10 Things Not to Miss in Paris
There are so many places that you need to see in Paris. It’s difficult to have a set list of all the things you can’t miss. That being said, here is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Paris.
Eiffel Tower Lights
The lights of the Eiffel Tower cannot be missed. I love watching the Tower light up each night. I will never get tired of hearing everyone gasp at its beauty when the lights turn on. It is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. I especially love sitting near the Seine underneath a bridge near-by and watching it sparkle.
Musée d’Orsay
While everyone tries to go to the Louvre, I personally love the Musée d’Orsay. The collection of paintings is not quite as expansive as the Louvre’s, but there are hundreds of impressionist paintings which I usually enjoy the most. Check out the museum to see some of Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh’s most famous pieces.
Montmartre
This area is especially beautiful. Sacre Coeur is placed at the top of a very large hill in Montmartre and has one of the best views of Paris. The inside of the church is especially pretty and you will be astonished by its size. You can pay 7 euros to climb to the top of the dome where you will get the most beautiful panoramic view of the city. After, you must explore the area for great food. I had escargot for the first time in Montmartre, and it was absolutely delicious!
Tuileries Gardens
Whether you go in the Louvre or just look at it from the outside, it is an amazing building to behold. The sheer size of the museum is enough to overwhelm you, but you’ll never truly understand just how many works of art are located in the Louvre until you try to see the entire collection in one day. Spoiler alert: it can’t be done. You will definitely need more than one day if you are attempting to see the museum in its entirety. After seeing the Louvre, you have to walk through the Tuileries Gardens. The fountains, flowers, and statues scattered through the park are so beautiful. It is a great place to sit down with a good book and relax for a little while.
Versailles and Giverny
If you can fit a few day trips into your busy schedule, I would definitely suggest going to see Versailles and the gardens of Monet in Giverny. These destinations are on different scales, but both incredible. Versailles is a lavish palace that would make anyone wish they were a King. Giverny, on the other hand, is a modest village where Monet spent year of his life painting his beautiful garden. Both places were some of my favorite places that I have been to during my time in Paris.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
If you’re looking for a relaxing walk through a gorgeous park, make your way to the 19th arrondissement. This park is one of the largest in Paris and is a great place to go for a Saturday morning picnic. Sit by the little lake and watch as the ducklings swim to the waterfall for the first time. The park is so big you could spend half the day just walking through it.
Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe is also a great way to see a beautiful view of the city. There are also reading materials to understand the history of the Arc, which is interesting to read when you go to visit. After going to the top, spend some time walking down the Champs-Élysées to window shop (or shop shop). Take a break and stop at Ladurée to eat a few of their famous macarons!
The Markets
You can’t miss the markets if you are coming to Paris. The fresh produce is absolutely delicious and the flea markets are filled with interesting antiques and cool trinkets. Head to the north of Paris to Les Puces de Saint Ouen to explore the largest flea market in Paris. You are bound to find something special to bring home from your vacation.
