Destinations in the Ile-de-France

• Berthillon

  (Saturday, 11 July 2009)

  It’s hard to walk a block on Île St-Louis without seeing a sign for Berthillon ice cream, or satisfied looking pedestrians nibbling on a cone.  This ice cream shop, around since 1954, is a staple of the island, and reputed by some to be the best ice cream in Paris.  The nougat miel (honey nougat) is especially delicious, with its little bits of toffee, and the fruit flavors are refreshing (cassis is great for those who like a little tang).  If the main location is closed, just wander around the neighborhood a little and you’ll run into dozens of other cafes selling Berthillon ice cream (some cheaper than others, so look around).

• La Défense

  (Friday, 17 July 2009)

  For something completely opposite from what is perceived as typically Parisian, take the metro just outside the city to the La Défense.  This ultra-modern industrial park looks as if the architects and artists of the Pompidou museum were given free reign to decorate an entire neighborhood at their whimsy.  The main attractions of the area is the Grande Arche de la Défense, which echoes its older and smaller sister, the Arc de Triomphe, which also sits in front of it along the voie royale, and can be seen far off from La Défense.  The newer arch boasts an unrivaled size, however, as Notre Dame cathedral could fit under its arch.  Get off the metro at Esplanade de la Défense and walk along the esplanade to get to the arch, so you have the opportunity to look at all of the quirky modern sculptures along the way, from colorful fountains, to mirrored-balls, to colorful sculptures nestled between (and the same size as) skyscrapers.

• Parc Astérix

  (Thursday, 02 July 2009)

  Suffering from museum overload in Paris? Take a break from the city-center and spend a day at the Parc Astérix!

  This theme park is based on the wildly popular French comic book series of Astérix and Obélix about a village of ancient Gauls resisting Roman occupation. While the target audience is primarily families with young children, teens and young adults will also love the throwback to childhood and larger rollercoasters -- my 20-something friends and I sure did!

• Paris

  (Tuesday, 15 April 2008)

  Paris may be known as the City of Light, but it's also the City of Passion. Lovers of language, architecture, culture and history will find plenty to feed their passions in the French capital.

  To the north is the charming Montmartre, with the magnificent church of Sacré Coeur contrasted with the lusty and exotic area of Pigalle. To the south is Montparnasse, home to countless artistic and intellectual movements of the last century. To the west is the massive park, the Bois de Boulogne and to the east, another beautiful Parisian park, the Bois de Vincennes, both gloriously huge nature areas where lovers nestle during the day.

• Versailles

  (Saturday, 25 July 2009)

  Versailles is not at all off the beaten path, which is instantly obvious when you realize that the entire RER train you’re on from Paris is nothing but tourists headed to the château, but it’s one of the classic Paris sights for a reason.  Tickets for the attraction aren’t cheap, but it’s worth it to come and spend the whole day (don’t try to plan anything else on the day you plan to visit Versailles, because between the trains, lines, and sheer size and amount of things to see, it’ll take awhile).  Marvel at the over-the-top decadence of the royal lifestyle and picnic in one of the immaculate parks (bringing your own lunch will save you from the extortionate restaurants in the area).  Come early to avoid the massive lines, or just be sure to bring a book or good company to keep you entertained while you wait.  Be sure to check out the timing of the fountains, when you arrive and get a map, because the gardens are most impressive when the fountains are running (usually in the morning and in the late afternoon, with a break midday).