Banks of the Seine to be reclaimed for the pedestrians of Paris

The Banks of the Seine are to be reclaimed for the pedestrians of Paris, with cars replaced by promenades, botanical gardens, a flower market and a floating cafe.

Under plans to radically reshape the banks of the river by 2012, unveiled by socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe, a kilometre-long stretch of the left bank from Musee d’Orsay to Pont de l’Alma would be transformed into a park, footpath and cycle path. An archipelago of artificial islands is included in the plans.

Read more in Ruadhan MacCormaic’s article in the Irish Times 17/04/2010.

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Batobus – a great way to move between the major Paris landmarks

I always suggest to people who have only a day or two in Paris that taking the Batobus on the Seine is the most enjoyable and efficient way to see the main sights and experience the magic of the City of Lights at night.

You can buy a day pass for about €13 and hop on and off at any of the eight stops which include Notre Dame, Hotel de Ville, Louvre, Champs Elysses, Eiffel Tower and Musee d’Orsay. The round trip is less than 1hr.30mins and you can decide at which places to spend more time. Get back on board after dark and the city takes on a whole new life from the river perspective, particularly the Eiffel Tower which sparkles for several minutes every hour, on the hour!

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www.batobus.com

Musee d’Orsay – a guided tour given by your kids!

Here’s a nice tip for your family visit to Musee d’Orsay – a discovery tour for kids and their parents. My wife and 13 year old daughter did this when she was 12 but it is adaptable and generally recommended for 7-14 year olds.

Based on 15 world-famous masterpieces, this discovery trail turns your visit to the Musee d’Orsay (Louvre equivalent – “On the trail of Mona Lisa“) into an adventure. It puts children in the driver’s seat, allowing them to be your guide !

When you arrive buy (cost was €6.90 about a year ago) the booklet shown here (excuse the quality of my scanner) and you will be all set to follow the trail of the Impressionists.

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