Why France
Eiffel Tower
France is a country that you will need to visit more than once, if not several times. We have been three times and need one more to see the last remaining areas we have yet to experience. Paris is the capital city of the country, it has so much to offer you can spend a week just in the city.
It is a must
It is a global center for many different cultural cornerstones from art to fashion and don't forget their culinary expertise. Its city is laid out crisscrossing the Seine River, with the Right and Left Banks. Home to some of the world's most famous landmarks such as Eiffel Tower, what remains of Notre Dame, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe.
We were recently asked what to see in Paris if it is your first trip. This post will hopefully assist planning your adventure and provide insights into how best to maneuver the city.
How to get there
Let's get started, typically, most US flights arrive early in the morning, which will allow you a full day begin your adventure.
Getting started
After dropping your luggage at your hotel, head to the metro and buy a multi-day pass, it is the easiest and most efficient way to get around the city.
Where to go first
Due to their vicinity to each other, we recommend starting at Eiffel Tower, Avenue Champs Elysée and Arc De Triomphe.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
First stop, the Eiffel Tower built for the 1889 World Fair by Gustave Eiffel. It is the most visited paid monument in the world. Recognized around the world for its iron lattice tower. Buy the skip the line ticket that allows you to go to the top. This is the best way to see skyline of Paris. There are other less expensive ticket options but we highly recommend going to the top. The Eiffel Tower does offer dining options, but reservations are needed and appropriate attire is required.
Interesting Lunch Option
If you want something unique to Paris, on the grassy area around the tower there are several street vendors selling hot dogs in a baguette with Dijon mustard. It is one of the few cheap food options in Paris and are pretty tasty.
Champs Elysee Avenue
Champs Elysee
Next stop Avenue Champs Elysée, the hub of everything fashion, the tree line street makes the stroll like no other on your way to the Arc De Triomphe. The avenue is in the 8 th arrondissement home to luxury shops, cafes and theaters, stop to browse or get a café du lait.
Are De Triomphe
Arc De Triomphe
It stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. Its location is shared between three arrondissements, 16th, 17th and 8th. It honors those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beneath, the structure lies the Tomb of the unknown solider of WWI. The site does offer the ability to go to the top.
Dinner Option - Paris Seine River Cruise
Seine River in the evening
If you want something to do at night in this area, nightly there are Seine River cruises, it allows you to see why it's called the city of lights.
Easy day trip, just outside of Paris
There are many easy day trips you can do from Paris, for the second day we recommend taking a train to Versailles and in the afternoon seeing some more of Paris's top attractions.
Versailles Palace
Versailles Palace
It was the royal residence for France from 1682 until 1789 when the French Revolution started. It is only 20 kilometers southwest of Paris. During the revolution the palace was looted leaving few original pieces. There are several options to learn about the palace. Some of the options are: you can tour on your own, get a tour upon arrival, or hire a group guide. The must-see things at the palace are: The Hall of Mirrors, Marie Antoinette's estate, and Gardens of Versailles. Typically, this takes 4 hours to see everything. Tickets also can be purchased in advance.
Luxembourg Gardens and Pantheon
Luxembourg Gardens
After learning about Versailles, head back to Paris for a stop at Luxembourg Gardens and The Patheon. The gardens are located in the 6 th arrondissement built in 1612 by Marie de Medici for her late husband King Henry IV. Luxembourg Palace would become her home, now home to the senate.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is located in the 5th arrondissement on the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. The church was built for the patron saint of Paris. It is an early example of neo classical architecture. Another quick stop while in the area.
Paris Food Tour
That complete the second day. In the evening there are several food tours options that allow you to taste some of the best food Paris has to offer.
Paris Day Trip Options
Loire Valley
Day trips from Paris are another way to see even more top sites France has to offer. We would recommend day trips to Normandy or the Loire Valley. If you can fit them into your plan you will not be disappointed. You can take the train to either and but will require a full day for each. Read our last post to learn more about day trip options either from Paris or that can be added to your holiday as additional days.
Museums OptionsLouvre
Louvre
Paris has several museums to chose from the Louvre where you can spend a full day or half day. Located in the 1 st arrondissement a central landmark of the city. Situated on the Right Bank and along the Seine River. It contains 38,000 objects covering over 72,735 square meters. Home to the famous Mona Lisa which is smaller than you will ever guess, you can see works from prehistory to the 21 st century. You don't need a guide instead get the audio tour and buy the skip the line pass to avoid the crowds of people. Go early and stop at the café overlooking the gardens for some cheese and wine. Please be aware the Louvre doesn't have any impressionist works; they are only at the Musee d'Orsay.
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay
It is another museum option located on the Left Bank in an old train station. Unlike the Louvre it holds French art dating from 1848 to 1914. This museum holds the world's largest impressionist and post-impressionist works such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Like the Louvre this is also very popular and you could spend a half day here. You should buy yet again the skip the line ticket in advance and you won't need a guide, an audio tour will do.
Keep in mind
It might be hard to do both museums during your visit hence why you will need to come back but it will all depend on the amount of time you spend in the city.
Additional Sites to Visit in Paris
Jardin des Tuileries
As few other stops that are in the area you might want to stroll through
Jardin des Tuileries - located in the 1st arrondissement, it is a public garden located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde Pont Neuf Bridge - the bridge that holds all the padlocks that people have left Notre Dame - unfortunately, the fire has left it mostly destroyed but you could go take a look at what is left Place de Concord - one of France's largest public square you will pass numerous times as you wander the city Montematre: located in the 18th Arrondissement, this elevated rural neighborhood on the outskirts of the city has a collection of upscale shops and cafés and still exudes hints of old village charm. Weekly they have flowers markets and the locals sell their wares.How long will you need in the city
Mont St Michel
Paris, you can go for a long weekend hitting just a few key sites, make it a week and incorporate some day trips outside of the city or take a couple of weeks and see everything in the city of lights. It is a city if given the chance we chose to return.
Paris Helpful Hints
Buy a metro pass to get around city Buy all skip the lines passes to avoid the crowds You can do Paris mostly on your own if you prefer Learn some basic French sayings such as: "do you speak English", "Please", "Thank you", "Hello", "How much is this" and "I would like" when order something. French are put off if you don't try to converse with them in French You will need more than one trip to France it is far too large to see everything Stop at a café - order the table wine, bread and people watchOther Travel Tips