A Week in Paris
If you follow me on instagram, you probably already know that I spent a week in Paris with some hometown friends! It was so refreshing to have a small piece of Texas come to me! I am so thankful to Rebekah and Andra for inviting me along their Paris adventure.
Although we did a lot more, here are 22 highlights of the trip! 22 things to do while in Paris. Enjoy!
Eiffel Tower
1. HELLO! Number one is obvious. You just cannot miss visiting the Eiffel tower. The first time I visited Paris, which by the way was only a 20 hour visit, I was stunned by the Eiffel Tower's architectural beauty.
You can enter the tower for a fee! You can even treat yourself to a gourmet dinner inside the tower's restaurant. For me, admiring its beauty from afar is enough.
Tip: Head to the Trocadero Station for this specific view.
Seine River Cruise
2. Take a river cruise on the Seine! Sometimes, I stray away from doing touristy things, but this was a pleasant surprise for me. I recommend going at night when Paris is brightly lit. It is very romantic, but be sure to take a sweater! It can get chilly. Prices range between 10-14 euros per person!
The Panthèon
3. I had no clue this building existed, nor did I know it contains the dead bodies of distinguished French Citizens. Although the latter statement is morbid and may influence you to dismiss it, don't! It is quite beautiful, some of the most beautiful architecture I've ever seen!
Centre Georges Pompidou
4. If you are really into unique architecture and museum exhibits, you should check this center out! It is kid friendly, and if you are early you can beat the lines and see all the exhibits. To get to the top of the building you must ride several escalators. As you go up further, you are gifted with a bird's-eye view of Paris!
There is also a restaurant terrace within the building, we stopped to have coffee and hot chocolate to take in the pretty views.
Le Marais District
5. Definitely check out the Marais district! The area we wandered through was full of amazing boutiques with vintage clothing and cozy-looking cafes. It has a very hipster and upscale vibe, but nothing intimidating! It's a fantastic place to take a stroll through or get lost in.
Shakespeare and Co.
6. If you are in need of a great chai latte and a good read head to Shakespeare and Company! It started off as a book store and they expanded by adding a tiny and quaint coffee house right next to it! The bookstore and the coffee shop are both tiny, but there were still tons of people popping in and out! The bookstore was enchanting. It was a maze of shelves packed to the brim with books.
Unfortunately, you cannot take photos inside the book store which stinks! It was such a fantastic spot. It is very popular with tourists and locals so make sure to get their early if you want to calmly pick out a book!
Devour Macarons
7. I think this is another given when in Paris. You can find a macaron ANYWHERE. I didn't have a favorite patisserie where they sold macarons because they were all just equally amazing!
Savor a Crèpe in the Latin District
8. Yep, you got to savor one! I highly recommend this crêpe shop. Not only is it near the Latin quarter, but their crêpes will cause an explosion in your mouth. Sooo good! They also have gluten free options (the more you know!)
I recommend ordering the marshmallow Nutella crêpe!
Montmartre District
9. This was probably my favorite district! Everywhere I turned I was impressed by all the architecture (can you tell I appreciate architecture?) and creative atmosphere. To get to the actual district is quite a challenge. The district sits on a hill, so be prepared to climb tons of stairs, especially if you arrive via the metro. It was such a workout but so worth it!
There are loads of people who just hang out and have a bite to eat outside the Cathedral.
Exploring the district will lead you to all kinds of instagram worthy spots!
Savor a Plate of Fish + Chips
10. Okay, I hear ya, Paris is not London, but if you are in the Montmartre district you should check out this Irish pub, Corcoran's Sacre-Coeur. The fish and chips were fantastic! The vibe was insanely chill. It is very spacious, has amazing background music, and great service. Check it out if you are in for a laid-back lunch date.
Marie Curie Museum
11. Visit the Marie Curie Museum because 1. Madam Curie was a Lady Boss during her time 2. She invented a portable x-ray machine during WWI 3. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize! 4. She's just amazing, you need to read up on her.
Bonus! The museum is free.
Take a Ride on a Carousel
12. Let your inner child out and hop on a carousel. There are several in Paris! One in the Montmartre District and two near the Eiffel Tower.
Paris Science Museum
13. This museum like many of the museums in Paris is massive! I could have spent an entire morning just reading up on the evolution and genetics exhibit. There were so many other interesting and interactive exhibits that I wish I had time for.
If you get hungry, which we did, there are restaurants within the building including Burger King, haha.
The Louvre
14. Oh my, the Louvre, a fantastic place! Yes, this is the museum that houses the famous Mona Lisa painting. Prepare yourself for tons of pushing when you get to her. There will be many determined people trying to get a selfie with her. Take cover!
My fascination with this place was the interior. The design was simple yet stunning in my opinion.
There's a mall within the Louvre, mostly upscale brands. Of course, there are cafes and restaurants, so you won't go hungry walking around this massive building.
Palace of Versailles
15. Oh Versailles, just wow. I was totally impressed with the grandiosity of this palace. My goodness, the lavishness of it all was enchanting. All the detailed work and luxurious design were impressive.
Since the gardens are huge, we rented a golf cart to tour them and the surrounding chateaus. It costs 40 euros per hour, a little pricey if you are on a budget, but it was well worth it!
There is also a hop on and hop off train that circulates the whole palace with 4 stops for 7.50 euros.
One of my favorite parts was visiting the chateaus Marie Antoinette had especially made for her during her reign.
Enjoy a Meal at Angelina
16. Definitely check out this chain restaurant in Paris! There are several spread throughout the city, but there is also one inside Versailles, score!
I recommend the quiche, it was scrumptious. IF you are daring order their original hot chocolate. It was so decadent I could not finish my cup, which is very rare. Definitely, a one of a kind hot chocolate!
Shop at the Antique Markets
17. Also known as the Paris Flea Market. This was the first time I had ever gone to a flee market in a foreign city, and it was marvelous. There are so many stands that will make you want to impulse shop because everything is so darn chic. The way everything was set up was just perfect! If you want to find some antique and unique furniture or other miscellaneous things, you must stop here to take a look.
Arc de Triomphe
18. Like the Eiffel Tower you can't miss this famous and well-known landmark! It's just one of those things you have to see.
Have Your Portrait Done in the Montmartre District
19. This was a unique experience I got to witness. Both Rebekah and Andrah got their portraits done by a professional painter who owns a studio in Paris! His work completely stood out from the rest. He was just a marvelous and talented man! I'm hoping to one day return and get my portrait done by Bernanrd Menac (I believe that's how you spell his name).
Notre Dame
20. Don't be fooled by the long line, it takes just 10 minutes to enter the famous Cathedral, well at least that's how long we waited. This is another iconic landmark of Paris that you have to see. The church is just gorgeous and so detailed. We walked around for a bit as there was a mass being held. Kind of awesome!
Even if you are not a religious person, you must visit, the architecture is just stunning!
Wander the Streets of Paris
21. Best tip, get lost in Paris! Every street I turned there was just something to look at, whether it be a patisserie, a cafe, a boutique, a chocolate shop or just simply beautiful buildings and houses.
Have a Picnic
22. Apparently it's a thing to have a picnic when in Paris! Although ours was short lived due to some rain, it was still nice to sit down on the fresh cut grass with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower.
Make sure to buy fresh baguettes, cheeses and meats. Pair it with some wine and voila!
Tips:
Don't be afraid of the metro! Just use google maps to find your route. It is fairly simple.
Uber is available for use throughout the city! One even took us to Versailles.
The Charles de Gulle airport is kind of intimidating. Make sure to know your terminal since there are three different departure and arrival terminals apparently! I got lost for about an hour.
Until next time,
Arlene