Paris, France
Paris stole our hearts with its beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. Its a romantic city and the vibe was amazing. It seemed like everyone around us was having a good time and yet it was still peaceful. Paris is actually the country we realized that we were in love with each other.
We went to Paris for only two days last fall, and felt like we needed more time. If we were to do it again, we’d go for four days. We felt rushed during our stay, and didn’t have time to visit everything on our list.
Paris is the capital France, and has one of the most popular buildings in the world: The Effiel Tower. Read through as we tell you about this amazing city.
When To Visit
Paris is beautiful in every season but it’s ideal to visit during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) so it’s not too hot and it won’t be packed with tourists. If you visit during the summer months, be prepared for longer waits and larger crowds.
We visited in early September, and the weather was perfect. It was around 80° fahrenheit or 26.6° celsius. Walking around for long periods of times or standing in lines caused us to get a little hot. We recommend having water with you if you are going to be in the sun for long periods of time.
Hotel or Airbnb?
This question depends on how much money you want to spend on your trip and where you want to stay. Hotels are more expensive, especially near the city center or next to popular monuments. But they are usually located in convenient areas with easy access to public transportation options like bus or metro stations.
Staying at hotels in Paris means you’ll likely have a plethora of dining and entertainment options, with numerous restaurants and bars in walking distance.
Airbnbs can be more affordable, and are better if traveling in larger groups. Downsides of staying in an airbnb is they are usually farther outside the city, taking longer to get to attractions. Also, restaurants may be limited as most affordable airbnbs are located in neighborhoods.
We stayed in a hotel on our trip, and if you are traveling as a couple, we recommend hotels. It is easier to get around, and if there is two people splitting the hotel, it won’t be that pricey. We stayed at Hotel Monte Cristo, and it was in a great location. There was many restaurants near by and a bus stop right down the street. Breakfast was included, and there was a nice indoor pool.
Getting Around
We talked about transportation briefly in the previous section, but there is more to know. Bus and train tickets can be used together. We purchased a bus ticket from the driver to get to the metro, and we can use the same ticket to get into the train station. Once you use the ticket at both locations, you will have to purchase another. The tickets were cheap, only about 2 Euros each.
What To See
Here are some things you should definitely see while in Paris with links on where to buy tickets:
- Eiffel Tower(free)
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral(free)
- Catacombs
- Palace of Versailles
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Dior Museum
- Montmartre(free)
- Disneyland
Descriptions Of Sites
The Eiffel Tower is what Paris is know for, and this is a must see if you are in the city. You can sit in the park nearby and watch the tower sparkle at night or go to the top during the day.
The Louvre hosts the most popular painting in the world: The Mona Lisa. There are thousands of other pieces of artwork that are spectacular to see.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral caught fire a few years ago and tourists are still not allowed in. But in the meantime, you can still see the cathedral from the outside.
Another popular attraction in Paris is the catacombs. There are nearly 6 million people’s remains in the tunnels, but if you get creeped out easily then this might be for you.
The Palace of Versailles is where French kings used to live. It is filled with paintings, incredible architecture, and The Hall of Mirrors.
The Dior Museum is full of vintage clothing and designs dating back to 1946. There is also a Dior store at the end of the museum. Saana really enjoyed this, and if you are into clothes or fashion, this is the place for you.
Montmartre is a stunning neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets and great views of the city. There are ally’s filled with cafes and art galleries for you to enjoy.
Disney Paris was completely different from the one in Los Angeles. Different attractions and parks! Just beware of long wait times as everyone flocks there as soon as the doors open.
Food
The food in Paris was great, and we were constantly going into restaurants and cafés. Paris is known for their pastries, so you have to try the croissants, crepes, and macarons. We ate so many croissants that we lost count. Also, almost all the restaurants we went to had pizzas, and they were so good from every spot.
Nightlife
Paris comes alive at night with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, and jazz clubs. Paris offers fun for everyone; whether you enjoy champagne with a view or dancing the night away, I’m sure you will be satisfied with what you can find there.
Crime
Watch out for pickpocketing, street scams, and overcharging. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. A common scam is a street vendor tells you an item is free and you can have it, usually a bracelet or a mini Eiffel Tower, and when they give it to you they tell you to pay for it. Near the Eiffel Tower, there are a lot of people trying to sell overpriced wine and souvenirs as well. People try to charge you around 40 Euros for a cheap bottle of wine, but we just told them we’d buy it for 15 Euros since someone else was selling for that price and they always caved in and sold it for cheap. Paris is generally safe, but remain cautious, especially at night. Keep your stuff secure and avoid walking alone in dark areas.
Overview
Paris is a city that captivates the heart and soul of every traveler. Its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture offer an unforgettable experience. From gazing at the Eiffel Tower to savoring delicious French pastries, every moment in Paris is filled with charm and delight. Whether you’re admiring world-famous art at the Louvre or simply soaking in the romantic atmosphere of Montmartre, Paris promises memories that will last a lifetime.
