Europe Travel Guide bliss list

Paris

1. Canal Cruise: Think canal cruise and you most likely conjure up images of Venice and Amsterdam. But think Paris! Canauxrama offers a unique way to see the neighborhoods cruising along the beautiful Canal St. Martin. You’ll pass through canal locks, see the famous Hotel du Nord and get to see Paris in really authentic way.

2. Officine Universelle Buly: If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir, make a visit here. Serving Paris since 1801, Officine Universelle Buly offers perfume and skin care for men and women, but most popular at their custom lip balms in an engraved case. For about 25euro, these useful and beautiful treasures are the perfect gift. There are several stores, but the original at 6 rue Bonaparte is a personal favorite.

3. La Maison Maille: Mustard you say? Yes, mustard! Making mustard since 1747, a visit here to the shop on Place de la Madeline in the heart of the city is a real treat. Locals and visitors alike come here to see first hand the amazing choices of mustards – and many of them are on “tap”. You can buy a beautiful ceramic jar, fill it with your favorite, making the perfect gift for someone – or yourself. And if you’re back in town, bring it for refills!

4. Le muse Edith Piaf: Paris is a city of museums – and music. And there may be no one singer that represents Chanson Francaise as Edith Piaf. The singer most famous for La Vie en Rose is immortalized here in unique museum at 5 rue Crespin du Gast. For about 10euro (check opening dates/times before visiting) you gain access to the private museum that highlights the career of the singer and includes many of her personal belongings.

5. Hotel Chopin: For visitors seeking a truly Parisian stay, without  breaking the bank, the Hotel Chopin is a great choice. This charming hotel is located close to the Opera in the Passage Joufroy. Both the hotel and the passage opened in 1846 and as the name suggests, Chopin was a fan of shopping and strolling in this beautiful arcade.

6. Chez Francis: Let’s face it. We all dream of dining with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Lot’s of people opt to dine “at” or “in” the tower, but while that may mean a good meal, it also means no view. If you’re looking for both a great meal and a spectacular view, check out Chez Francis at 4 Avenue George V. The famous brasserie can be a bit on the pricey side for dinner so you may want to opt for lunch. But if want the full night time experience, stop in for elegant cocktails at the bar.

7. Versailles: First things first. If you haven’t been, a visit to the chateau is a must. To walk through the gardens and staterooms of Louis XIV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette might just give you chills! But don’t miss the village of Versailles itself. Boasting historic architecture, an antique district, cafes, boutiques and galleries, the town offers you the feeling of Old Paris, without the big crowds!

8. Txango Tours: Imagine hopping on motorcycle, complete with sidecar and traveling the streets of Paris with a licensed guide? The team at Txango Tours offers a number of great predesigned programs (including a full day to Versailles) or you can customize your own program. Vroom, vroom!!

9. Pere Lachaise Cemetery:  Suggesting you visit a cemetery might seem a bit odd, but Pere Lachaise is also like an outdoor museum of sculpture and history. The list of famous people buried here is endless but includes: Jim Morrision, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Colette, Chopin, Balzac, Gertrude Stein and many others.

10. Pain Vin Fromages: What else does one need beyond bread, wine and cheese? Located in the heart of Le Marias, Pain-Vin-Fromages has it all under one roof including fondues, raclettes, tartiflettes and more. This one’s a real treat!