Paris, been known as the city of romance is one of the most fascinating cities you will ever travel. It is famous for its sites, nightlife, fashion , arts, and cultural. Picasso, Dalì, Hemingway, and many others left their prints on the walls of many of Paris’s fine museums. Paris’s popular river and one of the main attractions is the Seine River and on the banks of the Seine River is the Eiffel Tower, which faces the river and the Palais de Chaillot.
Best tips for Paris getaways:
1. When choosing hotels in Paris, it may be a little difficult, since there are many to choose. Paris has a wide selection of hotels, which most are in walking distance of historical places. The best way to find a hotel in Paris is be sure you research the market, you have to go online, read reviews and compare the prices. Choose the best from over 1700 hotels in Paris with huge savings right here.
2. On the banks of the Seine River is the Eiffel Tower, which faces the river and the Palais de Chaillot. This monument sets the landmark of the 1889 World Fair in Paris. It is the most visited paid monument in the world and around 250million visitors climb the stairs or take the lift to one of its three levels over the last 126 years. From bottom to top it is 1,063 feet or 324 meters high and 10,000 tonnes is what the construction weighs.
If I only had 1 day to visit Paris this is what I’d do.
3. Notre Dame is maybe the most famous of all cathedrals in the world. Located on the Île de la Cité the Gothic masterpiece dominates the Seine as well as the history of Paris. At the top of 402 steps inside the towers you are rewarded with one of the most stunning panoramic views of Paris. The cathedral is open all year round from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm (7:15 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
4. One of the most important stops you may have on a tour is the Louvre. For more than 200 years, the Museum is home to hundreds of thousands of classic and modern masterpieces and unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world. In and outside the Louvre, you will be able to see the famous Pyramide du Louvre which has fascinated millions of visitors since its construction in the 1980s. At night when it is, all lit up you will see beauty you will never forget. Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm and Wednesday, Friday from 9 am to 9:45 pm.
5. Paris offers you easy access, with the City Pass you get unlimited access to transport: bus, metro, tram and to most of the attractions. If your purchase passes and tickets before you leave for vacation, you will save money!
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6. Visit the Palais Royal, created by the Cardinal Richelieu in 1633, and stroll along the fountains, monuments and flowerbeds in the park Le Jardin des Tuileries.
7. Another great place to go at night is Place de l’Étoile with the Arc de Triomphe at top of the world’s most famous boulevard Champs-Elysees. The arch is perhaps the most iconic of all French monuments. Head up the steps to the observation deck which is open until late and enjoy the glittering lights. Because of the massive traffic it is a bit tricky to reach the arch. You have to take the underground tunnel on the Avenue de la Grande Armee side of the circle, or access the tunnel from the Wagram exit of the Metro.
8. Want to see the famous Montmartre Cabaret of Moulin Rouge. It is the huge building with the great red windmill sitting on the rood hosting the world’s most famous cabaret show. The cabaret was founded in 1889 and the first to produce French Can-Can and “nude” dancers.
9. Paris’s popular river and one of the main attractions is the Seine River. The origin of Seine is Dijon in the Alps and after 482 miles it´s joining the sea at Le Havre on the French coast. If you are planning a romantic night on the town, you may want to consider a Seine Cruise, where you will enjoy a selection of entertainment, meals, wine and more. If you are looking for romantic getaways in Paris, this boat tour will ignite your lover’s fire. As you channel down the river you will be amazed at the 30 feet below the street water level as well. The river is ruled with stonewalls, which grow ivy vines. Iron rings hang on these walls, which signify the folklores of the past. Along the riverbanks, you will enjoy lines of shrubs and trees as you pass under bridges. In the area, you will enjoy riverboats traveling between the ancient buildings. You will have sprinkle of gardens, interchanging colors and more as you enjoy your sail.
10. If you visit in summer you can even enjoy some beach feelings at one of the three Paris Plagues (beaches). The first beach is located on the right bank of the Seine in central Paris, stretching from the Pont Neuf near the Louvre to the Pont de Sully near Hotel de Ville (City Hall). The second one is a sandy beach along the stretch of the right bank quay known as the Voie Georges Pompidou. If you´re heading northeast, the third major beach stretches alongside a picturesque canal is called Bassin de la Villette.
11. Like to get scared? Then you have to visit Paris’ most bizarre tourist attraction the “Catacombs” a 200-mile network of old caves, tunnels and quarries with walls of stacked bones, skulls in arty, symmetric patterns.
Want to go “off the beaten path? Explore the un-touristy areas of Paris.
If you spend more than just one day in Paris:
12. Only 20 minutes and 16 miles from Paris in Versailles lies the 18th-century Château de Versailles, you´ll find a fantasy of gold, mirrors and marble all over the place. As most tours are an educational experience too, you’ll learn the history and inhabitants revolved around the palace of King Louis XIV. The palace is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. The Grand Royal Apartments are in here to visit along with the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s private apartments too. Step outside of the Palace and check out the garden sculptures and statues and 50 fountains. With it’s geometrically aligned terraces, tree-lined paths, ponds and canals it is the most acclaimed example of formal French garden design.
13. Disneyland located 20 miles east of the centre of Paris is a favorite place for the children you might be taking along on your Paris vacation. Of course, we all like to go to Disneyland so you’ll enjoy as much as the younger one would.
14. If you prefer “real” castles stop off and visit two lovely Loire Valley Castles: Chateau Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. Chambord Castle is indeed one of the crowning examples of French Renaissance architecture. The Chemonceau is maybe the most romantic and the most visited and photographed chateau of the Loire Valley. Built over a bridge spanning the Cher River it is a masterpiece of 16th-century Renaissance architecture.
15. If you want to complete the day trip listen to an explanation of wine making in the winery and cellars of the nearby prestigious Nitray Vineyards. Want to discover the famous Loire Valley incl. castles and wine tasting but skip the lines?
16. While you are in Paris, go on a shopping trip. You have a wide array of shopping malls in Paris to choose, like The Champs Elysees, Beaugrenelle and Carrousel du Louvre. Out of the city centre, near Disneyland you´ll find La Vallee Village Shopping Mall, an outlet mall dedicated to last year French fashion brands. Most French fashion top designers and brands have their main store on Avenue Montaigne or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, cloth to Champs-Elysees Avenue. Christian Laouboutin is one of Paris’s top selling designer stores. The store has a fashionable display, i.e. one of its kind shoes. Or Emporio Armani is a great designer store in Paris to shop as well. The store is well known for its casual wear to custom suits.
Located at 24 Rue de Sèvres you´ll find Le Bon Marché department store. This store is known for its ancient history, founded in 1852 the store is considered the oldest department store in the world! It still sets a benchmark in refinement in fashion, furniture and even food.
If you love flowers visit the outstanding Marché aux Fleurs (Market of Flowers). This market has attracted the interest of popular photographers and artists respectively. One of the most popular and largest flea markets in Paris is the popular Marché aux Puces de St-Quen. 3,000 traders and up to 180,000 visitors meet here each weekend. Tip: On a cold, wet or snowy day or in the middle of August you’re more likely to pick up the best bargains. Avoid the crowds by entering the market from Garibaldi metro.
17. Choosing the best time of year for your trip to Paris:
Deciding on the time of year you want to visit the French capital is the first thing you really should do. The weather is the major topic to consider first. Paris has an average of 15 snow days a year mostly rain and damp in the winter with occasional winds and rain. The average temperature in Paris is 53 degrees the most pleasant weather of any capital in Europe. During the summer there are very few days that the temperature gets over 85 degrees. August is the slow month for activities. August is their holiday month and many of the attractions are closed, while others like Disneyland are overcrowded. When traveling to Paris, remember the annual auto show is in late September and early October. The hotels are booked during this time so if you are going to see the car shows get your reservation in early.
Looking for great deals on hotels in Paris? Find them right here!
If you are preparing a trip to the beautiful capitol of France, be sure to check out the hotels and tour deals online. Want to explore the un-touristy areas of Paris? Discover more off-the-beaten-path travel tips right here. Your Paris getaway is only a click away!