What can I say about Paris? I've been there about five or six times in my life (mostly recently) and I still get a different feel from the city every time I go. It's one of those cities that you can't really know in a matter of days. It takes a lifetime to really know Paris. You can visit one part and think you know it really well, and then turn a corner and be completely blown away by something completely different.
For example, I really love the fifth arrondissement, the Latin Quarter. I feel like its one of the most Parisian parts of Paris. It's right next to the river; you can hear the bells of Notre Dame and you aren't far from the touristy places. But then again, you are secluded because people actually live in the apartments there and it just feels so...lived in and charming.
But the Latin Quarter is very different from the places just across the river. Or from Place Monge, or Place d'Italie. (I really like Place Monge too. We went to this really fabulous restaurant there called the Atremis something or other. Because it's sort of off-season--although, tourists never take time off--it wasn't terribly crowded.) Yeah, there is also another great Moroccan restaurant not far from the Campo Formio metro stop on the fifth....and another one call Chez Prospero near the Place de la Nation...oh man, I'm still dreaming about that duck!
Paris is a little too touristy for my tastes--if you want to know the french, don't go to Paris, or at least not to the well-traveled parts that most Americans frequent.
Paris is not a big city...but then again, it is. All the buildings are the same height because (they're french and they like it that way.)
We spent the night at Sacre Coeur for their all-night adoration, which was REALLY cool. It was neat to hear Paris bustling at the bottom of the hill and be sitting very peacefully on the inside.
Ah Paris, what can I say? It will always surprise me.
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