Tennis Tournament Tourism: Talk a Walk Through The City of Love

Finally, it is time for the years next Grand Slam: the French Open in Paris! French Open aside, Paris is a city that should be on your travel list if it isn’t already. Even though top players such as Stanislas Wawrinka, Li Na and the Williams Sisters are already out of the tournament, they certainly enjoyed staying in the City of Love.

If Grigor Dimitrov enjoys a walk through Paris at night then surely you can’t say no yourself. (Something is missing! Where’s Sharapova in this picture? ;-))

Besides wandering through the city streets and possibly bumping into a top player, you should make a point to check out these iconic spots as well.

(1) Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most famous monuments in Paris and located at the western end of Champs Élysées, an idyllic pedestrian mall. It honours the French men and women who fought during the French Revolution. If you’re in a walking mood you should start with a visit to the Louvre (How are you going to pass up on the Mona Lisa?), walk through the gorgeous Tuileries Gardens and finally make your way down the aforementioned Champs Élysées to the Arc. Talk about a distinguished walk.

(2) Piscine Josephine Baker

Of course, you want to enjoy the sunny weather outside and dive into the water! Unfortunately you can’t enjoy the famous Seine River (don’t want to get hit by a tourist boat!), so people go to the Piscine Josephine Baker instead. This glass-walled swimming pool was built on a barge that is adjacent to the Seine. It is a truly unique swimming experience.

(3) Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris

This popular landmark is also known simply as Sacré-Coeur. It is a Roman Catholic Church and minor basilica built in 1914 and located on the top of the hill “butte Montmartre”. The main attraction of the Sacre-Coeur however, is the stunning view it offers being the highest point in the city. Head up there at night and enjoy the spectacular skyline lit up by the city lights.

(4) Palais – Royal Gardens

Take a break from all the excitement of the city and the tournament, and relax at the formal gardens (Royal Gardens) and elegant shops right next to a 17th-century palace. Grab a crusty french baguette, a 5 euro bottle of wine (you can get some great wine for soooo cheap) and find a bench with a great view. Maybe you’ll find some Roland Garros stars or starlets hanging out there, too.

(5) Boat tour on the Seine

For a more relaxing sightseeing tour through Paris, choose from one of the hundred boats along the river and let them take you on a 2 to 4 hour ride. You will get to see all the nice bridges, and most famous Parisian landmarks.

(6) Rue Saint-Honoré

If you are really into fashion then Paris is the right city for you as well. Be inspired by French and international up and coming designers featured in the various shops lining the Parisian streets. The Rue Saint-Honoré is the perfect place for designer shopping because you’ll get to know the elite French brand names there.

(7) Eiffel Tower

Last but not least, the most popular landmark in Paris, or France as a whole, The Eiffel Tower. Either during the day or at night, this building is the ultimate eye-catcher. If you go up to the top you can look over all of Paris. You can even enjoy a meal in one of the cafes and restaurants located within the Tower.

And look who else can’t resist the lure of the Eiffel Tower!

Federer – View of the Eiffel Tower

Tommy Robredo – Eiffel Tower by night

Daniela Hantuchova – Eiffel Tower

Madison Keys – Eiffel Tower by night

Comments