“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
Be sure to follow my adventures on my Instagram and Twitter!!
Out of everything I did in Paris and loved, my night out at Moulin Rouge remains my favorite.
I’m so glad to have found your blog, by the way! Your adventures are giving me more wanderlust than I can handle!
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It was incredible! Worth every penny. I’d see it again if given the opportunity.
Aw thank you! I love reminiscing on past holidays. Makes me so grateful to know I have already seen so much and gets me even more excited for what my future travels have in store 🙂
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It’s been a while since I’ve been there and I was only there for 2 days but I LOVED paris! We did the Bullfrog Bike tours. Don’t know if they are still around but it was a bike ride around the city. Not all sites were seen up close…more at a distance but it was fun and for our limited visit….it was PERFECT! Plus….we ended the your with a canal boatride and wine! I see some sites in here I haven’t seen or heard of and am very interested in! May have to jot some of this down! I plan on taking Hubby someday!
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Absolutely love Paris as well! One of my most favourite cities in the world. You can never have too much time there 😉
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I’ve heard the stuffs from 1 to 9 but the no. 10 is kinda new me. Hmmm, Montmartre sounds interesting.
Jace | http://www.laagpamore.net
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I really enjoyed Montmartre! Great place to explore 🙂
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I agree with everything on your list, except the escargots ahahah. I never found the courage to taste them, even in Paris! Maybe next time :p Thanks for this great post!
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Yeah. My issue is totally texture, ahaha.
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haha! Understandable then 😉
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Texture is a killer for me. I can handle oysters, but mussels are just too much! I will have to try them though. I will not be defeated. God help me.
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Thanks for the post! Tried to go to Paris this summer, but it didn’t work out. I’ll keep these places in mind as I plan for the future. As a lover of languages, I bet the Wall of Love was fascinating to view.
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It really is! I loved it. Had read a lot about it and it was something not enough people go to see and talk about, so I put it on my highly recommended list. It’s a beautiful little spot 🙂 hope you make it to Paris soon!
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I have never been to Europe, but hope to one day. Found this post very informative. The architecture in your pictures is amazing. And I was not aware that there are catacombs in Paris. That is the remains of a lot of people.
Thank you for sharing!
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I hope you get there as well! It is absolutely beautiful. The catacombs in Paris are very impressive! I was astounded my the size of the underground tunnels. All the best with your future travels 🙂
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I’m returning to Paris in 2017 and will make an attempt to get to the catacombs. I agree with your other suggestions. I stayed in the Montmartre area and the graveyard there is worth a visit.
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I loved Montmartre! I definitely want to go back and explore the area more 🙂 Thank you for the suggestion!
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I wasn’t able to fit the Catacombs in unfortunately. I regret that and not seeing Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet! Not sure if you’ve been, but Mont St-Michel and Bretagne in general were beautiful. I loved Paris but I will never forget how amazing the countryside and coastal cities were!
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There’s still so much I have yet to see! I haven’t spent nearly enough time there. I’ll be sure to add them to my Paris List 🙂
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Paris is definitely on my list. Missed it the last time in 2013. Thanks for your suggestions. Will help travellers like us.
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You’re welcome! Hope you make it to Paris soon 🙂
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I never got a chance to see the catacombs, would love to go back and check them out!
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It’s definitely something you have to set aside a day for as the line can be hours long – but definitely worth it! I loved the experience 🙂
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How I love Paris! Lovely post
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Thank you 🙂
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Paris is the nicest city I have lived in. No-one is in a hurry. People just absorb the beauty of the place and sit and watch the world go by.
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It’s a wonderful city! Definitely one of my favourites 🙂
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