I went to Paris on a whim. I had a few free days off when my mom posed my favorite question – “do you want to go on a trip”? My answer is always yes. Paris is a beautiful city, especially if you go during the Spring or Fall. I love that Paris is slow. Parisians enjoy a croissant outside of a café in the daytime. They walk more slowly. It seems that time is more enjoyed in Paris. If “slow down” and “enjoy time” were tangible activities, they would take spot #1 and #2 on our list of Best Things to do in Paris. Let’s all take a trip soon.
Paris holds a lot of sweet and funny memories. I will never forget walking up and down Rue de Rivoli, suitcases in hand and very much jet lagged, trying to find the street of our hotel. When we finally came to our hotel, our feet hurt as if we had walked around the city for a week.
Meal time in Paris is another sweet memory. As I mentioned earlier, Paris moves slowly, which translates into more enjoyed meals around the table. In Paris, often the best dinner plans are the ones that don’t require reservations. One evening, we went to the local supermarket and made a Paris picnic. We grabbed a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers, salami and dark chocolate, then took all of our goodies to a grassy area in front of the Louvre to eat. We sat by groups of friends, couples and other locals doing the same as we watched the sun set, the Eiffel Tower light up, and the Louvre begin to glow. Magical is the only way to describe such a setting.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS
The Louvre: both the outside and the inside are gorgeous, historic sites to witness!
Eiffel Tower: this likely makes every Best Things to do in Paris list get there early and climb it!
Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the very heart of Paris. It is one of the largest religious centers, built between 1163 and 1345, and is said to be one of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture.
Arc du Triumphe stands at the end of Champs-Elysées and honors those who fought in the French Revolutionary wars. Beneath the arc lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, marked by an eternal flame and symbolic flowers.
Champs-Elysées: top notch shopping street
Pont des Arts is a pedestrian that stretches across the River Seine. It is historically known as the “lock bridge”, where lovers place a lock on the bridge symbolizing security and happiness and throw the key in the Seine. In 2015, there were so many locks that they had to be removed (they weighed as much as 20 elephants!)
Luxembourg Gardens: a beautiful place for some peace and quiet, but catch a view of the Luxembourg Palace while you’re there as well. Marie de’ Medici, King Henry IV’s wife constructed the Palace.
Jardin de Tuilieries: situated between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. I love this garden because you can score views of the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Arc du Triumphe, all in one swoop.
Museé d’orsay (for impressionist lovers) and Pompidou (for modern art fanatics)
Montmartre & Sacre Coeur: located on a high hill in northern Paris, these views are simply unbeatable. I recommend taking the walk through the cobblestone streets and the historic neighborhoods of Paris. You’re likely headed in the right direction if you are going uphill.
