Paris is the third most visited city in the world, and if you ever get a chance to visit it you’ll quickly understand why! It is an incredibly beautiful city that remains authentic and traditional in the modern world. The architecture is absolutely stunning, the food is mouth-wateringly delicious and the monuments are breathtaking. It’s a city that a lot of people fall in love with, charmed by its unique beauty.
GUEST POST BY CHLOE MARTIN
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What’s the best time to visit Paris?
Paris is one of those places that is beautiful in every season. Really!
In the spring, the cherry blossom trees bloom all around the city giving the impression that the city is covered in candy floss. In summer, the sun shines brightly and the river banks transform from a busy road into a beach – a pedestrians paradise! Fall and the red and orange leaves make the city feel warm and alive and people outside on terraces soak up the last of the good weather while sipping wine. And last but not least, in winter the days get darker but the city lights up with Christmas markets and decorations, literally transforming into its nickname, the City of Lights.
In case you can’t decide when to visit Paris, pick May. The weather is warm, the city isn’t too over-crowded and there are plenty of things to do!
What’s good to know about Paris?
Paris is not a gigantic city, so you can actually walk from one monument to another! From the Louvre to the Champs Elysees is a 20 minutes’ walk, the Champs Elysees to the Eiffel Tower is a 15 minutes’ walk and Notre Dame to the Pompidou center is only 15 minutes, too! And the route you take is always really beautiful!
Even if you don’t feel like walking, don’t worry! Paris has one of the most efficient metro systems in the world, and ticket prices are very reasonable. It is recommended to buy a pack of ten tickets when you arrive, which you can buy at a discounted rate.
Interesting events that take place in Paris
Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) on June 21st
On this special day the city comes alive with music. There are free events all over the city, and famous musicians even come and play for free. It’s an amazing and unique day that you have to experience in Paris!
Fête de la Bastille (Bastille Day) on July 14th
Every year the Parisians commemorate the beginning of the French Revolution with a huge firework display around the Eiffel Tower and all day picnics on the Champ de Mars. It’s by far one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen!
One day in Paris Itinerary
Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Paris.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast
Start your day by picking up a croissant or pain au chocolat from Du Pain et des Idées (34 rue Yves Toudic, Paris 10eme). Their pastry has a hint of almond to it and simply melts in your mouth. And yes, this place was voted one of the best bakeries in Paris.
Visit the Opera house
From there, walk just 100 meters to the metro and jump on the line 8 to the Opera station. At this station you will find – drumroll please – the Opera house! It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, and you can visit it for just 5 euros.
Spend some time in Galeries Lafayette
After a tour of the Opera house, pop into Galeries Lafayette, a huge department store located directly behind the Opera. As well as being great for shopping, it has a beautiful dome ceiling and a terrace where you can eat, drink and have a beautiful view of Paris. It’s totally free to use the terrace, so even if you don’t enjoy shopping it’s worth checking out the view.
Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower
After some shopping/Paris gazing, hop back on the metro line 9, which is just outside the department store, and head over to Trocadéro to visit the Iron Lady – the Eiffel Tower! When you exit at Trocadéro, you should make your way onto the square where you can enjoy the most superb view of the Eiffel Tower!
From there walk down the steps and through the Champ de Mars (the park at the foot of the Tower) and to the tower itself. Go to the top and enjoy the view!
Check out the Louvre Museum
This converted Palace is truly magnificent inside out. The Louvre Museum collection is actually so large you would need a month to see it all, so you should better skip it if you only have one day in Paris. However, don’t miss the chance to check out the exterior and snap a few photos of the building.
Grab some lunch at Marché des Enfants Rouges
It’s lunchtime! Take the line 8 (the station École Militaire is located just behind the Eiffel Tower) to the stop called Filles du Calvaire. At this stop you will need to walk a short distance (430m – 5 minutes maxi) to the Marché des Enfants Rouges (The Red Children’s Market). This historical market takes its name from the 16th-century orphanage that was originally built on this site. The orphanage closed before the revolution but was eventually reopened as a deluxe food market in 2000 after extensive campaigning from the locals. It’s a fantastic place for locals and tourists to eat! At the market you can find a variety of food from all different countries to try, which makes this the perfect place to grab some lunch!
Pay a visit to the Pompidou Center
After you have satisfied your stomachs, head to the metro station Arts et Metiers which is a short walk away (about 7 minutes!). When you reach the station, take the line 11 just two stops to Hotel de Ville. This is the city’s town hall and another exceptionally beautiful building. From the town hall’s square you can see our next two destinations! The Pompidou Center on your left and Notre Dame on your right.
Go and explore the Pompidou Center, a building built entirely inside out! This modern art museum is totally one of a kind and holds some of Dali’s most famous work.
Visit Notre Dame and Île de la Cité
Time to go to Notre Dame! Walk the short distance and check out the beautiful cathedral and its gardens. Notre Dame is an absolute must see with its beautiful stain glass windows and breathtaking architecture. It looks pretty good for its age – over 800 years old!
Behind Notre Dame is a small island with traditional French shops and restaurants, it’s like stepping back in time! Take a break after this, you’ll be tired! Go grab a coffee at Shakespeare & Co’s lovely little café just across the street.
Enjoy a memorable evening in Paris
For dinner head to Chartier – it’s on line 9 at the stop Grands Boulevard. You can’t miss it: there’s a big lit up arrow with the name on it! Chartier is a fantastic, authentic French restaurant with waiters in penguin suits and delicious French food. It used to be a train station and has been open for over 100 years!
After dinner take the line 9 again to Republique and check out Lavomatic, 30 Rue René Boulanger, 75010, one of Paris’ speakeasy bars. It’s actually a bar concealed in a laundromat, and you wouldn’t know it was there unless someone let you in on its secret!
To dance the night away, finish at Barrio Latino (46 – 48 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012) a Spanish bar and club which is a short walk from Lavomatic. A fantastic place for dancing and drinking!
Where to stay in Paris?
Hotel 34B – Astotel
34, rue Bergère, 9th arr., 75009 Paris
Hotel 34B is a design hotel that successfully combines contemporary design with historical layout with its vaulted cellar, Haussmann-style facade and mosaic Art-deco-style floor in the lobby. Rooms are decorated in blue-white tones, elegantly furnished. The hotel is perfectly located – it’s within a walking distance to Opéra Garnier and Louvre Museum.
Hotel George – Astotel
46 Rue Notre Dame De Lorette, 9th arr., 75009 Paris
Hotel George is a beautiful boutique hotel located in Paris’s 9th district, in a characteristic Parisian building, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Moulin Rouge. Its bright rooms combine contemporary yet classic style and bring back to life in a trendy way the 1950s atmosphere. The large breakfast room with the children’s corner add a special touch to this original atmosphere.
Generator Paris
9 – 11 Place du Colonel Fabien, 10th arr., 75010 Paris
Generator Paris is a designer hostel located in the lively 10th district in Paris. The hostel features a stylish lounge area with game room decorated in a North African design. Enjoy plenty of evening entertainment – from Café Fabien, metro station looking night bar or rooftop bar with the jaw dropping views of the Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre.
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
20 rue d’Orsel, 18th arr., 75018 Paris
Le Village Montmartre is a great mixture of a cheap and friendly youth hostel, and a cozy hotel. It features a beautiful terrace, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the famous Parisian roof, and the Sacré Coeur. All of the cozy rooms come with the private bathroom.
Day trips from Paris
Chateau de Versailles
A little outside of Paris you’ll find the Chateau of Versailles, which was built by Louis XIV. The palace is stunning with the hall of mirrors and the King’s Grand Apartment, and you have to visit Marie Antoinette’s Gardens. It really is something special!
Extra tips for visiting Paris
– If you need someone to help you out with your transfer from or to the airport, Welcome is the answer. They provide all kinds of services designed to make your visit here as simple and as enjoyable as possible, but most important one is reliable and cheap transport.
– If you are under 26 and here on a weekend or bank holiday, buy a ticket jeune. You can use this ticket all day until 1am and go all around the city with it. It only costs around 4 euros!
– Look into Museum passes if you’re a history buff. It will work out cheaper to get a pass if you plan on visiting a lot of museums.
– Be careful with your belongings, Paris is a city after all and there are occasionally pickpockets. However, as long as you are sensible you won’t have any problems!
– Last but not least – check out my blog before you come, I recommend the best things to do in Paris including bars and restaurants!
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Chloe Martin
Chloe Martin is a professional blogger and faux Parisian based in Paris. Originally from a small English seaside town, Chloe moved to France after graduation armed with a bachelor’s degree in Publishing and English. The then-21-year-old planned to learn French for a year but after falling in love with the city, she couldn’t leave! Five years later, Chloe knows the city very well and loves giving recommendations, advice and top tips for living in and visiting Paris. Chloe is a total foodie, an avid reader and a zealous writer. For more information check out her blog at www.mylifelivingabroad.com
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