Guide to Paris
If you know me well, you know that Paris is my favorite city in the world! I joked for a while with my friends and family that I knew how to get around Paris better than I did downtown Atlanta. Being an "Atlanta" native for most people means you live OTP, outside of the perimeter, and usually means avoiding any interstate at all costs. Moving back home after college, I had a lot to learn about navigating my new hometown. Needless to say, I've learned how to get around ATL, but would much prefer the streets of Paris! I've had this guide typed up for years in various forms of email, Facebook messenger, texts and have finally decided to consolidate all my trips to give you the ultimate Guide to Paris!
Eiffel Tower
Let's start with the most iconic French landmark - The Eiffel Tower! This is something you can't miss in Paris - partly due to the sheer size of it, (1,063 feet tall) and because...did you really go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower? No.
You also have to see it both during the day and at night! It's so beautifully lit and it sparkles on the hour - you cannot miss it! It's only about 10 euros to take the elevator to the top and you can stop on each floor. The view from the top is awesome and really gives you a sense of direction for other landmarks. You can have dinner or a glass of champagne on a few of the levels if you're feelin' fancy!
Museums
Whether you're an art lover or a history buff, Paris has some of the world's most famous museums, The Louvre & The Palace of Versailles. Housing many of the world's most precious pieces of art, you can find Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and Michelangelo's Dying Slave inside The Louvre. Inside Versailles you'll see the famous Hall of Mirrors amongst 2,300 other rooms and the beautiful Gardens behind the Palace.
Notre Dame
Visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral is a really cool experience and one of the city's free admission tours. Here you can light a candle, say a prayer and admire the incredible architecture and stained glass windows.
You can also climb to the top via a tiny, one-way spiral staircase made of stone to view the city and get a closer look at the intricate Gargoyles. The characters are thought by many as protecting the church against the evil spirits.
One of the most famous Parisian treats are macaroons and Laduree's iconic brand with pastel colors and gorgeous gift boxes cannot be missed. There are shops all around the city, but my favorite location is along the Champs Elysee. Here you can have a fabulous French lunch, sip cappuccinos and treat yourself to macaroons of any flavor! Quick Tip: If you decide to take some home with you, wait until you get to the airport to pick some out. There is a shop before and after security. Since macaroons only last about 3 days, they'll last longer and be fresh when you get home!
The Latin Quarter & River Cruise
While visiting Notre Dame, cross the Seine River and wonder a few streets towards The Latin Quarter, a chic restaurant district. Here you'll find everything from Italian to Greek to classic French cuisine at a reasonable price. If you're in the area earlier in the day, stop for a crepe or baguette!
Another fun day or night activity is taking a river cruise along the Seine River. You can easily find a cheap tour that takes roughly an hour to cruise along the river. You'll float by passing landmarks like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and many other beautiful sights. *My tip here is to find a cruise that either serves alcohol or allows you to bring your own bottle of wine! It's much more fun with something to sip on!! I'd also suggest a light jacket as it can get cool on the water once the sun goes down.*
The Catacombs
The Catacombs might be one of the coolest and most surreal things I've ever experienced. Walking over a mile of 6 million people's bones really gives you a new perspective of human life. The mass grave served as a tomb for Parisian lives after death.
They are open from 10:00 - 8:30 pm (Tuesday - Sunday), but I would consider going earlier in the day to avoid lines and for your sanity as it can be quite creepy.
**When I visited the catacombs in 2007, cameras and taking pictures wasn't a huge concern of mine, and I also didn't feel it was very appropriate to photograph tombs/bones, so these images are from Google.**
I have done this tour several times and cannot suggest it enough! Fat Tire Bike Tours have tours in several European cities including Paris, Berlin, London, Munich and Barcelona. You and a small group (10-15) tour the streets of Paris, stopping along the way at several scenic destinations. You'll start at the base of the Eiffel Tower and break for lunch in the Tuileries Gardens, a beautiful pubic park right outside of the Louvre.
Growing up playing tennis and watching the four majors on TV made visiting them in real life my top bucket list item. I've knocked off Wimbledon, The US Open, and the French Open already {Coming for you Australian Open 2020!} The French Open is usually the end of May through the beginning of June.
In the early days of the tournament, top players from all over the world are everywhere! Not everyone can have a stadium court match, so you pay about 15 euro for "outside tickets" and still see great talent. RG recently moved to selling tickets on the grounds to all online ticket sales, so buy your tickets in advance to ensure you get in!
The Love Lock Bridge
The Love Lock Bridge is along the Seine River is actually no longer in commission. The 700,000 locks where tourist locked their love onto the bridge began harming the infrastructure of the bridge and caused a collapse in 2014, leaving Parisian officials to remove the locks and prohibit tourists from adding more. People have now been adding locks to the sidewalk railings and other fences on more sturdy surfaces.
Galeries Lafeyette
If you're a big shopper, The Galeries Lafeyette are for you. The beautiful stained glass ceiling is inside of their mall...casual. This is something indoors to do if the weather is poor or you're in the market for some French souvenirs.
On that note, if your purchase anything over $175, you are eligible for a VAT Refund. Meaning, as a tourist you don't pay tax in other countries. If you make large purchases, this can really add up {Hello Louis Vuitton!!} You can save some serious money buy purchasing designer bags in other countries because you aren't paying to import them AND not paying taxes on them. Most retailers, especially a luxury brand, will have paperwork for you to fill out and turn in at the airport.
I'm unsure how to classify the rest of the these so here are my other tips on things to do and eat!
Take the metro. Eat a baguette. Shop the street vendors. Drink the coffee. Brunch at Lou Lou Café {@louou_restaurant}. Watch an artist. Eat all the gelato. Go to the Moulin Rouge. Take pictures of your cute mom. Eat a Croque Madam. Go to The Buddha Bar for dinner & cocktails.
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