The city of love, the city of art, the city of lights….
This magical city is quintessential France wrapped up in a cobbled stone maze. Make sure you visit Paris at least once in your lifetime! Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world and the minute you land you will understand why.
The city is jam packed with world famous sights and museums, sweeping boulevards, couples strolling along the River Seine, and the fabulous French delicacies we all love to devour!
TIME FRAME?
A week is an ideal amount of time to tick off most of the essential sights whilst taking your time to wine, dine and relax.
A day trip to the Palace of Versailles is not negotiable and you can easily spend a whole day in the laid-back Montmartre neighbourhood eating, shopping, and people watching.
Personally, I believe any time spent in Paris is worthwhile. If you only have a weekend available, you can still see the iconic sights and plan your return trip!
WHERE TO STAY?
The city of Paris is arranged in 20 arrondissements or neighbourhoods. The first arrondissement is in the very centre, and spirals outwards with the twentieth located on the outskirts of the city.
I prefer to stay in the first to the seventh arrondissements to be in the heart of the action and able to walk between most of the sights. I would look as far out as the twelfth if the place and price is right.
Staying on the left or right bank is a personal preference but both river sides have their own character and must-sees.
In sweepings terms, the left (southern bank) is more relaxed and local with parks like the Jardins du Luxembourg, the quaint St-Germain-des-Pres area, the Eiffel Tower and Musee D’Orsay.
The right bank (northern bank) is a little more packed with cars but has more retail shopping options, both opera houses, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the Bohemian district.
Montmartre is the eighteenth arrondissement, a very long walk or a train ride away from the Seine. This neighbourhood is perched on Paris’ only hill is a beautiful place to stay.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS IN PARIS
Such an obvious choice, but who can resist this beautiful wrought iron structure?
Named after the design engineer, Gustave Eiffel, it was constructed in 1889 for the World Fair held in Paris that same year.
Today almost seven million people visit the tower each year and countless more simply gaze at it from afar, content to keep their feet on the ground.
Is it worth waiting in the long lines to get the lifts to the top? I think standing on the top of the tower is one of those ‘once in a life-time’ experiences, that if you are able get up there, go for it. You can visit the city multiple times but I will never forget my first experience at the top viewing platform.
Click here to visit the official website of the Eiffel Tower.
Built in the French Gothic style, Notre Dame Cathedral has been standing since the thirteenth century and noted for its stone gargoyles which act as water drains.
13 million tourists flock to the cathedral each year, some hoping to catch a glimpse the legendary (and fictional) Hunchback of Notre Dame from French author, Victor Hugo’s, 1831 novel.
Click here to visit the official website of the Cathedral of Notre Dame
There is no question that the Louvre’s most famous piece is the Mona Lisa, but my favourite place to visit is Napoleon III’s apartments in the Richelieu wing.
The Apollo’s Gallery is my second favourite with every inch of the gallery’s ceiling and walls painstakingly adorned with paintings, gold plaster work, and tapestries. Louis XV’s coronation crown is on display in this gallery, as well as countless jewels and tiaras from the French Royal family.
Don’t forget to take the time to wander around the exterior of the building too. The Louvre was originally built as a Royal Palace, with additional wings and buildings added throughout the centuries.
The Louvre is closed on Tuesday.
A trip to Paris is not complete until you walk through the ornate rooms of the Palace of Versailles, gazing up at the painted ceiling until your neck hurts. It is a magical palace, shrouded in infamous tales and legends.
Click here to read my essential advice for visiting the Palace of Versailles
Click here to visit the official website of the Palace of Versailles
Many guide books suggest taking the funicular from Anvers Station up to Sacre Coeur. This is a perfect option if you aren’t able to walk a distance, personally I love walking through Montmatre’s quaint streets to truly discover what this bohemian neighbourhood is all about.
My advice is to get off the metro at Blanche Station, once you come up from the underground you will be greeted by the Moulin Rouge’s red windmill twirling from across the street.
Walk up Rue de Lepic and indulge in a coffee and a pastry at Café Les Deux Moulins – the cafe from the film, Amelie! Continue to walk north up the hill and get lost in the cobbled streets heading towards the white domes of Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Click here to visit the official website of the Moulin Rouge.
Click here to visit the official website of Sacré Coeur Basilica.
MY BEST ADVICE…
Below are five quick tips for Paris, to view all tips click here.
Want a stunning view for free?
Exploring this jaw dropping department store is on many tourist’s to-do lists, but many miss walking the last two staircases from the top floor to the building’s rooftop. Time your visit at sunset and soak up the sweeping views across Paris’ rooftops, you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
For current information, prices and dates, click here to visit the official website of the Palace of Versailles.
I like to do these free tours in Europe in the first few days in a new city so I can get my bearings and brush up on my history.
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
Leave A Comment