Six Things You Have To Do If You Visit Paris
Paris is such a beautiful place and for us in the United Kingdom – especially London – it’s a super easy place to go to for a quick weekend break with it taking just 2.5 hours on the Eurostar. I hit up the French capital twice last year and I’ve already been once this year with another one booked so it’s safe to say I’m hooked. I can’t say the cities my favourite place in Europe but there’s plenty to explore, I have a good idea of my surroundings now and it’s a nice quick trip away. Here are some of the things you have to do if you have a Parisian break:
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Yes, let’s get the most cliched thing over and done with first, the Eiffel Tower. The slightly tacky looking metal structure which sits literally in the middle of a busy Parisian roundabout and it’s one of those things that you have to do if you head over. During my longer trip last Spring I headed up both during the day and at night and it’s amazing how much changes between the two. During the day you can see for miles and spot great locations and surroundings, and during the night you can see the city lit up looking stunning. Personally, I think you should climb the Eiffel Tower if you head there as it will make the views even more deserving and while it is a long way it’s a worthwhile walk.
Take the Seine River Cruise
Paris is pretty small so you can easily walk around it but opt for a slightly different viewpoint getting on a boat and going on a cruise. There are loads of different versions, some at night, some with food or you can opt for the standard ones which you pick up behind the Eiffel Tower where you head towards Notre Dame, circle around and come back. It’s not the longest ride but it’s a nice relaxing way to see the city especially if you’re lucky and get some nice weather.
Take the night bus tour
There is plenty of hop on hop off buses during the day but personally, I think you can walk it all yourself/ get the metro, but the night time bus tour is definitely worth it. Over about two hours, you’re driven around the city taking insights such as the Opera House, Moulin Rouge, Notre Dame, and more, and usually, the trip will coincide with seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up on the hour – something it does every hour during the dark. Usually by night time I’m tired after so much walking all day so I’m grateful to be sat on a bus. One thing with this is I’d suggest booking in advance – preferably before you go – as they do get pretty booked up.
Head to the Musee De L’Orangerie
Yes, you can’t go to Paris without heading to the Louvre, but personally, I prefer the much smaller Musee De L’Orangie which is home to the Monet Water Lily Paintings. The queue is usually a little longer than you’d expect but that’s only because it’s so small inside. When I went I didn’t realize the Water Lily’s were not a singular painting and were, in fact, eight paintings to make the collection showing the same scene during different times of the night. Alongside the Monet exhibition, there’s also another exhibition downstairs housing some Picasso paintings and other stuff which was super interesting to look around. I’d suggest heading here first thing to try and avoid the crowds/ queues.
Climb the notre dame
In Paris, there’s plenty of things you can climb – The Eiffel Tower, Montneparse tower, The Arc De Triomphe etc – but one of the best views comes from Notre Dame. It’s free to head into the Cathedral which is absolutely stunning but you have to pay to climb the towers, but I’d say it’s well worth it. The walk seems like such a long time when you’re doing it because everything is spiral and there will be times where you’ll need a quick breather but the views you get from the top are amazing. The Eiffel Tower sits right in front of you and Sacre Coeur high on the hills to your right. It truly shows you the expanse of the city and on a bright day, you can see for miles.
Get ice cream from Berthillon
Yes, you’re going to eat croissants and macaroons in Paris, that’s a complete given, but don’t miss out on some of the best ice cream around from Berthillion. The tiny stall nestled on a line of shops behind the Notre Dame is a must-visit on any trip. When I went I had a double scoop with white chocolate and dark chocolate and it was incredible, who knew white chocolate ice cream was that amazing?! It’s a little pricy with two clocking up to around ten euro’s but for a treat on a warm day, you can’t knock it, especially when it tastes so amazing. You’ll just need to try it for yourself.
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Have you been to Paris? What are your recommendations?
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26 responses to “Six Things You Have To Do If You Visit Paris”
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All About Me
Rhian Westbury
Travels and Destinations
Nothing currently planned
Great ideas! Love a good travel post – and have always wanted to cruise down the Seine!
Visiting Paris is the top thing on my bucket list! My husband has been and keeps talking about going back, so hopefully someday we will climb the Eiffel Tower together.
I loved my time in Paris and if I get lucky I would love to visit again!
I have never been to Paris before but I would like to! I like the idea of climbing the Nortre Dame and visiting all the museums x
Oh it is a dream of mine to one day visit the city Paris. I think I would love to just go and explore the town on my own .
Your guide to Paris is so well done because you know the city so well. I was there but missed the Musee De L’Orangerie but I won’t on my next trip.
Paris has always been on my list of places to go. I love that you shared this with us. I will never miss the Eiffel and that cruise as well.
I have always wanted to go to paris but never had the chance. Still on my bucket list!
Taking a nightbus tour would be so cool! I wish I’d done it when I was last there
Brilliant post – I wrote something similar – 24 hrs in Paris but if we go back, I’ll definitely be doing some of the activities you suggested – thanks.
I have been to Paris as a child so I can’t really remember it. I would love to go back, it’s been on my wishlist for a few years now. The ice-cream sounds amazing so I’ll definitely be trying that when I finally get there!
A trip to Paris is on my bucket list! I’ve been before but when I was much younger and I can’t really remember much of it – although I know I have done the Seine River cruise and I loved that. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to go up the Eiffel tower!
Paris is on my bucket list to see one day. And I would add all of your suggestions. Obvi the Eiffel Tower, but love that you mentioned that smaller museum. Those spots are often the most meaningful.
I’d definitely recommend the Musée d’Orsay, they have an amazing collection.
I’ve been to Paris a couple of times. On my second trip I did the canal ride and it was incredible. You actually go under the city and through the locks which is insane
I have never been to Paris, but would love to visit. My daughter (she is 9) keeps asking if we can go and stay there for a month for our homeschool…it’s hard to say no when she frames the question that way!
These are the things I plan to do if I ever go to Paris. It’s my dream to go and see the sites in person one day. Thanks for the recommendation and details.
Jackie
Paris would be an amazing family vacation! Our eight year old daughter has asked if we can go too.
I have not been to Paris and I would love to visit soon. I am hoping my husband will take me next year. You are lucky that you are close enough to go there easily. Every place you mentioned sounds amazing!
We are in Normandy right now, but never been to Paris. I would love to go one day. Kaz
I love Paris and agree with all these, would also add the Opera House and Les Invalides too.
I imagine that taking the night tour bus is so beautiful. It is a great way to see the entire city lit up under the stars.
omg, I’ve been wanting to go to Paris. It seems so much fun there!!! Can’t wait. Love all the photos you took!
I have been to Paris few years ago and I just fall in love with notre dame … great picture of Eiffel tower
I’ve never been to Paris but would love to go someday. You’ve outlined all the places that I would really love to visit.
A river cruise on the Seine should definitely be on the to-do list when in Paris. I went on a kosher cruise which took us from Paris to Normandy and it was beautiful to see the Eiffel Tower fade into a twinkling light as we left the city. Everything on board was amazing too. There was even a cookery demonstration. Normandy was equally magical. The countryside is very nostalgic and beautiful.