Ever since I was introduced to Paris seven years ago, it has dug a special place in my heart. It has been difficult to find the right way to share this amazing city with my readers and I am not sure I will do it justice now. I experience and discover something new each time I visit; having the extraordinary opportunity to see Paris with a wide range of people– first timers, locals, frequent visitors, all with a love and respect for something different. Here is my attempt to show Paris to you, through my words and over the last years of allowing this city to change how I see the rest of the world. My wish for you is that you find a place that touches you the same way that Paris has touched me.

Take a walk with me

One thing I find myself doing every visit is a day walk from the Arc de Triumphe, down to the Louvre, cut over the Seine to the other side of the river to Musee d’Orsay, up to Flow for a wine break and to bow to Napolean’s greatness and finally finishing at the Eiffel Tower. Does that intimidate you because it was exhausting to type… It is probably on the excessive walking side of the spectrum but it is the best way to drink in all the city has to offer. Let’s break down the walk…

1. Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre (4.7 km)

Starting our walk at the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs Elysees is the perfect start to your day. Lots of high end shops and restaurants line this iconic street to take your money and your time; but don’t fret. You’re in Paris! Sit and people watch or stop in Laduree’ for the best macaroons your mouth will ever taste. You remember Emmett, right? He likes to post up in front to greet his adoring fans while his mom picks up delicious treats for the day. You can also get to the Arc from a pathway underneath the busiest roundabout to see beautiful views of the city. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Paris from high up…my advice? Save that view for another time. Once you get to the bottom of the Champs Elysees, you’ll reach the infamous Louvre Gardens that bring you to the entrance of the pyramid entrance.

2. Louvre and across the Seine to Musee d’Orsay (1.2 km)

 

The Louvre is another white whale–take it in one bite at a time. It is breathtaking from the outside and even more spectacular on the inside. It is split into three galleries to overwhelm even the greatest art enthusiast. The first time I visited, I bought a small reference guide book to the greatest works inside to give me a small map and works to hunt. If you are interested in visiting the museum, make this a day activity. The ticket is good for the entire day so you can come and go as you please. But we are walking…so let’s continue.

3. Musee d’Orsay to Les Invalides ( 2.1 km)

Here we are outside Musee d’Orsay— my favorite museum in Paris. A few musts here:

1. You MUST buy your ticket in advance or you will wait in line forever
2. You MUST take your time in this one. See everything.
3. You MUST appreciate the building itself. The museum was installed in the previous Orsay railway station and can be considered the first work of art inside the museum.

Remember I wrote experiencing new things each time blah blah? I can’t write about our next stop without thinking of a wonderful trip with a very good friend. On her first trip to Paris, we took this walk on our first day. In my naturally hurried nature, I wanted to walk right by FLOW but she insisted we stay for a glass to rest our feet and soak in the beautiful day. Three hours later, we were two drinks and a bottle of wine in and met some amazing people. I brought my sister and my boyfriend here later and is now a crucial stop in our walk. (The fruit tart was on the trip with my sister…we love tarts.)

4. Les Invalides to Eiffel Tower (1.5 km)

 

Les Invalides is a stunning building holding many memorials and monuments catered to the military history of France; however, we went for other reasons that I can’t share at this time.

The most significant monument (to me) is the tomb of Napolean Bonaparte. The modest man that he was wanted to have his tomb lower than the entrance to Les Invalides. Why? So people who came to see would need to “bow down” to see him. Quite brilliant…

 

5. Eiffel Tower

Depending on the time of day you chose to do this walk, you may happen to walk upon the Eiffel Tower in time for sunset, or even the light show. I am putting a lot of things to do at the Tower based on what time you arrive so try not to get confused.

1. Go up the tower. Go allllll the way up. You can choose a time slot to go up which will help plan out your day. But do it.
2. Watch the light show at night. It begins at sunset and goes to 1AM or 2AM, depending on the time of year. They go every hour, on the hour, for five minutes. Don’t miss the magical only blinking lights (picture on the right), the last show of the night.
3. Plan a picnic lunch on the grounds underneath the Tower. 

One of my favorite things to do on a beautiful day in Paris is to grab some fine meats, nuts and cheeses paired with a baguette and a bottle of French wine and just sit. I always find time to do this, no matter who is with me or the time of year (must be sunny).

 

Day Two: Notre Dame, Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge

 

Notre Dame is the furthest landmark from everything else which is why I like to do it first thing in the morning. Get ready to wait in line to enter but it is worth it…and if you’re really lucky, you’ll see Quasimodo in the belltower!!

 

Next, plan to take the metro to the Sacre Coeur for a walk to the top and to have lunch in the infamous painter’s square. It is a bit of a tourist trap but is charming and a wonderful place to pick up a souvenir from your trip.

Walk back down the hill to the Pigalle area of the city– gets a bit racey but is a crucial piece to the Parisian culture.

Moulin Rouge is in the heart of Pigalle and has a few shows every night. If you like theater, this is a wonderful show that gives you a little insight to a modern day world of “cancan”.

 

Take a cruise 

You can find several cruises to take on the Seine but the best I found is Vedettes du Pont Neuf.  A cruise is 14 euros for just the ride but you can add extras like champagne and a photo to remember the experience.

 

After the cruise, take a walk to Montparnasse Tower in the 15th arr. for a stunning view of the city from the top of the tower. 

It’s a busy schedule, and your feet will be tired, but you will have successfully seen the highlights in two days.

 

 

 

 

This is just a droplet of activities and things to do in Paris. If this is your first time, don’t be intimidated by the city. Plan out what you it is you want to see but don’t let your schedule get in the way of experiencing the city. If it is not your first time, then you know what it is you need to see 🙂

Leave your comments on your favorite spots in Paris!