How to see Paris on the quick

(ARA) - Even with the increasing popularity of "mini" vacations, many travelers don't want to be confined to their country's own borders. The good news is that you can get a lot out of a short vacation - you just need to plan ahead a little bit more if you're headed to a city jam-packed with things to see and do, like Paris.

One of the best things about Paris is that is a terrifically walkable city - in fact, many people who return time and time again insist that it's best seen on foot. When you're planning your trip, consider looking at Paris hotels that are close to the center of the city for sheer convenience. But even if you're not in the central arrondissements (neighborhoods), take comfort in the fact that you're never more than a 500-meter walk from a Metro (subway) stop.

So, how can you possibly do the City of Light in a short time? By choosing the major sights that hold the most fascination for you, and adding in some unexpected touches. Most travelers feel compelled to pack in every famous landmark, but it's freeing to let go of that idea. If the Eiffel tower doesn't really hold that much appeal for you, don't go - it's your trip. You might even want to consider staying in some of the more storied Paris hotels to get sightseeing done every time you walk "home."

Here are some suggestions for big name sights and smaller ones with a similar feel. Pick and choose to add some unique flavor to your vacation.

Churches: Notre Dame vs. St. Severin
Most churches in Paris don't charge entry fees and are repositories for art and cultural artifacts. Notre Dame is the biggest of the big names, and one of the most famous gothic cathedrals in the world. The sheer size of Notre Dame impresses, but so too do the incredible details, like the carvings of French kings on the exterior, the stained glass rosette windows or the medieval carvings on the chancel screen. Not too far away from Notre Dame is the smaller but delightful St. Severin, a late gothic church that was built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Late gothic translates to bigger windows letting in more light and increasingly ornate style, as exhibited in the whirl of the twisting column behind the altar.

Museums: Musee d'Orsay vs. Musee Rodin
The Musee d'Orsay, like the Louvre, has become a must-see for many people traveling to Paris, and it's unlikely to disappoint. Its setting in a former train station is airy, light and incomparably beautiful, and the museum's collection is filled with some of the world's most beloved paintings and sculptures. And while you'll see works by the sculptor Auguste Rodin at the Musee d'Orsay, a trip to the Musee Rodin is a totally different experience. Because it gets fewer visitors, it's a more intimate experience. Consider going right away in the morning, when you might find yourself practically alone in the beautiful manor that houses much of the collection (including Rodin's work and works by other artists which he collected) and the tranquil surrounding gardens.

Monuments: Eiffel tower vs. St. Genevieve statue
Gustave Eiffel's famous steel tower that sweeps up to the sky became a Paris landmark when it debuted at the 1889 World's Fair. If your heart is set on it, brave the crowds and take the elevator up for a view. Or if you don't want to shuffle in the line, grab some cheese, a baguette and maybe a poulet roti (roast chicken) and picnic on the grassy esplanade in the tower's shadow. Another monument worth finding is the statue of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, located on the Pont de Tournelles, the bridge at the end of the Ile de la Cite (the island on which Notre Dame stands). It's a beautifully, starkly rendered sculpture, and a great starting point for a walking tour of Paris's bridges.

To get more ideas about what to do in Paris, surf your favorite Internet sites - there is a wealth of information out there. And to get a good look at Paris hotels, visit sites like Travelocity.com, where you can compare rates and get user reviews.

Courtesy of ARAcontent