Paris is not only a leading world destination for visits to Paris and greater France, but it's a great jumping-off point for travel to the rest of the world. In an hour or two, you can travel economically by rail or jet to a neighboring country or continent. BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett has advice for world travelers considering such a leap.

Paris is a walker's dream; and here we share Paul Prescott's self-guided walk on Île-de-la-Cité. Follow his lead for close-up looks at Pont Neuf, la Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame, beautiful Place Dauphine, the Paris flower market, the home where Abélard and Héloïse met, a memorial to WWII deportation victims, and a more to discover on Île-de-la-Cité.

In Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, the character Jake Barnes states, "No matter what café in Montparnasse you ask a taxi driver to bring you to from the right bank of the river, they always take you to the Rotonde." La Rotonde Continues to be a Favorite.

Visiting Paris in January and/or February gives travelers opportunities denied during peak travel time. Prices are lower, yes, but you'll find choices, space, and easier access to desirable sites that "everyone" wants to visit. If you're still not convinced, BonjourParis publisher Karen Fawcett shares six reasons to inspire winter travel to Paris.

Despite mild (and sometimes rainy) weather, Paris ice skating rinks are open. Paris photographer Francis Beddok shares his photo of the photogenic Trocadéro rink beneath the Eiffel Tower. To help you plan your Paris skating outing this winter, we include practical information plus video of skating at Hôtel de Ville from the Paris Mayor's office.

Rue des Barres in le Marais is one of Mikki Ansin's favorite quiet corners in Paris. The picturesque allée behind St. Gervais Church and popular Chez Julien restaurant was also a filming location for the remake of The Pink Panther, shot in 2005 and released in 2006. Here's Mikki's photograph of the street in contrast to a movie still featuring Steve Martin.

BonjourParis writers and photographers are a talented group of France experts. In 2011 we published over 600 original stories by 91 contributors. We counted the most-visited pages of 1.5 million views! We thank contributors and subscribers as we present our Top 20 Readers' Favorites for 2011. Subscriber-only content, pincode in today's newsletter. Not yet subscribed? It's free and every issue has subscriber-only content—subscribe today for future issues!

Whether returning Francophile or first-time traveler, what's better than having a friend in Paris who shares your passion for the City of Light? Not just a friend, but a trusted resource? That's our publisher, and here are your Top 3 Readers' Favorites for 2011 by Karen Fawcett.