A Parisian Intellectual Journey: (Ten-Day) Itinerary (1)

The bewitching stained glass of Notre-Dame. On this beautiful September day, with friends coming from afar, I assume the identity of a local Parisian resident to arrange an intellectual journey through Paris for friends from Taiwan. In just ten days, one can glimpse the artistic and floral splendor of Paris, as well as its humanistic scenery. Below is shared with online friends as a reference for your independent travel in Paris.

September 5: Pick up at the airport at 5:30 PM, check into the hotel in the 13th arrondissement. After settling in, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, metro stations, shops, supermarkets, fruit stores, bakeries, etc., and orient yourself within Paris. Buy metro tickets, water, and fruit. Then, depending on the situation and due to the time difference, rest early tonight.

September 6: Take bus No. 27 (which offers views of Parisian streets) to Rue Mouffetard, the oldest street in Paris. Walk up along the shops and market street to the Panthéon. Stroll and visit the Jardin du Luxembourg, have lunch in the park, then walk along Boulevard Saint-Michel to the shopping district, passing Sorbonne University, the Medieval Art Museum, and Cathédrale de Notre-Dame. After visiting, take the RER to Tour Eiffel and Palais de Chaillot.

September 7: Today is Sunday. There is a mobile market in the square next to the hotel; wander around this authentic Parisian vegetable market, buy fruit and bread, and experience the unforgettable life of Parisians. Then—on the first Sunday of every month, all art museums and museums are free. Take advantage of this to visit the world’s largest museum, Musée du Louvre. Afterwards, visit Jardin des Tuileries; ahead is the famous Place de la Concorde. Along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, conveniently visit the Grand et Petit Palais and the beautiful bridges and riverbank scenery of the Seine River (Les Ponts de Paris), specifically the Alexander III Bridge. The bridge is 107 meters long and 40 meters wide; in front are the Grand and Petit Palais, and in the distance are the Hôtel des Invalides. Watch the passing boats, gaze at the Eiffel Tower, the National Assembly, and the Louvre. Hopefully not too tiring—take bus No. 83 home.

September 8: Take bus No. 83 to stroll along the Champs-Élysées straight up to the famous Arc de Triomphe. Climb the Arc de Triomphe to view the Parisian streetscape and the twelve radiating avenues. Afterwards, go to La Défense, "Little New York" of Paris. Thus ends another wonderful day.

September 9: Embark on a unique pilgrimage to postmodern architecture—Cité de la Musique (Music City)—the Conservatoire and Music Museum. Filled with streamlined forms, winding curves, and geometric shapes, it emphasizes decorative colored walls and ingenious spaces, resembling musical rhythms or structures, inspiring whimsical thoughts about musical movements. Then visit Parc de la Villette, the most representative postmodern garden, emphasizing public space with large lawns, red monuments, huge public art (bicycle wheels and handlebars), aerial walkways, bamboo gardens, and wonderful amusement parks, etc. Arriving at the industrial city of Villette, it resembles an oil factory with a large spherical ball, an aircraft carrier, etc. Then we will follow the Canal Saint-Martin, which connects to the Seine, walking down while enjoying the passing boats, observing how the canal operates, with riverbeds, iron bridges, sluice gates, footbridges, movable bridges, tree-lined avenues, etc. Arrive at Place de la République.

September 10: Take the metro to the famous tourist area—Montmartre. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur naturally serves as the main theme, centered on the white church on the hill. This hill is the highest point in Paris's terrain, offering a distant view of the entire Paris metropolitan landscape. Visit the white church (Sacré-Cœur). Then go to the artist district of Place du Tertre in Montmartre, continuing the cultural heritage of nineteenth-century painters. Many artists gather here, selling their works or drawing portraits for tourists. Nearby is the Dalí Museum, open for free admission. Then walk down Montmartre paths to the Red Light District and Moulin Rouge. In the afternoon, visit Musée d'Orsay, which houses masterpieces of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Neo-Impressionist masters, presenting a series of modern art developments in the nineteenth century, starting with masters Ingres and Delacroix, ending with works by another modern art master Matisse, allowing you to see all important famous masterpieces of the nineteenth century, ensuring your trip is worthwhile (don't forget to bring your eyes).

September 11: Today visit Louis XIV, the "Sun King," seeing how this monarch who once ruled Europe lived. Besides visiting his court, tour the Versailles French-style garden, the largest and most representative in the world. If possible, rent bicycles to explore, leisurely admiring the gardens and canals. First, visit the world-famous Château de Versailles. Then the most typical and majestic French garden (behind the palace: look at the garden layout map, must walk all the way to the canal; there is a place to rent bicycles nearby; rent bikes or walk to the Queen's Garden). Have lunch or picnic at a restaurant by the garden canal. (Full-day itinerary)

September 12: Centre Georges Pompidou. This is a hall of twentieth-century modern art, a building resembling an oil factory. First visit the outdoor fountain, experiencing the performances, singing, juggling, etc., of street artists in the square. Enter the art center, go to the fifth floor to visit the Modern Art Museum. Here is a classic collection of twentieth-century art trends, featuring Picasso, Matisse, Léger, Duchamp, Dubuffet, Pollock, etc., covering all art schools up to the nineties, everything available. This is the best example of twentieth-century human spirit. Evening: stroll along the Seine or take a Bateaux Mouches boat tour.

September 13: You must have heard of Picasso, but how many of his masterworks have you seen? The Musée Picasso Paris is a must-visit for art journey friends. In the morning, visit the world-renowned painter Picasso's museum, which features oil paintings, sketches, sculptures, and multi-media works. Systematic displays allow you to see the master's masterpieces from all periods of his life, and even glimpse his seven pink confidantes. After visiting, you will discover that Picasso's creative drive was women, magnificent! Afterwards, stroll through the Marais district, visit the famous Place des Vosges, and then Place de la Bastille to walk and view Parisian street scenery.

September 14: Morning: visit the mobile market next to the square again, re-experiencing the Parisian market. Then walk to visit the Bibliothèque nationale de France, Europe's largest library. Pass the most beautiful pedestrian bridge to the emerging community—Quartier Bercy—park and repurposed leisure space, Bercy Village shops, and cinema. Relax here, drink coffee or have lunch. Afternoon: continue our walk to the outdoor sculpture park by the Seine, enjoying the passing boats and scenery. Walk all the way to Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis. Evening: go out to see Paris's bewitching night view.

September 15: Morning: visit the world-famous Quai Branly Museum, home to the world's most beautiful and bewitching primitive art. Besides, there are unique gardens and a vibrant living plant wall. Afternoon: after visiting the Paris Opera House, arrange shopping and browsing department stores. Ten days pass in fulfilling and wonderful days.

September 16: Leave Paris, returning home with the most beautiful memories. Hope this is an unforgettable intellectual journey. Paris will forever embrace you. No wonder American writer Hemingway wrote in the mid-1950s: "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris when you were young, then Paris will stay with you forever, because Paris is a moveable feast."

These attractions can be referenced on my website www.paris-my-city.com.