Destination Guide : Paris
Is Paris on everyone’s must-visit list? It was certainly on mine. Did you know that Paris gets over 30 million tourists a year? I guess I was not alone! I’ve spent more time in Paris than any other destination abroad. In addition to the two months that I spent there in college, I’ve also made two additional trips to this beautiful city. There are so many things to do in Paris. It’s actually a bit daunting and why it’s taking me while to write this post. But I’m going to share with you my absolute favorites.
When we visited during our long term travels with our kids, we only had three days in the City of Lights and it was clear to me how we would be spending them. It was a mix of the best tourist spots paired with little moments in more residential areas from when I lived there. And I would want to experience everything on this list again if I was headed there tomorrow. Paris is so full of beautiful details. You can visit the same spots again and again and always notice something new.
Let’s dive into them all in… Destination Guide : Paris!
STAY
I love staying in the 5th arrondissement. You’re close to so many sights and yet accommodations can be (slightly) more affordable. We stayed in a Parisian apartment in the Latin Quarter and it was the perfect accommodation for sightseeing. Yes, it is small! Find me a large space in Paris for the same price. It’s not an easy feat. But it was a comfortable space to crash after a long day of sightseeing. I love the Latin Quarter, this neighborhood is where I studied abroad, and proximity to Le Jardin Luxembourg is always a good thing, with or without kids!
GETTING AROUND
Transportation in Paris is all about the metro. It’s my second favorite metro system in the world. (New York’s is number one!) The metro lines are so complex, in a good way. If you’re near tourist attractions in the city, you’re never too far from a metro stop.
You can take a taxi, of course, but I never feel it’s necessary unless late at night. (I had some bad experiences on the metro late at night in the early 2000s. Not sure if it’s still a consistent problem these days.) You can hail a taxi on the street, but it’s easier to find one at a taxi stand. If you’re coming from the train stations or airport, make sure that you get a taxi from the designated taxi stand and communicate that you do not need a van, just a regular taxi. We got swindled when we got into a larger van coming out of Gare du Nord. We were 7 months into our travels and had been so aware about not getting overcharged at taxi stands. But I dropped my guard in a familiar destination and well $50 later, I learned my lesson! Also, you can use Uber in Paris, but taxis have access to special lanes throughout the city and are faster than their online counterparts.
THINGS TO KNOW
Paris has the reputation for being expensive… and well that can be true in many circumstances! But there are numerous ways to save money during your visit. Visiting off-season was particularly helpful on our budget during our February visit. We also used every deal that we came across. Like 2 for 1 tickets to the Musee D’Orsay that we received from Eurostar (our train provider to Paris). We climbed up the steps of the Eiffel Tower instead of talking the elevator. And, of course, there are so many free activities like picnics along the Seine and visiting Sacre-Coeur. Even the museums are free to visit for everyone on the first Sunday of the month if you’re lucky enough to visit then.
EAT
Where to eat in Paris? There are endless options. You can go high end during your visit or eat great, inexpensive sandwiches from park stands and boulangeries. My only rule is that no trip is complete without a meal in a cosy brasserie. Here are a few of my favorites spots in Paris.
LE LUCO - A small brasserie across from Le Jardin du Luxembourg.
LES DEUX MAGOTS - A popular and iconic brasserie that opened in 1885.
LE CAVEAU DU PALAIS - A sweet little restaurant in Place Dauphine, one of my favorite spots in Paris. I once ate a salad with carved meats on top of it and I still think about it 14 years later!
YUMI - This little restaurant with a menu full of salads and juices was on our list but we ran out of time.
L’AS DU FALLAFEL - Gyros are a must when in Paris. I ate them weekly when I studied abroad. Really find any spot that looks delicious but this place comes highly recommended.
TERMINUS NORD - If you’re traveling in or out through Gare du Nord, this restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal. Our friends from London highly recommend it.
JAMBON - BEURRE - There are just too many dishes that top the list to try while in Paris. But a trip to Paris is not complete for me without a jambon-beurre. This ham and butter sandwich is so simple and so delicious. Perfect for a picnic along the Seine or in a park. Apparently over 3 million jambon-beurre are sold every day in France!
DO
MUSEUMS - With 130 museums in the city, which one do you choose to visit? For a short visit with our kids, we chose to only visit Musee D’Orsay. I love that the museum is set in an old train station and the art is the most recognizable to the kids. A huge sculpture wing and a floor full of impressionist art is perfect for our family. Of course, there’s the Louvre. What a magical place! If you’re visiting for five or more days, I would make two trips to the Louvre to break up your time and get the most out of the experience. The Paris Museum Pass is a great option if you want to visit more than two museums and other famous sites, including Arc de Triomphe, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Panthéon. If it was only Trent and I in Paris, we would have also visited Musée Rodin, Musée national de l’Orangerie, and Musée Picasso.
RIVER CRUISE - A trip along the river on Bateaux Parisiens is a classic experience. Best to experience at night! There are also great dinner cruises in the city. Very fancy!
EIFFEL TOWER - There was nothing our kids wanted to do more than to go up the Eiffel Tower. The top level was closed for construction and even the second level was enough for them to enjoy. Paris is an amazing city to look out over. We climbed up the Eiffel Tower at the end of our big sightseeing day. It was wonderful to look out over the city at sunset, identifying and reminiscing about each spot we visiting throughout the day.
SHOPPING - Our whole family loves to look through books and trinkets at the bouquinistes. These little green stands along the Seine have such a great history too. I could also spend an entire afternoon at Shakespeare & Co., E. Dehillerin (a kitchenware store), and Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen (the famous flea market in the 18th arrondissement).
PALACE OF VERSAILLES - The Hall of Mirrors. The gardens. You cannot go wrong when you decide to venture out of the city to visit the 17th century home of Louis XIV. It’s a fairly quick journey outside of the city (about an hour), but plan for it to take most of your day. The grounds are large and you don’t want to rush your visit.
MONET’S HOME - As a kid, I was in love with the book Linnea in Monet’s Garden about a girl who visits the famous artist’s home in Giverny. When I studied abroad, making my own visit to Giverny was at the top of my list. Some bucket list moments just don’t match up to your expectations but this was not one of those. It was as magical as I ever hoped it would be. Visit that green bridge for yourself!
SEE
SACRE-COEUR - This beautiful, white basilica can be seen from all over Paris. It’s my favorite landmark in the city. The building was opened in 1914 and served as a religious offering to be forgiven of all of France’s sins since the French Revolution.
BRIDGES - The city’s bridges were a huge hit with our kids. Make it a point to see Pont Alexandre III, Pont Neuf, and Pont des Arts.
SAINTE-CHAPELLE - This gothic royal chapel is located on Île de la Cité and houses the best example of 13th century stained glass. Visit during sunset to see the stained glass masterpiece in all of its glory!
PERE LACHAISE CEMETERY - This beautiful cemetery is home to the burial site of Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison among many other tombs. To really understand the history of this place, try to join a tour (or even find a free tour). Listening to a guide will really help bring the place to life (no pun intended!).
PLAY
LE JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG - Along with Place Dauphine, Le Jardin du Luxembourg is my other favorite spot in the city. Beautiful gardens, a palace, and a fantastic playground. The LudoJardin is the children’s playground. While it has a 3 euro entrance fee, it is a spectacular, modern playground and seems worth it.
ARENES - Our favorite playground was located in a park that it shares with a Roman amphitheater. Only in Europe!
TREAT
BERTHILLON - Located on Ile Saint Louis, Berthillon is a must for all of the foodies traveling to the city. Gourmet ice cream that could only be made in Paris.
PATISSIER - There are so many wonderful patissiers in France. We fell in love with this one near our apartment during our last visit. Find one that you like and visit repeatedly to work through their offerings. Need a place to start? We love to order these items: eclairs, brioche, macarons, palmiers, madeleines, pain au chocolat, and, unquestionably, croissants.
CREPES - Another must-do in Paris is visiting a crepe stand. You can find them all over the city. Savory options for a quick lunch or sweet options for dessert. And churros are often excellent too.
DRINK
We didn’t head out for drinks on our last visit with the kids in tow and you definitely don’t want any of my college recommendation from the early 2000s! So I will leave you with a list of my favorite French cocktails. Duck into any little bar or restaurant and order one. Even more romantic when done spontaneously to seek shelter from the rain! I usually am happy with a glass of Rose but if I’m really going to celebrate, here’s what I might order: French 75, Kir Royale, or a glass of champagne.
Have you visited Paris? What place, meal, or museum tops your list to visit?
