Paris, a city steeped in historical elegance, yet at the forefront of modern evolution. It is the city of love, the city of art and culture, the city of fashion - and an attitude to match.
Paris is the city where you walk the streets just to immerse yourself in the surrounding culture and structural significance of everything around you. You soak in the architecture as if the streets are an art gallery or museum. It’s not something we experience in a young country such as Australia. This may be your cup of tea, or not, but certainly appreciate the grandeur of such a place.
I try and stay somewhere new every time I visit Paris, from St Germain to Ecole Millitaire, the Marais district or the streets around the Moulin Rouge. My favourite has been Ecole Militaire in its village-like surroundings, quaint and central. The area has a variety of Parisian cafes and restaurants where you can sit and people watch, as you do in Europe, or stroll the boutique shops. The metro is also a short walk around the corner and to my absolute delight the first time I stayed in the area, I was surprised when I discovered I was near the park that leads to the Eiffel Tower, so it smacked me straight in the face one day when I was out and exploring! I obviously hadn’t bothered to look at a map.
An iconic centerpiece for the city (whether the Parisians like it or not), the Eiffel Tower stands 324 metres tall and offers stunning panoramic views of the city below. I say climb it. Why not, you’re in Paris. The steps lead you to the first two landing points and the elevator takes you to the last and highest observation deck. Take photos at every point! I did this on my first trip 10 years ago and only found the photos the other day. I had forgotten how truly stunning it was up there, if you’re like me and appreciate cityscapes. Be wary of your pockets as you walk towards it however. There is a big problem with people harassing you to buy trinkets and souvenirs – Don’t get suckered in!
Next, onto the Champs-Élysées! One of my favourite strolls is up the tree lined walkway approaching the beginning of the Champs. I’ve said it before, I love to shop, and I love the grand architecture of the buildings that house these shops and restaurants on the strip. Stop at Ladurée on the corner of Ru Lincoln and Champs-Élysées and go for a divine lunch, but sit inside. They are the French specialists for macarons, so be sure to line up and grab some on the way out, but their dining menu is exquisite, as is the experience when you’re sitting in such a fine establishment. Try and sit upstairs! The décor is absolute class and opulence, and the chicken voulevant is amazing. This is a truly beautiful dining experience and it won’t break the budget.
At the end of this journey you’re met with the grand and triumphant Arc De Triomphe. A tribute to all those who fought and died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. 234 steps will lead you to the top where you can gaze across another brilliant view of the city. Good luck trying to cross the road to access it though, it’s the centerpiece of the roundabout – I believe you can access it underground to get across.
Opera is another area you must visit. Home to the famous Paris Opera theatre or Palais Garnier, a grand structure symbolic of art and culture, the building is quite the site as well as the surroundings. I’m an ex dancer, so one of my greatest experiences was attending a Paris Opera Ballet show and sitting in the most palatial and opulent theatre. If you can take a tour of the building, do it!
Just behind the Palais Garnier is the Galeries Lafayette. I can’t use the word grand enough in this city, but yet another gorgeous building housing the famous department store. Their ground level of jewelry is a sparkling feast for the eyes and the 43 metre high Neo Byzantine dome ceiling is the focal point. I spend hours here, well, shopping and breaking the budget.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, another iconic focal point of the city decorated in medieval gothic design. This has to be my favourite church. I get goose bumps entering the walls of this sacred place, whether you believe or not, the church is imbued by the faith and adoration of the Christian people. The energy is felt immediately, particularly when to the right hand side, people have come from all over the world to genuflect in front of the crucifix and off load their burdens, seeking guidance and giving thanks. If you are so inclined, attend mass, it’s beautiful. And if you’re up for another climb, I do recommend climbing the tower, the views are again stunning and you can get up close and personal with some of the gargoyles! This will be a separate line and you will need to pay. Whether you’ve decided to travel in the cooler or hotter months, there is a great little café to the Left of the cathedral (if you’re looking at it) which has an outdoor crepe cart set up. Treat yourself to a warm Nutella Crepe and nibble on it while you’re waiting in any of the lines to get it! Superb!
St Chapelle, not as widely visited as Notre Dame, but still encounters tourist traffic, is only a short walk from the cathedral so you can knock them off the list while you’re in the area. St Chapelle boasts colourful and glorious stained glass windows, it’s worth a visit!
Once you’re done feasting your eyes on gothic beauty, head over to the Marais district for some lunch and a meander through streets filled with shops. The Marais is more of a locals hangout, so head there for the chilled but chic atmosphere and wander through the designer shops.
One of the most epic museums on the planet and largest in the world, pay the Louvre a visit! If you don’t want to spend hours in here, tag onto a tour group and see some of the main attractions, otherwise you can most certainly get lost for hours amongst the rooms and hallways of ancient, wondrous and opulent art. They’ve even installed Napoleon’s quarters and on one tour I think the guide said that the Louvre boasted kilometres of art and sculptures to see!
Georges Restaurant, Georges Pompidou Centre
Now here's a cheeky treat, why not enjoy yet another view of the city but whilst you're dining and drinking champagne like a pro. Georges Restaurant is situated on the rooftop of the Georges Pompidou Centre affording it a glistening view of below. You're greeted at the entrance by model like staff (kind of hilariously wankish, but run with it) and escorted to your table decorated with a single stem rose. The menu is lusciously good in its French fusion and the desserts are a masterpiece. The cool thing about this place though is the décor. Modern, industrial and space like with large hollow round structures that house private dining areas or lighting design oozing out of them. I'm glad for the experience. I was young and it was fun, so I do recommend booking a table, but I probably don't need to go again. Also this will break your budget so I'd prefer to try somewhere else for another experience .
Paris DISNEY
The Happiest Place On Earth! I should preface this with, I am a huge Disney fan. Whenever I am in a country with a Disneyland, it’s on my to-do list! If I can spend multiple days in the parks, then I absolutely will, but Paris has so many other things to do that this is really a one day Disneyland trip. If you're feeling so inclined, hop on the A4 Autoroute and travel the 32km to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy train station, and walk 2mins to the park. Enjoy a magical day meeting the characters, going on all the themed rides, watching the parades and Disney shopping!
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, situated about 20km west of Paris or approximately forty minutes by car, is a former royal residence in Versailles. The history goes that King Louis XIII first built a hunting lodge, that was then replaced with a Chateau around 1634 and then his son, Louis XIV ordered for it to be turned into a palace…and on all the Louis went continuing to restore, expand and refine the building through the ages. It is remarkable. Opulent and incredibly lavish. It was a lovely half day spent being picked up from my hotel, driven and given a tour of the palace and gardens, and then driven back. You can of course do this for a full day, however if I went back again, I’d do it as a day bike tour. There are loads of tours to choose from on Trip Advisor so head on over. This doesn’t necessarily need to be done on your first trip to Paris unless you’re a great fan of French history and this sort of thing tickles your fancy.
Moulin Rouge, Montemartre
An evening of titillating entertainment, The Moulin Rouge offers a raunchy escape, transporting you into the beguiling world of Faerie
Glamorous showgirls litter the stage adorned in costumes glittering with Swarovski crystals, statuesque headdress, fishnet stockings, and of course the trademark feathered wings.
The show is a spectacle, if you fancy a night of burlesque on drugs and side acts that will have you either marveling or laughing. Each to their own, I've seen the show about four times and I've enjoyed it the last two times, mainly because a good friend was in the show. Whether you love it or not, I think it needs to be "ticked off" on at least one trip to Paris, merely to indulge in the historical and traditional significance.
There is a 9pm and 11pm Show (yep, 6 nights a week. Share a thought for the dancers on Can Can). You can bundle dinner and the 9pm show together, but I wouldn't bother, the food was terrible. Grab a bite before you go and share a couple of bottles of champagne while you watch.
I've also watched The Lido on the Champs Elyse, which is in a similar vein, but the tradition of the Moulin Rouge is far more Parisian.
Also situated in Montmatre is the beautiful white-domed Sacre Coeur Basillican, which is worth the visit. While its a climb to get there, you're absolutely rewarded by the view of Paris as it sits on the highest point of the city.
Luxembourg Gardens
Find yourself a patisserie or roadside market (we found a great one in St Germain on the main road), and purchase a selection of cheeses, Pâté, baguettes, pastries whatever takes your culinary fancy, and head to the Jardin du Luxembourg located in the 6th arrondissement in between Montparnasse and the Latin Quarter, or about a 20 min walk from Notre-Dame. The Luxembourg Palace is a focal point which now houses the French Senate. Take some time out from all the site seeing, park yourself in prime leafy green position and nibble on your delicious snacks before meandering the 25 hectares of garden including statues, monuments and fountains. It’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours if you have the time, but don’t worry if you don’t or wish to prioritise other things, its easily visited the next time you go!
Paris accommodation has always been expensive and don't expect your room to be too big either. Of course there is always the Airbnb route, but a city like Paris, I like having the option of a front desk and access to some locals. And don't forget to learn your hello, please, thank you and goodbye - it goes a long way in Paris!
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