Palace of Versailles

Although most tourists really do come to Versailles simply to visit the palace, and that really is reason enough, there are a number of additional attractions that are certainly worth considering. A number of these tourist attractions are related to the château itself, such as the Palace Gardens, Marie Antoinette's Village / Hamlet, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, all of which are quite simply spectacular.

Most tour buses simply stop outside of the Palace of Versailles and so visitors wishing to explore the city further may need to make a little extra effort, which they will soon find to be well worth it. Within Versailles itself are some excellent shops and restaurants, particularly around central areas such as the Place du Marché, while close by, tourist attractions include the enormous Arboretum de Chevrèloup and the Désert de Rez Park.

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Disneyland Paris

When people ask me about how to plan for a Disney vacation, I offer the analogy of  a couple of my close friends. One of them obsessively plans every moment of his life and his vacations. As a result, he is lost when the schedule doesn't work perfectly and he often has no fun because he obsesses over the plan.

By contrast, another friend never plans anything, but just goes with the flow. While this is perhaps less obsessive than planning every detail, it is just as bad. When he goes on trips he is always lost, never knows where to go and often spends much of his time trying to figure out what to do.

My suggestion is to adopt a happy medium between the two extremes. Sketch out a general idea of what you want to do each day. Check out some of the touring plans offered in guidebooks, and use them as a general guide for how to proceed each day (IE: On Magic Kingdom day, start in Fantasyland, then Adventureland, etc). But keep the plans flexible enough that you can adapt to change.

When to Go

The crowds fluctuate throughout the year. The busiest times of the year tend to be around holiday and during the summer. It makes sense to assume that the times kids are off match up with the times of year the park is more crowded. Remember that some of the holiday schedules in Europe are different than those in the United States, so be sure and check to see if you are going during a crowded time.

Here are the current hours from now until the end of the summer 2002:

Disneyland Park

January 7th to March 8th, 2002

10.00 - 20.00 from Monday to Friday

9.00 - 20.00 on Saturday and Sunday

March 9th to March 17th, 2002

10.00 - 20.00 from Monday to Friday

9.00 - 23.00 on Saturday and Sunday

March 18th to July 5th, 2002

9.00 - 20.00 daily

July 6th to September 1st, 2002

9.00 - 23.00 daily

Walt Disney Studios Park

March 16th to July 5th, 2002

9.00 - 20.00 daily

July 6th to September 1st, 2002

9.00 - 21.00 daily

Parades and Shows

Disneyland Paris offers a variety of shows during the year. Currently there are three major shows and two parades being offered.

Mickey's Winter Wonderland: A seasonal show featuring Mickey Mouse, it is shown at the Chaparal Theater in Frontierland.

Minnie's Birthday Surprise: A special show featuring Minnie Mouse shown at Videopolis in the Magic Kingdom

Winnie The Pooh: Pooh and friends offer a daily show at the Castle Stage in Fantasyland.

Wonderful World of Disney Parade: A daily parade at Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

Main Street Electrical Parade: The classic parade hits Europe

Disney's Magic Music Days: During March and April the park features musicians from all around Europe, much like the local schools features at Disneyland in California and at Walt Disney World. For details click: Magic Music Days

Disneyland Paris offers detailed information on show times

Click here to check daily parade and show schedules: Parade Times

How Long Should I Stay?

Disneyland requires two or three days for a thorough visit, not counting travel time. Since every vacation has a time limitation, I strongly suggest you look at what you really want to do and set priorities. Then you can plan a reasonable pace and see and do those things that are most important to you and everyone in your party.

Other places to go

Disneyland Paris is located a short ride from the magical city, and there are tour packages which offer time at Disneyland and time in the city. You can also see a number of historical sites all around France, and England is only a short train ride away, with a station located right at the park gates.

Good Information to Know

The Disneyland Paris web site offers lots of good information. If you want to access the information click here

Phone Numbers

General Information and Park Hours.

International - 00 44 990 03 03 03

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Basilique du Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart also called as Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, balanced at the very top of Butte de Montmartre (Montmartre Hill), was built by Parisian Catholics as an act of contrition after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. Construction began in year 1873, but the basilica was not holy until 1919. The basilica's domes are a well-loved part of the Parisian skyline.

A 234-step climb up narrow twisting staircases takes you up to the dome, which affords one of Paris' most stunning panoramas. It is, however, outside on the steps where the action takes place - lovers, buskers, locals and foreigners all join to take in the vistas and each other.

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Arc de Triomphe Profile and Visitors' Guide

The Arc de Triomphe is recognized as a symbol of Parisian pomp and elegance around the globe. Erected by the Emperor Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate France's military prowess, the 50 meter/164 foot tall Arc de Triomphe crowns the west end of the Champs-Elysées, the city's most famous avenue, at the juncture known as the Etoile (star), where 12 prestigious avenues radiate out from the arch.
Because of its significant place in Paris history-- evoking both joyful and dark historical memories-- and its iconic status, the Arc de Triomphe is found on any list of Paris' top tourist attractions.
Because of its significant place in Paris history-- evoking both joyful and dark historical memories-- and its iconic status, the Arc de Triomphe is found on any list of Paris' top tourist attractions.


Arc de Triomphe Location and Contact Info:


The Arc de Triomphe is located at the west end of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, on the Place Charles de Gaulle (often also referred to as the Place de l'Etoile).


Address: Place Charles de Gaulle, 8th arrondissement

Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (Line 1, 2 or 6)

RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (Line A)

Phone: +33 (0)155 377 377

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ORSAY MUSEUM TOURS - PRIVATE TOURS MUSEE D'ORSAY

Musee d'Orsay Closures: Musee D'Orsay is closed on Mondays.


Musee D'Orsay museum tours includes: Entrance tickets, services of Private Paris tour guide.


One of our outstanding Paris tour guides will guide you on your very own private guided tour of the Musee d'Orsay, located on the gone bank of the Seine. Originally a railway station, the Orsay showcases the greatest painting, photography, sculpture, graphic arts and building of the Western world from 1848 to 1914. Through such works as “Woman Dozing on a Bed,” “Child Making a Sand Castle,” and “Ploughing in Nevers,” visitors can get a glimpse of the everyday life in the epoch throughout the eyes of its top artists.

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The Louvre Museum

Louvre Museum is one of the world's great museums, the Louvre is a wonderful setting for some of history's greatest works of art.

Having a Guide to lead you through this huge museum and to help you find out the wonders of this great world treasure makes the experience much easier and more satisfying.

The Louvre Museum Tour covers the foremost works and many of the lesser known but important pieces. The building itself is a treasure and our tour covers its history and its structure which has spanned over all seven centuries.

One small advice: you can't see everything in single day. However, our tour allows you to closely enjoy some of history's greatest works of art while experiencing the splendor of this museum and its immense collection.

Because of the crowds, you may want the Louvre Museum explore to begin early. The entry ticket is good for the entire day allowing you to exit and re-enter the museum as you wish.

Also, the Louvre is open Wednesday and Friday evenings until 9:30 p.m. Crowds are much less in the evening and the museum takes on a more relaxing quality at night. The entrance fee is also reduced after 6 p.m..

For further information about the Louvre, go to our Louvre Museum page for some history of the building, some information about the museum hours, collection, admission prices, practical information and other services.

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