Take the bus and explore the famous sights and hustle and bustle life of everyday Paris. The best way to travel the big romantic capital of France is by riding L’autobus 38 from south to north. Don’t see it as an ordinary bus travel in one go, but allow yourself a whole day to hop on and off and explore along the way.
Start At The Gate Of Paris
The starting point of your delightful journey is Porte d’Orléans, the early southeastern gate to Paris. This is where General leClerc came into Paris in 1944 to release the capital from German occupation. From here the Route 38’s single-deckers drive to the Church of St Peter of Montrouge and the wonderful Metro access at Mouton Duvernet. Visit the beautiful gardens of Observatoire de Paris, designed under the command of Sun King Louis XIV. Here, suitably, the very first map of the moon was created. take a look at the stylish restaurant La Closerie des Lilas, where once Verlaine, Ernest Hemmingway and Lenin had their fashionable dinners.
Sorbonne and Notre Dame
The green Route 38 drives along the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, built in the 17th century for a homesick Italian Queen. Not far from the palace are the Sorbonne where the great French citizens had their education and the Panthéon, where many were buried. Hop off at Saint-Michel to experience the square and the boulevard as famous meeting-points. Stroll along the River Seine to the Ile de la Cité and enjoy a breathtaking close-up view of Notre Dame Cathedral.
Sightseeing Paris
Opposite rue Cassini is the unpretentious monastery shop at avenue Denfert Rochereau which sells handmade products made by monks throughout France. At Boulevards Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain is the Musée de Cluny in an ancient building where you can admire a tremendous collection of medieval paintings and art. And make sure you hop off the Route 38 to see the 136 sculptures of the French great and the good at the front of Hotel de Ville and the picturesque small streets between rue du Fabourg St-Martin, Boulevard de Strasbourg and rue du Faubourg St-Denis.
Les Halles and Gare du Nord
In front of the historic Palais de Justice you can catch the Route 38 bus again to go to the terminal at rue Victoria and pass the grand Hotel de Ville on your way. After this stop you continue your journey through the centre of Paris to the famous shopping centre Les Halles, also known as ‘The stomach of Paris’. Before Route 38 reaches its end you pass Centre Pompidou, the arch of Porte Saint-Martin and the superb Gare l’Est. Route 38 ends at the Gare du Nord, a true piece of impressive Victorian railway architecture.
