An Ode to Paris
- Tasnia Mozammel
- Nov 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Paris is a captivating city. With its elegant orderly boulevards, iconic architectural sophistication, and charming parks - the city is densely packed with magical sites to see and immersive activities to experience. The question is whether the Parisian wonder can be truly captured in just a fleeting moment. Though this European capital is centre to endless sights including its 19th Century crisscrossed Gothic avenues, world-class art, fashion, wondrous museums and delicate restaurants, Paris’ beauty will enable a memorable experience in time as short as a day’s trip. This post offers a guide to exploring the best of the city in a short time.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Tourism. Tours can be pre-booked via sites including GetYourGuide or via official attraction websites (links mentioned in the following sections).
2. Local Transport. Make sure to download Uber and pack your trainers for affordable, convenient, and most importantly, safe commuting through Paris! Alternatively, taxis are available throughout the city and are comparatively cost-effective. While public transport may be the cheapest method of moving around the city, it's not necessarily the safest, and hence, not recommended.
3. Safety. Try not to let the city's captivating sparkle and charm distract you from being attentive to your pockets! Unfortunately, pickpockets and robberies are common in Paris. One second you gaze up admiringly at the Eiffel Tower, and the next second you realize that you - alongside 10,000 other helpless tourists have fallen prey to gentle sticky fingers that slipped in and out of your pockets and bags with your belongings! To minimize this risk, consider cable locks, money belts, portable safes, and anti-theft bags, and remain vigilant.
4. Don't forget your camera! Anyhow, putting the negative Kimmy K.-level theft and robbery awareness aside, this post aims to provide the best rose-tinted guide to Paris’ scenic locations that will make you fall in love with the French capital à la our friend, Emily!
Immerse in Art at the Louvre Museum
Where better than the Louvre to immerse in art? The Louvre, an internationally iconic palace-combined-museum is home to some of the most influential masterpieces in the world – paintings including Miss Mona Lisa, sculptures such as the Venus de Milo, and astonishing architectural elements – all deriving from diverse eras.
Though a whole day can easily be spent exploring the Louvre’s 400 rooms exhibiting over 35,000 masterpieces, I highly recommend prioritizing the Denon Wing during a shorter visit, spending a quality of 1-2 hours! The Denon Wing houses the most famous pieces including the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Raft of Medusa, and many more. A full trail of this Wing can be virtually explored here in preparation for your visit.
La Tour Eiffel ~ Eiffel Tower
Is it really a trip to Paris if you haven’t seen the Eiffel Tower? Symbolic and technical by nature, the Eiffel Tower is not only revolutionary for its architecture but is truly a sublime Parisian treasure. While it stands strong and tall during the day, the tower is adorned for its romantic golden sparkles in the evening – a worthwhile moment to experience.
Are you happy to be in Paris?
The Tower also features a tour from the esplanade to the top. Unfortunately, while the aerial views of the Parisian boulevards are remarkable, if you’re in Paris for a short period, a trip to the top can take up almost half a day due to long queue times. Since we journeyed to the viewpoint back in 2017, we decided to designate our time to explore other Parisian landmarks during this trip. Moreover, the view from the top misses the Eiffel itself!
Some Insta-worthy Parisian viewpoints featuring the Eiffel Tower:
Champ De Mars – a large garden space greeting the Eiffel Tower;
Rue de l’Universite / 18 Av. Rapp, 75007 – the most photogenic street in Paris;
Viewing Platform at Arch de Triomphe; and
Along the River Sienne.
Parisian Couture en Le Champs-Élysées
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées – translating to ‘Elysian Fields,’ i.e., paradise in Greek mythology – is a famous two-kilometre stretch boulevard comprising world-class theatres, cafés, and luxury shops.
This 17th-century picture-perfect avenue is not only a shopper’s paradise but is worth the visit as it simultaneously offers a wondrous walk between admirable monuments, running from Place de la Concorde to the Arch de Triomphe.
Watch the Sunset at the top of Arch de Triomphe
Stroll through to the end of Champs-Élysées and meet the Arch de Triomphe – a French national symbol commissioned in 1806 to commemorate those who fought during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.
The monument offers informative displays as well as a viewing platform from the top – a special spot to experience the sunset over Paris and the day shift to night as the city lights come on after dark.
Parisian Café Culture
Paris’ iconic boulevards are lined with classic postcard-perfect cafés and restaurants that enable a decidedly worthwhile French experience. Whether you choose to sip chocolat-chaud at a timeless corner coffee shop or linger for something stronger on a smokey terrace whilst people-watching a la Parisienne – a trip to Paris is incomplete without this simple charming experience.
Paris without pastries?
Though you'll likely come across and end up exploring the endless eateries at every step, some trendy locations to consider visiting are Café de Flore, La Palette, Emily (dedicated to everyone's secretly favourite hit Netflix series), Café Marly, and Le Recrutement.
Other Things to Do in Paris:
Notre Dame
Situated on the Paris banks of the Sienne, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris is a 12th-century cathedral, famed for its recognizable gothic architectural interest and antiquity. The reopening of Notre-Dame is announced for the 8th December 2024, however, if visiting before then, Notre Dam is worth the sight whilst strolling by.
Cruise along the River Sienne
The River Sienne Cruise offers one-hour tours and stunning views of Parisian landmarks along the Sienne.
Venture to Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is located about a 45-minute drive outside of Paris! If you have a day or two to spare, venture to Versailles for a regal experience and an exquisite tour.
Discover the Treasures of Opera Garnier
Palais Garnier, not to be mistaken for a palace due its opulent and extravagant interior, is an opera house in the 9th arrondissement in Paris, welcoming visitors since 1875. Book your show tickets in advance for a memorable experience at the French opera. If you’re short of time, Palais Garnier also offers tours – worthy to see as the interior is built of magnificent marble of various colours whilst beautifully painted ceilings by Isidore Pils and Paul Baudry hang above.
Marvel through Montmartre
Wander through Montmartre's artistic history and bohemian charm-filled streets. The district sits on top of a hill overlooking Paris and offers outstanding views of the city.
Step into France’s Imperial Past at Les Invalides
During a shorter visit, time may be scrunched to add Les Invalides to the list of sights to visit as the attraction houses several museums and spaces, including magnificently crowning the tomb of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte I. However, Les Invalides is located just a 13-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower. Hence, if timed correctly, a quick stop is possible under a tight schedule and can allow you to admire one of the finest French facades while paying tribute to famous late militants.
GALLERY:
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