Halfway point in Paris

I just finished my second week of classes in Paris and have less than two weeks left in Europe. In Paris, our class has been meeting at different parks and important places around Paris. This blog shows three of the areas that I have gone by while going to class.

I am starting with the 5th arrondissement which is called cinquièmen in French. This area is on the left bank of the Seine river and includes the Latin Quarter. This neighborhood has a lot of Roman history and is the oldest arrondissement in Paris. It is currently full of universities, colleges and high schools. The 5th arrondissement has population of 61,531 with 24,225 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Tourist Attraction- Pantheon. This building was originally a church dedicated to St. Genevieve but now contains the remains of many prominent French citizens. Tourists can walk up to the dome and enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Architectural Object- Fontaine Saint-Michael. This fountain was finished in 1860 and was dedicated for peace.

Most Interesting Place- This small park is just off a busy street and is a great place to get away and enjoy nature.

Commercial Business- Au Vieux Camper. This company has 3 different stores across almost 2 blocks in this arrondissement. It has separate stores tailored for each outdoor activity like running, climbing, camping or skiing. It is a great place to get all your outdoor gear with a wide variety of products.

3 Star Hotel-Hotel du Levant. This hotel has 46 rooms and is in the middle of the Latin Quarter. It is also very close to the Pantheon, Luxembourg Gardens, and Notre Dame.

The 6th arrondissement is known as sixième in French or called Luxembourg. It is a beautiful neighborhood on the left bank of the Seine river. It has lots of green areas and tourist attractions, including one side of the Pont des Artes, better known as the lock bridge. The 6th arrondissement has a population of 43,143 with a density of 20,067 per square kilometer.

Tourist Attraction- Luxembourg Garden. This garden is a huge part of this neighborhood. It includes a pond, park for kids and tennis courts. There are also chairs all around the grass making it a perfect place for a picnic or meet for class.

Architectural Object- Fontaine de l'Observatoire. This fountain is in the Jardin Marco Polo and was dedicated in 1874.

Most Interesting Place- Gertude Stein's home. This is where the American lived with her brother Leo in the early 1900s and later with her partner Alice. She hosted evening gathers for noteworthy Americans such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is shown in the movie Midnight in Paris.

Commercial Business- Hot Vog. This is a fast food restaurant offering completely vegan food, including vegan hot dogs.

3 Star Hotel- Hotel Perreyve. This hotel has 30 rooms and is just a block away from the entrance to Luxembourg Gardens.

The 16th arrondissement is one of the fanciest areas and the biggest neighborhood in Paris. However, most of the space is made up of the Bois de Boulogne park. The neighborhood includes many prestigious areas and sport stadiums for rugby, soccer and tennis. Many prominent companies including Kering, which owns Gucci have their headquarters in the neighborhood. The population is 169,372 with a density of 21,347 people per square kilometer.

Tourist Attraction- Palais de Chaillot. This area includes three major museums, a restaurant and great views of the Eiffel Tower. 

Architectural Object- La Gloire de L'Armee Franciase. This is a monument honoring the French army from World War 2. 

Most Interesting Place-Trocadero Gardens. This garden is a beautiful place to relax in the sun or shade and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower. It has beautiful fountains and an aquarium near by.

Commercial Business-Lavage Auto and BP Gas. This is one of the few gas stations I have seen during my time in Paris. Based on the euro to USD conversion, 1.83 euro per liter is equivalent to $6.97 per gallon.

3 Star Hotel- Hotel Au Trocadero. This hotel is through Best Western and is just a block away from the Trocadero Gardens making it the perfect place to stay with a nice view.

This week for the Paris arrondissements I compared food prices at grocery stores. In the 5th arrondissement, the best prices I found were bananas for 2.30 euros per kilogram, milk for 1.44 euros per liter and eggs were 1.91 euros for 6. In the 6th arrondissement, bananas were 1.90 euros per kilogram, milk was 1 liter for .95 euros, and 6 eggs for 1.45 euros.  In the 16th arrondissement, bananas for 1.99 euros per kilogram, milk was 1.30 euros per liter and 6 eggs for 2.05 euros.