There is nowhere in the world quite like Paris. From the cobbled streets of Montmartre to the view atop the Eiffel Tower, Paris is a magical metropolitan wonderland filled with stunning architecture, dreamy cafes, magnificent museums and some of the most chic people on the planet. While any trip to Paris is sure to delight in its own particular way, there are a few places that should be on every itinerary to this fabled and fabulous capital city.
Sleeping
Paris hotels are an attraction in their own right. From the swanky steps of the George V to the beautiful boutique hotels in St. Germain, every type of traveler is sure to find the perfect place to rest their head in Paris. For a more bohemian experience, hotels and hostels in Montmartre offer an eclectic mix of an old world art-crowd vibe with easy access to the more mainstream parts of the city. If it’s classic French sophistication you seek, consider sourcing digs in a more central location in and around the Opera House or the Champs-Élysées.
Eating
Cafe culture in Paris is serious business. One of the best ways to immerse yourself inside an authentic Parisian experience is to get a good book and spend the afternoon sipping a glass of red wine, while munching on a croque-monsieur and watching the world go by from a cafe terrace. For fine French dining, there are any number of high-end culinary experiences to be had, but more often than not, a fresh baguette and some French cheese, such as Boursin, make for a delicious and no-nonsense meal.
Sightseeing
Paris is home to some of the most magnificent works of art ever created. Not only do the city’s various collections put others to shame, but the buildings that house them have become classic landmarks as well. A visit to the Louvre, the home of the Mona Lisa, is a must on any Paris adventure, and you can revel in the staggering juxtaposition of the classical courtyard that surrounds the modern geometry of the museum’s pyramid entrance.
After taking in the classics like the Venus de Milo and the aforementioned Mona Lisa, stroll through the Tuilerie Garden and move from the right bank to the left in pursuit of the Musée d’Orsay. This train-station-turned-museum is home to several stunning works but perhaps the most notable is the massive impressionist collection. From Monet to Gaugin, visitors will be enchanted and entranced by the beautiful brush strokes and vivid imagery of these modern masters.
For many the Eiffel tower is THE unmissable sight, but to get the best view of the city, head to Sacre Couer atop Montmartre. This gorgeous white cathedral is fronted by steep terraced gardens, which are the perfect location for a Parisian picnic by day and witnessing the true meaning of ‘The City of Lights’ by night. The views are second to none and don’t cost a penny.
Paris is filled with international landmarks like Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe, but what truly makes the city special is its Parisian moments – be they inside hotels, cafes, parks and museums or tucked away on winding side streets.
The energy, the culture, the style and elegance of The City of Lights collectively come together to create a magical mix that will inevitably make any trip memorable and unique.
Image by Wicker Paradise used under Creative Commons license.
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