Paris Area

For those traveling through Europe, often one of the top destinations on their list is Paris. Whether it's museums, cathedrals, monuments, culinary delights, or just beautiful surroundings you are interested in, Paris and its surrounding area has something for everyone.

Highlights of Paris

• Eiffel Tower
• Arc de Triomphe
• Cathédrale Notre Dame
• Louvre
• Catacombes
• Versailles

Historical Sites

Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was constructed in 1889 for a World Fair being held to commemorate the centennial of the revolution. At the time, it was the tallest structure at 320m (1050 ft.). Ironically, the tower was initially opposed by the city's artistic and literary elite and was almost torn down in 1909. Fortunately, the tower proved to be a perfect place to install antennas needed for radiotelegraphy, which ended up being its saving grace. Opening hours are generally from 9:30am to midnight. From August to December, it tends to close earlier (around 11pm). Those with an ISE Card will receive a 20% discount. Some restrictions apply, so please search the ISE website: www.isecard.com for further information. The website for the Eiffel Tower is available by click here.

Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is another of Paris's recognizable sites. Today it is the world's largest traffic roundabout, and from the viewing platform on top of the arch (284 steps), you can see the 12 avenues that converge upon it. Tickets are sold in the underground passageway that may be reached on the even-numbered side of Ave des Champs-Élysées. There is a discounted rate for Youth ISE Cardholders here.

Cathédrale Notre Dame
If Paris has a heart, then this is it. Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and can hold over 6000 people. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb the 387 steps of the north tower which will bring you to the top of the west façade and face to face with many of the cathedrals' most frightening gargoyles. It also affords a spectacular view of Paris. Please visit their site for opening hours and holidays.

Musée du Louvre
It has been said that the Louvre is so large that you could easily spend three full days viewing all that it contains and you still might not see it all. To make your visit more enjoyable, there are map-guides available which will allow you to find particular works of art that you definitely want to see of the 30,000 to choose from. If you enter through the underground shopping mall, you might be able to avoid long lines for tickets. Opening hours may be found at on their website.

Catacombs
The Paris catacombs were created in 1785 as a result of overflowing cemeteries. The bones of the buried were exhumed and moved to the tunnels of several disused quarries. The tunnels are quite deep, at least 20m (65 ft) underground, and each of the winding corridors is stacked with bones. The catacomb tunnels are located south of the Seine River and there is a reduced admission price for those with an ISE Card. Ironically, those over 60 can get in free.

Centre Pompidou
If you are into modern art and architecture, you won't want to miss the Pompidou Centre (also known as Beaubourg). To keep the exhibition halls uncluttered, the architects put the building's 'insides' on the outside which makes for an interesting building structure. The top floors have a magnificent view of Paris, and there are many street performers, musicians and artists that choose to congregate in front of the centre.

Versailles
The Château de Versailles is known as the grandest and most famous palace in France. Built in the mid-1600s during the reign of Louis XIV, the chateau is the epitome of extravagance. With its grand halls, bedchambers, gardens, ponds, elaborate fountains and a 75m (250ft) Hall of Mirrors, it truly is a jewel that should not be missed. A visit to Versailles makes a nice trip for those interested in getting out of Paris for a bit to visit the beautiful countryside of its outskirts.

Activities

Au Lapin Agile
One of the things that France is known for are its cabaret shows. The Au Lamin Agile theater has some nice performances for visitors and also offers a discounted rate of €13.72 instead of €19.81 with an ISE Card (Saturdays excluded). Additional information may be found here.

Paris Story
An excellent and fun way to learn about Paris and its history is to visit "Paris Story". Go back in time 2000 years with the greatest multimedia show ever produced about Paris! Thanks to new wide-screen, audio-visual technology and virtual images, Victor Hugo will guide you through the centuries of the Parisian history, as you discover the joys and tragedies which have helped mold the City of Lights. Experience 45 minutes of pure emotion, full of exciting and breathtaking images, which will give you insight into the soul of Paris. Simultaneous translation in English is available at each showing and ISE Cardholders will receive 40% off of the full price. Additional information may be found here.

Musee du Vin (Wine Museum)
For those interested in wine tasting, a visit to the wine museum should not be missed. With an ISE Card there is a 10% discount off of the student rate of €5.70. Please visit their site for directions on how to get there.

Fat Tire Bike Tours
For an unforgettable experience, you might want to see Paris by bike. Fat Tire Bike Tours has an excellent reputation and provides a variety of tours. They offer t-shirts at half price for ISE Cardholders. More information may be found on their website.

Places to Stay

Hostels
There are a wide variety of places to stay in Paris. To search for hostels online with full descriptions, photos and availability features, please click here. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.

Places to Eat

Restaurant La Papillote
A nice stop for lunch is this little restaurant which offers 10% off until 7pm to ISE Cardholders.

Café OZ (bar)
While food may not be the main fare at Café OZ, there is a nice "happy hour" here. On Monday there are special discounts for ISE Cardholders. For more information please visit their website.

Getting Around

Car
Alamo Rental car 15% off; mention Code BY ID #:421459

Train
This is probably the best way to get around. The subways and train system throughout Paris is quite convenient and easy to use.

Moving On

Train
Traveling between countries in Europe is best done by train. It is usually cheaper and easier than driving or taking a bus.