An American's First Visit - My Impressions of Paris, France

After arriving from London via Eurostar train at La Gare du Nord in Paris, I took a quick cab to the Louvre as I began my visit (in only one day) by setting out on foot.

While walking near the Louvre, I could see La Grande Roue (big wheel) at the entrance to Les Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Gardens)

It was there in August 2011 when I arrived, but as it is transportable, it has been seen other years at Place de la Concorde.

The week I visited London in August I didn't see very much precipitation. I actually never used my triny travel umbrella.

But when I arrived in Paris, there was an enormous rainfall when I was inside the museum.

This is a look at the amazing Louvre on a rainy day.

I'll take Paris in any kind of weather!

As much has been said about the Paris subway system being efficient, I chose not to partake when I visited 'the city of light'.

I had fears of being robbed and I don't really have any regrets. [I've never taken the New York subway either, despite having visited there numerous times].

The beautiful Art Nouveau Metropolitain signs,created by architect Hector Guimard, are found at the entrancec to many metro stations in Paris.

I arrived at La Gare du Nord in Paris on the Eurostar train from London.

It was a short cab ride to the Louvre which was my destination.

I walked around the Tuileries and down Rue de Rivoli.

This is a photo of the interior of the railway station from above where the Eurostar has its waiting area.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Paris. In 2013 Paris lost the title as the #1 city. If you know the city that earned the #1 status, answer the poll below.

All photos of Paris were taken by the author Camille Gizzarelli.

One item on my to-do-list was to eat out of doors (en plein air) at a Paris cafe.

I ordered (in French), "Je voudrais salade, pain, fromage, carafe d'eau." (Translated, it is salad, bread, cheese, and carafe of water.)

It was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Do you think it was because I was in Paris?

I'm glad I didn't order a Bismarck pizza as did a friend of mine on another trip.

She said it was cooked with an egg on top. The problem was the egg wasn't listed on the English translated menu. Also beware of salads served with runny eggs if you are weary of raw eggs!

Really, what's not to love about Paris? It's history, culture, food, museums, parks...

I look forward to my next visit to Paris when I hope to see Notre Dame Cathedral, Napoleon's tomb, Musee D'Orsay...

Hopefully the terrorism we see around the globe will not deter us from travelling abroad.

For those tourists critical of the Parisians, I say "stay home."

Seriously, they're not as rude as they're portrayed (except for a few). Visit Paris once and you'll want to stay a lifetime.

Stay in touch with your local travel agent as he/she can alert you when airfares are at their lowest. Quick, jump on a plane for an unforgettable trip!