I soaked up the personalities of boutiques as I walked among the streets, I glided along the Seine River on a luxurious dinner cruise, and I almost fainted when I finally saw the Eiffel Tower in person. I fell in love with a city. I fell in love with Paris, France. I have no doubt that you would, too.

Paris in the summer was most enchanting. There is always a

celebration or an event that will perk your interests. From the

three-day Paris Country Fair to the Nuits de Feuto, one of the

largest fireworks spectaculars in the world, these events are sure

to please especially if you like the outdoors. Or, if you prefer the

indoors, with 140 theatres and show venues, there are major

theatrical productions and musicals galore!

What woman could possibly visit Paris without wanting to

experience the joy of shopping? I sure didn't as I roamed among

different neighborhoods to visit boutiques and cafés. Le Marais

district is best to explore many fashion and design boutiques. It's

hard to resist making a purchase of some sort along the way! A

unique café you'll want to check out is Pomze in the Opéra/Grands

Boulevard area, which offers apple-themed cuisine.

I thought the view of some historical landmarks along the Seine

River while on a night-time dinner cruise was stunning! The

Bateaux Parisiens/Seino Vision cruise is unforgettable. I saw the

spectacular night view of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower (nicknamed

the "guardian of Paris in golden apparel"), the Musée du Louvre

(The Louvre Museum), and more historical landmarks of France.

You absolutely don't want to miss visiting the Eiffel Tower in the

day as well. A 59-foot trek up the tower takes you to the top to

overlook the city of Paris that will leave you breathless!

During the day, the Louvre Museum was just as delightful. As a

former royal palace, it features a large, glass Crystal Pyramid near

the front entrance. The museum itself features paintings and

artifacts of architecture, history, and archeology of France's rich

heritage. The Louvre hosts the famous painting by Leonardo da

Vinci, the Mona Lisa. The palace was first opened to the public

during the French Revolution.

In July you don't want to miss the famous bicycling race, Le Tour

de France (The Tour of France). Even though Lance Armstrong may

not be entering the race again, it is worth experiencing the

national identity and pride of France.

But before you're able to experience Paris to its fullest, I strongly

recommend not leaving home without planning well in advance.

Advanced lodging accommodations are much needed. Booking

travel dates ahead of time and your hotel stay will save you

hours, if not days of stress headaches while trying to plan the

perfect Paris vacation. Since the summer weather in Paris ranges

from fairly cool in the day (lower to mid-70s) all the way up to 95

degrees, plan to bring a variety of apparel to keep cool and warm.

A few light sweaters, jeans, shorts, and cotton shirts would work

best. For the colder evenings (mid- to upper-50s), plan to bring a

coat to keep warm. Other essentials to pack before leaving Paris

include:

• a digital camera

• a small bag to carry a water bottle, maps, paper and pen, and

the digital camera

• comfortable walking shoes

• a light rain jacket (just in case)

Besides the typical items you should bring with you, an absolute

consideration must be made when planning to travel overseas;

knowing what type of ID you will need while in France is most

important. Only a passport is required for entry into France. For

stays up to 90 days, a visa will not be needed.

Understanding at least some of the "language of love" is most

appreciated by the French. So, taking some beginning French

lessons before you leave for Paris would be useful or simply

finding a good English-French dictionary may work well to start.

Learning some basic phrases helped me around the city or guided

me to someone who spoke English. For example, there were

several friendly question and greeting phrases I used repeatedly

throughout my trip:

• Hello (good day). --> Bonjour.

• Good evening. --> Bonsoir.

• Excuse me, do you speak English? --> Excusez moi, parlez vous

anglais?

• Where is -? -->Où est -

• In what direction do I have to go? --> Dans quel sens dois-

je aller?

• How much is it? --> Combien est-ce?

• No, I don't understand. --> No, je ne comprends pas.

• Thank you. --> Merci.

• Bye. --> Au Revoir

And when you do get to Paris, it's best to do three things to make

your trip most enjoyable. First, knowing that Paris is partitioned by

districts, which are located on the street signs, will make your

travel easier. Second, for a very low price, purchase what's called

a "Paris City Passport" from the Paris Convention and Visitors

Bureau which includes over 45 museum, attraction, excursion, and

shopping discounts and also includes a map of all Paris districts.

Third, knowing a little about all transportation options would be

ideal, usually the Metro bus or taxi are good choices. Knowing

what district your hotel is in also helps. And don't forget to use

your new French skills!

To endure the everlasting spirit of Paris is not difficult. Once I

visited Paris, I never knew such beauty could exist in a thrilling

European adventure like this. I have not left the memories behind

me and I have not forgotten the experience of falling in love with a

city. Paris will continue to fascinate you too, even after you've

said, "au revoir!"