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Travel Guide: Paris

You will never forget the first time your eyes meet the Eiffel Tower. For me the second time was just as memorable. My husband and I had just married and were blessed to go to Paris for our honeymoon. We exited the Metro station, walked around a large building, and there she was. I could not help but smile and shed a tear, and I am sure I will do it again next time we meet. And the thing is, Paris is full of moment after moment just as powerful. The Louvre, Montmartre, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe hold the same power over me. Maybe it is the history, maybe too many years of French class, but this city holds a power over me. 

There is a lot to see and take in while in Paris. I’d recommend staying no less than 4 days and longer if you have it. Give yourself time to play tourist, but also to explore on foot. If you do not have time to eat a baguette in a Parisienne park you have missed out!

Planning your trip to Paris

Practice the language! People who claim the French are rude are often not making an effort to learn the language and culture.
Take the Metro, Paris's subway system. It is easy to navigate and inexpensive.
In August Parisiennes take their annual holiday. Many places will be closed, but major tourist locations remain open.
On your first day take take the Bateaux Mouches boat ride near the Eiffel Tower, it will help you get your bearings while on a pleasant Seine cruise.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or neighborhoods, each has its charms, but first time visitors should consider the 1st or 7th arrondissement.
Eiffel Tower at Night

Paris at night is a photographer’s dream!

What to Pack

Dress for Comfort & Style– While the Metro (the Parisienne Subway) is very convenient to use you will be walking a lot. we recommend dressing for a comfort and style combination. 

Paris in Spring- In Spring months you will experience some humid cold. Be sure to pack layers and include your rain gear. 

Paris in Summer- Paris in summer can range from 75-95 degrees (f). Air conditioning is not prevalent in Europe! So do your best to stay cool. 

Our Favorite places

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Montmartre The stunning Sacre Couer sits at the top of Montmarte. The walk to the top is worth the view and there is a "train" available to get to the top. The area is well known for street artists.
2
Ile De La Cite This island sits in the middle of the river Seine and is home to Notre Dame, Saint Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. To get there take the Pont Neuf bridge, the oldest surviving bridge in Paris.
3
Pere Lachaise Cemetery This is the most beautiful cemetery we have been to. So stunning that we returned to photograph it several times. Here you will find the graves of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Eugene Delacroix, and more.
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The 7th Arrondissement Home to the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Des Invalides, Musee D'Orsay, and beautiful gardens, this is a great location to consider staying in.

Things to See in Paris

Our Favorite Attractions

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The Museums Paris is home to some of the most famous art in the world and there are plenty of other non-art museums as well. Check out our guide to Paris's art museums HERE!
Louvre Museum at Night
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The Eiffel Tower While the view from the top is exquisite, be sure to include a night time viewing of Madame Eiffel. She sparkles like a diamond each night from sunset until 1am.
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The Arc de Triomphe The 284 steps to the top of the Arc De Triomphe are well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with views of the Champs Elysee, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and more. Be sure to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier who gave his life during WW1.
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Napoleon's Tomb Les Invalides houses the military museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The grounds and tomb are very beautiful and are a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.
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The Catacombs To get a full picture of the history of a place one must look beneath the surface. 18th Century Paris was beyond full of the cities dead, leading them to seek burial space below ground. The bones of 6 million Parisiennes we relocated into the catacombs. The arrangements of the bones are quite striking. The closest Metro station is Denfert-Rochereau.

Kid Friendly Favorites

While many of the options above are enjoyable for children here are a few other must-do items for kids:

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The Carousels at the Eiffel Tower or Hotel de Ville Kids will love the carousels located near the base of the Eiffel Tower and the Hotel De Ville. There are actually 20 carousel's scattered through the city. Snack stands with crepes and ice cream are nearby.
Merry Go Round Hotel de Ville Paris
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Rent a Toy Boat P'Tits Voiliers, antique toy sailboats, are available for rent in several gardens in Paris including the Jardin to Tuileries and the Jardin du Luxembourg. They are fun to watch sail around the fountains.
P'Tits Voiliers Boats for Kids
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Enjoy a Crepe at the Eiffel Tower Get the Nutella with strawberries and thank us later. They also have GIANT baguette hotdogs that are worth waiting in line for.
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Bateaux Mouches on the Siene We love hopping on these boats on our first day in Paris. Its a mindless way to get to know the layout of the city while fighting jet lag. The boats leave from the banks of the Siene near the Eiffel tower and will pass many sites along the way, like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and you'll journey under the famous bridges of Paris.
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September 4, 2022

Glenfinnian Viaduct Scotland
Central Park NYC

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