France

Highlights of Paris

Paris is the first city that I visited in Europe, and the first taken with friends rather than family, and so it holds a special place in my heart. It can be overrated, but underrated as well. The city's museums, restaurants, shopping, parks, and day-trip escapes means that it is a destination worth returning to again and again. You always discover something new, and the favorites are always worth revisiting.

Personally, I believe that the time of year can skew one's perception of the city. I have gone during early March and early July, and I would not recommend going during either. During the summer, the city gets hot, and quite unpleasantly so, especially with no air conditioning in the trains and limited air conditioning in restaurants. In early March, one does not miss the lack of air conditioning, but unfortunately it is still winter and that means missing out on the city's greenery. Therefore, by process of elimination, I recommend the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. At the same time, I'd love to experience the city during the Christmas season - I bet it's magical!