Paris: some travel tips
The capital of France needs no introduction. Its charm attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world to admire its works of art, savor the unique and romantic atmosphere of the city and enjoy the gastronomic excellence that distinguishes it. Here are some fresh travel tips if you are about to spend a few days in the Ville Lumière.
Must do (and see) in Paris
In a city like Paris rich in history, museums and attractions, it can sometimes be difficult to find your way around what to see and do in a few days. Assuming that to get to know Paris well you need to visit it several times, here is a list of places not to be missed and activities to do as a first experience in the French capital …
Let’s start with the theme of museums … The famous Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world, is undoubtedly a “must do”. The Mona Lisa is only the most famous of the works of art that this huge museum complex. A photo of the glass pyramid at the entrance to the museum is also not to be missed, as well as a walk in the large courtyard of the museum up to the Jardins de Tuileries. Another must-see museum is the Orsay Museum. An imposing former train station houses the most famous works of the Impressionists such as Monet, Manet and prestigious works of other famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh.
Let’s stay in the art … How not to admire (alas only from the outside for now) the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral? The city’s main place of worship, made famous by books, films and plays, it was severely damaged by a fire in 2019 and is currently undergoing restoration. From the outside, however, the Gothic façade icon is still fascinating and “to be seen” during a walk in the Ile de la Cité or passing by on a bateau-mouche on the Seine.
About Bateau – mouche … Among the activities to do in Paris, a boat ride on the Seine is the best way to explore the city from a different perspective. Among the various companies available, the Batobus allows you to use the boat as a real means of transport during one or more days by going up and down from the various stations located along the river and being able to visit the various attractions using the river to get around.
Among the unmissable places in Paris how not to mention its symbol par excellence, the Eiffel Tower. The “iron lady” stands out in all its splendor. The best place to photograph it? Undoubtedly from the Trocadero. Unique at night with the flickering of the lights and the unique atmosphere it gives.
Another iconic place in the city is the Champs-Élysées, the long tree-lined avenue to be traveled far and wide up to the Arc de Triomphe.
The list of unmissable places in Paris cannot include the Montmartre district. The most picturesque corner of Paris with the imposing Sacre Coeur church and its staircase and the 360 degree view over the city.
For shopping lovers (and not only) a trip to the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann will be for you. You will be breathless at the sight of the magnificent glass dome that overlooks the best of international luxury. Don’t miss the climb to the top floor terrace to enjoy a unique view of the city!
Where to sleep
In a big city like Paris, choosing where to stay can be very difficult. It all depends on the budget and style of hotel you love. My recommendations are the splendid Le Damantin Hotel & SPA and the Sonder Atala Champs-Élysées (which I already told you about here).
Both in the 8th arrondissement, they offer high-level services in a unique location to best savor the savoir-faire of French hospitality.
Where to eat
Paris, as we know, is one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. However, it can be difficult to juggle the various options and the risk of “rip-off” is just around the corner. Here are my tips for the various meals of the day!
My favorite places for breakfast are Café Lapérouse Concorde and Ladurée on the Champs Élysées. In both cases your palates will be satisfied as well as your eyes!
For lunch, the choice is wide. You can enjoy a plat du jour in one of the many bistros in the city. A few steps from the Champs Elysées I recommend the Washington Poste.
For the evening, my advice is many … Let’s start from the Marais district where we find the restaurant Les Mauvais Garçons (in the street of the same name). A traditional Lyonnaise cuisine revisited in a modern key in a relaxed and friendly setting where you can enjoy a pleasant evening of good food and good wine.
An iconic restaurant on the Left Bank in Odeon, Les Editeurs offers high-end cuisine from breakfast to dinner in a unique setting surrounded by books and a unique and warm style.
My proposal continues with the restaurant Le 41 Pasteur, in the street of the same name. Warm and attentive service and a mouth-watering selection of dishes. The best of French culinary tradition in a more secluded area of the city but with just as much charm.
If you are near the Eiffel Tower, my proposal is the Café du Trocadero where you can drink a good aperitif or enjoy an excellent club sandwich, a brunch or a real 5-star dinner.