That being said, this is not the type of vacation where you’re going to sit around and relax like you would on a tropical island. Tell yourself this may be the only time you’ll ever see Paris, and plan for a very active trip. When packing, consider you’ll be doing a lot of walking, a lot of eating, and an array of activities that may require you to dress formally, athletically, conservatively, or somewhere in between. Also, consider the season you will be traveling. I highly recommend going between May and September when the weather is warm, because you are going to be outside majority of the time.
TIPS: Getting Around
In one week, I accomplished everything I had on my to-do list (and, as you’ll see below, it was a lengthy list). You are able to do this willy-nilly, but if you like to be time efficient, here are three tips that will help you:
- Map out everything you want to do. The Siene River acts as a main artery running through Paris that you can plan your adventures around.
- Use one of the many scenic boat rides on the river to get spectacular views of the scenery. These boats stop at all the major landmarks around the river and can act almost as a taxi service for you. A couple of Euros will get you all day access to one of the boats, and you can get on and off as many times as you like. While the walk from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame is lovely, you could save some time and energy by taking a boat ride.
- To help you start planning your activities, I've written out a schedule for you at the very bottom! Enjoy!
TIPS: Attractions
Site-seeing:
Eiffel Tower: I recommend going during dinner time for two reasons: the lines will likely be shorter, and you can watch the sun set! Climb all the way to the top. Give yourself 2-3 hours for this adventure (just in case lines are long, or you’re enjoying yourself so much at the top, you want to stay up there for a long time).
Arc de Triomphe: This is a quick trip, and it’s on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées (which is great for upscale shopping). Allow yourself 15 minutes once you get to the landmark to take pictures and walk around it.
Notre Dame: Remember this is a church, so you want to be respectful and keep your voice low/talking to a minimum. The vast beauty will likely evoke silence upon entry. Allow yourself 30 minutes to an hour to walk around inside.
Luxembourg Garden: Look for historical landmarks, like the original Statue of Liberty model. Before you go, find a street with local markets to buy a fresh baguette, cheese, and bottle of champagne. It will be one of the most tasty and most inexpensive lunches you’ve ever had with views of lush flowers, spectacular fountains, and friendly statues.
Museums:
Louvre: Most people visit to see the Mona Lisa, which is pretty small and surrounded by a mob of tourists. But there are so many other amazing pieces of art here. One of my favorite sections of this museum is the Napoleon III apartments, which give a jaw-dropping look into the grandeur and abundance of Second Empire decor. I also am fascinated by the giant architectural columns and ancient art dating back to 500 BC. Lastly, beneath the Louvre, you can see the original foundation from 1190 AD (when it was a fortress). Plan to spend between 2 and 8 hours at the Louvre.
Musee d’Orsay: Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas are some of my favorite artists on display here. It's surreal to see these paintings in person as well as some less popular works they have in their collection. I would say give yourself at least 2 hours to spend here.
Day Trips:
The Palace of Versailles: This was my favorite part of the entire trip. Take the train out to Versailles and follow the crowd of people walking down the street to an enormous palace. While you wait in line, you'll marvel at the size and beauty of the palace's exterior. Just wait until you enter!
Give yourself 1-2 hours exploring the interior. Wear the headphones that give you the guided tour. Even if you find history boring, this tour is extremely fascinating. You won't fully appreciate everything you're looking at without listening to where it came from, what inspired it, what it's made from, etc.
Once you complete the tour inside, you must go outside to the gardens and beyond. Use the brochure map because the size of the property is overwhelming. Once you get through the gardens, focus on the areas to your right. First off, you may want to grab something to eat at the restaurant. You will be taking in a lot of information and doing an immense amount of walking, so you'll need some fuel. Try to visit as many locations as you can, but the best one is the Queen's Hamlet, which also serves as a farm. This fairytale-esk village built for Marie Antoinette served both as an escape for her and a functioning farm. It looks like a mini Beauty and the Beast set!
Give yourself 1-2 hours exploring the interior. Wear the headphones that give you the guided tour. Even if you find history boring, this tour is extremely fascinating. You won't fully appreciate everything you're looking at without listening to where it came from, what inspired it, what it's made from, etc.
Once you complete the tour inside, you must go outside to the gardens and beyond. Use the brochure map because the size of the property is overwhelming. Once you get through the gardens, focus on the areas to your right. First off, you may want to grab something to eat at the restaurant. You will be taking in a lot of information and doing an immense amount of walking, so you'll need some fuel. Try to visit as many locations as you can, but the best one is the Queen's Hamlet, which also serves as a farm. This fairytale-esk village built for Marie Antoinette served both as an escape for her and a functioning farm. It looks like a mini Beauty and the Beast set!
Disneyland Paris: What a nice segue into Disneyland. As a Disney fanatic, I was a little disappointed by Disneyland Paris but I still recommend visiting. The staff are less excited, the air lacks magic, and there are a lot of old school style rides. It is cool to see a different take on the Haunted Mansion and the dragon below Sleeping Beauty's castle, but overall, I was ready to leave after two or three hours. This train ride is a little quicker than Versailles.
Shows:
Moulin Rouge: Worth seeing for the costumes and the hype. The champaign at the table definitely helps liven the show up. Some of the specialty acts are amazing, but it is not a true burlesque show (more of a showgirl style). Overall, pretty hokey but fun.
Crazy Horse: This is burlesque. Only one number is traditional burlesque/strip tease, and the rest are more of a nouveau style. The first half has some really cool numbers using different production elements. The show goes downhill after the Act II opener, but I really enjoyed seeing something different. Crazy Horse does feature complete nudity, so grandma might not be the best date.
Special Interest:
Catacombs: Ready for something creepy? Layer up with warm clothes, climb five stories underground, and explore an artistic exhibit made from the bones of over six million people. I promise this will be unlike any tour you'll ever take. http://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/homepage-catacombs-official-website
Ice Cream Island: There is a section of Paris slightly North of Notre Dame: Ice Cream Island (or it's actual name: Ile St. Louis). There are tons of really outstanding and diverse ice cream shops. Berthillon is said to be the best.
Galleries Lafayette: The largest, most ornate department store I've ever seen. Just walk in for five minutes; it's stunning and offers amazing views of Paris. http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Located in the Latin Quarter, lose yourself in literature. Couches and cozy nooks are located throughout the store to provide you a reading refuge.
https://shakespeareandcompany.com
Galleries Lafayette: The largest, most ornate department store I've ever seen. Just walk in for five minutes; it's stunning and offers amazing views of Paris. http://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Located in the Latin Quarter, lose yourself in literature. Couches and cozy nooks are located throughout the store to provide you a reading refuge.
https://shakespeareandcompany.com
TIPS: Restaurants
Most people are going to tell you, "Just go anywhere, all the food is great." All the food is great, but we're in Paris! We want food that's amazing!
Most people are going to tell you, "Just go anywhere, all the food is great." All the food is great, but we're in Paris! We want food that's amazing!
La Pallette: A hole in the wall located in the Latin Quarter. Go for lunch and order the freshest tomatoes and mozzarella you'll ever have. Dress: Casual. $-$$
Maison de la Truffle: My favorite restaurant in the world, as I love carbs and truffles. The menu offers an assortment of dishes with your choice of white truffles or black truffles (even their ice cream cones have truffles). If you want to go all out, get the five-course tasting menu. Otherwise, go for the tortellini. This is also a great place to buy truffle oil for around 8 Euros to bring back to friends and family. Dress: Dressy-Casual. $$
Cannonball: A hidden gem that's very chic inside and never over-crowded. Order the escargot, eggs with truffle, and the duck for your main course. Dress: Dressy-Casual. $$
Deux Magots: Terrible name, best hot chocolate I've ever had and wonderful steak tartar. Dress: Casual. $$
Cannonball: A hidden gem that's very chic inside and never over-crowded. Order the escargot, eggs with truffle, and the duck for your main course. Dress: Dressy-Casual. $$
Deux Magots: Terrible name, best hot chocolate I've ever had and wonderful steak tartar. Dress: Casual. $$
Le Cinq (at the Four Seasons): I have been to many fancy restaurants all over the world, but this is by far the fanciest and more expensive...and I went for lunch...and had pigeon. This food is for a certain palate. Not my favorite food on the trip, but this is definitely what you would want from an upscale Parisian food experience at a Michelin 3-star restaurant. The architecture and detail in the room are exquisite. A party of two has a six person wait staff. Even your purse gets her own stool. Dress: Formal. $$$$$
Le Restaurant ( at L'Hotel): A Michelin star restaurant that offers a nice middle ground between something like Le Cinq and a typical upscale restaurant. Amazing food and a lavish, yet comfortable atmosphere, they offer a five or seven course dinner which is highlighted by the chef's wonderfully interesting pairings of flavors and textures. Dress: Formal. $$-$$$
Le Restaurant ( at L'Hotel): A Michelin star restaurant that offers a nice middle ground between something like Le Cinq and a typical upscale restaurant. Amazing food and a lavish, yet comfortable atmosphere, they offer a five or seven course dinner which is highlighted by the chef's wonderfully interesting pairings of flavors and textures. Dress: Formal. $$-$$$
McDonalds: Gotta throw in the Happy Meal. Okay, I know: the worst thing you can do in Paris is go to Mcdonalds, but it is the fanciest, most technologically advanced one I've ever seen. It's located right near the Arc de Triomphe. Just grab some (French) fries, and call it a day! Dress: Casual. $
Latin Quarter: This is my favorite area of Paris. It reminds me of the West Village in Manhattan. So lively, so local. At night, the streets are filled with music, lights, laughter, the scents of fresh food, and heat from outdoor cooktops. Grab a late-night Nutella Crepe and walk around. Dress: Casual. $
Luxembourg Garden: As I suggested above, one of the best meals I had was just cheese and bread I bought from a local vendor. This is a great way to save money, enjoy the outdoors, and feel like you're part of the culture. Dress: Casual. $
Latin Quarter: This is my favorite area of Paris. It reminds me of the West Village in Manhattan. So lively, so local. At night, the streets are filled with music, lights, laughter, the scents of fresh food, and heat from outdoor cooktops. Grab a late-night Nutella Crepe and walk around. Dress: Casual. $
Luxembourg Garden: As I suggested above, one of the best meals I had was just cheese and bread I bought from a local vendor. This is a great way to save money, enjoy the outdoors, and feel like you're part of the culture. Dress: Casual. $
Restaurants to avoid: I would recommend staying away from places that are very touristy. While I did not eat at the Eiffel Tower or the Moulin Rouge, the reviews on the food are not great. Try to find places off the beaten path that have a lot of locals dining at them.
TIP: Accommodations
I stayed at the L'Hotel, which I highly recommend. For starters, it was located right in a quiet section of the 6th district, but within a quick walking distance of the most happening spots in the Latin Quarter. Therefore, ideal for both sleeping and midnight snacks. I was able to walk to almost every major attraction. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. They helped book excursions and gave fantastic recommendations. The hotel itself is historic, yet feels clean and updated. It has an ornate Parisian decor, so you feel like you're in a special place, not a just a standard run-of-the-mill hotel. Also, Le Restaurant listed above is located here and provides complimentary breakfast. Lastly, there is a romantic, cavelike grotto in the basement with a pool that you can rent for one hour...for free! http://www.l-hotel.com
I stayed at the L'Hotel, which I highly recommend. For starters, it was located right in a quiet section of the 6th district, but within a quick walking distance of the most happening spots in the Latin Quarter. Therefore, ideal for both sleeping and midnight snacks. I was able to walk to almost every major attraction. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. They helped book excursions and gave fantastic recommendations. The hotel itself is historic, yet feels clean and updated. It has an ornate Parisian decor, so you feel like you're in a special place, not a just a standard run-of-the-mill hotel. Also, Le Restaurant listed above is located here and provides complimentary breakfast. Lastly, there is a romantic, cavelike grotto in the basement with a pool that you can rent for one hour...for free! http://www.l-hotel.com
Schedule
Here is a sample schedule that may help you plan your trip:
Day 1: Notre Dame, Ice Cream Island, Lunch (baguette and cheese) in Luxembourg Garden, Eiffel Tower, Dinner at Cannonball
Day 2: Louvre, Moulin Rouge
Day 3: Versailles, Dinner and Drinks in Latin Quarter
Day 4: Catacombs, Lunch at La Pallette, Musee d'Orsay, Crazy Horse, Dinner at Maison Du Truffle
Day 5: Disneyland Paris, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, Dinner at Deux Magots; explore Latin Quarter some more.
Day 6: Arc de Triomphe, fries at McDonald's, a real lunch at Le Cinq, Galleries Lafayette
Day 7: Fit in some street shopping along the Siene River; end with dinner at Le Restaurant
I am so excited for you to see Paris, and I hope these recommendations bring you as much joy as they did for me.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll see you next time on 10-Minute Travel Tips.
Here is a sample schedule that may help you plan your trip:
Day 1: Notre Dame, Ice Cream Island, Lunch (baguette and cheese) in Luxembourg Garden, Eiffel Tower, Dinner at Cannonball
Day 2: Louvre, Moulin Rouge
Day 3: Versailles, Dinner and Drinks in Latin Quarter
Day 4: Catacombs, Lunch at La Pallette, Musee d'Orsay, Crazy Horse, Dinner at Maison Du Truffle
Day 5: Disneyland Paris, Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, Dinner at Deux Magots; explore Latin Quarter some more.
Day 6: Arc de Triomphe, fries at McDonald's, a real lunch at Le Cinq, Galleries Lafayette
Day 7: Fit in some street shopping along the Siene River; end with dinner at Le Restaurant
I am so excited for you to see Paris, and I hope these recommendations bring you as much joy as they did for me.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll see you next time on 10-Minute Travel Tips.
