Paris.
There are so many tourist “Must Sees” in Paris; but thankfully, it’s easy to do so in just a couple of days. Here are some of our highlights:
First Parisian dinner at Le Chenin (make reservations with ericdaoulas2@gmail.com). This is a small, hole-in-the-wall, local spot. The owner is also the waiter. We went all out with snails, steak, the best French bread ever, and a whole fish. A delicious chocolate mousse, and the best bottle of wine! When asked what kind of wine you prefer, I suggest saying, “Red, fruity, and strong.” It’s always a winner!
Big first day in Paris with the Lock of Love Bridge, The Louvre, Arc de Triomphe (where I strongly suggest making the trek to the top for a stunning view of the city and Eiffel Tower — trust me, it’s worth it), Champs Elysees (shopping street) with a huge line to get inside Louis Vuitton, bought some delicious macaroons, and ended the day with the sun setting on Notre Dame. You can tell its summer vacation… Americans everywhere. Shared a bottle of wine at a cafe next to Notre Dame and enjoyed some epic people watching.
Arc de Triomphe.
Macaroons on Avenue Champs Elysees
Notre Dame.
Recently, as most know, the city cut off the locks on the bridge due to a weight issue and the possibility of collapsing. In their place, four graffiti artists portray love through different artistic ways along the bridge. However, before the lovebirds start to weep, you can still put your lock on portions of the bridge off to the side, along the river bank.
The Louvre was one of my favorite places in Paris when I was here 15 years ago. I enjoyed posing like the painting or the statues. I think thats the only way a 15-year-old can spend hours on end inside of a museum and not go crazy 🙂
Tip: Go through the Carousal entrance on Rue Rovoli. No wait.
Also, be prepared, the room where the Mona Lisa is located is ridiculous. Last time I saw her, my mom and I literally turned a corner in the museum and there she was. Small, with no one around. Now, it’s another story…
Also, I suggest stopping by The Louvre at night time if you can. It’s stunning.
The most iconic landmark in France, and potentially the world, this is typically at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Paris. I suggest the following: Go early in the morning, buy your tickets in advance, be prepared to wait. Climb the stairs to the second level then take the elevator. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the park! It really is romantic. Bring bread, cheese, and buy wine/champagne there. Tip: Don’t pay over 5€ for a bottle.
We met some French friends playing bocce ball and they invited us to play, share their wine with them, and then invited us to their house for dinner. Always love meeting locals!
And lastly, cruising around Montmartre is a MUST. Such a cute, Parisian town. And I finally got my Nutella and banana crepe!
Bucket list:
- Louvre
- Notre dame
- Eiffel tower
- Eat escargot
- Eat a crepe
- Picnic at the Eiffel Tower
Next time:
- Lunch at LeJules Verne – top of Eiffel Tower
- Come in July and check out the movies in the park
- Tour Montparnasse – great views of the city
- Go dancing at Le Duplex
- Cooking class
- Luxembourg gardens
Pro:
- Amazing city, great sights, classic tourist destinations, easy to get around on the metro and hit all the major spots in one day
Con:
- Touristy
- Smokers everywhere
- They tend to hate/be rude to Americans
Tip:
- Study French before visiting!
- Buy a 5 day subway ticket
- Be patient with crowds/tourists
- Any wine from La Cote region is amazing! Just ask for something red, fruity and strong 🙂
Fun Fact:
- My first Paris trip at 15 years old, and today
