The city of Romance. Paris has big shoes to fill. Whether you’re here with a significant other, a family trip or exploring solo, this metropolis has something to offer that will make your heart melt. Packing light is a must for me when I travel but I always have an old fashioned paper map and a guide book with me. You never know when your phone might die (have a back up charger) or you might not have cell service. European outlets are different than those in the US so be sure to have purchased an adapter prior to leaving for your trip.
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We’ll start off with the obvious: The Eiffel Tower. How a mammoth, steel structure can come across as heartwarming and romantic is quite a phenomenom. Yet, looking at it from afar or laying on the grass at its base, you feel it deep down. The awe and the thrill of excitement knowing millions have witnessed it before and continue to come back to experience it in their own way.
Must Do’s: 1. Buy some wine, cheese and bread and hang out on the green at its base and enjoy people watching. 2. Take the journey up into the tower and look out over the city. 3. Come back at night, even if you’re a short distance away. The twinkling lights are a must see. 4. If you are able to get reservations and your budget allows, have dinner at either of the tower’s distinguished restaurants.
After eating all that cheese and bread you’ll need to walk it off. What more would you want than to walk the underground tunnels of the historic city, meadering past dead bodies? You can have just that as you snake your way through the catacombs. It sounds like a morbid outing, but I actually found it very fascinating. The droplets of water falling from the ceiling due to condensation made it all the better. That being said, you might want to bring along a light jacket both for the temperature and the water droplets.
Churches in Paris
Now, on to find a more middle ground from all the romance and mortality. The Cathedral of Notre Dame does just that. Due to the fire, it is hard to know if you will be allowed to see the interior but the exterior is so phenomenal that a walk around the exterior will be very fulfilling. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by Saint Chapelle The outside doesn’t grab your attention but the inteior sure will! The stained glass windows depict the stories of the Bible. The story of Christ is shown in front of the pulpit. The huge circular window is to be read from left to right and then up the next row. This gem was fortunately protected during WWII.
Almost all churches in Europe require that women’s shoulders are covered before entering. If you’re wearing something sleeveless be sure to bring a scarf or jacket to drape over your shoulders.
On the other side of the city from the Eiffel Tower lies the georgeous Sacre Coure. Who needs a stairmaster when there are 331 spiral steps to walk up to get to the top. That’s not even including the initial steps you need to walk up to get to the church. It’s a workout, but after peering out the windows for an amazing city view and checking out the gargoyles first hand you’ll realize it was worth the effort.
Art in Paris
I’m not a big art person, but no trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. It was much smaller than I expected. I found the massive crowd all vying for their spot to take a picture of the famous lady just as, if not more, entertaining than seeing her. We walked through the museum and enjoyed viewing multiple types of art work. European art museums are so much more different than American ones. I find that in itself very interesting.
We also stopped by Auguste Rodin’s home. There are multiple works of art on display inside the home and a very enchanting display in the back courtyard area which included The Thinker. You can’t help but have fun with that sculpture! Admission is very inexpensive so I highly recommend checking it out. You can save even more by using the Paris Pass.
Unique things in Paris
No trip is complete unless I find that quirkly place that defies the typical. For me the Shakespeare and Company was just that place. This book store was started in the 1930’s and contains books in every possible nook and cranny, and then some! There are piles upon piles of books, both inside and out, and even books attached to the staricase runner. I find it fun to get a children’s book of a familiar story in a foreign language. Just one of those strange collections I’ve started.
I grew up listening to and watching my mom play the accordion. It’s somewhat of a lost art in my area because the popularity has waned so. This does not seem to be the case in Paris. I was delighted to see so many accordians bellowing out the tunes.
All in all, Paris is a city that has something for everyone. Relaxing at the parks, browsing the farmers’ markets and lounging at a cafe are all so much a part of the Parisian culture. Be sure to slow down and enjoy those things as well as the iconic sights in order to get the full experience. What are some of the ‘off the beaten path’ gems you have found in this magical city?
