Paris- the name of the city itself is a hallmark for so many things. Culture, Food, Fashion, Art, Literature and the list goes on. With so much to see and do in Paris, it is hard to narrow down to the essentials, while still having an experience that is a good balance of everything the city has to offer. So here are the things I did in Paris and loved!
1. Cruised on the Seine River
Seeing Paris from a boat on the River Seine can be enchanting! And there are no lack of boats to chose from.The ride crosses the beautiful bridges and most of Paris' renowned structures. Musee d' Orsay, Eiffel tower, Louvre to name a few. Boats offer all range of services, from no frills only sightseeing with commentary, to complete package with gourmet meal and champagne.
2. Tower gazed at the Eiffel
No structure better symbolizes Paris than the Tour Eiffel. Although it was originally disliked by the artists and intellectuals of the time, it has gradually gained the love and attention of the world today. The radical cast-iron tower was built for the 1889 World Fair and the centenary of the 1789 Revolution by engineer Gustave Eiffel. It was the tallest structure in the world until overtaken by New York's Empire State Building in the 1930s. At night, for ten minutes on the hour, 20,000 flashbulbs attached to the tower provide a beautiful effect.
3. Maze-walked in awe at The Louvre
It is the world's largest museum and is also the most visited. It is a city within the city, a vast, multi-level maze of galleries, passageways, staircases and escalators. It's famous for the artistic glories it contains within. It is a collection of masterpieces modified and added to from one century to another.
Advance tickets are valid for any day, and are available from the Louvre website and a few stores. The Louvre is also accessible with the all-in Paris Museum Pass. Audioguides are available at the main entrances in the Carrousel du Louvre. Finally, keep in mind that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
4. Snacked on the local Street food- Crepes
The locals and travelers pick up this delightful snack at any time of the day. In the morning, the Crepe with 'Nutella' spread has a lot of takers. I for one love Nutella in anything, but I especially loved it the Crepe. The Crepe Fromage with Ham, was replete with Cheese and Ham (of course), it was my ultimate street food delight over there! On Champs Elysees,a tiny Creperie won my heart with it's Crepe fromage loaded with cheese and meat!
5. Sipped on Cider
Just like the locals, I dined in a lovely Parisian restaurant one evening- sipping on Cider and some mouth watering Crepes.
6. Shopped for souvenirs and clothes
When I travel, I shop. But carefully, as I hate over heavy luggages or extra carry bags. But in Paris I made an exception! Needless to say I picked up several collectibles and clothes too!
7. Book-wormed at Shakespeare & Company
We visited the old creaky bookstore in the heart of Paris. It was the most remarkable experience. Find the full story read here: Shakespeare & Company: The Old Smoky Reading Room, The Piano Man and The Erudite Cat
8. Clapped for street performances at Champs Elysses
We had a great time cheering and clapping at the wonderful street performances. Mostly these are impromptu events and are not rare on the roads. You get to see musicians, singers playing or singing while the on-lookers love to gather around and have a good time.
9. Munched on the delicious sweet treats
The patisserie Maison Pradier serves desserts to die for! I had Macaroons which were perfectly balanced and almost melted in the mouth. And the Raspberry Eclairs was nothing like any Eclair I have had before. It was sublime!
10. Gazed at the Arc de Triomphe
This monument was erected around 1836 AD in the honor of Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz. The intricately sculpted triumphal arch stands sentinel in the centre of the Étoile roundabout. If any monument can be a close competition to the Eiffel Tower, then it is this one. From the viewing platform on top of the arch one can see the dozen avenues. Beneath the arch at ground level lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Don’t cross the traffic-choked roundabout above ground if you value your life! Stairs lead from the northern side of the Champs-Élysées beneath the Étoile to pedestrian tunnels.
11. Delighted on French delicacies
Apart from the countless things we tried in Paris, here are the most memorable delicacies. 'Escaragots' a beautifully balanced snail dish. The other dish was 'Foie Gras' made from the liver of a goose or duck. And of course one has to try the Creme Brulee when in Paris.
1. Cruised on the Seine River
Seeing Paris from a boat on the River Seine can be enchanting! And there are no lack of boats to chose from.The ride crosses the beautiful bridges and most of Paris' renowned structures. Musee d' Orsay, Eiffel tower, Louvre to name a few. Boats offer all range of services, from no frills only sightseeing with commentary, to complete package with gourmet meal and champagne.
2. Tower gazed at the Eiffel
No structure better symbolizes Paris than the Tour Eiffel. Although it was originally disliked by the artists and intellectuals of the time, it has gradually gained the love and attention of the world today. The radical cast-iron tower was built for the 1889 World Fair and the centenary of the 1789 Revolution by engineer Gustave Eiffel. It was the tallest structure in the world until overtaken by New York's Empire State Building in the 1930s. At night, for ten minutes on the hour, 20,000 flashbulbs attached to the tower provide a beautiful effect.
It is the world's largest museum and is also the most visited. It is a city within the city, a vast, multi-level maze of galleries, passageways, staircases and escalators. It's famous for the artistic glories it contains within. It is a collection of masterpieces modified and added to from one century to another.
Advance tickets are valid for any day, and are available from the Louvre website and a few stores. The Louvre is also accessible with the all-in Paris Museum Pass. Audioguides are available at the main entrances in the Carrousel du Louvre. Finally, keep in mind that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.
4. Snacked on the local Street food- Crepes
5. Sipped on Cider
Just like the locals, I dined in a lovely Parisian restaurant one evening- sipping on Cider and some mouth watering Crepes.
When I travel, I shop. But carefully, as I hate over heavy luggages or extra carry bags. But in Paris I made an exception! Needless to say I picked up several collectibles and clothes too!
7. Book-wormed at Shakespeare & Company
We visited the old creaky bookstore in the heart of Paris. It was the most remarkable experience. Find the full story read here: Shakespeare & Company: The Old Smoky Reading Room, The Piano Man and The Erudite Cat
8. Clapped for street performances at Champs Elysses
We had a great time cheering and clapping at the wonderful street performances. Mostly these are impromptu events and are not rare on the roads. You get to see musicians, singers playing or singing while the on-lookers love to gather around and have a good time.
9. Munched on the delicious sweet treats
The patisserie Maison Pradier serves desserts to die for! I had Macaroons which were perfectly balanced and almost melted in the mouth. And the Raspberry Eclairs was nothing like any Eclair I have had before. It was sublime!
10. Gazed at the Arc de Triomphe
This monument was erected around 1836 AD in the honor of Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz. The intricately sculpted triumphal arch stands sentinel in the centre of the Étoile roundabout. If any monument can be a close competition to the Eiffel Tower, then it is this one. From the viewing platform on top of the arch one can see the dozen avenues. Beneath the arch at ground level lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Don’t cross the traffic-choked roundabout above ground if you value your life! Stairs lead from the northern side of the Champs-Élysées beneath the Étoile to pedestrian tunnels.
11. Delighted on French delicacies
Apart from the countless things we tried in Paris, here are the most memorable delicacies. 'Escaragots' a beautifully balanced snail dish. The other dish was 'Foie Gras' made from the liver of a goose or duck. And of course one has to try the Creme Brulee when in Paris.
12. Roamed through the bi-lanes of Montmartre
This delightful place in Paris is known for it's wall art, curio shops and eateries. We walked around it's bi-lanes, ate Crepes, shopped for chocolates and cookies from a Biscuitteria and absolutely rocked the day.
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