TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PARIS!

“PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA” – AUDREY HEPBURN

It’s one of the most loved cities in Europe with its stunning architecture, elegant fashion and exquisite food. If you’re looking to travel through the French capital during a European escapade, be sure to fit in as much of this list as possible!

1. Eiffel Tower

As one of the most iconic structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower is absolutely breathtaking. If you have the time to wait, or organise with a tour group, it is worth going to the top of the tower and absorbing the city of France from one of its highest points.

If you’re not fussed about going to the top, I definitely recommend heading to a local market, picking up some baguettes, a selection of savory treats and even a macaron or two and park yourself on the Champ De Mars and enjoy a delicious picnic beneath the tower.

The spectacular light show every night should not be missed!

Image from Stacey Fenton, Sunsets and Suitcases

2. Le Champs Elysees

The magnificent world famous boulevard is almost two kilometers long lined with theaters, cafes, boutiques, and other popular retail stores. It stretches from the Arc De Triomphe to the Jardins des Champs and is definitely worth having a stroll down. The architecture is stunning and it’s a bit of fun wandering into expensive french boutiques and having a browse!

3. Arc De Triomphe

This monumental triumphal arch was built sometime between 1806 and 1836 in honor of those who fought for France. Standing at almost 50 meters in height, the view from the top of the Arc De Triomphe over the city of Paris is absolutely breathtaking. It looks right down Le Champs Elysees and has a great view of the Eiffel Tower.

I would definitely recommend taking the time to go up the top and check it out. It might be a good idea to go with a tour for this, there can often be quite a line of people waiting to get up there.

4. Escargot

No trip to Paris is complete without getting a little adventurous with what you eat! France is known for it’s incredible food, both sweet and savory. Fresh baguettes, crepes, macrons, fromage (cheese), and croissants are some of the popular varieties available to most of us at home, but you’ll definitely notice the difference from the one’s made in France.

If you want to step outside of your comfort zone, you can try Escargot or Fioe Gras. Both exclusive French delicacies!

For all my vegan friends, do not lose hope! Vegan cheese, macarons and other sweets do exist in Paris, they may just be a little harder to come by. Definitely recommend trying local health food stores and having a picnic lunch rather than trying restaurants.

5. Catacombs

Although a little creepy, the Catacombs of Paris are absolutely remarkable. The underground ossuaries hold the remains of about 6 million people and fill a section of tunnels giving it it’s reputation as ‘the word’s largest grave’.

In the summer time, you are looking at having to wait at least 2 hours to get in, so I recommend getting there an hour before it opens, just to make sure you have a spot in line. Most people who join the line later in the morning run the risk of not getting in at all.

6. The Louvre  

Home to the famous Mona Lisa, The Louvre is one of the most famous and largest museums in the world. A central landmark to the city, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine.

With over 35,000 objects across 60,600 square meters, the Lourve is the world’s most visited museum, receiving more than 9 million visitors a year.

For all you museum fanatics out there, it is definitely worth a visit, but it would take days to go through the entire establishment, so you may have to be selective about what you would like to see. The museum itself, housed in the Louvre Palace, is stunning on its own even if you aren’t interested in what’s inside!

7. Sacre Coeur

The Roman Catholic Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur is a popular landmark located on the summit of Montmarte, the highest point in the city of Paris.

It has breathtaking views surrounding it, and is a spectacular site to see on its own. You will have to see it to understand just how magnificent it is. Watch out for the naughty birds though, they like to poop on visitors!

Image from Stacey Fenton, Sunsets and Suitcases

8. Notre Dame

One of the finest examples of French Gothic Architecture, Notre Dame De Paris is absolutely stunning. It offers just as much architecturally inside the building as it does on the outside, you may have to wait a while in line if you aren’t with a tour, but it is well worth it.

9. Wall of Love

The Wall of Love is a love-themed wall in Montmartre, Paris. It was created in 2000 using 620 tiles on which the phrase “I Love You” is featured in 250 languages. It is said that the red splashes on the wall symbolise parts of a broken heart. It is open to the public and free of charge!

10. Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is a world famous cabaret venue in Paris. The show itself is spectacular with exciting dance routines, stunning costumes and gripping music.  Although expensive, there is nothing like it in the world.

Tickets generally include a 3 course dinner which is quite good quality and the tables are located closer to the stage. If you’re on a budget though, you can get tickets that don’t include the dinner.

 

Image from Stacey Fenton, Sunsets and Suitcases

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