

One insider tip for what I think an even more beautiful view if you forgot to make reservations and don’t want to spend the time in line waiting to get up: Head to the “Arc de Triomphe” and go up. A breathtaking view with the star shaped boulevards at your feet towards the Eiffel Tower. There is also a museum where you can learn why Napoleon gave order to build this monument.

Walk with the dead at Père- Lachaise

For some it might not be of interest to visit a cemetery during your vacation but visiting Paris’ “Pere Lachaise cimetière” is like visiting the RIP - VIPs ! Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde just to name a few.  Soak up the quiet, watch the trees, smell the flowers, listen to the birds. Grab a map and check out the tombs of your favorite RIP - VIPs.

Saint Germain District

Put on your Sunday best and head over to “St. Germain-des-Prés” which lines the left bank of the Seine and extends southwards to the sprawling “Jardin de Luxembourg”.  It is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Paris where you’ll find locals outfitted in Louis Vuitton and Dior on their way to a business meeting or out for a stroll on “Boulevard St.-Germain”.  It is also an artistic hub and in the past a spot for existentialist thinkers like “Jean-Paul Sartre”.  This is the place to see and be seen.  A great way to explore the neighborhood is by booking a patisserie and chocolate tasting tour!  Head to the “Église Saint Germain” , Paris’ oldest church dating back to the 6th century. Stroll through the small alleyways next to the church.  You will find a wonderful assembly of fine bars, restaurants and “brasseries” where you will experience a great time with locals. Enjoy a cafe-au-lait at “Les deux Magots” where Hemingway was a frequent customer. My favorite wine bar is “L’âne et la mule” (14 Rue Guisarde), excellent wine selection, delicious food and wonderful loving local people.

Louvre

Once the biggest building in the world and the palace of the ultimate kings the Louvre was built in stages over 8 centuries.  With its striking 20th century pyramide used as the entrance,  the Louvre now houses the world’s greatest collection of art treasures from prehistory to about 1850.  If you plan on visiting the Louvre during your stay in Paris, plan well ahead to maximize your time!  You will not be able to see the whole collection in one day.  To avoid waiting times which can add to a couple of hours,  buy a city museum pass in advance that will grant you entry to all the museums.  With this pass you can walk right through the entrance and you will be able to see Mona Lisa and Co in no time.

Palais Garnier

The “Palais Garnier” counts as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The Garnier is named after its architect “Charles Garnier” and since the completion of the “Opera Bastille” it is mostly being used for ballet performances.  Did you know that this is the original showplace of “Gaston Leroux’s” legendary “Phantom of the Opera”?  The subterraneous waters, which he rows with his boat, really exist and still need to be pumped on a regular basis.  Completed in 1875 at a time where seen and to be seen was an inherent part of each visit to an opera, Garnier showed respect to that matter in adding a spectacular marble staircase into the foyer of the palais.  Also the auditorium was built in a u-shape, which did not guarantee an optimal view from the 1900 velvet draped seats to the stage.  But a perfect view to the loge vis-à-vis!  The lights of the almost 18000 pound heavy chandelier did not turn off during the performance either.  Look up to the ceiling to admire the fantastic painting of “Marc Chagall”  encompassing the entire dome.

Notre Dame

“Notre Dame” cathedral was the first gothic style church located on the Seine island “ l’Île de la Cité”; built over 170 years from 1163-1345. The land itself, has even a longer rich history.  The Celts considered this their sacred ground.  Romans built a temple of worship to Jupiter, a Christian basilica was built in the 6th century and was  the last religious structure  prior to the Romanesque church now known as “Norte Dame”.  Today, “Notre Dame” represents a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most visited places in the world.  Entrance is free!

Orsay Gallery

Are you an artistic admirer of “Vincent Van Gogh”? Then  you must find time to explore the Orsay Gallery or “Musée d’Orsay”. The architecture alone of this former train station (La Gare d”Orsay) will impress not to mention the incredible collection of art masterpieces located inside the gallery. With 25 paintings by “Van Gogh”, such as “Starry Night over the Rhone” as well as many other famous Impressionist and Post Impressionist works, the Orsay gives art enthusiasts  a wide selection of masterpieces to admire.

Shop the local market for a picnic in one of Paris’ beautiful gardens like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg

Did you also grow up thinking cheese was orange and the shape of the bread was square? Well, strolling through my favorite street market in the “Rue Cler” has absolutely enhanced my appreciation of fabulous French  cuisine.  “Rue Cler “ is lined with shops that spill out into the streets, welcoming the mingling and sharing with the locals and tourists.  Shop like a Parisian, meaning shop with their sense of smell; mingle with the chefs, explore how to make your dinner guests feel what the French enjoy over the meal you have planned for them.  Visit a “charcuterie” for deli food, a “fromagerie” for the widest variety of cheeses you have ever seen (and smelled) followed by a wine shop whose owner is more than happy to pair the wine with  those ingredients you’ve selected  for your tantalizing picnic.  Last stop: the “boulangerie” to pick up your baguette. Et voilà!

The best way to enjoy your picnic is to walk into one of Paris’ famous gardens, like Buttes Chaumont or Jardin Luxembourg. Spread your blanket and enjoy the moment of sitting in a garden surrounding that would invite Monet to show up with his easel any minute!  Bon Appétit!

These are my top ten suggestions for Paris but if you are spending more time in the City of Lights, don’t miss out to visit the beautiful castles just outside the city limit. Starting with the world famous “Château de Versailles” which takes you back in time to the blooming days of King Louis XIV.  My personal  recommendation: “Château de Chantilly” with its beautiful gardens just North of Paris.  It hosts the “Musée du Conde”, one of the largest and prestigious collections of French art and ancient book illuminations outside of the Louvre.  Located close to the “Grand Stable” with its fascinating horse demonstrations, “Château Chantilly” is a great idea for a day outside the busy city center of Paris.

There are so many ways to visit Paris and nonstop flights from Charlotte make a trip simply convenient. A wonderful way to combine Paris with the rest of France is by booking a river cruise. AmaWaterways offers various river cruises like the “Jewel of France” which will go all the way to Barcelona or the “Paris & Normandy” route with excursions to the Utah and Omaha beaches. Until then:  Au revoir et bon voyage!

Ellen Rauchhaus is a Fort Mill Magazine Travel Club expert and the owner of TripDesign.  A native European and a travel consultant for nearly twenty years, Ellen is a Europe travel and river cruise specialist and enjoys helping others plan the trip of their dreams.  Let Ellen design your next trip by calling (248) 982-4547 or email tripdesign4u@gmail.com.