France

The Best Places to Visit in Paris

Paris is a city surrounded by stunning architecture, history, museums and art. If you love the food same as me then you will enjoy a traditional french cuisine from croissants, souffle, quiche, cheese to snails and off course french wine. The pastry is so fresh and tasty. 

 

What do I like about Paris?

I like the Parisian style of architecture and the decorative elements and flowers in cafes and restaurants which create an artistic experience. Also, the Parisian fashion is so stylish and elegant. The french music that you can hear around creates a romantic atmosphere. The artworks and all the paintings that you can around are incredibly charming.

What can be shocking in Paris?

Despite all the beauty accompanied by Paris, there are also facts that might disappoint you. For example, some parts of the city can be dirty and smelly. When you walk there, you might feel unpleasant. The metro station can be smelly as well. 

In addition, sometimes you might see weird people on the street and not feel that much safe at night in certain areas. Be aware that when your transit a station in a subway, it can be a very long walk. Finding a public toilet that is clean is also a challenge and usually, you need to prepare coins.

 

The best parts of Paris

Trocadero

Trocadero is one of my most favourite part of Paris. Why? Nearby is a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower with a fountain which is stunning in the morning, sunset and also evening!

If you are staying in Paris for a short time and live further from Trocadero then I would recommend you to check it for the sunset and stay there until dark. That way you can see the Eiffel Tower with an incredible night light and sparkling show! In the evening the Eiffel Tower will not only lighten up but also every hour or so there will be sparkling lights coming through the Tower. It is magnificent.

 


Arch de Triomphe

Located in western part of Champs-Elysees. You can start from “Charles de Gaulle – Etoile” station which is directly next to the arch or walk from Champs-Elysees towards the arch. 

If you have enough time you can walk up or just admire the beauty from the bottom. The surrounding offers luxury shopping and also many restaurants. Nearby is famous Le Lido de Paris

The interesting fact about this Arch is that it it a square with 4 entrances. For those who have seen photos, it is usually displayed as an Arch from the front. I haven’t noticed this detail before I saw it in real. 

 

Place de la Concorde

A public square in the eastern part of Champs-Elysees with famous Egyptian obelisk. From there enter the Jaidin les Tuileries park and visit Orangerie Museum with artwork from 20th century. Musee d’Orsay is across the river. 

If you want to visit Louvre I would recommend to start in the morning as at midday can be very busy. You can also try it at night time which is open Wednesdays and Fridays until late.

 

Galeria Louvre

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world!  The museum is open every day except Tuesday, some days it is open until late night (Wednesdays and Fridays until 9.45pm).  

It can be kind of overwhelming and you might spend at least half day if you want to explore the whole museum. The tickets are sold either online or directly there (it costs same but it might save you some time).

 



Opera Palais Garnier

Spectacular experience of this beautifully decorated building. Walking inside get you immerse into the theater world surrounded by bronze and crystal decoration. Stunning illumination combined which reflection of the shadows creates a magnificent spectacle.  For all lovers of art, theatre or incredible interiors.

 

La Fayette – Paris Haussmann

Shopping centre with a massive glass coupole.  You can find fashion brands such as Armani, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Chloe, Prada, Calvin Klein and more. 

Even if you are not a person who enjoys spending money on expensive brands, just by walking along these beautifully designed handbags, clothes and the whole interior of this shopping centre will create an art experience.

Location – 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009, Paris

 

Cathedrale of Notre Dame

You can get there directly or walk from the Louvre Museum. It is a lovely walk along the river accompanied by Parisian art and design. However, it can feel like a long walk (20 min). 

Then you can continue to the Pantheon and Le Jardin de Luxembourg. These gardens are open from 8am to 1 hours before the sunset according to season. 


Montmartre

Montmartre has its own traditional Parisian style with lovely streets, restaurants and cafes. Perfect to buy some souvenirs here.  Apart from restaurants and cafes you can walk up the hill to see Basilica of Sacred Heart – Sacré-Cœur. Choose either walk straight up to the stairs or easier way through the Montmartre street.

You can also  take a cableway up. Moulin Rouge is located near the Blanche station down the road. It is better at night time. However, walking around the street at night is not that pleasant experience as there are many nightclubs around. 

Eiffel Tower

Obviously, the absolute must see place. It is up to you if you want to just spend a short time to have a look at the Eiffel Tower, take some photos and rather explore something else such as museums, restaurants or if you want to soak the Parisian atmosphere. 

If you love the Eiffel Tower the same as me then find the best spots to take a photo – One way is to go to the park, get off at “Champ de Mars – Suffren” which allows you to start walking from the middle of the park and you can have a picnic and just chill out for a bit.

If you get off at station Tour Eiffel, you will get straight to the Eiffel Tower.  If you want to see the park you will need to walk back and then search for a bus to get back to the north part of Paris or just explore the south part but it can be a bit of a walk around. Another way is to start from Trocadero and then walk from there to see the fountain (at night the Eiffel Tower has a mini sparkling show for around 10 minutes every hour) and the surrounding is stunning! 

You can spend a sunset or evening there with a bottle of wine and dinner in the park. Other option is to go there after dinner from one of the fancy restaurant nearby.

Do you want to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower? 

The closest station is Tour Eiffel. The Eiffel tower is open to exploring approximately from 9 am (depends on the season) till around midnight for the lift (stairs are closed around 6 pm off season). 

The exact time you can find on the official websiteBe aware that before you enter the area of the Eiffel tower you will need to go through a security screening (similar to at the airport – however, you can take a bottle of water, it is not that strict).

11 Comments

  1. I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  2. Hi Ariel, thanks 🙂 I update my site often to keep the information correct. 🙂

  3. This was lovely! We just visited Paris a few months ago and pretty much visited the same places. Great minds think Alike! Love your pictures

  4. I visited Paris a few years ago, but honestly your post make me want to go back right now! I think I need an extra visit to the Louvre, Montmartre and Lafayette.
    Thank you so much for inspired me to go back for more.

    1. Thank you. 🙂

  5. Your pictures are fantastic- especially that first shot!

    1. Thanks 🙂 This view from the first shot with the Eiffel Tower is the best. Lovely place to spend sunset and night time. 🙂

  6. Love Paris and your picture in front of the Mona Lisa is priceless!

    1. Yeah, it is so funny 🙂

  7. I simply want to tell you that I’m beginner to blogging and seriously loved your web site. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You really come with very good articles and reviews. Bless you for sharing with us your web-site.

    1. Diana says:

      Thanks 🙂

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