How can you not be charmed by this wide open plaza with a giant column commissioned by Napoleon…read moreright in the middle. This is the place to be if you're looking for high-end shopping in Paris - VCA, Bvlgari, Chanel, LV, Goyard, etc. Absolutely love the beautiful architecture and history found in every corner of Paris.

This little slice of history is punctuated by the enormous bronze column in the center. It was…read moreconstructed by Napoleon in the style of Trajan's Column in Rome. It was made from the bronze cannons of his vanquished enemies. A top sits a figure of Napoleon holding, well, another figure of Napoleon. The place is surrounded by high end shops and the Ritz Paris, infamous last location Princess Di was at before the car chase that resulted in her death.

What we're really reviewing here are the sandy "beaches" that France's socialist mayor has been…read moreinstalling for several summers now, to even things out between those people who can afford to jet off to a beach community for the summer and those who can't afford to leave town. Paris is hardly coastal property, so tons of sand are hauled in around mid-July and retained until mid-August and those who are still in town milk the fun out of every cubic centimeter. Really, I've never seen so many "beach goers" enjoying so little space in my life. Parties, picnics, booze, pot, sex, romance, music, games, fun. From bridge to bridge for several bridges running, the walls of the Seine are lined with little sandy pockets where kids and adults, young and old, rejoice in their little slice of beach. The whole thing is free, officially open until around 11:30 p.m., and incredibly well-executed. Some "blocks" are sand only, others have food and drink, others have chairs, a playground, a petanque court (and petanque sets too, just ask). It was impossible to resist dipping my toe into the sandy "beach" of the Seine, strolling along the "coast", or kicking back in one of the chairs with a baguette and a drink. I've heard some other cities emulate this ritual but they've messed it up by charging admission. Being a huge "all beaches should be free of charge always" person I was immensely pleased to see just how right Paris got this one.

How fun! French line…read moredancing, misters, tons of ice cream, champagne, sand, loungers, Pétanque, foosball, galettes, crepes, and the Seine what else could a girl ask for? The kids are playing in the sand, moms are laid out getting the sun, men are playing petanque, and for a quick second your forget we're in the heart of a city. I subtract one star because the maps are backwards. They show the river on the opposite side that youre walking, so its a bit precarious to figure out. Silly map makers!