A vibe that you cannot get anywhere else…..
#Paris

“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life. - Thomas Jefferson

Paris is one of my favourite European cities in the world!

It is such an easy city to explore solo and it’s just so inviting to tourists you really can’t say no…

From the smell of fresh boulangerie baked goods wafting down the cobbled streets in the morning…to the petite fine pastry goods that just scream out to your senses, you really can’t wake up in a bad mood in this city.

Flying into Paris for a weekend, - Orly Airport was the perfect choice for a stress free journey and a quick spin into the city centre. In just 25 minutes in a taxi, I was standing at the foot of the Eiffel tower at night in all of its glory.

Where to stay? - Hotel de l’Alma Paris - the perfect comfort seekers choice who want to be in the middle of it all. In just a 7-8minute walk you are at the Eiffel tower. It is a lovely quaint residential area of the city which is just touristy enough for you know where you are, but not bombarded with the noise of Montmartre. The most perfect bakery and restaurants on your doorstep, - what more could you want.

It is also just a short 10 minute walk to the Metro stop. - École-Militaire which has connections to get you anywhere you need to go in the city. I would suggest a day ticket for all zones, as the metro is your new best friend for short trip in Paris (E7)

The Eiffel Tower is located on the Champ De Mars. Well a trip to Paris isn’t a trip to Paris without this first stop. The beauty of the Eiffel tower is that no matter what entrance you come in at, you will be able to enjoy its gargantuan presence. Most Google Maps walking aids will bring you to Gate 1 entrance. This will allow you to go through the security check and enter to climb one of the legs of the tower.

Check official website for Covid-19 related closures https://www.toureiffel.paris/fr

If you have no interest in actually climbing the tower, then you can do like most do, - and grab a coffee and enjoy the ambiance from the Champ De Mars parks or from the viewing points along the École Militarie.

So where to next?

You can see all of the major sights or Paris in one day (or split to two to be kind to yourself)

If you are an avid walker and do not mind clocking up 20-30k steps then this is the city for you otherwise, the Metro is so easy to use it is nearly tempting you in every time you walk past a station.

Head for the Trocadéro!

The Trocadéro is the site of the Palais de Chaillot in the 16th arrondissement across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. On this walk you will pass many crepe stands, tourist shops, and Seine river tour operators. All of which are highly recommended, why not! This walk across the Seine is a photographers playground. The architecture alone, never mind the interesting people you will meet along the way, just offers so many opportunities for travel photography moments.

What’s next?

Well, the Arc de Triomphe of course! Now, this journey I would advise just hopping on the Metro and save your feet. The metro will drop you right in the middle of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, and it is so worth it. Take a stroll down the boutique lined street and feel the ambiance of Paris in all its glory.

The avenue runs for through the 8th arrondissement from the Place de la Concorde with the Obelisk of Luxor to the Place Charles de Gaulle. The Jardins de Champs-Elysees, a park where the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and several other monuments, restaurants and look out points is definitely worth a pit stop to admire the historic side of a fantastic city.

From the Arc..head for the water!

Find yourself strolling along towards Pont Alexander III and further onto Pont Neuf, to eventually find yourself looking at the Notre Dame. This is a leisurely stroll that can take up to an hour with stops, but enjoy it. Its the one time you do not have to be checking your Google maps every five minutes for directions because it is straight straight straight! Follow the Seine in Paris, and you will neve get lost. Enjoy some lunch or a quick coffee enroute while taking in all the bargains of the street art. View the historic buildings as you stroll by, such as Musée d’Orsay & the Louvre. (perfect rainy day alternatives to a walking day)

Notre Dame

Closed currently due to renovations following the 2019 fire, and due to the pandemic.

This fine medieval cathedral is still standing strong, safeguarding the Paris waterways. There are several restaurants and shops at the base of the cathedral, perfect for sitting back and enjoying the view of brilliant French Gothic architecture - or just enjoy your childhood memories and reminisce about the hunchback….

Where to next?

Just seven stops from Metro no. 4 from Notre Dame will land you at Montparnasse Tower!

Tour Maine-Montparnasse, also commonly named Tour Montparnasse, is a 210-metre office skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area of Paris, France. Constructed from 1969 to 1973, it was the tallest skyscraper in France until 2011, when it was surpassed by the 231-metre Tour First, and it is well worth a visit. A quick trip to a lovely viewing tower gives you a perfect viewpoint of the city and all the steps that you have done today!! Ticket can be bought inside the tower or online before your visit.

https://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/en/

Well, a little break might be needed after all of that walking!!

An evening in Paris?

Re-boot, coffee up and head to see the Eiffel Tower light show at 8pm…even better, - get a river Seine 1 hour cruise just beforehand and and back to the most beautiful night sky!

https://www.seine-river-cruises.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwNWKBhDAARIsAJ8HkhftbPMokrKPj9NnAiBl5UNoP_tK6C2jdVOFfVSfD3NYCdhXAAMr49saAtJ1EALw_wcB

Where to Eat?

Le Champs De Mars-

45 Av. de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris, France

The perfect view of the Eiffel tower while you dine out under the stars!

Day Two starts with a quick run to the bakery for your morning coffee and a dash to the Metro! (20 mins from Eiffel Tower)

Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur

Sacré-Cœur Basilica is located at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the high-test point in the city. it is a very popular landmark and the second most visited monument after the obvious! Now, if your feet re sore from your 20,000 odd steps of Day one, well prepare for a little workout here because there are steps EVERYWHERE! Montmartre is known for its artistic pyres and cultural attributions to the Paris lifestyle. personally, it is one of my favourite parts of the city.

AND ….you cannot go to Paris and not visit the Moulin Rouge! I did not have time to go to a show this time, but next time! it is highly recommended!

https://www.moulinrouge.fr/reservations

When you have had your fill of the ambiance (and steps) of the scenic Montmartre, - then head back to any Metro stop (Pigalle) and you will get back to the Eiffel tower with a simple change!

…and it is time to say À bientôt!

Tips For Getting around Paris
- Get a Metro pass (day pass/week pass for all zones)
- Use skip the line opportunities - Viator is fantastic website for bundle deals!
- If you have a student card, then use it!
- Be early! Hitting your favourite tourist attraction at 1pm in the day is not going to be an enjoyable experience. Be up early and beat the crowds and Queues!
- Shop around! Prices vary greatly from popular areas to residential areas. Montmartre is historically cheaper for tourist goods if you want to make the journey!
- Eat Crepes, Drink Wine, and Enjoy every minute….

Other tourist attractions in Paris?
- Museum hopping!
- The Catacombs
- Saint Chapelle
- Père Lachaise
- Day trip to Versailles
- Day trip to Disneyland Paris
Thank you Transavia!