city breaks

Sara Harding from Students in Europe tells us about the the Parisian sights, shopping and snacks that draw countless tourists to this city every year. There's more than a few reasons for all the fuss about Paris. Countless musicians, artists and literaries knew what they were talking about when they praised the city's lights, life and lovers. Paris is still my favorite city in Europe and -- depsite what you may have heard in recent years -- is far from a cliche. Like any major city, Paris can be a budget-buster -- aside from the general cost of living, temptations to spend your Euros on red wine and croissants (though usually not at the same time) will undoubtedly ensue. But off the beaten boulevards are some of Paris's most picturesque pockets -- less pricey and more cultured, these -- mes amis -- are where the real Paris lies. To see: The first thing you should see in Paris is Paris itself, so put on your walking shoes (fashionable ones, please) and hit the streets. Maps and guidebooks will present you makeshift tours of the city's arrondissements, sure, but simply spending a day outdoors is likely to lead you to your favorite locale. My two are the Jardin du Luxembourg -- elegant gardens in the 6th that are positively gorgeous this time of year, and le Marais -- a quaint and cultured district littered with galleries, bakeries and bars. Other sightworthies include Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, 'le de la Cite and La Defense' -- a modern marvel that houses the Grande Arche (from the horizon of which you can see its classic counterpart, the Arc de Triomphe). And naturally, Paris has too many museums to count. The Louvre and Musee d'Orsay provide a great overview of the classics (in the very broad sense of the term), while the Centre Pompidou is a modern and contemporary institution with a spectacular view of the city. Those with interests in Picasso or Rodin should head to the artists' respective museums. The venues of each are as much a treat as the art, particularly in the case of the Musee Rodin -- beautiful rose gardens surround The Thinker and his other iconic works. The Louvre, 75058 Paris; 01 40 20 50 50 Musee d'Orsay, 1 Rue de la Legion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris; 01 40 49 48 14 Centre Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris; 01 44 78 12 33 Musee National Picasso, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris; 01 42 74 27 97 Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris; 01 44 18 61 10 To eat: Crepes, crepes, crepes, croissants, pain au chocolat, and the falafel in le Marais. Sure, Paris is full of five-star eateries, but for students these streetside offerings are heaven to both the tastebuds and the budget. For some culinary inspiration (and ingredients), browse food markets like the one on Rue Mouffetard or Rue Mabillon. A Google search will bring up a list of all of the city's markets, perfect not only for meal preparations but for everyday staples like cheese, bread, fruit and wine. Mi-Va-Mi (falafel), 27 Rue des Ecouffes, 75004 Paris 01 42 71 53 72 To buy: Glittering department stores like Les Galeries Lafayette serve as serious eye candy, but they do not serve up your typical Macy's Prices. For quick and cheap fixes on clothes and accessories, international staples like Zara and H&M are your best bet. Les Galeries Lafayette, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris; 05 34 45 98 98 For more enjoyable browsing, you have to check out Paris's flea markets. The most popular is probably Les Puces -- a sprawling market at the Porte de Clignacourt metro. It's a market melting pot if you will, with everything from Prada knockoffs to antique pendants, and it's like a city within itself. My personal favorite on the market front, however, is the market at Porte de Vanves. Even antique dealers do their shopping on this quaint little stretch. And no trip to Paris would be complete without a look through Shakespeare & Company -- the city's most famous English bookstore. Shakespeare & Company, 37 Rue B»cherie, 75005 Paris; 01 43 25 40 93 Writing this, I realize how difficult it is to outline Paris without missing a ton; I've hardly included a fraction of what Paris really has to offer. But I promise that even the routes to these destinations will be rich with the sounds, sights and lights of Paris and, like it did the aforementioned artists, the city will enchant you too.